Outbreak of influenza a viral infection in Ghana: A consideration of autopsy findings and a mini-review of the literature

Abstract

Pathology findings are helping to determine the causes of disease and in identifying proper strategies for treatment involving patients with poor clinical outcomes. In this paper, we report the autopsy findings of 4 cases of influenza A viral infection that occurred in May 2017 in Ghana. Our report revealed cause of death to be as a result of severe sepsis, diffuse and extensive petechial bleeds (DIC) and viral haemorrhagia, similar to other pathologic findings reported in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza A. Though it was difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis from autopsy, Our findings were indicative of the influenza A infection. Considering the public health impacts of the disease, new and confirmatory findings are important to improve diagnosis by primary healthcare physicians and treatment of the infection. Keywords: Influenza outbreak, H1N1, Autopsy, Haemorrhagic viral disease, Ghana