MedWorm: H3N2

FLUZONE (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated) And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 17, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Serologic survey of swine workers for exposure to H2N3 swine influenza A

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These data do not support the hypothesis that swine workers were infected with the emergent swine H2N3 influenza A virus. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Assessing the burden of paediatric influenza in Europe: the European Paediatric Influenza Analysis (EPIA) project

European Journal of Pediatrics — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:27:12 +0100

Abstract The European Paediatric Influenza Analysis (EPIA) project is a multi-country project that was created to collect, analyse and present data regarding the paediatric influenza burden in European countries, with the purpose of providing the necessary information to make evidence-based decisions regarding influenza immunisation recommendations for children. The initial approach taken is based on existing weekly virological and age-specific influenza-like illness (ILI) data from surveillance networks across Europe. We use a multiple regression model guided by longitudinal weekly patterns of influenza virus to attribute the weekly ILI consultation incidence pattern to each influenza (sub)type, while controlling for the effect of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemi...

Reassortment between avian H5N1 and human H3N2 influenza viruses creates hybrid viruses with substantial virulence [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:27:19 +0100

The spread of avian H5N1 influenza viruses around the globe has become a worldwide public health concern. To evaluate the... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Circulation of human influenza viruses and emergence of Oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses in Cameroon, Central Africa

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study confirmed the circulation of influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B viruses in the human population in Central Africa and describes the emergence of oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses in Central Africa. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Pandemic flu, like seasonal H1N1, shows signs of resisting Tamiflu

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Pandemic Flu, Like Seasonal H1N1, Shows Signs Of Resisting Tamiflu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers at Ohio State University have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pandemic flu, like seasonal H1N1, shows signs of resisting Tamiflu

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Ohio State University) If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Detection E119V and E119I Mutations in Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses Isolated from an Immunocompromised Patient: Challenges in Diagnosis of Oseltamivir-Resistance.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Okomo-Adhiambo M, Demmler-Harrison GJ, Deyde VM, Sheu TG, Xu X, Klimov AI, Gubareva LV The clinical use of the neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) oseltamivir is associated with emergence of drug resistance resulting from subtype-specific neuraminidase (NA) mutations. The influenza A/Texas/12/2007 (H3N2) virus isolated from an oseltamivir-treated immunocompromised patient exhibited reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir in the chemiluminescent neuraminidase inhibition (NI) assay ( approximately 60-fold increase in IC50 compared to a control virus). When further propagated in cell culture, the isolate maintained reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir in both chemiluminescent and fluorescent NI assays ( approximately 50- and 350-fold increases in IC50, respectively). Sequencing analysis...

Rare Influenza A (H3N2) Variants with Reduced Sensitivity to Antiviral Drugs.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dapat C, Suzuki Y, Saito R, Kyaw Y, Myint YY, Lin N, Oo HN, Oo KY, Win N, Naito M, Hasegawa G, Dapat IC, Zaraket H, Baranovich T, Nishikawa M, Saito T, Suzuki H In 2007 and 2008 in Myanmar, we detected influenza viruses A (H3N2) that exhibited reduced sensitivity to both zanamivir and amantadine. These rare and naturally occurring viruses harbored a novel Q136K mutation in neuraminidase and S31N mutation in M2. PMID: 20202427 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Rapid generation of a well-matched vaccine seed from a modern influenza A virus primary isolate without recourse to eggs.

Vaccine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hartgroves LC, Koudstaal W, McLeod C, Moncorgé O, Thompson CI, Ellis J, Bull C, Havenga MJ, Goudsmit J, Barclay WS Most influenza vaccines are produced in chicken eggs but recent human influenza strains often do not grow well in this substrate. The PER.C6((R)) cell line is an alternative platform for vaccine production. Here we demonstrate that PER.C6 cells faithfully propagate recent clinical isolates, without selecting for mutations in the HA gene. PER.C6 cells support the rescue of recombinant influenza viruses from cDNA. We used sequence data from a surveillance programme to generate a PR8-based seed virus with the HA and NA of a contemporary circulating H3N2 human strain, A/England/611/07 (E611) that did not itself grow in eggs. We engineered mutations that affected ...

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Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. In laboratory experiments in mice, a single gene segment from a human seasonal flu virus, H3N2, was able to convert the avian H5N1 virus into a highly pathogenic form. The findings are reported the week of Feb. 22 in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Genetics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals Announces In Vitro Data Demonstrating TCAD Therapy Is More Potent Than Double Combinations Or Monotherapy Against Resistant Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company, reported on the publication of results from a preclinical study that demonstrated the synergistic effects of triple combination antiviral drug (TCAD) therapy against multiple strains of seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) virus, including three strains of amantadine resistant pandemic H1N1 and two strains of oseltamivir resistant seasonal H1N1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sialidase‐Based Anti–Influenza Virus Therapy Protects against Secondary Pneumococcal Infection

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:15:44 +0100

Conclusions. These data indicate that DAS181 treatment does not exacerbate secondary bacterial infection in mice. DAS181 may reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infection by inhibiting IFV. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Development and comparison of molecular assays for the rapid detection of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, rRT-PCR assays are 10-fold more sensitive than cRT-PCR assays. The newly developed cRT-PCR assay targeting the HA gene allows rapid, specific, and sensitive screening of this novel agent, which can serve as an alternative for laboratories where a real-time PCR machine is not available. J. Med. Virol. 82:675-683, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

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Household transmissibility and other characteristics of seasonal oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses, Germany, 2007-8

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

During the influenza season 2007-8, the proportion of seasonal influenza A(H1N1) viruses resistant to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir increased worldwide. We conducted an investigation to compare patients infected with oseltamivir-resistant (ose-R) and oseltamivir- susceptible (ose-S) influenza A(H1N1) viruses regarding risk factors for resistance and the capability to transmit in the household setting. Within a cohort of 396 laboratory confirmed influenza patients from sentinel physicians we conducted a nested case-control study among patients infected with A(H1N1). Thirty patients in the cohort were infected with influenza B, none with influenza A(H3N2) and 366 with A(H1N1). Of the 366 A(H1N1) viruses 52 (14%) were ose-R. Demographic characteristics, oseltamivir exposure, travel ...

Evaluation of Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine recommendations.

Vaccine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Richard SA, Viboud C, Miller MA In 1999, the World Health Organization switched from annual to semi-annual recommendations for influenza vaccine composition. We compared the antigenic match between recommendations and circulating viruses before and after 1999. Vaccine match proportion for A/H3N2 viruses increased from 31% to 59% in the Southern Hemisphere (P<0.05), and is now comparable to that in the Northern Hemisphere. Vaccine match for influenza B decreased from approximately 100% to 33-54% in both hemispheres (P<0.05), following the unexpected resurgence of influenza B/Victoria in 1997. No estimate was available for influenza A/H1N1. We conclude that semi-annual vaccine recommendations are useful overall and discuss potential ways forward. PMID: 20153352 [PubMed...

NOVAVAX Reports Additional Positive Data From Its Trivalent Seasonal Influenza (VLP) Vaccine Clinical Study In Healthy Adults

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced new data from a clinical study that began in May of 2009 among healthy adults 18 to 49 years of age with Novavax's trivalent seasonal influenza Virus-like Particle (VLP) vaccine. The vaccine matched the influenza strains recommended for the 2008-2009 influenza season including H1N1 A/Brisbane/59/2007, H3N2 A/Brisbane/10/2007, and B/Florida/04/2006 strains... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NOVAVAX Reports Additional Positive Data From Its Trivalent Seasonal Influenza (VLP) Vaccine Clinical Study In Healthy Adults

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Highly conserved sequences for human neutralization epitope on hemagglutinin of influenza A viruses H3N2, H1N1 and H5N1: Implication for human monoclonal antibody recognition.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yamashita A, Kawashita N, Kubota-Koketsu R, Inoue Y, Watanabe Y, Ibrahim MS, Ideno S, Yunoki M, Okuno Y, Takagi T, Yasunaga T, Ikuta K The epitope sequences within the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus H3N2 at amino acid residues 173-181 and 227-239 that forms anti-parallel beta-sheet structure are similarly recognized by human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs), B-1 and D-1 that we recently obtained using the peripheral blood lymphocytes from two influenza-vaccinated volunteers. Both HuMAbs showed strong global neutralization of H3N2 strains. Here we show the significant conservation of the beta-sheet region consisting of the above-mentioned two epitope regions in H3N2. In addition, we also identified the corresponding regions with similar structure in other subtypes such a...

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Anti-influenza vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: an analysis of specific humoral response and vaccination safety

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:56:49 +0100

The objective of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of influenza vaccine in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. We studied SLE patients and healthy subjects immunised with inactivated influenza vaccine. Efficacy was measured by comparing humoral response to vaccine antigens between groups. Safety was monitored by SLEDAI and serological markers. Subjects attended visits at baseline and on post-vaccination weeks 4 and 12. We enrolled 62 SLE patients and 47 healthy subjects. In post-immunisation week 4, anti-haemagglutinin antibody titres rose in the patient group at least 6.23-fold, compared to 11.90-fold among controls (P ≤ 0.05). The seroconversion rate range was 53-56% among patients and 72-85% among controls (P < 0.05 for strains H1N1 and H3N2, NS fo...

Rare Influenza A (H3N2) Variants with Reduced Sensitivity to Antiviral Drugs, C. Dapat et al.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

[Design and construction of the platform for comparative genomics.]

Journal of Southern Medical University — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The platform integrate comprehensive resources with a user-friendly interface and intuitive result visualization to facilitate conventional study of comparative genomics. PMID: 20159684 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Southern Medical University)

Serological response to influenza vaccine after hematopoetic stem cell transplantation

Annals of Hematology — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:57:51 +0100

In conclusion, the patients should be vaccinated as early as possible in the influenza season, before they are exposed to the virus. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00277-009-0897-1Authors S. Songül Yalçın, Hacettepe University Unit of Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine 06100 Ankara TurkeyMeda Kondolot, Hacettepe University Unit of Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine 06100 Ankara TurkeyNurhan Albayrak, Virology Unit of Refik Saydam Hıfzıssıha Center Ankara TurkeyA. Başak Altaş, Virology Unit of Refik Saydam Hıfzıssıha Center Ankara TurkeyYasemin Karacan, Hacettepe University Unit of Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ankara ...

Production of H5N1 (NIBRG-14) inactivated whole virus and split virion influenza vaccines and analysis of immunogenicity in mice using different adjuvant formulations.

