MedWorm: Flu Pandemic

CADTH rapid response report: Antivirals for pandemic and human avian influenzas

NeLM - News — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Area: News This rapid response report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) reviews the evidence on the clinical benefits and harms of antivirals for the treatment and prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and human avian influenza A (H5N1). It found that, 'There is limited evidence that oseltamivir is clinically effective for the treatment of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and limited evidence that it is especially effective with treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. There is insufficient evidence to make a definitive conclusion regarding the clinical effectiveness of antivirals for prophylaxis or treatment of pandemic influenza A(H1N1), and no evidence was identified re...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

As A Control Measure During Pandemic Outbreaks, School Closures Should Be Considered

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Closing elementary and secondary schools can help slow the spread of infectious disease and should be considered as a control measure during pandemic outbreaks, according to a McMaster University led study. Using high-quality data about the incidence of influenza infections in Alberta during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, the researchers show that when schools closed for the summer, the transmission of infection from person to person was sharply reduced... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

School closures slow spread of pH1N1

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(McMaster University) Using high-quality data about the incidence of influenza infections in Alberta during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, the researchers show that when schools closed for the summer, the transmission of infection from person to person was sharply reduced. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Scientists call for curbs on own research on deadly bird flu virus

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0100

Virus experts in the US say outbreak of genetically engineered bird flu could be worst influenza pandemic in historyA group of the leading virus experts in the US has called for new, permanent restrictions on research in the face of a new genetically engineered flu virus that could kill half the population of the world.Scientists are currently observing a 60-day moratorium on research into the bird flu virus, after two groups found a way to make it infectious through airborne transmission.An outbreak of this virus could be worse than the 1918 Spanish flu that killed tens of millions of people, warned Michael Osterholm – who has led research into previous dangerous outbreaks – at a public meeting on censorship in science in New York on Thursday night."Frankly, I don't want a virus out t...

Highlights from this issue

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Luminal GIH1N1 influenza vaccination and IBD The global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) affected 70 countries in 2009. There was particular concern for infection in immunocompromised patients, including those with IBD. The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine produced seroprotection rates of >85% in the general population but there are no data on the immunogenicity of the vaccine in patients with IBD. In this issue of Gut, Cullen et al report their observational prospective open-label study which examined the immunogenicity of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in IBD patients. Patients with IBD vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine had a low rate of seroprotection, particularly those who were immunosuppressed or received combination immunosuppression (see table 1). An assay of T lym...

Comparison of Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza A InfectionsComparison of Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza A Infections

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This study compares the clinical and epidemiological features. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Improved serological response to H1N1 monovalent vaccine associated with viral suppression among HIV‐1‐infected patients during the 2009 influenza (H1N1) pandemic in the Southern Hemisphere

HIV Medicine — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA high prevalence of HI H1N1 antibodies was found before vaccination in the cohort, consistent with previous exposure to H1N1 influenza virus. The response to vaccination was considered adequate, as more than two‐thirds of patients achieved a fourfold or more increase in antibody titre after vaccination. The response to vaccination was significantly greater in those patients who were aviraemic for HIV, suggesting that antiretroviral therapy improves the humoral response, which is important in optimizing vaccine effectiveness. (Source: HIV Medicine)

Neurologic adverse events following influenza A (H1N1) vaccinations in children

Pediatrics International — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Post‐vaccine NAEs were mainly motor weakness due to poly‐neuropathy, which had a good prognosis of complete improvement within a few months without sequelae.© 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society (Source: Pediatrics International)

Socio-economic disparities in mortality due to pandemic influenza in England

International Journal of Public Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:22 +0100

Conclusion Tackling socio-economic health inequalities is a central concept within public health, but has not always been a part of emergency preparedness plans. These data demonstrate the opportunity to reduce the overall impact and narrow inequalities by considering socio-economic disparities in future pandemic planning. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00038-012-0337-1Authors Paul D. Rutter, Imperial College, London, UKOliver T. Mytton, University of Oxford, Oxford, UKMatthew Mak, King’s College Hospital, London, UKLiam J. Donaldson, Imperial College, London, UK Journal International Journal of Public HealthOnline ISSN 1661-8564Print ISSN 1661-8556 (Source: International Journal of Public Health)

Clinical features and risk factors for severe and critical pregnant women with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza infection in China

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Severe hypoxemia and higher BMI on admission were associated with adverse outcomes for pregnant women. Preterm delivery was a risk factor for neonatal death among pregnant women with pH1N1 influenza infection. NIV may be useful in selected pregnant women without septic shock. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children

NeLM - Drug Class Focused Reviews — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Cochrane Library Area: Evidence > Drug Class Focused Reviews Background Planning for outbreaks of influenza is a high priority public health issue for national governments. Neuraminidase inhibitors (NIs) are thought to help reduce the symptoms of influenza with several possible mechanisms proposed. NIs have been stockpiled with a view to their widespread use in the event of a pandemic. However, the evidence base for this class of agents remains a source of debate. In a previous review we have documented substantial risks of publication bias of trials of NIs for influenza (60% of patient data from phase III treatment trials of oseltamivir have never been published) and reporting bias in the published trials. Our confidence in the conclusions of previous versions of this rev...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Influenza Vaccination in the Face of Immune Exhaustion: Is Herd Immunity Effective for Protecting the Elderly?

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100

At the start of the 21st century, seasonal influenza virus infection is still a major public health concern across the world. The recent body of evidence confirms that trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (TIVs) are not optimal within the population who account for approximately 90% of all influenza-related death: elderly and chronically ill individuals regardless of age. With the ever increasing aging of the world population and the recent fears of any pandemic influenza rife, great efforts and resources have been dedicated to developing more immunogenic vaccines and strategies for enhancing protection in these higher-risk groups. This paper describes the mechanisms that shape immune response at the extreme ages of life and how they have been taken into account to design more effe...

Evolution and adaptation of hemagglutinin gene of human H5N1 influenza virus

Virus Genes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:08 +0100

Abstract The H5N1 HPAI virus has brought heavy loss to poultry industry. Although, there exists limited human-to-human transmission, it poses potential serious risks to public health. HA is responsible for receptor-binding and membrane-fusion and contains the host receptor-binding sites and major epitopes for neutralizing antibodies. To investigate molecular adaption of HPAI H5N1 viruses, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of HA sequences with 240 HPAI virus strains isolated from human. The topology of the tree reveals overall clustering of strains in four major clusters based on geographic location, and shows antigenic diversity of HA of human H5N1 isolates co-circulating in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The four clusters possess distinct features within the cleavage site a...

In Battle To Prevent Pandemic Infection, Clinical Technique Sets New Standard For Speed

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A new diagnosis technique developed by researchers at the RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC) has succeeded in detecting influenza virus infection in only 40 minutes and with one hundred times the sensitivity of conventional methods. Clinical research conducted in 2009 and 2010 confirms the new technique accurately identified the 2009 pandemic (pdm) influenza virus in Japanese patients less than 24 hours after fever onset, much faster than standard diagnostic tests... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immune response to an adjuvanted influenza A H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix(R)) in renal transplant recipients

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. These data suggest that Pandemrix® does not provide a protective immune response in the majority of kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, for new vaccines, efficacy as well as safety profiles should be evaluated in this subgroup of patients. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We found a high risk of publication and reporting biases in the trial programme of oseltamivir. Sub-population analyses of the influenza infected population in the oseltamivir trial programme are not possible because the two arms are non-comparable due to oseltamivir's apparent interference with antibody production. The evidence supports a direct oseltamivir mechanism of action on symptoms but we are unable to draw conclusions about its effect on complications or transmission. We expect full clinical study reports containing study protocol, reporting analysis plan, statistical analysis plan and individual patient data to clarify outstanding issues. These full clinical study reports are at present unavailable to us. PMID: 22258996 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Dat...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

The role of facemasks and hand hygiene in the prevention of influenza transmission in households: results from a cluster randomised trial; Berlin, Germany, 2009-2011.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results suggest that household transmission of influenza can be reduced by the use of NPI, such as facemasks and intensified hand hygiene, when implemented early and used diligently. Concerns about acceptability and tolerability of the interventions should not be a reason against their recommendation.The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT00833885). (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 antibodies after pandemic and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination as well as natural infection in November 2010 in Hamburg, Germany.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:06:03 +0100

Authors: Cramer J, Mac T, Hogan B, Stauga S, Eberhardt S, Wichmann O, Mertens T, Burchard G PMID: 22264864 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Public health management of antiviral drugs during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic: A survey of local health departments in California

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic presented an unusual opportunity to learn about the role of local public health in the management of antiviral response activities during a real public health emergency. Results of this study offer an important descriptive account of LHD management of publicly purchased antivirals, and provide practitioners, policy makers, and academics with a practice-based assessment of these events. The issues raised and the challenges faced by LHDs should be leveraged to inform public health planning for future pandemics and other emergency events that require medical countermeasure dispensing activities. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Clinical technique sets new standard for speed in battle to prevent pandemic infection

