MedWorm: H3N2

Variant H3N2 Influenza Virus: What You Should KnowVariant H3N2 Influenza Virus: What You Should Know

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:53:04 +0100

Find out when you should be considering infection with this novel influenza virus in your patients. CDC Expert Commentary (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Seasonal flu shot no help with swine flu

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:04:06 +0100

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The seasonal flu vaccine provides little protection against the novel (swine) H3N2 strain of flu, Canadian researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of 5‐substituted‐2‐(4‐substituted phenyl)‐1,3‐benzoxazoles as a novel class of influenza virus A inhibitors

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The diversity‐oriented chemistry synthesis together with the random screening approach has permitted the discovery and optimization of novel antiviral lead compounds. In this paper, a series of novel 5‐substituted‐2‐(4‐substituted phenyl)‐1,3‐benzoxazoles was synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro anti‐influenza A virus (IFV‐A) and anti‐influenza B virus (IFV‐B) activity. The activity was monitored by the MTS assay in the Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Compound 7h showed excellent inhibitory activity and selective index against A/H3N2 (EC50 = 37.03 μM, SI>5), which were all higher than that of the reference drug Oseltamivir (EC50 >59.00 μM, SI>1). However, no compound displays inhibitory activity against influenza B virus.© 2012 John Wiley...

Cross-reactive antibody to swine influenza A(H3N2) subtype virus in children and adults before and after immunisation with 2010/11 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in Canada, August to November 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Novel Influenza A (H3N2) Virus--Iowa, November 2011 [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

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

(Source: JAMA)

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

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

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

Lectin-mediated innate defences are important in limiting disease in influenza

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

This study investigates the effect of blocking these defences on antiviral activities and disease severity in influenza infection. Mice were infected with two influenza viruses that differ in the degree of glycosylation of the surface glycoprotein haemagluttinin. Infection with the poorly glycosylated H1N1 virus PR8 resulted in rapid weight loss and a 100% 5-day mortality, whereas the highly glycosylated PR8 reassortant BJx109 resulted in no significant weight loss and a 0% 10-day mortality. This result was replicated in knockout mice with impaired B and T cell function demonstrating that the innate immune system was sufficient to limit disease. In vitro only the highly glycosylated BJx109 (H3N2) virus infected airway macrophages to high levels and was neutralised by mouse bronchoalveolar ...

H1N1: overview and perspectives

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

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

Egypt H5N1 Recombines With Seasonal H1N1 H3N2 pH1N1

Recombinomics — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:12:20 +0100

The commentary discusses PB1 and PB2 recombination in avian H5N1 with seasonal H1N1, H3N2, and H1N1pdm09.. (01/13/12 23:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Influenza A (H3N2) Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Influenza A (H3N2)

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This new report takes a look at a rare recent case of swine-origin influenza A, H3N2, in children in Iowa. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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SINUSIN (Pulsatilla Vulgaris And Euphorbia Resinifera Resin And Luffa Operculata Fruit And Mercuric Iodide And Silver Nitrate And Calcium Sulfide And Sinusitisinum And Influenza A Virus A/Singapore/6/86 (H1n1) Hemagglutinin Antigen (Heat Inactivated) And Influenza A Virus A/Beijing/32/92 (H3n2) Hemagglutinin Antigen (Heat Inactivated) And Influenza B Virus B/Panama/45/90 Hemagglutinin Antigen (Heat Inactivated)) Liquid [Heel Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jan 10, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:08:36 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

UPDATED: Information on H3N2 Variant Influenza A Viruses

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:34:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

Induction and maintenance of anti‐influenza antigen‐specific nasal secretory IgA levels and serum IgG levels after influenza infection in adults

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Low levels of nasal anti‐viral s‐IgA and neutralizing antibody were noted compared with a wide range of serum anti‐viral IgG and HI titers at the onset of infection. Elevated s‐IgA and IgG returned toward the initial levels within 300 days of infection with minor exceptions. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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

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

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

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Cloned cDNA of A/swine/Iowa/15/1930 internal genes as a candidate backbone for reverse genetics vaccine against influenza A viruses.

Vaccine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, the internal genes from rg1930 were used for construction of reverse genetics viruses carrying a cleavage site-modified hemagglutinin (HA) gene and neuraminidase (NA) gene from a highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. The resulting virus (rg1930H5N1) was low pathogenic in vivo. Inactivated rg1930H5N1 vaccine completely protected chickens from morbidity and mortality after challenge with highly pathogenic H5N1. Protective immunity was obtained when chickens were immunized with an inactivated vaccine consisting of at least 2(9) HA units of the rg1930H5N1 virus. In comparison to the PR8-based reverse genetics viruses carrying the same HA and NA genes from an H5N1 virus, rg1930 based viruses yielded higher viral titers in MDCK and Vero cells. In addition, the reverse genetics derived H3...