Vaccine — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Miyaki C, Quintilio W, Miyaji EN, Botosso VF, Kubrusly FS, Santos FL, Iourtov D, Higashi HG, Raw I Consecutive lots of H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1194/2004 - NIBRG-14) split virion and whole virus vaccines were produced in a pilot-scale laboratory. The average yields of vaccine doses (15mug HA) per egg were 0.57 doses for H5N1 split virion vaccine and 1.12 for H5N1 whole virus vaccine, compared to 2.09 doses for the seasonal H3N2 split virion vaccine. H5N1 split virion vaccine lots complied with WHO protein content criteria, while some lots of the H5N1 whole virus vaccine showed protein content per dose higher than the limit established. All lots of both vaccines showed ovalbumin (OVA) concentration below the recommended limit. Dose sparing strategies using adjuvant formulations using al...

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Generation Of Fully Human Monoclonal Antibodies Neutralizing Influenza Virus Use Of SPYMEG As A Novel Human Lymphocyte Fusion Partner

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL), with the collaboration of Osaka University, has successfully generated several fully human monoclonal antibodies against pandemic A (H1N1 and H3N2) type influenza virus by utilizing blood samples from volunteers who were inoculated with influenza vaccine. Professor Kazuyoshi Ikuta, Ph. D., at the Department of Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, has confirmed through in vitro experiments that the fully generated human antibodies can neutralize H3N2 influenza virus strains... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Generation Of Fully Human Monoclonal Antibodies Neutralizing Influenza Virus Use Of SPYMEG As A Novel Human Lymphocyte Fusion Partner

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Influenza surveillance in a cohort of HIV-infected children and adolescents immunized against seasonal influenza.

Vaccine — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amendola A, Pariani E, Viganò A, Erba P, Zappa A, Giacomet V, Tanzi E, Zuccotti GV, Zanetti A During the 2006-2007 season, 19 HIV-uninfected and 33 HIV-infected children and adolescents with full immunovirologic response to HAART were immunized against influenza and subsequently followed up. One month post-immunization all subjects had protective antibodies titres which persisted for the whole influenza season. Seven vaccinees (four HIV-infected and three HIV-uninfected) were found to be infected by influenza viruses during the epidemic, but disease was lab-confirmed only in two HIV-infected subjects. Both presented a benign clinical course and were infected by an A/Brisbane/10/07-H3N2-like virus. These data indicate that HIV-infected subjects benefit from routine seasona...

A new panel of NS1 antibodies for easy detection and titration of influenza A virus

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, three NS1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated by using recombinant NS1 protein of H5N1 virus and found to bind both the native and denatured forms of NS1. Two of the mAbs, 6A4 and 2H6, bind NS1 of three different strains of influenza A virus, namely H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1. Epitope mapping revealed that residues 42-53 of H5N1 NS1 are essential for the interaction with both mAbs. Between the three strains, there is only one amino acid difference in this domain, which is consistent with the observed cross-reactivities. On the other hand, mAb 1G1 binds to residues 206-215 of H5N1 NS1 and does not bind NS1 of H1N1 or H3N2. Furthermore, all three mAbs detected NS1 proteins expressed in virus infected MDCK cells and indirect immunofluorescence staining with mAbs 6A4 and 2H6 p...

Swine H3N2 in Iowan Lacking Swine Exposure

Recombinomics — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:25:44 +0100

The commentary discusses the detection of swine H3N2 in an Iowan lacking swine exposure. (01/15/10 21:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Antiviral drug profile of seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Portugal from 2004/2005 to 2008/2009 winter seasons.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study revealed that influenza antiviral drugs were rarely prescribed at national level. Resistance to amantadine was observed on the only A(H3N2) strain isolated during 2005/2006 and on 38(74.5%) of the 51 A(H3N2) strains from 2006/2007, all carrying the mutation S31N in their M2 sequence. Oseltamivir resistance was observed in 6(20.7%) of the 29 A(H1N1) strains from 2007/2008 and in all strains from 2008/2009, which exhibited extremely high IC(50) values and carrying the mutation H275Y in their neuraminidase sequence. The national data generated and analyzed in this study may contribute to increase the knowledge on influenza antiviral drug resistance which is a problem of global concern. PMID: 20083142 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antiviral Research)

Viral agents responsible for febrile respiratory illnesses among military recruits training in tropical Singapore

Journal of Clinical Virology — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The laboratory findings identified influenza A virus as the primary causative viral agent for FRI in the Singapore military, in strong contrast to findings from temperate countries and countries where recruits are often vaccinated for influenza. Our results suggest that influenza vaccination should be considered as a requirement to reduce the incidence of influenza infections. This is the first report describing respiratory infections in a tropical military setting, in a developed country in Asia. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Synthesis and anti-influenza virus activity of dihydrofuran-fused perhydrophenanthrenes with a benzyloxy-type side-chain.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matsuya Y, Suzuki N, Kobayashi SY, Miyahara T, Ochiai H, Nemoto H As one of our ongoing research project concerning development of a novel anti-influenza virus agent, dihydrofuran-fused perhydrophenanthrenes were derivatized by means of Williamson ether synthesis and Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reactions. Newly synthesized compounds were subjected to evaluation of anti-influenza virus activity using influenza A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2 subtype) virus strain by a plaque titration method. These investigations revealed that incorporation of benzyl-type ether substituents was effective for exerting the inhibition activity of influenza virus proliferation. PMID: 20097080 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry)

Never too late to get flu vaccine

Baylor College of Medicine News — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

It's not too late to be vaccinated against the seasonal and H1N1 influenza viruses, say experts at Baylor College of Medicine . "The seasonal flu usually picks up a few weeks after school resumes from the winter holidays, so this is an important time to get vaccinated," said Dr. Paul Glezen, professor of molecular virology and microbiology at BCM. H3N2 variant Although the H1N1 virus was more prominent in the last few months, Glezen says that right now, H1N1 activity is slow. Experts are currently concerned about a new variant of the H3N2 virus, which was present in the Southern Hemisphere during their epidemic season. "The seasonal influenza vaccine does not contain the new H3N2 variant since it appeared after the vaccine formula was set, but it can provide partial protecti...

Analysis of the Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Genes of Human Influenza A/H3N2 Viruses Circulating in Iran between 2005 and 2007: Antigenic and Phylogenetic Relationships to Vaccine Strains

Karger Publishers — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Intervirology 2010;53:133140 (DOI:10.1159/000273211) (Source: Karger Publishers)

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A CTL-based liposomal vaccine capable of inducing protection against heterosubtypic influenza viruses in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matsui M, Kohyama S, Suda T, Yokoyama S, Mori M, Kobayashi A, Taneichi M, Uchida T The current vaccination strategy against influenza is to induce the production of antibodies directed against surface antigens of viruses. However, the frequent changes in the surface antigens of influenza viruses allow the viruses to avoid antibody-mediated immunity. On the other hand, it is known that cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) populations directed against internal antigens of influenza A virus are broadly cross-reactive to influenza virus subtypes. In the present study, liposomal conjugates with CTL epitope peptides derived from highly conserved internal antigens of influenza viruses were evaluated for their ability to protect against infection with influenza viruses. Liposomal conjugates w...

Severe pneumonia associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of adults hospitalized with pneumonia during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak. Patients admitted to a general hospital in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from April 10 through May 11, 2009, suspected to have influenza virus-associated pneumonia were evaluated. We identified 50 patients with suspected influenza pneumonia; the presence of influenza virus was confirmed in 18: 11 with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, 5 with unsubtypeable influenza A virus, 1 with seasonal influenza A virus (H3N2), and 1 in whom assay results for seasonal and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses were positive. Eighteen patients were treated in the intensive care unit, and 10 died. During the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak, severe pneumonia developed in young adults who had...

Sialyltransferases of marine bacteria efficiently utilize glycosphingolipid substrates

Glycobiology — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:10:06 +0100

Bacterial sialyltransferases (STs) from marine sources were characterized using glycosphingolipids (GSLs). Bacterial STs were found to be β-galacotoside STs. There were two types of STs: (1) ST obtained from strains such as ishi-224, 05JTC1 (#1), ishi-467, 05JTD2 (#2), and faj-16, 05JTE1 (#3), which form 2-3 sialic acid (Sia) linkages, named 2-3ST, (2) ST obtained from strains such as ISH-224, N1C0 (#4), pda-rec, 05JTB2 (#5), and pda-0160, 05JTA2 (#6), which form 2-6 Sia linkages, named 2-6ST. All STs showed affinity to neolacto- and lacto-series GSLs, particularly in neolactotetraosyl ceramide (nLc4Cer). No large differences were observed in the pH and temperature profiles of enzyme activities. Kinetic parameters obtained by Lineweaver–Burk plot analysis showed that #3 and #4 S...

Humoral responses after influenza vaccination are severely reduced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The objectives of this study were to investigate the efficacy of influenza vaccination in RA patients treated with rituximab and to investigate the duration of the possible suppression of the humoral immune response following rituximab treatment. We also undertook to assess the safety of influenza vaccination and the effects of previous influenza vaccination.Trivalent influenza subunit vaccine was administered to 23 RA patients who had received rituximab (4-8 weeks after rituximab for 11 patients [the early rituximab subgroup] and 6-10 months after rituximab for 12 patients [the late rituximab subgroup]), 20 RA patients receiving methotrexate (MTX), and 29 healthy controls. Levels of antibodies against the 3 vaccine strains were measured before and 28 days after vaccination using hemagglut...

A high dosage influenza vaccine induced significantly more neuraminidase antibody than standard vaccine among elderly subjects.

Vaccine — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cate TR, Rayford Y, Niño D, Winokur P, Brady R, Belshe R, Chen W, Atmar RL, Couch RB Antibody to the neuraminidase (NA) antigen of influenza viruses has been shown to correlate with immunity to influenza in humans and animal models. In a previous report, we showed that an inactivated influenza vaccine containing 60mug of the hemagglutinin (HA) of each strain induced significantly more serum anti-HA antibody among elderly persons than did the standard vaccine containing 15mug of the HA of each component. We developed a lectin-based assay for anti-NA antibody and used it to measure anti-NA antibody responses among subjects who had participated in that study. The high dosage vaccine contained eight times as much NA activity as the standard vaccine and induced a significantly...