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(RIKEN) A new diagnosis technique developed by researchers at the RIKEN Omics Science Center has succeeded in detecting influenza virus infection in only 40 minutes and with 100 times the sensitivity of conventional methods. Clinical research conducted in 2009 and 2010 confirms the new technique accurately identified the 2009 pandemic influenza virus in Japanese patients less than 24 hours after fever onset, much faster than standard diagnostic tests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Updates on the genetic variations of Norovirus in sporadic gastroenteritis in Chungnam Korea, 2009-2010

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previously, we explored the epidemic pattern and molecular characterization of noroviruses (NoVs) isolated in Chungnam, Korea in 2008, and the present study extended these observations to 2009 and 2010. In Korea, NoVs showed the seasonal prevalence from late fall to spring, and widely detected in preschool children and peoples over 60 years of age. Epidemiological pattern of NoV was similar in 2008 and in 2010, but pattern in 2009 was affected by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus. NoV-positive samples were subjected to sequence determination of the capsid gene region, which resolved the isolated NoVs into five GI (2, 6, 7, 9 and 10) and eleven GII genotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 16 and 17). The most prevalent genotype was GII.4 and occupied 130 out of 211 NoV isolates (61.6%). C...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Immunogenicity and safety of the influenza A H1N1v 2009 vaccine in cancer patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy: the VACANCE study

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A single dose of AS03-adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine triggered a low immune response in cancer patients on chemotherapy depending on their treatment type and frequency. Two doses are needed for these cancer patients. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Revisiting influenza deaths estimates--Learning from the H1N1 pandemic

The European Journal of Public Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

The burden of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in the Netherlands

The European Journal of Public Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This disease burden estimate confirmed that, although there was a higher mortality observed among young people, the 2009 pandemic was overall a mild influenza epidemic. The disease burden of this pandemic was comparable to the burden of seasonal influenza in the Netherlands. (Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

Notice to Readers: Revised Estimates of the Public Health Impact of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Improving global influenza surveillance: trends of A(H5N1) virus in Africa and Asia

BMC Research Notes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study reveals that some countries suffering from human cases of avian influenza have limited participation (e.g. genetic surveillance or data share) with global surveillance networks. Also, we demonstrate that the implementation of genetic surveillance programs could increase and strengthen worldwide epidemic and pandemic preparedness. We hope that this work promotes new discussions between policy makers and health surveillance organizations to improve current methodologies and regulations. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Influenza A 2009 (H1N1) Virus in Admitted and Critically Ill Patients

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A high percentage of patients with H1N1 presented with underlying comorbid conditions including asthma and pregnancy. Traditional markers of pneumonia severity including CURB-65 score, Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), serum lactate, and AG did not correlate with ICU admission in patients with H1N1. Strong ion gap effectively identified significant acid–base disturbances not identified by lactate or AG, however the trend of greater ICU admission rates among patients with elevated SIG did not reach statistical significance. Further study is needed to identify clinical tools to aid in risk-stratifying H1N1 patients. (Source: Journal of Intensive Care Medicine)

Variability among the neuraminidase, non-structural 1 and PB1-F2 proteins in the influenza A virus genome

Virus Genes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:46:44 +0100

Abstract Influenza A viruses infect a large number of mammals and birds resulting in sporadic infections, seasonal epidemics, epizootics and pandemics. The segmented genome of the virus encodes 10 or 11 proteins depending on the strain. The neuraminidase, non-structural 1 and the PB1-F2 proteins are known to be variable in their length due to very specific deletions, truncations and elongations. This review presents an update on what is currently known about these three proteins and discusses their length variations in relation to virulence and host adaptation in addition to identifying possible areas of future research. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11262-012-0714-0Authors William G. Dundon, OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Avian Inf...

Soluble RAGE as a severity marker in community acquired pneumonia associated sepsis

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The association of elevated sRAGE with a fatal outcome suggests that it may have an independent causal effect in CAP. SOFA scores were the only clinical factor with the ability to identify surviving and ARDS patients. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Differing clinical characteristics between influenza strains among young healthy adults in the tropics

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to determine the clinical differences between circulating influenza strains in a young healthy adult population in the tropics. Methods: A febrile respiratory illness (FRI) (fever[greater than or equal to] 37.5 degrees centigrade with cough and/or sore throat) surveillance program was started in 4 large military camps in Singapore on May 2009. Personnel with FRI who visited the camp clinics from 11 May 2009 to 25 June 2010 were recruited. Nasal washes and interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographic information and clinical features were obtained from consenting participants. All personnel who tested positive for influenza were included in the study. Overall symptom load was quantified by counting the symptoms or signs, and differences between strains evaluated us...

Pause on avian flu transmission studies

Nature — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ron A. M. Fouchier, Adolfo García-Sastre & Yoshihiro Kawaoka The continuous threat of an influenza pandemic represents one of the biggest challenges in public health. Influenza pandemics are known to be caused by viruses that evolve from animal reservoirs, such as birds and pigs, and can acquire genetic changes that increase their ability to (Source: Nature)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Complicated secondary pneumonia after Swine-origin influenza a virus infection in an immunocompetent patient.

Herpes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:30:02 +0100

We report an immunocompetent patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pneumonia secondary to S-OIV infection. A 57-year-old man previously without major medical illness was admitted to our hospital with severe pneumonia accompanied by ARDS due to S-OIV. In his clinical course, anti-influenza treatment was not effective. Sputum culture revealed the presence of MRSA, and HSV was isolated in broncho-alveoler lavage (BAL) fluid. Administration of an antiviral agent (acyclovir), an antibacterial agent (linezolid), and a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) successfully improved the pneumonia and ARDS. HSV pneumonia can scarcely be seen in healthy people. However recently it has been recognized as a ventilator-associated pneumonia. Although co...

Doubts cast over whether anti-flu drug Tamiflu works

NHS News Feed — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:35:00 +0100

Conclusion This systematic review aimed to assess comprehensively the effect of NIs including Tamiflu and Relenza on the prevention and treatment of flu in healthy adults and children by including results known to have been missed in previous reviews. In this sense, the review failed to meet its aims but for two distinct reasons. The evidence review of Relenza was suspended because new information about its effects on individual patients became available. The results of this are eagerly awaited. The review of Tamiflu was incomplete because of difficulties in obtaining sufficiently detailed information from the manufacturer. The systematic review included 25 studies in its final analysis, but had to exclude 42 relevant studies. By excluding these relevant studies, important information tha...

Flu and climate may be connected

Physics Today News Picks — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

BBC: Global climate shifts and flu pandemics may be linked, say researchers. Weather can influence the migratory patterns of wild birds; thus different species are brought together that don’t normally mix. The birds then share viruses, which can morph into different strains to which the human population has not been previously exposed. In a paper published yesterday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University and Marc Lipsitch of Harvard University note that the four most recent human influenza pandemics—in 1918, 1957, 1968, and 2009—were preceded by a climate pattern called La Niña. However, the researchers emphasize, most La Niñas have not preceded a pandemic. Rather, climate patterns could be one of several factors th...

Protective efficacy of an H1N1 cold-adapted live vaccine against the 2009 pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1, and H5N1 influenza viruses in mice.

Antiviral Research — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shi J, Wen Z, Guo J, Zhang Y, Deng G, Shu Y, Wang D, Jiang Y, Kawaoka Y, Bu Z, Chen H Abstract Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing influenza virus infections. Here, we generated a reassortant virus (SC/AAca) containing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from a 2009 pandemic influenza virus A/Sichuan/1/2009 (H1N1) (SC/09) and six internal genes from the cold-adapted virus A/Ann Arbor/6/60 (H2N2) (AAca). The SC/AAca reassortant induced a sound humoral immune response and complete protection against homologous SC/09 virus challenge in mice after intranasal administration of an at least 10(6) 50% egg infectious dose (EID(50)) of SC/AAca. SC/AAca inoculation also induced significant CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and provided solid protection against heterologou...

Flu Pandemics May Follow La NiÃ±a

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

US scientists propose that flu pandemics follow La NiÃ±a weather conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The conditions alter bird migration patterns and this promotes new strains of flu (migrating birds are known to be primary pools of human influenza virus). However, since La NiÃ±a occurs more frequently than global flu pandemics, the researchers suggest other factors must also come into it, and their findings are just one piece of the puzzle... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Flu Pandemics And La Nina

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Worldwide pandemics of influenza caused widespread death and illness in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009. A new study examining weather patterns around the time of these pandemics finds that each of them was preceded by La Nina conditions in the equatorial Pacific. The study's authors - Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Marc Lipsitch of the Harvard School of Public Health - note that the La Nina pattern is known to alter the migratory patterns of birds, which are thought to be a primary reservoir of human influenza... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Influenza Virus Resistance to Neuraminidase Inhibitors: Implications for Treatment

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:14:02 +0100

Abstract Oseltamivir and Zanamivir are the two main Neuraminidase inhibitors used for the treatment of Influenza. Oseltamivir resistance has been identified in non-pandemic influenza viruses, as well as H1N1 pandemic Influenza A viruses. Resistance is associated with increased morbidity, and poorer outcomes in severely immunocompromised hosts. Newer neuraminidase inhibitors, increased vaccination and combination therapy may be alternatives for the treatment of Influenza in this setting. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Upper Respiratory, Head, and Neck Infections ( I. Brook, Section Editor)Pages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11908-012-0236-xAuthors Shivanjali Shankaran, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249, USAGonzalo M. L. Bearm...

