National Influenza Centers

National Influenza Centers (NICs) are specialized laboratories designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the global surveillance of influenza. These centers play a crucial role in the detection, isolation, and analysis of influenza viruses circulating worldwide. They are integral components of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), established by WHO in 1952 to monitor and respond to the influenza virus's evolving nature.

Role and Functions

The primary functions of National Influenza Centers include:

• Virus Isolation and Identification: NICs isolate influenza viruses from specimens collected within their country. They perform preliminary identification of the viruses, using various techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral culture.

• Virus Sharing: These centers share influenza virus samples with WHO Collaborating Centers for Reference and Research on Influenza and other NICs. This practice facilitates the global analysis of influenza virus evolution and the assessment of the risk posed by new variants.

• Surveillance: NICs conduct surveillance of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections within their jurisdictions. They collect and analyze data on influenza activity, contributing to the global understanding of the virus's spread and impact.

• Vaccine Strain Selection: Information and virus samples provided by NICs are critical for the biannual WHO influenza vaccine strain selection meetings. These meetings determine the composition of the seasonal influenza vaccine for the northern and southern hemispheres.

• Capacity Building and Training: NICs participate in training and capacity-building activities to enhance global influenza surveillance and response. They also engage in public health research related to influenza.

Global Network

As of 2023, there are over 150 National Influenza Centers distributed across more than 100 countries, forming a global network. These centers work in close collaboration with each other and with the WHO Collaborating Centers for Reference and Research on Influenza located in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.

Challenges and Future Directions

NICs face several challenges, including the need for continuous funding, the rapid evolution of influenza viruses, and the emergence of novel influenza strains with pandemic potential. Enhancing global surveillance, improving laboratory techniques, and fostering international cooperation are essential for addressing these challenges.

The future directions for NICs include integrating new diagnostic technologies, expanding the scope of surveillance to include more influenza-like illnesses and respiratory infections, and strengthening the global influenza surveillance infrastructure.

See Also

• Influenza vaccine
• Influenza pandemic
• World Health Organization
• Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System