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Severe Pneumonia Associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Outbreak, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:52:02 +0100

We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of adults hospitalized with pneumonia during the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak. Patients admitted to a general hospital in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, from April 10 through May 11, 2009, suspected to have influenza virus-associated pneumonia were evaluated. We identified 50 patients with suspected influenza pneumonia; the presence of influenza virus was confirmed in 18: 11 with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, 5 with unsubtypeable influenza A virus, 1 with seasonal influenza A virus (H3N2), and 1 in whom assay results for seasonal and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses were positive. Eighteen patients were treated in the intensive care unit, and 10 died. During the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 outbreak, severe pneumonia developed in young adults who had no i...

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Surveillance and Prevalence of Seasonal Influenza, Singapore.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:51:31 +0100

Authors: Leo YS, Lye DC, Barkham T, Krishnan P, Seow E, Chow A On April 25, 2009, Singapore implemented strict containment measures for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 with enhanced surveillance and hospital isolation. In the first month, seasonal influenza, predominantly virus subtype H3N2, was diagnosed for 32% of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness. Our findings underscore the high prevalence of seasonal influenza in Singapore. PMID: 20031051 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Decreased T-Cell Responses to Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Heart Failure

Pharmacotherapy: Official Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Patients with CHF had reduced T-cell responses to the influenza vaccine compared with healthy control subjects, as demonstrated by a lower response to A/H3N2, the newest antigen in the 2006-2007 vaccine. However, differences in T-cell immune responses to the A/H1N1 and B type strains were not found to be significant between the two groups, which suggests that patients with CHF can mount an appropriate response to vaccine antigens to which they have been previously exposed, but less so to new antigens. These findings suggest that patients with CHF may be at increased risk for influenza infection, and clinicians may want to investigate other or additional strategies for influenza vaccination. (Source: Pharmacotherapy: Official Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy)

Virological Surveillance and Preliminary Antigenic Characterization of Influenza Viruses in Pigs in Five European Countries from 2006 to 2008

Zoonoses and Public Health — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study presents the results of the virological surveillance for swine influenza viruses (SIVs) in Belgium, UK, Italy, France and Spain from 2006 to 2008. Our major aims were to clarify the occurrence of the three SIV subtypes [ndash] H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 [ndash] at regional levels, to identify novel reassortant viruses and to antigenically compare SIVs with human H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses. Lung tissue and/or nasal swabs from outbreaks of acute respiratory disease in pigs were investigated by virus isolation. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were determined using standard methods. Of the total 169 viruses, 81 were classified as 'avian-like' H1N1, 36 as human-like H3N2 and 47 as human-like H1N2. Only five novel reassortant viruses were identified: two H1N1 viru...

Enhancement of immune responses to influenza vaccine (H3N2) by ginsenoside Re.

International Immunopharmacology — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to evaluate the adjuvant effect of ginsenoside Re isolated from the root of Panax ginseng on the immune responses elicited by split inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen in a mouse model. Forty-eight ICR mice were randomly distributed into six groups with 8 mice in each group. All animals were subcutaneously (s.c.) immunized twice on weeks 0 and 3 with 50microg Re, inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10 or 100ng of hemogglutinin (HA) or inactivated H3N2 influenza virus antigen equivalent to 10ng HA adjuvanted with Re (25, 50 or 100microg). Two weeks after the boost, blood samples were collected for measurement of serum IgG, the IgG isotypes and HI titers. Splenocytes were separated for the detection of lymphocyte proliferation and production of...

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Clinical Management of Pandemic (H1N1) Infection.

Chest — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hui DS, Lee N, Chan PK Antiviral therapy and vaccination are important strategies for controlling pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza but efficacy depends on the timing of administration and is often limited by shortage of supply. Patients with dyspnea, tachypnea, evidence of hypoxemia and pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph should be hospitalized. Patients with severe illness or underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of more severe disease should be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir as soon as possible, without waiting for the results of laboratory tests. Lung protective ventilation strategy with a low tidal volume and adequate pressure, in addition to a conservative fluid management approach, is recommended when treating adult patients with acute respirato...

Subtype identification of the novel A H1N1 and other human influenza A viruses using an oligonucleotide microarray

Archives of Virology — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:48:00 +0100

In this study, we developed an oligonucleotide microarray to subtype human H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses, which could distinguish the novel H1N1 from human seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses and swine H1N1 influenza viruses. The microarray utilizes a panel of primers for multiplex PCR amplification of the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (MP) genes of human influenza A viruses. The 59-mer oligonucleotides were designed to distinguish different subtypes of human influenza A viruses. With this microarray, we accurately identified and correctly subtyped the reference virus strains. Moreover, we confirmed 4 out of 39 clinical throat swab specimens from suspected cases of novel H1N1. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00705-009-0545-z...

Monoclonal antibodies in man that neutralized H3N2 influenza viruses were classified into three groups with distinct strain specificity: 1968-1973, 1977-1993 and 1997-2003.

Virology — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Okada J, Ohshima N, Kubota-Koketsu R, Ota S, Takase W, Azuma M, Iba Y, Nakagawa N, Yoshikawa T, Nakajima Y, Ishikawa T, Asano Y, Okuno Y, Kurosawa Y We tried to reveal the strain specificity of neutralizing mAbs against H3N2 influenza viruses in individuals. A large number of B lymphocytes of a pediatrician were collected by apheresis and two Ab libraries were constructed at 2004 and 2007 by using the phage-display technology. The libraries were screened against 12 different H3 strains of flu isolated between 1968 and 2004. Large numbers of clones that bound to the Ags were isolated and mAbs that specifically bound to H3 strain viruses were selected. Their binding activity to the 12 strains and neutralizing activity were studied by ELISA and focus reduction test, respectively....

Generation and characterization of a cold-adapted attenuated live H3N2 subtype influenza virus vaccine candidate.

Chinese Medical Journal — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The results mentioned above demonstrated that cold-adapted, attenuated reassortant H3N2 subtype influenza A virus was successfully generated, which laid a good foundation for the further related research. PMID: 20092795 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chinese Medical Journal)

Pulmonary protection of a plant polyphenol extract in influenza virus-infected mice

Journal of Infection — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Influenza remains one of the serious problems of public health. The plant extracts provide an alternative source for substances with antiviral properties. The current study investigated the protective effect of a polyphenol-rich extract from the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. (PC) in mice, nasally (i.n.) challenged with influenza A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) virus (IV) and its effects on mice lungs. (Source: Journal of Infection)

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From where did the 2009 'swine-origin' influenza A virus (H1N1) emerge?

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus that appeared in 2009 and was first found in human beings in Mexico, is a reassortant with at least three parents. Six of the genes are closest in sequence to those of H1N2 'triple-reassortant' influenza viruses isolated from pigs in North America around 1999-2000. Its other two genes are from different Eurasian 'avian-like' viruses of pigs; the NA gene is closest to H1N1 viruses isolated in Europe in 1991-1993, and the MP gene is closest to H3N2 viruses isolated in Asia in 1999-2000. The sequences of these genes do not directly reveal the immediate source of the virus as the closest were from isolates collected more than a decade before the human pandemic started. The three parents of the virus may have been assembled in one place by natural means...

Loss of a single N-linked glycan from the hemagglutinin of influenza virus is associated with resistance to collectins and increased virulence in mice

Respiratory Research — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A point mutation in the gene encoding the HA of Beij/89 was shown to ablate a glycan attachment site. This was associated with resistance to collectins and increased virulence in mice. (Source: Respiratory Research)

Seasonal, Avian, and Novel H1N1 Influenza: Prevention and Treatment Modalities (December).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza subtypes continue to change, causing disease in animals and humans. Utilization of immunization and antiviral treatment options are available to prevent, treat, and contain the spread of this infection. PMID: 19920156 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Clinical Effectiveness of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir for Treatment of Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1 with the H274Y Mutation: A Japanese, Multicenter Study of the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 Influenza Seasons

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:48:36 +0100

Conclusion. The effectiveness of oseltamivir, but not that of zanamivir, decreased significantly for H1N1 virus infection during the 2008–2009 season. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Detection of Haemagglutination–Inhibiting Antibodies against Human H1 and H3 Strains of Influenza A Viruses in Pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Zoonoses and Public Health — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study was therefore designed to investigate the transmission of human influenza viruses to pigs in Ibadan, using serological surveillance. Serum specimens were collected from ninety-one (91/199) apparently healthy, unvaccinated Landrace pigs at three locations within Ibadan from April to June, 2008. Two strains of human influenza virus A: A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) and A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) were used in Haemagglutination-Inhibition Assay for antibody detection. Prevalence of HI antibodies to the two subtypes was 90.1%. Antibodies to influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) were significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent (80.2%) than those of influenza A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) (51.6%). Titres of HI antibodies to influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 [mean = 3331.5] were significantly higher (P < 0....

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A Live Attenuated H1N1 M1 Mutant Provides Broad Cross‐Protection against Influenza A Viruses, Including Highly Pathogenic A/Vietnam/1203/2004, in Mice

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:45:23 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. The emergence of novel influenza A H1N1 and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses underscores the urgency of developing efficient vaccines against an imminent pandemic. M(NLS‐88R) (H1N1), an A/WSN/33 mutant with modifications in the multibasic motif 101RKLKR105 of the matrix (M1) protein and its adjacent region, was generated by reverse genetics. The M(NLS‐88R) mutant had in vitro growth characteristics similar to those of wild‐type A/WSN/33 (wt‐WSN), but it was attenuated in mice. Vaccination with M(NLS‐88R) not only fully protected mice from lethal homologous challenges but also prevented mortality caused by antigenically distinct H3N2 and H5N1 viruses. M(NLS‐88R)‐induced...

Efficacy of Inactivated Split‐Virus Influenza Vaccine against Culture‐Confirmed Influenza in Healthy Adults: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:45:18 +0100

Conclusion. TIV is efficacious against culture‐confirmed influenza in healthy adults. Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00363870. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

AFLURIA (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension AFLURIA (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [CSL Limited]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Nov 12, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Innate immune response to H3N2 and H1N1 influenza virus infection in a human lung organ culture model.

Virology — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wu W, Booth JL, Duggan ES, Wu S, Patel KB, Coggeshall KM, Metcalf JP We studied cytokine responses to influenza virus PR8 (H1N1) and Oklahoma/309/06 (OK/06, H3N2) in a novel human lung tissue model. Exposure of the model to influenza virus rapidly activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (MAPK) pathways ERK, p38 and JNK. In addition, RNase protection assay demonstrated the induction of several cytokine and chemokine mRNAs by virus. This finding was reflected at the translational level as IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha/beta, IL-8 and IP-10 proteins were induced as determined by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry for IP-10 and MIP-1alpha revealed that alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages were the source of these two cytokines. Taken together, both PR8 and OK/06 cause simi...