Epidemiologic Parameters and Evaluation of Control Measure for 2009 Novel Influenza A (H1N1) in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China

Virology Journal — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our analysis indicated that the characteristics of this novel influenza virus were similar to those of seasonal influenza. The principle of "interception of imported cases" applied at Xiamen ports, and vaccination of students effectively limited the spread of the influenza pandemic and reduced the epidemic peak. (Source: Virology Journal)

Safety and immunogenicity of a monovalent MF59(®)-adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine in HIV-infected children and young adults.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: One dose of MF59-adjuvanted vaccine was sufficient to provide adequate levels of seroprotection against A/H1N1 influenza disease in HIV-positive children. However, a two-dose vaccination schedule may be optimal for this population. PMID: 22261282 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biologicals : Journal of the International Association of Biological Standardization)

Recombinant protein vaccines produced in insect cells.

Vaccine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cox MM Abstract The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is well known as tool for the production of complex proteins. The technology is also used for commercial manufacture of various veterinary and human vaccines. This review paper provides an overview of how this technology can be applied to produce a multitude of vaccine candidates. The key advantage of this recombinant protein manufacturing platform is that a universal "plug and play" process may be used for producing a broad range of protein-based prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for both human and veterinary use while offering the potential for low manufacturing costs. Large scale mammalian cell culture facilities previously established for the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies that have now become ob...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

La Nina weather precedes flu pandemics

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:38:43 +0100

NEW YORK, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists theorize that altered migration patterns of birds due to La Nina weather patterns in the equatorial Pacific promote new strains of influenza. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

La Nina 'may abet' flu pandemics

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:03:40 +0100

Scientists discover indications of a relationship between La Nina climatic conditions and influenza pandemics. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

La Nina 'linked' to flu pandemics

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:03:40 +0100

Scientists discover indications of a relationship between La Nina climatic conditions and influenza pandemics. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Removal of the antiviral agent oseltamivir and its biological activity by oxidative processes.

Environmental Pollution — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:18:13 +0100

Authors: Mestankova H, Schirmer K, Escher BI, von Gunten U, Canonica S Abstract The antiviral agent oseltamivir acid (OA, the active metabolite of Tamiflu(®)) may occur at high concentrations in wastewater during pandemic influenza events. To eliminate OA and its antiviral activity from wastewater, ozonation and advanced oxidation processes were investigated. For circumneutral pH, kinetic measurements yielded second-order rate constants of 1.7 ± 0.1 × 10(5) and 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) for the reaction of OA with ozone and hydroxyl radical, respectively. During the degradation of OA by both oxidants, the antiviral activity of the treated aqueous solutions was measured by inhibition of neuraminidase activity of two different viral strains. A transient, moderate (...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Genetic diversity of HA1 domain of hemagglutinin gene of pandemic influenza H1N1pdm09 viruses in New Delhi, India

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:23 +0100

AbstractGenetic analysis of pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1; H1N1pdm09) virus was undertaken to understand virus evolution during 2009 and 2010 in India. Surveillance of influenza viruses from July 2009 to December 2010 revealed major peaks of circulating H1N1pdm09 viruses in August–September and December–January 2009 and then in August–September 2010. To understand the diversity of the H1N1pdm09 virus, selected specimens (n = 23) from 2009 or 2010 were characterized by nucleotide sequence determination of the HA1 subunit of the HA gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 22 clustered with clade 7 viruses characterized by S203T mutations, whereas one virus from 2010 fell within clade 6. None of the viruses from either 2009 or 2010 formed a monophyletic group, suggesting a contin...

Case report: Increased viral receptor expression associated with high viral load and severe pneumonia in a young patient infected with 2009 H1N1 influenza a with no pre‐existing conditions

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:21 +0100

AbstractA case of unusually high severity of influenza pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death was investigated. This was a previously a healthy 28‐year‐old man with no underlying conditions, admitted to a hospital during the first wave of influenza pandemic in Thailand in July 2009. He had experienced high fever and influenza‐like illness for 5 days before coming to the hospital. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and expired on day 7 after admission. In comparison to three other cases of influenza pneumonia in the same outbreak with known risk factors for severe influenza, such as pregnancy and diabetes mellitus, a much higher viral load was detected in the lungs of this patient despite antiviral treatment. In agreement with the high viral l...

Viral load and epidemiological profile of patients infected by pandemic influenza a (H1N1) 2009 and seasonal influenza a virus in Southern Brazil

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:19:20 +0100

AbstractCorrelation between virologic profile and clinical features of patients infected by influenza virus provides important information for epidemiological control and clinical management of future disease outbreaks. Samples from patients in Southern Brazil, from June to December 2009, were examined and the viral load was correlated with epidemiological data. All samples were analyzed by qRT‐PCR for detection of the 2009‐pandemic Influenza A (H1N1). Relative viral loads were assessed based on the 2−ΔCT method and epidemiological data were obtained for each patient, following ethical policies. A total of 933 samples were positive for pH1N1 (2009) influenza; 172 were positive for seasonal influenza A; 13 were undetermined; 1992 samples were negative for influenza A. Combined molecu...

Does the La Niña weather pattern lead to flu pandemics?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health) Worldwide pandemics of influenza caused widespread death and illness in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009. A new study examining weather patterns around the time of these pandemics finds that each of them was preceded by La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific. Since the La Niña pattern is known to alter the migratory patterns of birds, the scientists theorize that altered migration patterns promote the development of dangerous new strains of influenza. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Hand washing with soap and water together with behavioural recommendations prevents infections in common work environment: an open cluster-randomized trial

Trials — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that intensified hand hygiene using water and soap together with behavioural recommendations can reduce the occurrence of self-reported acute illnesses in common work environment. Surprisingly, the occurrence of reported sick leaves also increased in the soap-and water-arm.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00821509Source of funding: The Finnish Work Environment Fund and the National Institute for Health and Welfare (Source: Trials)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Effectiveness of Three Decontamination Treatments against Influenza Virus Applied to Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study examined the effectiveness of three energetic decontamination methods [ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), microwave-generated steam, and moist heat] on two National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified N95 FFRs (3M models 1860s and 1870) contaminated with H5N1. An aerosol settling chamber was used to apply virus-laden droplets to FFRs in a method designed to simulate respiratory deposition of droplets onto surfaces. When FFRs were examined post decontamination by viral culture, all three decontamination methods were effective, reducing virus load by >4 log median tissue culture infective dose. Analysis of treated FFRs using a quantitative molecular amplification assay (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) indicated that UVGI decontaminat...

A cell-based backup to speed up pandemic influenza vaccine production.

Trends in Microbiology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee MS, Hu AY Abstract Influenza vaccines are currently produced through egg-based methods, with one drawback being that this system is slow to respond to the surging global demand during an influenza pandemic. Alternative influenza vaccine production strategies, such as using a cell-based strategy, should be considered in pandemic situations. PMID: 22257962 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Microbiology)

Preventing pandemics: The fight over flu

Nature AOP — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature advance online publication 15 January 2012. doi:10.1038/481257a A proposal to restrict the planned publication of research on a potentially deadly avian influenza virus is causing a furore. Ten experts suggest ways to proceed. (Source: Nature AOP)

The importance of coping appraisal in behavioural responses to pandemic flu.

British Journal of Health Psychology — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:07:05 +0100

Conclusions. Coping appraisals appear to be an important, and hitherto underresearched, predictor of how people may behave in pandemics, and our findings provide encouraging preliminary evidence that it may be possible to change these perceptions. PMID: 22233104 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Health Psychology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

H1N1: overview and perspectives

Jornal Brasileiro de Patologia e Medicina Laboratorial — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:50:49 +0100

O vírus influenza de origem suína, A/California/04/2009 (H1N1), foi inicialmente detectado no México e determinou a pandemia de influenza de 2009. Em agosto de 2010, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) declarou o início da fase pós-pandêmica. As características dessa última pandemia foram marcadamente diferentes das anteriores. O vírus emergiu de rearranjos genéticos originários em hospedeiro mamífero não humano, demonstrou transmissibilidade interespécies e afetou a população humana de forma diferente dos vírus pandêmicos anteriores (1918, 1957 e 1968) com maior morbidade e mortalidade em crianças e adultos jovens. Atualmente, o vírus apresenta padrão sazonal da mesma forma que o influenza A H3N2 e o influenza B, mantendo, até o momento, o mesmo perfil de patogen...

Influenza viruses and cross-reactivity in healthy adults: Humoral and cellular immunity induced by seasonal 2007/2008 influenza vaccination against vaccine antigens and 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic influenza virus.