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

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

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

Work Begins on Possible Vaccine Against Novel Flu BugWork Begins on Possible Vaccine Against Novel Flu Bug

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:18:15 +0100

The CDC has developed a 'seed virus' that drug companies can use to make a vaccine in case the new A(H3N2)v strain is found to circulate from person to person on a widespread, sustained basis. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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

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

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

Public health impact of including two lineages of influenza B in a quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine.

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

Authors: Reed C, Meltzer MI, Finelli L, Fiore A Abstract The annual trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) includes viruses representing three influenza strains - one A/H1N1, one A/H3N2, and one B, although two antigenically distinct lineages of influenza B (Victoria and Yamagata) co-circulate annually in the United States. Predicting which lineage of influenza B will predominate during a season is challenging, and cross-protection by immunization against the other lineage is expected to be low. One proposed alternative is to produce a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) including an influenza B virus from each of the two circulating lineages. We estimated the additional public health benefit of QIV compared with TIV by calculating the expected impact on influenza-related health outcom...

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How a New Swine Flu Virus Could Complicate Influenza Season

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Since the middle of August, the CDC has received 12 reports of human infections with a new flu virus — a swine influenza A strain called H3N2. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

New Swine-Origin Flu Cases Reported

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:16:41 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Since the middle of August, the CDC has received 12 reports of human infections with a swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) virus, the agency announced. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Development of an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibodies for detecting H6 avian influenza viruses.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chen YT, Tsao Z, Chang ST, Juang RH, Wang LC, Chang CM, Wang CH Abstract The H6 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection occurs frequently in wild and domestic birds. AIV antigen detection is preferred for controlling AIV as birds are infected before they produce antibodies. The purpose of this study was to develop an early diagnostic method for AIV detection. Six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed from a field H6N1 AIV strain were tested for their ability to bind to viruses. The two that showed the greatest binding ability to AIVs were used for antigen detection. An antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect H6 AIVs was developed using these mAbs. One mAb was coated onto an ELISA plate as the capture antibody. The other mAb was used as...

Twelve Swine Flu Cases Reported In Five States, Says CDC, USA

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0100

The CDC informs that it has received twelve reports of humans infected with swine flu - A(H3N2) virus. Reported cases have come in from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maine, Iowa, and Indiana. Eleven of them were children. Half of all the cases had not been exposed to swine, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) adds. All patients have made a full recovery; three had to be admitted to hospital. One of the patients, an adult male, had been exposed to swine through his job... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

U.S. finds new human infection with swine H3N2 flu

CTV Health — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:16:49 +0100

Another case of human infection with a H3N2 virus of swine origin is being reported in the United States. (Source: CTV Health)

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Interim Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used For Investigations of Influenza A(H3N2)v Virus Cases

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:05:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

Interim Guidance for Influenza Surveillance: Additional specimen collection for detection of Influenza A(H3N2)v Virus infections

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:04:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

Interim Guidance on Specimen Collection, Processing, and Testing for Patients with Suspect Influenza A(H3N2)v Virus Infection

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:04:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

Prevention Strategies for Seasonal and Influenza A(H3N2)v in Health Care Settings

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:03:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

EARLY RELEASE: Update: Influenza A (H3N2)v Transmission and Guidelines — Five States, 2011

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:56:14 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

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

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

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

Effects of different adjuvants in the context of intramuscular and intranasal routes on humoral and cellular immune responses induced by detergent-split A/H3N2 influenza vaccines in mice.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baz M, Samant M, Zekki H, Tribout-Jover P, Plante M, Lanteigne AM, Hamelin ME, Mallett C, Papadopoulou B, Boivin G Abstract Influenza A/H3N2 viruses have caused the most severe epidemics since 1968 despite current immunization programs with inactivated vaccines. We undertook a side-by-side pre-clinical evaluation of different adjuvants (Alum, AS03 and Protollin) and routes of administration (intramuscular (i.m.) and intranasal (i.n.)) for assessing their effect on the immunogenicity and cross-reactivity of inactivated split vaccines (A/H3N2/New York/55/2004). Humoral and T cell-mediated immune responses against the homologous virus and a heterologous drifted strain (A/H3N2/Wisconsin/67/2005) were measured in BALB/c mice at 2, 6, and 19 weeks post-boost. The AS03- and alum-...