H1N1 Cases Increase In China, Japan; Afghanistan Attempts To Contain Virus

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

The WHO on Friday reported on a rising number of H1N1 (swine flu) cases in China and Japan, Reuters/Washington Post reports. "In China, after an earlier wave of mixed influenza activity (seasonal H3N2 and pandemic H1N1), pandemic H1N1 influenza activity now predominates and is increasing," the agency said. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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H1N1 Cases Increase In China, Japan; Afghanistan Attempts To Contain Virus

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

GSK announces trial data on co-administration of PandemrixT with annual seasonal influenza vaccine (Fluarix®)

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: PharmaLive Area: News GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the results from the trial assessing PandemrixT, its adjuvanted H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine, administered at the same time as the annual seasonal influenza vaccine, Fluarix®. The trial involves 168 adults aged over 60 years of age and showed that 89.3% of the subjects receiving both vaccines at the same time demonstrated a response for the H1N1 virus that was above the regulatory threshold of 1:40 seroprotection considered indicative of protection. The immune response for the seasonal vaccine exceeded the regulatory threshold defined by international licensing authorities for registration of the seasonal influenza vaccine each year (69.0%, 78.6% and 100% for A/Brisbane (H1N1), A/Uruguay (H3N2) and B/Brisbane...

Effects of Combinations of Favipiravir (T-705) and Oseltamivir on Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) Virus Infections in Mice.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Smee DF, Hurst BL, Wong MH, Bailey KW, Tarbet EB, Morrey JD, Furuta Y Favipiravir (T-705, 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) and oseltamivir were combined to treat influenza A/NWS/33 (H1N1), A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2), and A/Duck/MN/1525/81 (H5N1) virus infections. T-705 alone inhibited viruses in cell culture at 1.4-4.3 muM. Oseltamivir inhibited these three viruses in cells at 3.7, 0.02, and 0.16 muM, and at 0.94, 0.46, and 2.31 nM in neuraminidase assays, respectively. Oral treatments were given twice daily to mice for 5-7 days starting generally 24 h after infection. Survival resulting from 5 days of oseltamivir treatment (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day) was significantly better in combination with 20 mg/kg/day of T-705 against the H1N1 infection. Treatment of the H3N2 infection...

Probabilistic indoor transmission modeling for influenza (sub)type viruses

Journal of Infection — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Probabilistic transmission model can incorporate virus-specific data on experimental viral shedding, long-term sentinel physician and laboratory surveillance to predict virus-specific infection risks in Taiwan. (Source: Journal of Infection)

Efficient Transmission of Swine‐Adapted but Not Wholly Avian Influenza Viruses among Pigs and from Pigs to Ferrets

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:15:38 +0100

Conclusions. Our data indicate that swine‐adapted influenza viruses spread readily among pigs and from pigs to other susceptible mammalians and support the notion that AIVs undergo genetic adaptation to efficiently cross the species barrier. Our transmission models hold potential to study the factors that lead to the generation of pandemic influenza viruses. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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New WHO Criteria To Qualify Flu Viruses As Pandemic Strains

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

An editorial published today in BMJ Clinical Evidence reports that more flu viruses could qualify as pandemic strains as a result of recent changes to the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for a flu pandemic. A change from, for example, A [H2N2] influenza to A [H3N2] is a process known as a "shift". (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Infection of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells with Influenza A Viruses [Retina]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:17 +0100

In this report, influenza A virus replication was studied for the first time in a relevant cell type derived from the retina (primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells), and the results indicate that H5N1 viruses have a greater potential to replicate in these cells than seasonal H3N2 or H1N1 influenza A viruses. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Direct multiplex reverse transcription-nested PCR detection of influenza viruses without RNA purification.

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Song MK, Chang J, Hong Y, Hong S, Kim SW This paper describes the development a of direct multiplex reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, devised for simultaneous detection and typing of influenza viruses. This method combines the direct reverse transcription reaction without RNA purification with the enhancement of sensitivity and specificity of nested PCR. The method successfully detected three major human influenza viruses: influenza virus A subtype 1 (H1N1) and subtype 3 (H3N2), and influenza B virus (B). The minimum number of virus particles (pfu/ml) necessary for detection in spiked saliva samples was 200 (H1N1), 140 (H3N2), and 4.5 (B). The method's sensitivity and simplicity will be convenient for use in clinical laboratories for the dete...

Reassortment between Amantadine‐Resistant and ‐Sensitive H1N1 Influenza A Viruses Generated an Amantadine‐Sensitive Virus during the 2007–2008 Season

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:34:18 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. The frequency of the amantadine‐resistant H1N1 influenza A virus has been increasing since the 2005–2006 season. It is unclear whether reassortment was involved in this trend. Here, we show that cocirculation of amantadine‐resistant and ‐sensitive strains led to the genesis of amantadine‐sensitive reassortant virus during the 2007–2008 season. Thereafter, the reassortant virus predominated. This contrasts with the trend for the H3N2 virus, in which the amantadine‐resistant reassortant virus became predominant. The results suggest that it is necessary to monitor genome dynamics to understand the evolution and mechanism of the emergence and spread of antiviral resistance among influenza A vi...

Synthesis and antiviral studies of novel N-sulphonamidomethyl piperazinyl fluoroquinolones

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:05:17 +0100

Selvam P, Rathore P, Karthikumar S, Velkumar K, Palanisamy P, Vijayalakhsmi S, Witvrouw MIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2009 71(4):432-436A series of novel N-Sulphonamidomethyl piperzinyl fluoroquinolones were synthesized and screened antiviral activity. Eight compounds were synthesized through modifying the N<sup> 4</sup> -hydrogen of piperazine in fluoroquinolones with formaldehyde and sulphanomides by Mannich reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by means of their IR and <sup> 1</sup> H-NMR spectral data. Synthesized compounds were screened for antiviral activity against influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, H5N1) and influenza B viruses in MDCK cell culture. The antiHIV act...

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The first Swedish H1N2 swine influenza virus isolate represents an uncommon reassortant

BioMed Central — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The European swine influenza viruses (SIVs) show considerable diversity comprising different types of H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2 strains. The intensifying full genome sequencing efforts reveal further reassortants within these subtypes. Here we report the identification of an uncommon reassortant variant of H1N2 subtype influenza virus isolated from a pig in a multisite herd where H1N2 swine influenza was diagnosed for the first time in Sweden during the winter of 2008- 2009. The majority of the European H1N2 swine influenza viruses described so far possess haemagglutinin (HA) of the human-like H1N2 SIV viruses and the neuraminidase (NA) of either the European H1N2 or H3N2 SIV-like viruses. The Swedish isolate has an avian-like SIV HA and a H3N2 SIV-like NA, which is phylogenetically more closel...

Innate immune responses to influenza A H5N1: friend or foe?

Trends in Immunology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Peiris JS, Cheung CY, Leung CY, Nicholls JM Avian influenza A H5N1 remains unusual in its virulence for humans. Although infection of humans remains inefficient, many of those with H5N1 disease have a rapidly progressing viral pneumonia that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death, but its pathogenesis remains an enigma. Comparison of the virology and pathogenesis of human seasonal influenza viruses (H3N2 and H1N1) and H5N1 in patients, animal models and relevant primary human cell cultures is instructive. Although the direct effects of viral replication and differences in the tropism of the virus for cells in the lower respiratory tract clearly contribute to pathogenesis, we focus here on the possible contribution of the host innate immune response in the patho...

Influenza virus CTL epitopes, remarkably conserved and remarkably variable.

Vaccine — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:35:44 +0100

Authors: Rimmelzwaan GF, Kreijtz JH, Bodewes R, Fouchier RA, Osterhaus AD Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) contribute to the control of virus infections including those caused by influenza viruses. Especially under circumstances when antibodies induced by previous infection or vaccination fail to recognize and neutralize the virus adequately, CTL are important and contribute to protective immunity. During epidemic outbreaks caused by antigenic drift variants and during pandemic outbreaks of influenza, humoral immunity against influenza viruses is inadequate. Under these circumstances, pre-existing CTL directed to the relatively conserved internal proteins of the virus may provide cross-protective immunity. Indeed, most of the known human influenza virus CTL epitopes are con...

Residual immunity in older people against the influenza A(H1N1)--recent experience in northern Spain.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100

Authors: Pérez-Trallero E, Piñeiro L, Vicente D, Montes M, Cilla G The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has a higher incidence in children and young adults, a pattern that has also been reported in seasonal influenza caused by the influenza A(H1N1)virus. We analysed age at infection in symptomatic patients with influenza in the Basque Country (northern Spain), reported through the sentinel influenza surveillance system which monitors 2.2-2.5%of the population. Between September 1999 and August 2009,influenza A(H3N2) or seasonal influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 941 patients, and from April to August 2009, pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 112 patients. The H3/H1 seasonal influenza ratio was between 3.3 and 3.4 in the under 60 year olds,but 9.8 in older individua...

Oseltamivir susceptibility in south-western France during the 2007-8 and 2008-9 influenza epidemics and the ongoing influenza pandemic 2009.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:10:04 +0100

We report the prevalence of the oseltamivir resistance among influenza A viruses circulating in south-western France over the past three years: seasonal influenza A(H1N1), seasonal influenza A(H3N2), and the influenza A(H1N1)v viruses associated with the ongoing 2009 pandemic. The main result of the study is the absence of oseltamivir resistance in the pandemic H1N1 strains studied so far (n=129). PMID: 19814958 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

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Differential suppressive effect of promyelocytic leukemia protein on the replication of different subtypes/strains of influenza A virus.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:41:04 +0100

Authors: Li W, Wang G, Zhang H, Zhang D, Zeng J, Chen X, Xu Y, Li K Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) plays an important role in the defense against a number of viruses, including influenza A virus. However, the sensitivity of influenza A virus subtypes/strains to PML is unknown. We investigated the role of PML in the replication of different influenza A virus subtypes/strains using pan-PML knock-down A549 cells and PML-VI-overexpressed MDCK cells. We found that (i) depletion of pan-PML by siRNA rendered A549 cells more susceptible to influenza A virus strains PR8(H1N1) and ST364(H3N2), but not to strains ST1233(H1N1), Qa199(H9N2) and Ph2246(H9N2); (ii) overexpression of PML-VI in MDCK cells conferred potent resistance to PR8(H1N1) infection, while lacked inhibitory activity to ST12...

