title: A comprehensive review of the epidemiology and disease burden of Influenza B in 9 European countries.
abstract: This review was undertaken to consolidate information on the epidemiology and burden of influenza B, as well as the circulation patterns of influenza B lineage in 9 European countries. Following a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and gray literature sources, we found that published data on influenza B epidemiology and burden are scarce. Surveillance data show frequent co-circulation of both influenza B lineages during influenza seasons, but little is known about its impact, especially in adults and the clinical burden of influenza B remains unknown. Mismatch between the circulating influenza B lineage and vaccine recommendations has been seen in at least one influenza season in every country. Such observations could impact the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination programs using trivalent vaccines, which contain only one influenza B lineage (B/Yamagata or B/Victoria) and highlight the need for local studies to better understand the epidemiology and burden of influenza B in these countries.
authors.affiliation: a GSK Vaccines , Wavre , Belgium.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tafalla
authors.affiliation: b Pallas , AE Rotterdam , the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marleen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buijssen
authors.affiliation: a GSK Vaccines , Wavre , Belgium.
authors.forename: Régine
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geets
authors.affiliation: b Pallas , AE Rotterdam , the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marije
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vonk Noordegraaf-Schouten
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D053122:Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: Europe; co-circulation; influenza B; influenza vaccine; lineages; quadrivalent; trivalent; vaccine mismatch