Vaccine — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Iorio AM, Bistoni O, Galdiero M, Lepri E, Camilloni B, Russano AM, Neri M, Basileo M, Spinozzi F Abstract We analyzed humoral and cellular immune responses against vaccine antigens and the new A(H1N1) virus in healthy adults before and after immunization with the 2007/2008 commercially available trivalent subunit MF59-adjuvanted influenza vaccine during the Fall 2007, prior to the emergence of the new virus. Antibody titers were significantly boosted only against the three vaccine antigens. Seasonal vaccination boosted pre-existing cellular responses upon stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells not only with the homologous three vaccine antigens, but also with the heterologous new 2009 A(H1N1) and with a highly conserved peptide present in the stalk region of hem...

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 antibodies after pandemic and trivalent seasonal influenza vaccination as well as natural infection in November 2010 in Hamburg, Germany

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Patterns of early transmission of pandemic influenza in London – link with deprivation

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Early transmissions were highest amongst school‐aged children but linked with socio‐economic deprivation across all age groups. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

A comparison of immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass concentrations in severe community-acquired pneumonia and severe Pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gordon CL, Holmes NE, Grayson ML, Torresi J, Johnson PD, Cheng AC, Charles PG Abstract We compared immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in patients with severe non-influenza community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) to those with severe Pandemic 2009 influenza (H1N1) infection. Low IgG(1) and IgG(2) occurred often in the CAP group; however, H1N1 patients had lower IgG(1) and IgG(2) (5.4 vs. 3.3g/L, p=0.008; 2.5 vs. 1.2g/L, p<0.001, respectively). Low IgG(2) may be specifically linked to severe H1N1, however, it is not clear whether this association is related to H1N1 or to other features of severity. PMID: 22237894 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Transmission of Influenza A Virus in Pigs

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:23:55 +0100

SummaryInfluenza A virus infections cause respiratory disease in pigs and are a risk to public health. The pig plays an important role in influenza ecology because of its ability to support replication of influenza viruses from avian, swine and human species. Influenza A virus is widespread in pigs worldwide, and influenza A virus interspecies transmission has been documented in many events. Influenza A virus is mostly transmitted through direct pig‐to‐pig contact and aerosols although other indirect routes of transmission may also exist. Several factors contribute to differences in the transmission dynamics within populations including among others vaccination, pig flow, animal movement and animal introduction which highlights the complexity of influenza A transmission in pigs. In add...

Influenza in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (February).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The solid organ transplant population is at an increased risk of severe complications from influenza infection. Identifying risks, preventing illness, and appropriately treating active infection is essential in this patient population. PMID: 22234989 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Hospital Healthcare Workers in New Zealand

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:56:46 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 33, Issue 2, Page 196-199, February 2012. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Nosocomial Influenza in a Pediatric Hospital: Comparison of Rates of Seasonal and Pandemic 2009 ; Influenza A/H1N1 Infection

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:34:54 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Health Care Workers' Ability and Willingness to Report to Work During Public Health Emergencies. - Stergachis A, Garberson L, Lien O, D'Ambrosio L, Sangaré L, Dold C.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:21:09 +0100

Objectives: We conducted a county-wide survey to assess the ability and willingness of health care workers to report to work during a pandemic influenza and a severe earthquake and to identify barriers and strategies that would help them report to work. ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Update: Influenza A (H3N2)v Transmission and Guidelines - Five States, 2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abstract From August 17 to December 23, 2011, CDC received reports of 12 human infections with influenza A (H3N2)v viruses that have the matrix (M) gene from the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus (formerly called swine-origin influenza A [H3N2] and pandemic influenza A [H1N1] 2009 viruses, respectively). The 12 cases occurred in five states (Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia), and 11 were in children. Six of the 12 patients had no identified recent exposure to swine. Three of the 12 patients were hospitalized, and all have recovered fully. PMID: 22217624 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

Receipt of A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccine by Prisons and Jails - United States, 2009-10 Influenza Season.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the results of that survey, which found that 55% of jails did not receive A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine during the pandemic period, whereas only 14% of federal prisons and 11% of state prisons did not receive the vaccine. Greater inclusion of correctional facilities, especially smaller facilities, in pandemic preparedness planning might better protect correctional facility populations and the community as a whole in the event of future influenza pandemics. PMID: 22217623 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

Aerosol Susceptibility of Influenza Virus to UVC Light.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: McDevitt JJ, Rudnick SN, Radonovich LJ Abstract Person-to-person transmission of influenza virus, especially in the event of a pandemic caused by a highly virulent strain of influenza, such as H5N1 avian influenza, is of great concern due to widespread mortality and morbidity. The consequences of seasonal influenza are also substantial. Because airborne transmission appears to play a role with influenza, public health interventions should focus on preventing or interrupting this process. Air disinfection via upper-room 254 nm germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) light in public buildings may be able to reduce influenza transmission via the airborne route. We characterized the susceptibility of influenza A (H1N1, PR-8) aerosols to UVC light using a benchtop chamber equipped with an...

Perspectives of Pulmonologists on the 2009-2010 H1N1 Vaccination Effort

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:27:21 +0100

Persons with high-risk conditions such as asthma were a target group for H1N1 vaccine recommendations. We conducted a mailed survey of a national sample of pulmonologists to understand their participation in the 2009-2010 H1N1 vaccine campaign. The response rate was 59%. The majority of pulmonologists strongly recommended H1N1 vaccine for children (73%) and adults aged 25–64 years (51%). Only 60% of respondents administered H1N1 vaccine in their practice compared to 87% who offered seasonal influenza vaccine. Other than vaccine supply, respondents who provided H1N1 vaccine reported few logistical problems. Two-thirds of respondents would be very likely to vaccinate during a future influenza pandemic; this rate was higher among those who provided H1N1 vaccine...

Surveillance in Eastern India (2007-2009) Revealed Reassortment Event Involving NS and PB1-F2 Gene Segments among Co-circulating Influenza A Subtypes

Virology Journal — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Overall the study highlights reassortment event involving gene segments other than HA and NA in the co-circulating A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains and their importance in complexity of influenza virus genetics. In contrast, NS and PB1-F2 genes of all A/H3N2 eastern India strains were highly conserved and homologous to the concurrent A/H3N2 vaccine strains suggesting that these gene segments of H3N2 viruses are evolutionarily more stable compared to H1N1 viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Experiences after Twenty Months with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Infection in the Naïve Norwegian Pig Population

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:29:49 +0100

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus was detected in Norwegian pigs in October 2009. Until then, Norway was regarded free of swine influenza. Intensified screening revealed 91 positive herds within three months. The virus was rapidly transmitted to the susceptible population, including closed breeding herds with high biosecurity. Humans were important for the introduction as well as spread of the virus to pigs. Mild or no clinical signs were observed in infected pigs. Surveillance of SIV in 2010 revealed that 41% of all the Norwegian pig herds had antibodies to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Furthermore, this surveillance indicated that pigs born in positive herds after the active phase did not seroconvert, suggesting no ongoing infection in the herds. However, results from surveillance in ...

Universal vaccine against influenza virus: linking TLR signalling to anti‐viral protection

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A vaccine protecting against all influenza strains is a long‐sought goal, particularly for emerging pandemics. As previously shown, vaccines based on the highly conserved extracellular domain of M2 (M2e) may protect against all influenza A strains. Here we demonstrate that M2e‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) protect mice from a lethal influenza infection. To be protective, antibodies had to be able to bind to Fc receptors and fix complement. Furthermore, mAbs of IgG2c isotype were protective in mice, while antibodies of identical specificity, but of the IgG1 isotype, failed to prevent disease. These findings readily translated into vaccine design. A vaccine targeting M2 in the absence of a toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 ligand primarily induced IgG1, whilst the same vaccine linked ...

A reduced dose seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine is safe and immunogenic in adult and elderly patients - a randomized controlled trial.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found that the present reduced dose vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy adult and elderly subjects and triggers immune responses to comply with licensing criteria. PMID: 22219315 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

Evaluation of three commercially available influenza A type-specific blocking-ELISA assays for seroepidemiological studies of influenza A virus infection in pigs.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tse M, Kim M, Chan CH, Ho PL, Ma SK, Guan Y, Peiris JS Abstract The reverse zoonotic transmission of the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus to swine necessitates enhanced surveillance of swine for influenza virus infection. Using a well characterized panel of naturally infected swine sera we evaluate and optimize the performance of three commercially available competitive ELISA assays, IDEXX® Influenza A Ab test, IDEXX® AI MultiS-Screen Ab Test and IDVet ID Screen® Influenza A Antibody Competition ELISA kit for detecting influenza type A reactive antibodies in swine. ROC analysis suggests that adjustment of the manufacturer recommended cut-off values would optimize sensitivity and specificity of these assays making them applicable for sero-epidemiology studies of swine influenza....