Development of a real-time RT-PCR assay for a novel Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

Journal of Virological Methods — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay based on the hemagglutinin gene was developed that discriminates the novel H1N1 from swine influenza virus, seasonal H1N1/H3N2 virus and the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. The sensitivity of this assay was 0.2 50% tissue culture infective dose of virus and 200 copies of in vitro-transcribed target RNA. Three hundred and forty-eight clinical specimens from suspected H1N1 patients were tested using this assay, and forty-two (12.07%) were found to be positive. Tests using the real-time PCR assay recommended by WHO and virus isolation gave identical results. This sensitive and specific real-time RT-PCR assay will contribute to the early diagnosis and control of the emerging H1N1 influenza pandemic. PMID: 198...

Residual immunity in older people against the influenza A(H1N1) - recent experience in northern Spain

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has a higher incidence in children and young adults, a pattern that has also been reported in seasonal influenza caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus. We analysed age at infection in symptomatic patients with influenza in the Basque Country (northern Spain), reported through the sentinel influenza surveillance system which monitors 2.2-2.5% of the population. Between September 1999 and August 2009, influenza A(H3N2) or seasonal influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 941 patients, and from April to August 2009, pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 112 patients. The H3/H1 seasonal influenza ratio was between 3.3 and 3.4 in the under 60 year-olds, but 9.8 in older individuals, suggesting that people born before 1950 have residual immunity against th...

Immunological effect of subunit influenza vaccine entrapped by liposomes.

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The immune effect of liposomal vaccine depends on different antigens, and enhanced immunity is not positively correlated with the mean size of liposome or its entrapped efficiency. PMID: 20163063 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Biomedical and Environmental Sciences : BES)

Detection of Influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 Mutations Conferring Resistance to Oseltamivir using Rolling Circle Amplification.

Antiviral Research — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, RCA technology can provide rapid (<24hours), high-throughput diagnosis of OTV resistance mutations with a high specificity and sensitivity. PMID: 19800370 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antiviral Research)

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Efficacy and safety of a live attenuated influenza vaccine in adults 60 years of age and older.

Vaccine — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: De Villiers PJ, Steele AD, Hiemstra LA, Rappaport R, Dunning AJ, Gruber WC, Forrest BD, This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of LAIV in community-dwelling ambulatory adults >/=60 years of age in South Africa in 2001. Nose and throat swabs were obtained for influenza virus culture based on the symptoms of influenza-like illness. A total of 3242 subjects were enrolled, with a mean age of 69.5 years. The efficacy of LAIV against influenza viruses antigenically similar to the vaccine was 42.3% (95% CI, 21.6-57.8%). Efficacy against A/H3N2 viruses was 52.5% (95% CI, 32.1-67.2%); vaccine efficacy was not observed against antigenically similar B strains. In post hoc analyses, efficacy in subjects 60 to <7...

Understanding The Flu Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:00:00 +0100

David P. Calfee, MD, Infection Control Officer, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, recently discussed the flu vaccine: -- What is the seasonal flu shot? The seasonal flu shot is given annually and protects against three common viruses, one influenza A (H3N2) virus, one regular seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus not the pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus and one influenza B virus. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Live Attenuated Flu Vaccine May Be Less Effective Than Inactivated Flu Vaccine

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:04:29 +0100

In the 2007-2008 flu season, the inactivated vaccine was more effective than the live attenuated vaccine in preventing laboratory-confirmed symptomatic influenza A (mostly H3N2) in healthy adults. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Oseltamivir susceptibility in south-western France during the 2007-8 and 2008-9 influenza epidemics and the ongoing influenza pandemic 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Evaluation of twenty rapid antigen tests for the detection of human influenza A H5N1, H3N2, H1N1, and B viruses

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Twenty rapid antigen assays were compared for their ability to detect influenza using dilutions of virus culture supernatants from human isolates of influenza A H5N1 (clade 1 and 2 strains), H3N2 and H1N1 viruses, and influenza B. There was variation amongst the rapid antigen assays in their ability to detect different influenza viruses. Six of the 12 assays labeled as distinguishing between influenza A and B had comparable analytical sensitivities for detecting both influenza A H5N1 strains, although their ability to detect influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 strains varied. The two assays claiming H5 specificity did not detect either influenza A H5N1 strains, and the two avian influenza-specific assays detected influenza A H5N1, but missed some influenza A H3N2 virus supernatants. Clinical trials ...

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Comparison of the usefulness of the CACO-2 cell line with standard substrates for isolation of swine influenza A viruses.

Journal of Virological Methods — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chiapponi C, Zanni I, Garbarino C, Barigazzi G, Foni E Influenza A virus isolation is undertaken routinely in embryonated chicken eggs, but to improve virus detection various cell lines can be used. The CACO-2 cell line was compared to the MDCK cell line and embryonated chicken eggs for the isolation of H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 swine influenza A virus subtypes from clinical specimens. From 2006 to 2008, 104 influenza A samples found positive by PCR from 42 respiratory outbreaks in Italian swine farms were examined by virus isolation. Sixty swine influenza A viruses were isolated (16 H1N1, 28 H1N2, 16 H3N2) and their growth behaviour on the different substrates was examined. 16/16 H1N1, 28/28 H1N2 and 8/16 of H3N2 viruses were isolated from the CACO-2 cell line, while 7/16 H1N1, 3/28 H...

Detection of influenza A(H1N1)v virus by real-time RT-PCR.

Euro Surveill — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:34:02 +0100

Authors: Panning M, Eickmann M, Landt O, Monazahian M, Olschläger S, Baumgarte S, Reischl U, Wenzel JJ, Niller HH, Günther S, Hollmann B, Huzly D, Drexler JF, Helmer A, Becker S, Matz B, Eis-Hübinger A, Drosten C Influenza A(H1N1)v virus was first identified in April 2009. A novel real-time RT-PCR for influenza A(H1N1)v virus was set up ad hoc and validated following industry-standard criteria. The lower limit of detection of the assay was 384 copies of viral RNA per ml of viral transport medium (95% confidence interval: 273-876 RNA copies/ml). Specificity was 100% as assessed on a panel of reference samples including seasonal human influenza A virus H1N1 and H3N2, highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 and porcine influenza A virus H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 samples. T...

An Influenza A H1N1 Virus Revival – Pandemic H1N1/09 Virus

Infection — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:10:22 +0100

Abstract In April 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza A virus, the so-called pandemic H1N1/09 virus (former designations include swine influenza, novel influenza, swine-origin influenza A [H1N1] virus [S-OIV], Mexican flu, North American Flu) was identified in Mexico. The virus has since spread throughout the world and caused an influenza pandemic as defined by the criteria of the World Health Organization. This represents the first influenza A virus pandemic since the emergence of H3N2 (“Hong Kong” Flu) in 1968. Vaccine production has started, and vaccines are expected to become available during the course of 2009. Although the pandemic H1N1/09 virus originates from the triple-reassortant swine influenza (H1) virus circulating in North American pigs, it is not epidemic in pi...

An influenza A H1N1 virus revival – pandemic H1N1/09 virus

Infection — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:10:22 +0100

Abstract In April 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza A virus, the so-called pandemic H1N1/09 virus (former designations include swine influenza, novel influenza, swine-origin influenza A [H1N1] virus [S-OIV], Mexican flu, North American Flu) was identified in Mexico. The virus has since spread throughout the world and caused an influenza pandemic as defined by the criteria of the World Health Organization. This represents the first influenza A virus pandemic since the emergence of H3N2 (‘‘Hong Kong’’ Flu) in 1968. Vaccine production has started, and vaccines are expected to become available during the course of 2009. Although the pandemic H1N1/09 virus originates from the triple-reassortant swine influenza (H1) virus circulating in North American pigs, it is not epidem...

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 66

WHO Swine Flu — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0100

In the temperate regions* of the northern hemisphere, influenza activity remains widely variable. In North America, the United States is reporting increases in influenza-like-illness activity above the seasonal baseline, most notably in the southern, southeastern, and parts of the northeastern United States. In Canada, influenza activity remains low. In Europe and Central Asia influenza activity remains low overall, except in France, which is reporting increases in influenza-like-illness activity (for week 37) above the seasonal epidemic threshold. Geographically localized influenza activity is being reported in several countries (Austria, Georgia, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Israel). In Japan, influenza activity remains stably increased above...

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Effect of a second, booster, influenza vaccination on antibody responses in quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus: an open, prospective, controlled study

Rheumatology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Additional value of a booster influenza vaccination in SLE is limited to patients who were not vaccinated in the previous year. (Source: Rheumatology)

Influenza virus vaccination in kidney transplant recipients: serum antibody response to different immunosuppressive drugs

Clinical Transplantation — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Renal transplant patients vaccinated against influenza responded with antibody production for influenza A virus strains, but not for influenza B. Use of MMF and shorter time from transplantation decreased the immune response to the vaccine. (Source: Clinical Transplantation)

Rapid quantification of single-nucleotide mutations in mixed Influenza A viral populations using Allele Specific Mixture Analysis.

Journal of Virological Methods — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liu CM, Driebe EM, Schupp J, Kelley E, Nguyen JT, McSharry JJ, Weng Q, Engelthaler DM, Keim PS Monitoring antiviral resistance in influenza is critical to public health epidemiology and pandemic preparedness activities. Effective monitoring requires methods to detect low-level resistance and to monitor the change in resistance as a function of time and drug treatment. Resistance-conferring single nucleotide mutations in influenza virus are ideal targets for such methods. In the present study, fives sets of paired TaqMan(R) allele-specific PCR (ASPCR) assays were developed and validated for quantitative single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. This novel method using DeltaCt is termed Allele Specific Mixture Analysis (ASMA) or FluASMA. The FluASMA assays target L26F, V27A...