Discordant antigenic drift of neuraminidase and hemagglutinin in H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Seasonal epidemics caused by influenza virus are driven by antigenic changes (drift) in viral surface glycoproteins that allow evasion from preexisting humoral immunity. Antigenic drift is a feature of not only the hemagglutinin (HA), but also of neuraminidase (NA). We have evaluated the antigenic evolution of each protein in H1N1 and H3N2 viruses used in vaccine formulations during the last 15 y by analysis of HA and NA inhibition titers and antigenic cartography. As previously shown for HA, genetic changes in NA did not always lead to an antigenic change. The noncontinuous pattern of NA drift did not correspond closely with HA drift in either subtype. Although NA drift was demonstrated using ferret sera, we show that these changes also impact recognition by NA-inhibiting antibodies in hu...

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

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

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

Mimotopes selected with neutralizing antibodies against Multiple Subtypes of Influenza A

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

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

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S-OtrH3N2 viruses: use of sequence data for description of the molecular characteristics of the viruses and their relatedness to previously circulating H3N2 human viruses

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Characterization of neutralizing antibodies in adults after intranasal vaccination with an inactivated influenza vaccine

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:14:18 +0100

AbstractThe levels and properties of neutralizing antibodies in nasal wash and serum collected from five healthy adults were examined after intranasal administration of an A/Uruguay/716/2007 (H3N2) split vaccine (45 µg hemagglutinin (HA) per dose; five doses, with an interval of 3 weeks between each dose). Prior to the assays, nasal wash samples were concentrated so that the total amount of antibodies was equivalent to about 1/10 of that found in the natural nasal mucus. Vaccination induced virus‐specific neutralizing antibody responses, which increased with the number of vaccine doses given. Neutralizing antibodies were produced more efficiently in the nasal passages than in the serum: A ≥4‐fold increase in nasal neutralization titres was observed after the second vaccination in ...

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

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

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

Media Myth On Relatedness Between Novel H1N2 and H3N2

Recombinomics — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:46:10 +0100

The commentary discusses the media myth on the relatedness between trH1N2, trH3N2, H3N2pdm11. (12/09/11 23:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

[Comment] Assessment of the burden of influenza in children

LANCET — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Memories of the 2009 influenza pandemic are fading fast. Globally, seasonal influenza A H1N1 has been almost wholly displaced by the pandemic strain of H1N1 (H1N1 2009pdm), with no identifications of seasonal H1N1 since early 2011. Several different types and subtypes of influenza (H1N1, H3N2, and B) co-circulate in various proportions in different countries. As noted for decades, discrete seasonal epidemics occur in temperate climates with more continuous circulation in tropical regions. The present situation therefore represents baseline interpandemic influenza. (Source: LANCET)

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Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Novel Influenza A (H3N2) Virus --- Iowa, November 2011

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:28:33 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Novel Influenza A (H3N2) Virus - Iowa, November 2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Abstract On November 20, 2011, CDC confirmed three cases of swine-origin triple reassortant influenza A (H3N2) (S-OtrH3N2) virus infection in children in two counties in Iowa. None of the children were hospitalized, and each has recovered from a mild episode of febrile respiratory illness. All three were in contact with one another, and none had a known recent exposure to swine. No additional human infections with this virus have been detected in Iowa, and no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of this S-OtrH3N2 virus exists; surveillance is ongoing. PMID: 22129996 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

VaxcineTM: an oil-based adjuvant for influenza vaccines.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alves RC, New RR, Andrade GR, Mendonça RM, Sant'anna OA, Mancini DA, Silva-Junior SM, Domingos Mde O Abstract Vaccination is the method of choice for the prevention of influenza infection. However, the quantity of the antigen available, especially in the case of pandemics, often fails to meet the global demand. However, improved adjuvants can overcome this problem. Preliminary results obtained in this study revealed that one year after a single subcutaneous immunisation with influenza A H3N2 virus in an oil-based carrier, VaxcineTM, outbreed mice produced a high immunoglobulin G response that lasted for up to one year and exhibited less variation in titre compared with the response of the control group treated with alum. The haemagglutination-inhibition titres induced by ...

Temporally structured metapopulation dynamics and persistence of influenza A H3N2 virus in humans [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Populations of seasonal influenza virus experience strong annual bottlenecks that pose a considerable extinction risk. It has been suggested that an influenza source population located in tropical Southeast or East Asia seeds annual temperate epidemics. Here we investigate the seasonal dynamics and migration patterns of influenza A H3N2 virus by analysis of virus samples obtained from 2003 to 2006 from Australia, Europe, Japan, New York, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and newly sequenced viruses from Hong Kong. In contrast to annual temperate epidemics, relatively low levels of relative genetic diversity and no seasonal fluctuations characterized virus populations in tropical Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis using discrete temporal and spatial characters reveal...