An outbreak of the 2009 influenza a (H1N1) virus in a children’s hospital

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Prompt institution of isolation precautions is essential in preventing nosocomial outbreaks of the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Our data suggest that isolation precautions may need to be continued for a prolonged period of time in immunocompromised patients with influenza infection. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

H1N1 Influenza Infection Complicated with Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moghadami M, Honarvar B, Sabaeian B, Zamiri N, Pourshahid O, Rismanchi M, Lankarani KB Abstract The 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus was the first infectious pandemic of the 21st century which spread rapidly throughout the world. High-risk groups, such as diabetics, suffered more and showed higher hospital admission and death rates due to this virus. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) may develop the fulminant picture of their disease after being infected with influenza. From June to December 2009 at Nemazee Hospital, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, two patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) were admitted. The H1N1 influenza virus triggered DKA and its complications in these patients. Both patients were female, of ages 16 and 40 years. When admitted, t...

Clinical characteristics of critical patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in Chengdu, China.

J Zhejiang Univ Sci ... — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The critical patients with H1N1 infection have high APACHE II, SOFA, and MODS scores, which may be associated with an increased risk of death and complex clinical courses. PMID: 22205620 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Zhejiang Univ Sci ...)

Filling Gaps on Influenza En Route and the Etiology of Influenza During a Pandemic Year

Journal of Travel Medicine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

The impact of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 on the circulation of respiratory viruses 2009–2011

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Mak et al. (2012) The impact of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 on the circulation of respiratory viruses 2009–2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00323.x.Surveillance of respiratory viruses has been conducted for many years at the public health laboratory in Hong Kong. With the occurrence of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009, we observed a change in the seasonality of influenza activity with a seemingly corresponding change in the activity of respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus during 2009–2011. This phenomenon could most likely be explained by virus interference. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Epidemiological isolation causing variable mortality in Island populations during the 1918–1920 influenza pandemic

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Mortality differed more than 50‐fold during pandemic‐related epidemics on Pacific islands [range: 0·4% (Hawaii) to 22% (Samoa)], and on some islands, mortality sharply varied among demographic subgroups of island residents such as Saipan: Chamorros [12%] and Caroline Islanders [0·4%]. Among soldiers from island populations who had completed initial military training, influenza‐related mortality rates were generally low, for example, Puerto Rico (0·7%) and French Polynesia (0·13%). The findings suggest that among island residents, those who had been exposed to multiple, antigenically diverse respiratory pathogens prior to infection with the 1918 pandemic strain (e.g., less isolated) experienced lower mortality. The continuous circulation of antigenically diverse inf...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Neuraminidase H275Y and hemagglutinin D222G mutations in a fatal case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the first clinical description of 2009 H1N1 virus infection with both NA‐H275Y and HA‐D222G mutations detected by pyrosequencing of bronchioalveolar lavage fluid obtained on symptom day 19. The 59‐year‐old immunosuppressed patient had multiple conditions conferring higher risk of prolonged viral replication and severe illness and died on symptom day 34. Further investigations are needed to determine the significance of infection with strains possessing NA‐H275Y and HA‐D222G. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Influenza Research Database: an integrated bioinformatics resource for influenza research and surveillance

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The IRD provides a wealth of integrated data and information about influenza virus to support research of the genetic determinants dictating virus pathogenicity, host range restriction and transmission, and to facilitate development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Mutations I117V and I117M and Oseltamivir Sensitivity of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Viruses.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hurt AC, Leang SK, Speers DJ, Barr IG, Maurer-Stroh S Abstract Analysis of mutations I117V and I117M in the neuraminidase of influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses showed that I117V confers a mild reduction in oseltamivir sensitivity and has a synergistic effect of further increasing resistance when combined with H275Y. Contrary to recent reports, the I117M mutation does not alter oseltamivir sensitivity. PMID: 22260817 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

The 1918-19 influenza pandemic in boyacá, Colombia.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chowell G, Viboud C, Simonsen L, Miller MA, Acuna-Soto R, Díaz JM, Martínez-Martín AF Abstract To quantify age-specific excess-mortality rates and transmissibility patterns for the 1918-20 influenza pandemic in Boyacá, Colombia, we reviewed archival mortality records. We identified a severe pandemic wave during October 1918-January1919 associated with 40 excess deaths per 10,000 population. The age profile for excess deaths was W shaped; highest mortality rates were among infants (<5 y of age), followed by elderly persons (>60 y) and young adults (25-29 y). Mean reproduction number was estimated at 1.4-1.7, assuming 3- or 4-day generation intervals. Boyacá, unlike cities in Europe, the United States, or Mexico, experienced neither a herald pandemic wave of death...

Early Detection of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, Bangladesh.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Azziz-Baumgartner E, Rahman M, Al Mamun A, Haider MS, Zaman RU, Karmakar PC, Nasreen S, Muneer SM, Homaira N, Goswami DR, Ahmed BN, Husain MM, Jamil KM, Khatun S, Ahmed M, Chakraborty A, Fry A, Widdowson MA, Bresee J, Azim T, Alamgir AS, Brooks A, Hossain MJ, Klimov A, Rahman M, Luby SP Abstract To explore Bangladesh's ability to detect novel influenza, we examined a series of laboratory-confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases. During June-July 2009, event-based surveillance identified 30 case-patients (57% travelers); starting July 29, sentinel sites identified 252 case-patients (1% travelers). Surveillance facilitated response weeks before the spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection to the general population. PMID: 22257637 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infec...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Differential mortality rates by ethnicity in 3 influenza pandemics over a century, new zealand.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wilson N, Barnard LT, Summers JA, Shanks GD, Baker MG Abstract Evidence suggests that indigenous populations have suffered disproportionately from past influenza pandemics. To examine any such patterns for Māori in New Zealand, we searched the literature and performed new analyses by using additional datasets. The Māori death rate in the 1918 pandemic (4,230/100,000 population) was 7.3× the European rate. In the 1957 pandemic, the Māori death rate (40/100,000) was 6.2× the European rate. In the 2009 pandemic, the Māori rate was higher than the European rate (rate ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3-5.3). These findings suggest some decline in pandemic-related ethnic inequalities in death rates over the past century. Nevertheless, the persistent excess in adverse o...

Use of lean response to improve pandemic influenza surge in public health laboratories.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Isaac-Renton JL, Chang Y, Prystajecky N, Petric M, Mak A, Abbott B, Paris B, Decker KC, Pittenger L, Guercio S, Stott J, Miller JD Abstract A novel influenza A (H1N1) virus detected in April 2009 rapidly spread around the world. North American provincial and state laboratories have well-defined roles and responsibilities, including providing accurate, timely test results for patients and information for regional public health and other decision makers. We used the multidisciplinary response and rapid implementation of process changes based on Lean methods at the provincial public health laboratory in British Columbia, Canada, to improve laboratory surge capacity in the 2009 influenza pandemic. Observed and computer simulating evaluation results from rapid processes changes...

Newly Established Monoclonal Antibodies for Immunological Detection of H5N1 Influenza Virus.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, these mAbs may be useful for rapid and specific diagnosis of H5N1 influenza. Therapeutically, they may have a role in antibody-based treatment of the disease. PMID: 22274153 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases)

Seroprevalence following the First Wave of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Turkey, 2009.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we sought to describe the community seropositivity of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in order to estimate immunity shortly after the peak of the first pandemic wave in two provinces in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the provinces of Diyarbakir and Ankara, after the first wave of H1N1 incidences in 2009. It was designed to evaluate 276 houses in Diyarbakir and 455 houses in Ankara. Everyone living in these houses was included in the study. An antibody titer of ≥1:40 was considered as a positive result for all age groups. Antibody titers of ≤1:20 were considered as 1 while calculating the log titer and geometric mean. The pandemic H1N1 seropositivity was found to be 24.1% for Ankara and 27.7% for Diyarbakir. In Ankara, seropositivity was statistically ass...

Surveillance of hospitalised patients with influenza-like illness during pandemic influenza A(H1N1) season in Sicily, April 2009-December 2010.

Euro Surveill — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:18:02 +0100

Authors: Tramuto F, Maida CM, Bonura F, Perna AM, Puzelli S, De Marco MA, Donatelli I, Aprea L, Firenze A, Arcadipane A, Palazzo U, Vitale F Abstract This paper describes the epidemiology of hospitalised cases with influenza-like illness (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza A cases in Sicily (Italy) during the 2009 influenza pandemic. The first ILI case diagnosed as infected with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 in Sicily was reported in June 2009 and it rapidly became the dominant circulating strain. In the period from 30 April 2009 through 31 December 2010, a total of 2,636 people in Sicily were hospitalised for ILI and 1,193 were laboratory-confirmed for influenza A. Basic demographic and clinical information for all hospitalised patients was collected and population mortality...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Seroprevalence of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and effectiveness of 2010/2011 influenza vaccine during 2010/2011 season in Beijing, China

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:21:19 +0100

Conclusions A slight increase in herd immunity against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza was observed in Beijing, China, during the 2010/2011 season. Prior vaccination and immunity had a suppressive impact on immune response toward this novel influenza virus, elicited by 2010/2011 trivalent vaccine. This trivalent vaccine conferred good protection against ILI and LRI. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

The determinants of 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza vaccination: A systematic review.