Recent Human Influenza A/H3N2 Virus Evolution Driven by Novel Selection Factors in Addition to Antigenic Drift

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:08:24 +0100

Conclusion. These data suggest that influenza strains can be selected in humans through mutations that increase replicative fitness and virulence, in addition to the well‐characterized antigenic changes in the surface glycoproteins. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Detection of Influenza A(H1N1)v virus by real-time RT-PCR

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Influenza A(H1N1)v virus was first identified in April 2009. A novel real-time RT-PCR for influenza A(H1N1)v virus was set up ad hoc and validated following industry-standard criteria. The lower limit of detection of the assay was 384 copies of viral RNA per ml of viral transport medium (95% confidence interval: 273-876 RNA copies/ml). Specificity was 100% as assessed on a panel of reference samples including seasonal human influenza A virus H1N1 and H3N2, highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 and porcine influenza A virus H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 samples. The real-time RT-PCR assay for the influenza A matrix gene recommended in 2007 by the World Health Organization was modified to work under the same reaction conditions as the influenza A(H1N1)v virus-specific test. Both assays were e...

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Broad-spectrum antiviral effect of Agrimonia pilosa extract on influenza viruses

Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Influenza virus continues to emerge and re-emerge, posing new threats for humans. Here we tested various Korean medicinal plant extracts for potential antiviral activity against influenza viruses. Among them, an extract of Agrimonia pilosa was shown to be highly effective against all three subtypes of human influenza viruses including H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A subtypes and influenza B virus. The EC50 value against influenza A virus, as tested by the plaque reduction assay on MDCK cells, was 14[ndash]23 [mu]g/ml. The extract also exhibited a virucidal effect at a concentration of 160[ndash]570 ng/ml against influenza A and B viruses when the viruses were treated with the extract prior to plaque assay. In addition, when tested in embryonated chicken eggs the extract exhibited a strong inhibi...

Detection of an oseltamivir-resistant pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus in Hong Kong

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Surveillance of adamantane and oseltamivir resistance among influenza viruses was started in Hong Kong in 2006 following a report of high rate of adamantane resistance among influenza A/H3N2 viruses and the purchase of stockpile of oseltamivir for pandemic preparedness. With the emergence of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus, in addition to the RT-PCR to detect the virus rapidly, respiratory specimens from suspected cases were also inoculated onto MDCK cells. Isolates were identified using immunofluorescence and haemagglutination inhibition tests. Each isolate was tested for oseltamivir and zanamivir resistance by a neuraminidase inhibition assay (NA-STAR, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, USA) according to Manufacturer's instruction and if found resistant, nucleotide sequencing of the neuram...

Detection and subtyping of influenza A virus based on a short oligonucleotide microarray

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report the design and characterization of a microarray with 46 short virus-specific oligonucleotides for detecting influenza A virus of 5 subtypes: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, H5N1, and H9N2. A unique combination of 3 specific modifications was introduced into the microarray assay: (1) short probes of 19 to 27 nucleotides, (2) simple amplification of full-length hemagglutinin and neuraminidase cDNAs with universal primers, and (3) Klenow-mediated labeling and further amplification of the samples before hybridization. The assay correctly and specifically detected and subtyped 11 different influenza A isolates from human, avian, and swine species representing the 5 subtypes. When tested with 225 clinical samples, 20 were detected to be positive using our microarray-based assay, whereas only 10 were...

Genomic events underlying the changes in adamantane resistance among influenza A(H3N2) viruses during 2006–2008

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The decrease in adamantane resistance at that time was due to transient co-circulation of genotypes that emerged through reassortment. Our findings emphasize the importance of complete genome sequencing in understanding the complex nature of the relationship between influenza virus evolution and antiviral resistance. The recent emergence of the pandemic multi-reassortant H1N1 virus underscores the importance of whole genome sequence monitoring for rapid detection of such unusual and novel strains. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Flu Treatment for Upcoming Season Clarified

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

VAIL, COLO. — The recommended antiviral therapy during the coming influenza season will depend on whether a patient has laboratory-confirmed novel influenza A(H1N1). In patients with confirmed novel influenza A(H1N1), or in patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H3N2) or B, the first-line antiviral is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). However, in patients with a positive laboratory test for influenza A or seasonal A(H1N1), the preferred agent is zanamivir (Relenza), according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

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Flu Treatment for Upcoming Season Clarified

Skin and Allergy News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Antiviral Therapies for The Upcoming Flu Season Clarified

Ob.Gyn. News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Treatment Recommendations for Upcoming Flu Season Clarified

Pediatric News — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Using a mutual information-based site transition network to map the genetic evolution of influenza A/H3N2 virus

Bioinformatics — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Motivation: Mapping the antigenic and genetic evolution pathways of influenza A is of critical importance in the vaccine development and drug design of influenza virus. In this article, we have analyzed more than 4000 A/H3N2 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences from 1968 to 2008 to model the evolutionary path of the influenza virus, which allows us to predict its future potential drifts with specific mutations. Results: The mutual information (MI) method was used to design a site transition network (STN) for each amino acid site in the A/H3N2 HA sequence. The STN network indicates that most of the dynamic interactions are positioned around the epitopes and the receptor binding domain regions, with strong preferences in both the mutation sites and amino acid types being mutated to. The network also...

Identification of amino acid residues of influenza A virus H3 HA contributing to the recognition of molecular species of sialic acid

FEBS Letters — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: To identify a determinant of human H3 hemagglutinin (HA) amino acid residues linked to the recognition of molecular species of sialic acid, we generated six mutant viruses possessing either the wild-type HA gene from A/Memphis/1/71 (H3N2) or a genetically single-mutated HA gene at position 137, 144, 155, 158 or 193 from a genetic backbone of A/WSN/33 (H1N1) by reverse genetics. We evaluated the binding ability with four types of synthetic sialylglycolipids. The results indicate that the amino acid substitutions Thr155 to Tyr and Glu158 to Gly in H3 HA facilitate virus binding to N-glycolylneuraminic acid. (Source: FEBS Letters)

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Amantadine-resistant influenza A viruses isolated in South Korea from 2003 to 2009.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Choi WY, Kim S, Lee N, Kwon M, Yang I, Kim MJ, Cheong SG, Kwon D, Lee JY, Oh HB, Kang C To investigate the frequency of amatadine resistance among influenza A viruses isolated in Korea during the 2003-2009 seasons, 369 (16.8%) 2,199 A/H1N1 viruses and 780 (14.8%) of 5,263 A/H3N2 viruses were randomly selected. The M2 and HA1 genes of each isolate were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and followed by nucleotide sequencing. The results showed that the resistance rate to amantadine among A/H1N1 viruses increased significantly from 2004-2005 (33.3%) to 2007-2008 (97.8%) and then decreased dramatically in 2008-2009 (1.9%). The A/H1N1 isolates recently detected in 2008-2009 turned amantadine-sensitive containing two new substitutions at specific sites (S1...

Cluster analysis of the origins of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:20:04 +0100

Authors: Solovyov A, Palacios G, Briese T, Lipkin WI, Rabadan R In March and April 2009, a new strain of influenza A(H1N1) virus has been isolated in Mexico and the United States. Since the initial reports more than 10,000 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization, all around the world. Several hundred isolates have already been sequenced and deposited in public databases. We have studied the genetics of the new strain and identified its closest relatives through a cluster analysis approach. We show that the new virus combines genetic information related to different swine influenza viruses. Segments PB2, PB1, PA, HA, NP and NS are related to swine H1N2 and H3N2 influenza viruses isolated in North America. Segments NA and M are related to swine influenza viruses isolate...

Rapid spread of drug-resistant influenza A viruses in the Basque Country, northern Spain, 2000-1 to 2008-9.

Euro Surveill — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:20:04 +0100

Authors: Vicente D, Cilla G, Montes M, Mendiola J, Pérez-Trallero E A worldwide increase of adamantane-resistant influenza A(H3N2) and oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses has been observed in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of antiviral drug-resistant influenza A in a region of northern Spain. Resistance to adamantanes was detected in 45.3% (68/150) of influenza AH3 viruses analysed for the period from 2000-1 to 2008-9. Adamantane-resistance was absent in our region during the 2000-1 to 2002-3 influenza seasons. However, after the first adamantane-resistant virus (characterised as A/Fujian/411/2002) was detected in the 2003-4 season, a rapid increase in the proportion of resistant strains was observed (4.9% [2/41], 80% [8/10] and 100% ...

What will the next influenza season bring about: seasonal influenza or the new A(H1N1)v? An analysis of German influenza surveillance data.

Euro Surveill — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:12:02 +0100

Authors: Upphoff H, Geis S, Grüber A, Hauri A For the next influenza season (winter 2009-10) the relative contributions to virus circulation and influenza-associated morbidity of the seasonal influenza viruses A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B, and the new influenza A(H1N1)v are still unknown. We estimated the chances of seasonal influenza to circulate during the upcoming season using data of the German influenza sentinel scheme from 1992 to 2009. We calculated type and subtype-specific indices for past exposure and the corresponding morbidity indices for each season. For the upcoming season 2009-10 our model suggests that it is unlikely that influenza A(H3N2) will circulate with more than a low intensity, seasonal A(H1N1) with more than a low to moderate intensity, and influenza B with more...

Swine Flu Influenza Type A/H1N1 Protection for Health Care Practitioners and Their Patients

WorldHealth.net — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:48:16 +0100

Discussion:H1N1 is a serious threat to our health and way of life. The best way to treat it influenza is to prevent it. Prevention produces a problem is that drugs have serious side effects and cannot be used by the entire population and should not be used for long periods of time. The other problem is that approximately three fourths of the people who have died from H1N1 influenza have succumbed to a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs and no antiviral drug will treat this condition. In order to control an epidemic, all types of treatment should be employed including prescription drugs, vitamins, mineral, herbs, proper hygiene, air filtration, water filtration and the proper use of diet and nutritional supplements, especially the newly patented, FDA approved Silver Sol technology. ...

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FLUZONE (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated) And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [Sanofi Pasteur Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Aug 13, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

What will the next influenza season bring about: seasonal influenza or the new A(H1N1)v? An analysis of German influenza surveillance data

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

For the next influenza season (winter 2009-10) the relative contributions to virus circulation and influenza-associated morbidity of the seasonal influenza viruses A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B, and the new influenza A(H1N1)v are still unknown. We estimated the chances of seasonal influenza to circulate during the upcoming season using data of the German influenza sentinel scheme from 1992 to 2009. We calculated type and subtype-specific indices for past exposure and the corresponding morbidity indices for each season. For the upcoming season 2009-10 our model suggests that it is unlikely that influenza A(H3N2) will circulate with more than a low intensity, seasonal A(H1N1) with more than a low to moderate intensity, and influenza B with more than a low to median intensity. The probability of a c...