Vaccine — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine coverage during the pandemic varied widely across countries and population sub-groups. We identified some consistent determinants of this variation that can be targeted to increase vaccination during future influenza pandemics. PMID: 22214889 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

WHO concerned that new H5N1 influenza research could undermine the 2011 Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework

WHO news — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

30 December 2011 -- WHO takes note that studies undertaken by several institutions on whether changes in the H5N1 influenza virus can make it more transmissible between humans have raised concern about the possible risks and misuses associated with this research. WHO is also deeply concerned about the potential negative consequences. However, WHO also notes that studies conducted under appropriate conditions must continue to take place so that critical scientific knowledge needed to reduce the risks posed by the H5N1 virus continues to increase. (Source: WHO news)

Surveillance of feral cats for influenza A virus in North Central Florida

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Gordy JT et al. (2011) Surveillance of feral cats for influenza A virus in North Central Florida. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00325.x.Background Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza and the recent pandemic H1N1 viruses to domestic cats and other felids creates concern because of the morbidity and mortality associated with human infections as well as disease in the infected animals. Experimental infections have demonstrated transmission of influenza viruses in cats.Objectives An epidemiologic survey of feral cats was conducted to determine their exposure to influenza A virus.Methods Feral cat sera and oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from November 2008 through July 2010 in Alachua Coun...

Transmission of pandemic influenza H1N1 (2009) in Vietnamese swine in 2009–2010

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our findings suggest extensive reverse‐zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs with subsequent onward transmission within pig herds. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Antibody response of healthy children to pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus

Virology Journal — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Otherwise healthy children seem to show seroprotective antibody titres after natural infection with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus. The strength of the immune response seems to be related to the severity of the disease, but not to previous seasonal A/H1N1 influenza immunity. (Source: Virology Journal)

Computational model for analyzing the evolutionary patterns of the neuraminidase gene of influenza A/H1N1.

Computational Biology and Chemistry — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we performed computer simulations to evaluate the changes of selection potentials of codons in influenza A/H1N1 from 1999 to 2009. We artificially generated the sequences by using the transition matrices of positively selected codons over time, and their similarities against the database of influenzavirus A genus were determined by BLAST search. This is the first approach to predict the evolutionary direction of influenza A virus (H1N1) by simulating the codon substitutions over time. We observed that the BLAST results showed the high similarities with pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in 2009, suggesting that the classical human-origin influenza A/H1N1 isolated before 2009 might contain some selection potentials of swine-origin viruses. Computer simulations using the time series co...

Tamiflu-Resistant Influenza Virus Spreading in AustraliaTamiflu-Resistant Influenza Virus Spreading in Australia

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:33:53 +0100

Meanwhile, the CDC worries that the pandemic 2009 A(H1N1) virus that continues to circulate on a seasonal basis could become as oseltamivir-resistant as its predecessor. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Influenza A/H1N1 septic shock in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case to report severe septic shock from influenza A/H1N1 virus, without overt pulmonary involvement. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Novel Swine Flu Virus Now Reported in 5 States, Says CDCNovel Swine Flu Virus Now Reported in 5 States, Says CDC

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:58:32 +0100

Since July, 12 patients have caught a swine influenza virus that borrows a gene from the 2009 pandemic virus. In 2 states, the virus apparently spread from person to person on a limited basis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

PCR Failures Raise Novel Influenza Pandemic Concerns

Recombinomics — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:56:28 +0100

The commentary discusses the PCR failures to diagnose novel influenza cases. (12/25/11 19:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

Vaccines for Pandemic Influenza

Springer Biomedical Sciences titles — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:07:00 +0100

series:Current Topics in Microbiology and ImmunologyRecent years have seen unprecedented outbreaks of avian influenza A viruses. In particular, highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses have not only resulted in widespread outbreaks in domestic poultry, but have been transmitted to humans resulting in numerous fatalities. The rapid expansion in their geographic distribution and the possibility that these viruses could acquire the ability to spread from ... (Source: Springer Biomedical Sciences titles)

Impact of mutations at residue I223 of the neuraminidase protein on the resistance profile, replication level and virulence of the 2009 pandemic influenza virus.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, amino acid changes at residue I223 may alter the NAI susceptibilities of pH1N1 variants without compromising fitness. Consequently, I223R/V mutations, alone or with H275Y, need to be thoroughly monitored. PMID: 22203589 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)

Characteristics of Outpatients with Pandemic H1N1/09 Influenza in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Korea.

Yonsei Medical Journal — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:55:11 +0100

Authors: Park KS, Park TS, Suh JT, Nam YS, Lee MS, Lee HJ Abstract The pandemic H1N1/09 emerged rapidly in Korea. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics of outpatients in Seoul, Korea who were infected in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. We reviewed the cases of outpatients with pandemic H1N1/09 who visited a tertiary care teaching hospital between September 1 and December 31, 2009. Infection with pandemic H1N1/09 was confirmed by molecular tests. Of a total of 7,182 tests, 3,020 (42.0%) were positive. Compared with 473 cases of influenza- like illness (ILI), the 586 confirmed cases of pandemic H1N1/09 differed in age [odds ratio (OR) 0.975] and fulfilling at least one of the following factors: age <5 or ≥65 years, history of contact with other pandemic H1N1/09-infected individ...

Pathology and virology findings in cases of fatal influenza A H1N1 virus infection in 2009–2010

Histopathology — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:27:03 +0100

Conclusions: The pulmonary findings are similar to those described in past pandemics. Secondary fungal and viral infections, which have not been reported previously, were noted. Although the number of cases in this study is small, the findings reinforce the notion that changes in extrapulmonary organs are attributable to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome rather than a viral cytopathic effect, and that there is no transplacental transmission of virus. (Source: Histopathology)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Active surveillance of adverse events following immunization against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Korea.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:27:37 +0100

Authors: Choe YJ, Cho H, Song KM, Kim JH, Han OP, Kwon YH, Bae GR, Lee HJ, Lee JK Abstract Surveillance of vaccine safety is one of the public health interventions used to investigate the causal relationship between vaccines and adverse events. Using active surveillance data, we aimed to compile a detailed summary describing the safety of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. Computer-assisted telephone interview was used to investigate adverse events for 9,000 subjects who had received non-adjuvanted vaccines between November 2009 and January 2010, and for 19,000 adults who received adjuvanted vaccines from January through March 2010. The participants were interviewed to obtain information about local and systemic adverse events. Among subjects who received the non-adjuvanted v...

Hidden Novel Influenza Pandemic

Recombinomics — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:09:41 +0100

The commentary discusses hidden novel influenza pandemic. (12/22/11 23:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Monitoring influenza hemagglutinin and glycan interactions using surface plasmon resonance.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Suenaga E, Mizuno H, Penmetcha KK Abstract Hemagglutinin (HA) is a trimeric glycoprotein expressed on the influenza virus membrane. HA of influenza viruses binds to the host's cell surface complex glycans via a terminal sialic acid (Sia), as the first key step in the process of infection, transmission and virulence of influenza viruses. It is important to monitor and evaluate the receptor (glycan) binding preferences of the HAs derived from influenza A viruses, especially those originating from birds and swine, to understand their potential ability for interspecies transmission. From this viewpoint, in the present study, we have developed a protocol for analyzing the glycan-HA interactions efficiently and kinetically, based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Our results s...

Emergence of novel reassortant H3N2 swine influenza viruses with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 genes in the United States

Archives of Virology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:55:43 +0100

Abstract Reassortant H1 swine influenza viruses (SIVs) carrying 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus (pH1N1) genes have been isolated from pigs worldwide. Seven novel reassortant H3N2 SIVs were identified from diseased pigs in the USA from winter 2010 to spring 2011. These novel viruses contain three or five internal genes from pH1N1 and continue to circulate in swine herds. The emergence of novel reassortant H3N2 SIVs demonstrates reassortment between pH1N1 and endemic SIVs in pigs and justifies continuous surveillance. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00705-011-1203-9Authors Qinfang Liu, Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Mosier Hall, K233, Manhattan, KS 66506, USAJingjiao Ma, Department of Diagnosti...

Palindromes drive the re-assortment in Influenza A.

Bioinformation — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:42:02 +0100

Authors: Zubaer A, Thapa S Abstract Different subtypes of Influenza A virus are associated with species specific, zoonotic or pandemic Influenza. The cause of its severity underlies in complicated evolution of its segmented RNA genome. Although genetic shift and genetic drift are well known in the evolution of this virus, we reported the significant role of unique RNA palindromes in its evolution. Our computational approach identified the existence of unique palindromes in each subtype of Influenza A virus with its absence in Influenza B relating the fact of virulence and vigorous genetic hitchhiking in Influenza A. The current study focused on the re-assortment event responsible for the emergence of pandemic-2009 H1N1 virus, which is associated with outgrow of new palindrome and i...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Pathologic study of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 cases from India

Pathology International — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:25:02 +0100

This study also emphasizes the use of the postmortem needle biopsy technique whenever an autopsy is not possible. (Source: Pathology International)

Clinical Impact of Infection with Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009 Virus in Naïve Nucleus and Multiplier Pig Herds in Norway

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:52:09 +0100

The Norwegian pig population has been free from influenza viruses until 2009. The pandemic influenza outbreak during the autumn 2009 provided an opportunity to study the clinical impact of this infection in an entirely naïve pig population. This paper describes the results of a case-control study on the clinical impact of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009 infection in the nucleus and multiplier herds in Norway. The infection spread readily and led to seroconversion of 42% of the Norwegian nucleus and multiplier herds within a year. Positive and negative herds were identified based on surveillance data from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. Telephone interviews were conducted with pig herd owners or managers between November 2010 and January 2011. Pigs with clinical signs were reporte...

Persistence of pandemic influenza H1N1 virus in young patients after oseltamivir therapy in the 2009–2010 season: a comparison with seasonal H1N1 with or without H275Y mutation

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:50:52 +0100

In conclusion, oseltamivir was effective for fever and other clinical symptoms; however, the virus persisted longer than expected after treatment in H1N1pdm influenza-infected children in the 2009–2010 season, similar to seasonal H1N1 with H275Y mutation in the 2008–2009 season. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10156-011-0314-2Authors Naoki Kawai, Japan Physicians Association, Tokyo Medical Association Building 3F, 2-5 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062 JapanHideyuki Ikematsu, Japan Physicians Association, Tokyo Medical Association Building 3F, 2-5 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062 JapanNorio Iwaki, Japan Physicians Association, Tokyo Medical Association Building 3F, 2-5 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0062...

Two Birds with One Stone? Possible Dual-Targeting H1N1 Inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

by Su-Sen Chang, Hung-Jin Huang, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen The H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009 has claimed over 18,000 lives. During this pandemic, development of drug resistance further complicated efforts to control and treat the widespread illness. This research utilizes traditional Chinese medicine Database@Taiwan (TCM Database@Taiwan) to screen for compounds that simultaneously target H1 and N1 to overcome current difficulties with virus mutations. The top three candidates were de novo derivatives of xylopine and rosmaricine. Bioactivity of the de novo derivatives against N1 were validated by multiple machine learning prediction models. Ability of the de novo compounds to maintain CoMFA/CoMSIA contour and form key interactions implied bioactivity within H1 as well. Addition of a pyrid...

Rituximab blocks protective serologic response to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccination in lymphoma patients during or within 6 months after treatment

Blood — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Cancer patients are often encouraged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination. The monoclonal antibody rituximab is widely used in treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This results in a prolonged depletion of normal B cells, which might impair humoral responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether lymphoma patients undergoing rituximab-containing treatment regimens or having received such regimens within the past 6 months were able to mount protective antibody responses to the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus vaccine Pandemrix during the 2009 "swine flu" pandemic. Contrary to the control group, where 82% responded adequately to the vaccine, none of the 67 patients achieved protective antibody titers, suggesting that lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens m...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Stability and Infectivity of Novel Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus In blood-derived matrices under Different Storage Conditions

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data indicate that encapsidated viral RNA was stable overall in all three liquid matrices at room temperature or 4 degreesC although it was most stable in PBS; virus infectivity in buffy coats at 4 degreesC decayed in a time dependent manner while it remained unchanged in plasma. These findings have implications for storage, handling and transport of blood derived samples from influenza patients for epidemiological and laboratory investigations. It should be noted that there is little known about influenza viremia, and whether influenza viruses can be transmitted by blood or blood derived samples. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

US government urges scientists to censor findings on new strain of bird flu

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:11:00 +0100

Scientists warn that redacting information from new research on H5N1 virus could hinder the discovery of a vaccineMoves by the US government to restrict the publication of papers describing potentially dangerous new strains of bird flu could do more harm than good by hampering progress towards a vaccine, scientists warn.The US biosecurity watchdog has asked two leading scientific journals, Science and Nature, to remove sensitive details from the papers amid fears the research might fall into the hands of bioterrorists. But scientists involved in the research discussed their experiments at public conferences earlier this year, leading some experts to doubt whether redacting the papers will have much effect."There is a cause for concern, but to restrict publication now is shutting the stable...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

I hope that fear of terrorism will not lead to the suppression of valuable research about engineering the H5N1 virusA few months ago, Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier made what he hoped would be a low-key announcement at a conference on influenza in Malta. After a series of painstaking experiments, Fouchier announced he had achieved the holy grail of influenza research: engineering the H5N1 bird flu virus so that it could pass easily between mammals. The "airborne" virus had been created, Fouchier explained, not by using sophisticated, lab-based genetic technology but by the relatively low-tech method of passaging H5N1 repeatedly through ferrets.The significance of the discovery was not lost on the assembled delegates. If ferrets could be infected this way, then so could humans. Fouchier had ...

When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterrorist | Mark Honigsbaum

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:48:53 +0100

Epidemiology of Influenza A 2009 H1N1 Virus Pandemic in the U.S.

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:06:04 +0100

Authors: Abdalla E, Habtemariam T, Nganwa D, Dibaba AB, Gerbi G, Vinaida R, Tameru B Abstract Abstract:A novel influenza, Influenza A 2009 H1N1 virus outbreak, emerged in mid-April 2009, and by December 2009, spread across the world. This epidemiologic analysis uses the epidemiologic problem oriented approach to gather information for, and develop a quantitative risk assessment model that evaluates the likelihood of an influenza outbreak in the U.S., utilizing weekly incidence rates (WIR) and case fatality rates (CFR) stratified by age and the 10 U.S. regions. In addition ArcGIS was used to show variability regarding morbidity rate and WIR. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Infections Program and applying Monte Carlo sim...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Apoptosis, cytokine and chemokine induction by non-structural 1 (NS1) proteins encoded by different influenza subtypes

Virology Journal — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In conclusion, the NS1 protein encoded by H5N1 carries a remarkably different property as compared to other avian and human subtypes, and is one of the keys to its high pathogenicity. NCI-H292 cells system proves to be a good in-vitro model to delineate the property of NS1 proteins. (Source: Virology Journal)

The use of masks and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: a systematic review of the scientific evidence

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: bin‐Reza et al. (2011) The use of masks and respirators to prevent transmission of influenza: a systematic review of the scientific evidence. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00307.x.There are limited data on the use of masks and respirators to reduce transmission of influenza. A systematic review was undertaken to help inform pandemic influenza guidance in the United Kingdom. The initial review was performed in November 2009 and updated in June 2010 and January 2011. Inclusion criteria included randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental and observational studies of humans published in English with an outcome of laboratory‐confirmed or clinically‐diagnosed influenza and other viral respiratory infections. T...

Press Statement on the NSABB Review of H5N1 Research

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:08:00 +0100

The U.S. government remains concerned about the threat of influenza, for the risks it poses seasonally, as well as its potential to cause a pandemic. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

Fears Grow over Lab-Bred Avian Flu Virus

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0100

By Declan Butler of Nature magazine It is a nightmare scenario: a human pandemic caused by the accidental release of a man-made form of the lethal avian influenza virus H5N1.Yet the risk is all too real. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Pathological Findings and Distribution of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Virus in Lungs from Naturally Infected Fattening Pigs in Norway

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:04:20 +0100

The Norwegian pig population was considered free from influenza A virus infections until the first case of porcine pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in October 2009. Human to pig transmission of virus was suspected. Unusual lung lesions were observed in fattening pigs, with red, lobular, multifocal to coalescing consolidation, most frequently in the cranial, middle, and accessory lobes. The main histopathological findings were epithelial degeneration and necrosis, lymphocyte infiltration in the epithelial lining and lamina propria of small bronchi and bronchioles, and peribronchial and peribronchiolar lymphocyte infiltrations. Infection with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical detection of influenza A virus nucleop...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Analysis of cellular proteome alterations in porcine alveolar macrophage cells infected with 2009 (H1N1) and classical swine H1N1 influenza viruses.

Journal of Proteomics — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study provides insights into the biologic characteristics, potential virulence alteration and cross-species transmission mechanisms of the pandemic H1N1/2009. PMID: 22202185 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Proteomics)

Journalists’ views about reporting avian influenza and a potential pandemic: a qualitative study

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:02:44 +0100

Conclusions Health experts need to adapt their timetables and resources to journalists’ needs to improve their mutual communication. In crisis situations, journalists communicate with the public efficiently and effectively, but expert and journalistic views on the role and content of coverage may diverge in the post‐acute, reflective phase of a crisis. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

2009/H1N1 infection in pregnancy association with adverse perinatal outcomes

Evidence-Based Nursing — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Implications for practice and research 2009/H1N1 infection is associated with increased risk of perinatal death and preterm birth. Infected women delivering preterm were more likely to be infected in the third trimester, be admitted into intensive care unit and have secondary pneumonia. Further evaluation using larger sample size, rigorous matching of controls and consideration for variables lacking in current study will be advantageous. Context Since identification of the 2009/H1N1 influenza virus, the increased risk of maternal morbidity and mortality from this novel infection has been highlighted.1 Past pandemics and seasonal flu have shown inconsistent perinatal effects. Some data have shown increased risk of preterm birth and fetal death.2 Other studies have indicated no increased f...