Mechanisms of the action of povidone-iodine against human and avian influenza A viruses: its effects on hemagglutination and sialidase activities

Virology Journal — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Mechanisms of reduction of viral growth in MDCK cells by PVP-I involve blockade of viral attachment to cellular receptors and inhibition of viral release and spread from infected cells. Therefore, PVP-I is useful to prevent infection and limit spread of human and avian influenza viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

Antibodies to PB1-F2 protein are induced in response to influenza A virus infection

Archives of Virology — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:52:43 +0100

This study indicates that PB1-F2 is expressed in sufficient quantities in mice and humans infected with IAV to elicit an Ab response, supporting the biological relevance of this intriguing accessory protein. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00705-009-0479-5Authors Ingrid Krejnusová, Slovak Academy of Sciences Institute of Virology Bratislava Slovak RepublicHana Gocníková, Slovak Academy of Sciences Institute of Virology Bratislava Slovak RepublicMagdaléna Bystrická, Slovak Academy of Sciences Institute of Virology Bratislava Slovak RepublicHana Blaškovičová, Office for Public Health of Slovak Republic Bratislava Slovak RepublicKatarína Poláková, Slovak Academy of Sciences Cancer Research Institute Bratislava Slovak RepublicJonathan Yew...

AFLURIA (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension AFLURIA (Influenza A Virus A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1n1) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Uruguay/716/2007(H3n2) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [CSL Limited]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Aug 11, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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H3N2 Influenza A Virus Replicates in Immortalized Human First Trimester Trophoblast Cell Lines and Induces Their Rapid Apoptosis

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion We revealed replication of low pathogenic influenza virus in the first trimester trophoblast cell lines. Placental damages are likely to be induced by direct cytopathic effects of influenza virus and subsequent apoptosis rather than down regulation of HLA-G expression and subsequent rejection by maternal immune system. (Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology)

Evaluation of rapid influenza diagnostic tests for detection of novel influenza A (H1N1) Virus - United States, 2009.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: The recent appearance and worldwide spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus has highlighted the need to evaluate commercially available, widely used, rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) for their ability to detect these viral antigens in respiratory clinical specimens. As an initial assessment, CDC conducted an evaluation of multiple RIDTs. Sixty-five clinical respiratory specimens collected during April-May 2009 that had previously tested positive either for novel influenza A (H1N1) or for seasonal influenza A (H1N1) or A (H3N2) viruses by real-time reverse transcription--polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay were used in the evaluation. The results showed that, although the RIDTs were capable of detecting novel A (H1N1) virus from respiratory specimens containing...

Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2009.

MMWR Recomm Rep — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This report updates the 2008 recommendations by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of influenza vaccine for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza (CDC. Prevention and control of influenza: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. MMWR 2008;57[No. RR-7]). Information on vaccination issues related to the recently identified novel influenza A H1N1 virus will be published later in 2009. The 2009 seasonal influenza recommendations include new and updated information. Highlights of the 2009 recommendations include 1) a recommendation that annual vaccination be administered to all children aged 6 months-18 years for the 2009-10 influenza season; 2) a recommendation that vaccines containing the 2009-10 trivalent...

A dose-ranging study of a subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus subtype A vaccine with and without aluminum phosphate adjuvantation in adults >/=65 years of age.

Vaccine — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

A dose-ranging study of a subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus subtype A vaccine with and without aluminum phosphate adjuvantation in adults >/=65 years of age. Vaccine. 2009 Jul 31; Authors: Langley JM, Sales V, McGeer A, Guasparini R, Predy G, Meekison W, Li M, Capellan J, Wang E We studied the safety and immunogenicity of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-A vaccine containing subunit antigens F, G and M in older persons, and its effect on influenza vaccine immunogenicity. In a dose-ranging, placebo-controlled, blinded trial 561 adults >/=65 years of age at five Canadian sites were randomized to one intramuscular injection of either 100, 50 or 25mug RSV-A-alum vaccine or 100mug non-adjuvanted RSV-A vaccine, or alum-placebo. All participants were offered inactivated inf...

Studies of cell-mediated immune responses to influenza vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study was therefore undertaken to assess cell-mediated responses to influenza vaccination in patients with SLE.Fifty-four patients with SLE and 54 healthy control subjects received subunit influenza vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were obtained before and 1 month after vaccination. Cell-mediated responses to A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 vaccines were evaluated using an interferon-[gamma] (IFN[gamma]) enzyme-linked immunospot assay and flow cytometry. Antibody responses were measured using a hemagglutination inhibition test.Prior to vaccination, patients with SLE had fewer IFN[gamma] spot-forming cells against A/H1N1 compared with control subjects and a lower frequency of IFN[gamma]-positive CD8+ T cells. After vaccination, the number of IFN[gamma] spot-forming cells increase...

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Proteomics-based characterization of hemagglutinins in different strains of influenza virus

Proteomics. Clinical Applications — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Infection with influenza A (subtypes H1N1 and H3N2) or B viruses results in over half a million deaths worldwide every year. Frequent antigenic changes (drift) in two major viral surface proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase lead to the constant emergence of antigenically distinct virus strains against which there is sub-optimal immunity in the population. Consequently the suitability of the viral strains included in the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) has to be re-evaluated annually. While virus seeds selected for vaccine manufacture are very well characterized, there is no assay in place to identify the source of HA in the formulated trivalent vaccine. Our study describes a proteomics-based method to identify the HA strain (not just subtype) and more fully characterize the fina...

Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses after Influenza Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients

American Journal of Transplantation — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

It has been speculated that influenza vaccination of renal allograft recipients could be associated with de novo production and/or increased titers of anti-HLA antibodies (HLA-Ab). To directly address this issue, we recruited 66 stable renal transplant recipients and 19 healthy volunteers during the 2005[ndash]2006 vaccination campaign. At day 0 and day 30 following vaccination, HLA-Ab were screened and in parallel influenza-specific antibody and T-cell responses were assessed. Humoral postvaccinal responses to A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 strains, but not B strain, were less frequent in transplanted patients than in control subjects. Significant expansion of influenza-specific IFN-[gamma]-producing T cells was observed at similar frequencies in patients and controls. There was no correlation between...

Molecular Detection of a Novel Human Influenza (H1N1) of Pandemic Potential by Conventional and Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR Assays [Brief Communications]

Clinical Chemistry — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These assays appear useful for the rapid diagnosis of cases with the novel H1N1 virus, thereby allowing better pandemic preparedness. (Source: Clinical Chemistry)

Two genotypes of H1N2 swine influenza viruses appeared among pigs in China

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Two different genotypes of H1N2 appeared among pigs in China. A/swine/Guangdong/1/06 was probably from H1N2 swine influenza viruses of North America; while A/swine/Tianjin/1/04 maybe come from reassortments of classical H1N1 swine and H3N2 human viruses prevalent in North America. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) purified polyphenol extract inhibits influenza virus and has a synergistic effect with oseltamivir

Phytomedicine — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, PPE inhibited the replication of human influenza A/Hong Kong (H3N2) in vitro. Pomegranate extracts should be further studied for therapeutic and prophylactic potential especially for influenza epidemics and pandemics. (Source: Phytomedicine)

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Swine flu and immunosuppression

NHS News Feed — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:48:00 +0100

This study has addressed an important question in vaccination research and one that has become topical with the spread of the new H1N1 swine flu virus. It is disappointing that there are so few high quality trials in this area and that the trials that exist are observational studies. This means that the evidence presented may be prone to bias. Nevertheless, decisions on vaccination in high-risk groups need to be made on the balance of the evidence that exists. This review has presented a useful summary, which can guide practice. Links To Science Kunisaki KM, Janoff EN. Influenza in immunosuppressed populations: a review of infection frequency, morbidity, mortality, and vaccine responses. Lancet Infect Dis 2009; 9: 493–504 (Source: NHS News Feed)

H1N1 traced to 1918 pandemic

NHS News Feed — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:47:00 +0100

This article was written by D M Morens and colleagues from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, in the US. It was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. No potential conflicts of interest were reported. A related article on the evolution of the current pandemic strain of the H1N1 virus was also published in the same issue and has been covered in Behind the Headlines. What kind of study was this? This was a review article written by acknowledged experts in the field, explaining the lineage of the pandemic flu virus seen in 1918 and relating it to the emergence of the pandemic H1N1 strain currently circulating. What do the researchers say? The researchers explain that descendents of the H1N1 influenza A virus that caused the pandemic of 1918�...

Triple combination of oseltamivir, amantadine, and ribavirin displays synergistic activity against multiple influenza virus strains in vitro.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This report demonstrates that a triple combination of antivirals was highly synergistic against influenza A. Importantly, the synergy of the triple combination was 2- to 13-fold greater than the synergy of any double combination, depending on the influenza subtype. These data support the investigation of a novel combination of oseltamivir, amantadine, and ribavirin as an effective treatment for both seasonal and pandemic influenza, allowing efficient use of the existing drug supplies. PMID: 19620324 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)

A probiotic fermented dairy drink improves antibody response to influenza vaccination in the elderly in two randomised controlled trials.

Vaccine — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that daily consumption of this particular probiotic product increased relevant specific antibody responses to influenza vaccination in individuals of over 70 years of age and may therefore provide a health benefit in this population. PMID: 19615959 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Statin/Caffeine Combination Against H5N1, H3N2 and H1N1 Virus Infection in BALB/c Mice.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liu Z, Guo Z, Wang G, Zhang D, He H, Li G, Liu Y, Higgins D, Walsh A, Shanahan-Prendergast L, Lu J The development of novel antiviral drugs is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a potential avian influenza pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel statin/caffeine combination against H5N1, H3N2 and H1N1 virus infection in a murine model. In H5N1-, H3N2- and H1N1-infected BALB/c mice, 50mug statin/200mug caffeine effectively ameliorated lung damage and inhibited viral replication and was at least as effective as oseltamivir and ribavirin. The statin/caffeine combination also appeared to be more effective when administered preventatively rather than as treatment. These findings provide justification for further research into thi...

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Molecular and phylogenetic analysis and vaccine strain match of human influenza a(h3n2) viruses isolated in northern greece between 2004 and 2008.

Virus Research — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Melidou A, Exindari M, Gioula G, Chatzidimitriou D, Pierroutsakos Y, Diza-Mataftsi E PMID: 19615420 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Virus Research)

Long-lasting immunogenicity of a virosomal vaccine in older children and young adults with type I diabetes mellitus.

Vaccine — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zuccotti GV, Scaramuzza A, Riboni S, Mameli C, Pariani E, Tanzi E, Zanetti A, Radaelli G To evaluate the long-lasting immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a virosomal influenza vaccine in subjects with type I diabetes, a trial was conducted during the 2007-2008 influenza season in Milan, Northern Italy. One hundred five subjects aged 9-30 years were randomized to receive by intramuscular injection vaccination by a single dose (0.5ml) of either a virosomal (Inflexal V((R))) (n=52) or a standard subunit (Influvac((R))) (n=53) vaccine. Serum hemagglutinin inhibition antibody titres were determined against the three recommended influenza-like strains, A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B, at pre-vaccination, and 1 and 6 months post-vaccination. Geometric mean titres were increased in the two grou...

High genetic and antigenic similarity between a swine H3N2 influenza A virus and a prior human influenza vaccine virus: a possible immune pressure-driven cross-species transmission.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:36:35 +0100

In this study, we compared the HA, NA and other gene segments of a swine H3N2 influenza A virus, A/Swine/Guangdong/z5/2003, which was isolated from pigs in 2003 in Guangdong Province, China, to the predominant human and swine H3N2 viruses. We found that the similarity of gene segments of A/Swine/Guangdong/z5/2003 was closer to Moscow/99-like human H3N2 virus than Europe swine H3N2 viruses during 1999-2002. These results suggest that A/Swine/Guangdong/z5/2003 may be porcine in origin, possibly being driven by human immune pressure induced by either natural H3N2 virus infection or use of A/Moscow/10/99 (H3N2)-based human influenza vaccine. The results further confirm that swine may play a dual role as a "shelter" for hosting influenza virus from humans or birds and as a "mixing vessel" for g...

Viral Loads and Duration of Viral Shedding in Adult Patients Hospitalized with Influenza

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:48:46 +0100

Conclusion. Patients hospitalized with severe influenza have more active and prolonged viral replication. Weakened host defenses slow viral clearance, whereas antivirals started within the first 4 days of illness enhance viral clearance. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

The history of swine flu

NHS News Feed — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0100

The Independent says that “the swine flu pandemic might not have happened had it not been for the accidental release of the same strain of influenza virus from a research laboratory in the late 1970s.” The news comes from a medical article which analysed the history of the influenza A H1N1 virus, including the recent development of swine flu seen around the world. The reports say that the H1N1 influenza strain was responsible for a flu pandemic in 1977, but before this it had not been found in humans for more than 20 years. By looking at the genetic makeup of the 1977 virus, researchers have found that it was similar to a strain that was circulating in 1950. This 1950s strain would have been stored in labs and researchers have suggested that the re-emergence of the virus in 1977 “was...

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Amantadine-resistant influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Iran.

Acta Virologica — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:15:03 +0100

Authors: Yavarian J, Mokhtari Azad T, Shafiei Jandaghi NZ, Nategh R Adamantanes have been used for the prophylaxis and treatment of Influenza A virus (IAV) infections worldwide. However, they have limited use because of increasing number of resistant viruses during recent years. In investigating the frequency of amantadine-resistant IAVs (H3N2) circulating in Iran in 2005-2008, we found that M2 sequences of recently circulating viruses that were amantadine-resistant contained a Ser31Asn mutation. Thus, adamantanes should not be used for treatment or prophylaxis of recent IAVs (H3N2) infections. In future, their potential use will depend on the resistance of circulating viruses. Keywords: Influenza A (H3N2) virus; amantadine; resistance; Iranian isolates. PMID: 19537916 [PubMed - in...

Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Studies Published For Novavax Seasonal Influenza Virus-Like-Particle Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) announced publication of the preclinical study results that supported the clinical development of the company's investigational VLP vaccine against the H3N2, H1N1 and B influenza strains. The study, which was conducted by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh, Center for Vaccine Research and Novavax, was published in the June 24, 2009 online issue of PLoS ONE. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Influenza A virus in Taiwan, 1980-2006: Phylogenetic and antigenic characteristics of the hemagglutinin gene

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Limited amount of information is available in Taiwan on the genetic or antigenic characteristics of influenza A virus prior to the establishment of a Taiwan surveillance network in 2000. Isolates of H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in Taiwan between 1980 and 2006 were studied, and part of the hemagglutinin gene was analyzed due to its importance in terms of viral infection and antibody neutralization. Results from a phylogenetic analysis indicate continuous evolutionary topology in H3N2 isolates, and two distinct H1N1 lineages. Many genetic relationships between vaccine strains and epidemic isolates appearing in Taiwan before other global locations were also observed and recorded in addition to a gradual increase in the number of N-linked glycosylation sites on partial HA1 proteins since 1980. The re...

Lower cellular immune responses to influenza A (H3N2) in the elderly

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Influenza epidemic is an important cause of severe illness in the elderly. Age-dependent morbidity of influenza in the elderly is associated with weakened immunity. The baseline age-related memory T cell activity in Chinese persons who are exposed to influenza virus through natural infection, are associated with the protective response to the virus after vaccination, thus providing important pre-vaccination information. A cohort from the general population was established at the end of an influenza season in an area where influenza occurs regularly, and followed for 24 weeks. The subjects had no vaccination history for 5 years. Memory T cell responses were evaluated using a set of peptides spanning the influenza A (H3N2) entire proteome in a gamma interferon (IFN-[gamma])-enzyme-linked imm...

Emergence of a novel swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIV) H1N1 virus in humans

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: A recently emerged novel influenza A H1N1 virus continues to spread globally. The virus contains a novel constellation of gene segments, the nearest known precursors being viruses found in swine and it likely arose through reassortment of two or more viruses of swine origin. H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 subtype swine influenza viruses have occasionally infected humans before but such zoonotic transmission events did not lead to sustained human-to-human transmission in the manner this swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) has done. Its transmission among humans appears to be higher than that observed with seasonal influenza. Children and young adults appear to those most affected and also those who appear to maintain transmission. Clinical disease generally appears mild but complications le...

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Evaluation of multiple test methods for the detection of the novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) during the New York City outbreak

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Rapid antigen tests, DFA, R-Mix culture and the xTAG RVP test all detected the novel H1N1 strain, but with highly varied sensitivity. The RVP test provided the best diagnostic option as RVP demonstrated superior sensitivity for the detection of all influenza strains, including the novel H1N1, provided accurate influenza A subtyping and identified a significant number of additional respiratory pathogens. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Development of a real-time RT-PCR for the detection of Swine-lineage Influenza A (H1N1) virus infections

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the rtRT-PCR is sensitive and should be used alongside existing universal influenza A assays to rapidly detect the novel H1N1 swl virus. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Fecal detection of influenza A virus in patients with concurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Influenza A viral RNA can be detected in stool specimens of 6 high-risk influenza patients with concurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Further investigation on the gastrointestinal involvement of seasonal influenza is required. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Structural and evolutionary characteristics of HA, NA, NS and M genes of clinical influenza A/H3N2 viruses passaged in human and canine cells

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The data suggest that (i) clinical influenza viruses can be isolated from respiratory tract of humans more effectively in human than in canine cells; (ii) heterologous virus population circulates during one influenza outbreak; (iii) increasing numbers of glycosylation sites on HA and NA and stalk shortening of NA take place during virus evolution in humans. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

[Correspondence] Swine-origin influenza virus in young age groups

LANCET — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In 1977, pandemic-like spread of an influenza H1N1 virus began in young individuals. The virus circulating early in the pandemic reflected sequential mutation; however, the strain circulating in the winter of 1978–79 (A/Cal/10/78) arose by recombination of genes from a “Russian flu” H1N1 strain (A/USSR/90/77) and an H3N2 strain (A/Tex/1/77). The “Russian flu” strain was similar to the H1N1 strains circulating internationally from 1946 to 1957. (Source: LANCET)

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Preparing the outbreak assistance laboratory network in the Netherlands for the detection of the influenza virus A(H1N1) variant

Journal of Clinical Virology — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The Dutch OAL are prepared for detection and specific identification of A(H1N1)v, although some level of cross-reactivity was observed with seasonal influenza viruses. Additionally, M-gene based generic influenza A virus detection is recommended to be able to detect emerging influenza A viruses in routine settings. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Pathogenesis and Subsequent Cross-Protection of Influenza Virus Infection in Pigs Sustained by an H1N2 Strain

Zoonoses and Public Health — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The objectives of this study were to investigate the pathogenesis of Sw/Italy/1521/98 (H1N2) influenza virus, isolated from respiratory tissues of pigs from herds in Northern Italy, and to evaluate its potential cross-protection against the Sw/Fin/2899/82 (H1N1) strain. In the pathogenesis test, eight pigs were intranasally infected with H1N2 virus; at pre-determined intervals, these animals were killed and necropsied, along with eight uninfected animals. In the cross-protection test, sixteen pigs were infected by intranasal (i.n.) and intratracheal (i.t.) routes with either H1N2 or H1N1 virus. Twenty days later, all pigs were challenged (by the same route), with either the homologous H1N2 or heterologous H1N1 virus strains. Control group was inoculated with culture medium alone. On post-c...

Randomized, Double‐Blind Controlled Phase 3 Trial Comparing the Immunogenicity of High‐Dose and Standard‐Dose Influenza Vaccine in Adults 65 Years of Age and Older

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:06:15 +0100

Conclusions. There was a statistically significant increase in the level of antibody response induced by HD influenza vaccine, compared with that induced by SD vaccine, without an attendant increase in the rate or severity of clinically relevant adverse reactions. These results suggest that the high‐dose vaccine may provide improved protective benefits for older adults. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00391053. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Mechanism of the antiviral effect of hydroxytyrosol on influenza virus appears to involve morphological change of the virus.

Antiviral Research — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:21:06 +0100

Authors: Yamada K, Ogawa H, Hara A, Yoshida Y, Yonezawa Y, Karibe K, Nghia VB, Yoshimura H, Yamamoto Y, Yamada M, Nakamura K, Imai K Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a small-molecule phenolic compound, inactivated influenza A viruses including H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, and H9N2 subtypes. HT also inactivated Newcastle disease virus but not bovine rotavirus, and fowl adenovirus, suggesting that the mechanism of the antiviral effect of HT might require the presence of a viral envelope. Pretreatment of MDCK cells with HT did not affect the propagation of H9N2 virus subsequently inoculated onto the cells, implying that HT targets the virus but not the host cell. H9N2 virus inactivated with HT retained unaltered hemagglutinating activity and bound to MDCK cells in a manner similar to untreated virus. Neuraminid...