Study of influenza A virus in wild boars living in a major duck wintering site

Journal of Dentistry — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:16:10 +0100

Publication year: 2011Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Available online 17 December 2011Marion Vittecoq, Viviane Grandhomme, Gaëlle Simon, Séverine Herve, Thomas Blanchon, ...Wild birds, which are reservoirs of influenza viruses, are believed to be the original source of new influenza viruses—including highly pathogenic ones—that can be transmitted to domestic animals as well as humans and represent a potential epizootic and/or pandemic threat. Despite increasing knowledge on influenza A virus dynamics in wild birds, the viral circulation in wild boars remains largely unknown. This is of particular interest since pigs can be infected with both human and avian viruses; upon co-infection, they can act as a mixing vessel through reassortment, a mechanism that resulted in ...

Complications of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in pregnant women in The Netherlands: a national cohort study

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:10:17 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Bogers et al. (2011) Complications of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in pregnant women in The Netherlands: a national cohort study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00315.x.The 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic caused an increase in complications in pregnant women. To be well prepared for a next pandemic, we investigated the obstetric and maternal complications of this pandemic. In our national cohort of 59 pregnant women who were admitted to the hospital, no major complications apart from preterm birth and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were observed. Although the small size of this study precludes us drawing any definitive conclusions, comparing our results with those in other countries suggests that the i...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Excess mortality related to seasonal influenza and extreme temperatures in Denmark, 1994-2010

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: It is doable to model influenza-related mortality based on data on all-cause mortality and ILI, data that are easily obtainable in many countries and less subject to bias and subjective interpretation than cause-of-death data. Further work is needed to understand the variations in mortality observed across seasons and in particular the impact of vaccinationagainst influenza. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

European CHMP recommends approval of Vepacel (A/H5N1 pre-pandemic influenza vaccine)

NeLM - News — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA) Area: News The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of Vepacel (A/H5N1 pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, whole virion, vero cell derived, inactivated) intended for the prophylaxis of H5N1 subtype of influenza A in either a pre-pandemic or pandemic situation in adults aged 18 years and older. (Source: NeLM - News)

Genomic signatures and antiviral drug susceptibility profile of A(H1N1)pdm09

Journal of Clinical Virology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

We report several point mutations with putative roles in viral fitness and virulence, and discuss their potential to result in more virulent phenotypes. Monitoring of specific mutations and genetic patterns in influenza viral genes is essential for risk assessing emergent strains, disease epidemiology and public health implications. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus among Japanese Healthcare Workers: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:19:34 +0100

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 33, Issue 1, Page 58-62, January 2012. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Mimotopes selected with neutralizing antibodies against Multiple Subtypes of Influenza A

Virology Journal — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Phage-displayed mimotopes against multiple subtypes of influenza A were accessible to the mouse immune system and triggered a humoral response to above virus. (Source: Virology Journal)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Statins May Help Fight Influenza

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0100

Findings published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases show that statins, one of the most widely sold drugs today, that are more commonly used for combating high cholesterol levels, may have a new use in helping fight influenza in critically ill patients. Influenza is usually dealt with, initially by vaccine to prevent infection from occuring in the first place, and once the patient is ill, by prescribing antiviral drugs. For example, Tamiflu from Roche received a lot of media attention during the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Anti-influenza virus effect of aqueous extracts from dandelion

Virology Journal — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The antiviral activity of dandelion extracts indicates that a component or components of these extracts possess anti-influenza virus properties. Mechanisms of reduction of viral growth in MDCK or A549 cells by dandelion involve inhibition on virus replication . (Source: Virology Journal)

Vaccination against 2009 pandemic H1N1 in a population dynamical model of Vancouver, Canada: timing is everything

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Delays in vaccine production due to technological or logistical barriers may reduce potential benefits of vaccination for pandemic influenza, and these temporal effects can outweigh any additional theoretical benefits from population targeting. Careful modeling may provide decision makers with estimates of these effects before the epidemic peak to guide production goals and inform policy. Integration of real-time surveillance data with mathematical models holds the promise of enabling public health planners to optimize the community benefits from proposed interventions before the pandemic peak. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

A scoring system for predicting results of influenza rapid test in children: A possible model facing overwhelming pandemic infection.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The emergence of H1N1v infection is not only an important medical issue, but also a socioeconomic problem. Based on easily available clinical information, we develop a scoring system as a preliminary screening tool for the general public and first-line health care providers to evaluate the possibility of influenza virus infection. Although this study was limited by the sensitivity of rapid tests, this type of model may be a surrogate weapon when faced with overwhelming pandemic infection in the future, especially in areas with scarce medical resources. PMID: 22177368 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection)

Diagnostic capacity of rapid influenza antigen test: Reappraisal with experience from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: An algorithm is derived for the fast and inexpensive point-of-care laboratory test RIAT for appropriate application in clinical diagnosis of influenza virus infection. In peak seasons, positive RIAT confirms the diagnosis, with PPV over 96%. In low seasons, negative RIAT sufficiently excludes the diagnosis, with NPV over 91%. The sensitivity of RIAT may vary with different species of the influenza virus. Negative RIAT is not necessarily equal to low viral load in the upper respiratory tract or low infectivity of the patient. PMID: 22177367 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

[2011 Round-Up] Neurological infections: risks of globalisation and new drugs

Lancet Neurology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:12:13 +0100

Each year, the highest incidence of microbial infections in the nervous system is caused by pathogens such as meningococcus, toxoplasmosis, and Cryptococcus, and by encephalitic viruses such as those that cause Japanese encephalitis. For example, this year an outbreak of viral encephalitis in northern India resulted in 2300 hospital admissions and over 400 deaths. The herpes virus family also accounts for many cases of encephalitic infections, as does influenza virus, with the likelihood of encephalitic infections relating each year to the severity of the pandemic. (Source: Lancet Neurology)

Evaluation of the Seroprevalence of Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 on a University Campus: A cross-sectional Study

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Overall, 52.7% of the total study population tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) 2009. 54.4% of those who tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) 2009 using the >1:40 dilution cut-off on the hemagglutination inhibition assay in this study population did not report experiencing symptoms during the pandemic meeting the May 2010 CDC definition of influenza-like illness. 16% of those who reported receiving the H1N1 vaccine did not test positive by HAI. We also found that vaccination coverage for H1N1 vaccine was poor among Blacks and Latinos, despite the fact that vaccine was readily available at no cost. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Promising Results In Mice On Needle-Free Candidate Universal Vaccine Against Various Flu Viruses

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists from the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have discovered that an antigen common to most influenza viruses, and commonly referred to as matrix protein 2 (M2), when administered under the tongue could protect mice against experimental infection caused by various influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic avian H5 virus and the pandemic H1 ("swine flu") virus... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Contagion: Controversy Erupts over Man-Made Pandemic Avian Flu Virus

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:45:00 +0100

It’s a rare kind of research that incites a frenzied panic before it’s even published. But it’s flu season, and influenza science has a way of causing a stir this time of year. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Evaluation of a Web-Based Intervention to Promote Hand Hygiene: Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study provides promising evidence that Web-based interventions could potentially provide an effective method of promoting hand hygiene in the home. Data were collected during the 2010 influenza pandemic, when participants in both groups had already been exposed to extensive publicity about the need for hand hygiene, suggesting that our intervention could add to existing public health campaigns. However, further research is required to determine the effects of the intervention on actual infection rates. Trial: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 75058295; http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN75058295 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/62KSbkNmm) (Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research)

Novel anti-viral characteristics of nanosized copper(I) iodide particles showing inactivation activity against 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fujimori Y, Sato T, Hayata T, Nagao T, Nakayama M, Nakayama T, Sugamata R, Suzuki K Abstract We investigated the anti-viral activity of nanosized copper(I) iodide (CuI) particles having an average size of 160 nm. CuI particles showed aqueous stability and generated hydroxyl radicals, which were probably derived from monovalent copper (Cu(+)). We confirmed that CuI particles showed anti-viral activity against an influenza virus A of swine origin (pandemic (H1N1) 2009) on plaque titration assay. Virus titer decreased in a dose-dependent manner upon incubation with CuI particles, with the 50% effective concentration being approximately 17 μg/mL after exposure for 60 min. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed inactivation of the virus due to degradation of viral proteins such as hemagg...

H1N1 outbreak in a Swiss military boot camp - observations and suggestions.

Swiss Medical Weekly — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:18:04 +0100

CONCLUSION: A(H1N1)pdm09 has become a ubiquitous seasonal virus in the region. Complications were uncommon and non life threatening. In the event of new influenza outbreaks, hygienic and containment measures must be quickly and correctly implemented, in order to avoid an epidemic. This should also be considered in non-military settings like school camps or in retirement homes. PMID: 22144395 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Swiss Medical Weekly)

Promising results in mice on needle-free candidate universal vaccine against various flu viruses

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(International Vaccine Institute) Scientists from the International Vaccine Institute have discovered that an antigen common to most influenza viruses, and commonly referred to as matrix protein 2, when administered under the tongue could protect mice against experimental infection caused by various influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic avian H5 virus and the pandemic H1 virus. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)