New Swine-Origin Flu Sickens Kids in Iowa

MedPage Today Pulmonary — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:25:26 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Three more individuals have been infected with an influenza strain that combines parts of a swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) virus and the pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, the CDC reported. (Source: MedPage Today Pulmonary)

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Swine Flu Type Virus Reported In Iowa

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed three mildly ill children with viruses similar to the swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses identified in three other states. These viruses contain the "matrix (M) gene segment" from the 2009 "Swine Flu" pandemic known as H1N1 virus. This combination of genes was first identified in a person in July. There have been several more infections with this virus, bringing the total number of human infections to 10 (Indiana 2, Pennsylvania 3, Maine 2, and Iowa 3)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Media Myth On Seasonal H3N2 Vaccine Utility Against trH3N2

Recombinomics — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:07:38 +0100

The commentary discusses the media myth on the utility of seasonal H3N2 vaccine for novel trH3N2. (11/23/11 12:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

Influenza like illness in the United States of America

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:58:00 +0100

The United States Government has reported three cases of human infection with swine origin triple reassortant Influenza A H3N2. Between 10 and 13 November 2011, three children (aged 11 months, 2 years and 3 years) experienced onset of febrile respiratory illness. All three children had visited the same health care provider in Iowa State. None of them were hospitalized and all three have recovered. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

DISPATCH: Limited Human-to-Human Transmission of Novel Influenza A (H3N2) Virus --- Iowa, November 2011

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:26:04 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Epitope peptides of influenza H3N2 virus neuraminidase gene designed by immunoinformatics.

Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, NA genes from the H3N2 subtype virus were sequenced and NA proteins were screened for B-cell epitopes and assessed based on immunoinformatics. Based on this information, three peptides ES8, RR9, and WK7 (covering amino acid residues 221-228, 292-300, and 383-389, respectively) of the NA protein were selected and synthesized artificially. These peptides were used to immunize New Zealand rabbits subcutaneously to raise antisera. Results showed that these three peptides were capable of eliciting antibodies against H3N2 viruses in a specific and sensitive manner, detected in vitro by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, hemadsorption anti-releasing effects occurred in three antisera mixtures at a dilution of 1:40. Alignment using database software showed that amino ac...

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Rapid identification of neuraminidase inhibitor resistance mutations in seasonal influenza virus A(H1N1), A(H1N1)2009, and A(H3N2) subtypes by melting point analysis

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:59:34 +0100

Abstract The high mutation rate of influenza virus, combined with the increasing worldwide use of influenza virus-specific drugs, allows the selection of viruses that are resistant to the currently available antiviral medications. Therefore, reliable tests for the rapid detection of drug-resistant influenza virus strains are required. We evaluated the use of a procedure involving real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by melting point analysis (MPA) of hybrids formed between the PCR product and a specific oligonucleotide probe for the identification of point mutations in the influenza A virus neuraminidase gene (NA) that are associated with oseltamivir resistance [resulting in the amino acid change H275Y for seasonal and pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses and E...

False positive PCR results linked to administration of seasonal influenza vaccine.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Curran T, McCaughey C, Ellis J, Mitchell SJ, Feeney SA, Watt AP, Mitchell F, Fairley DJ, Crawford L, McKenna J, Coyle PV Abstract False positive PCRs occur as a consequence of specimen to specimen or amplicon to specimen contamination within the laboratory. Evidence of a novel contamination at time of specimen collection linked to influenza vaccine administration in the same location as influenza sampling is described. Clinical, circumstantial and laboratory evidence was gathered for each of 5 cases of influenza like illness (ILI) with unusual PCR patterns of positivity for seasonal H1N1, H3N2, H1N1 (2009), and influenza B viruses. Two trivalent influenza vaccine and environmental swabs of a hospital influenza vaccination room were also tested. Sequencing of influenza A ma...

Evolutionary analysis of human-origin influenza A virus (H3N2) genes associated with the codon usage patterns since 1993

Virus Genes — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:48:15 +0100

This study investigated genetic variations in eight major genes (hemagglutinin, HA; neuraminidase, NA; matrix protein, MP; non-structural protein, NS; nucleoprotein, NP; polymerase, PA; PA basic protein 1, PB1; and PA basic protein 2, PB2) of the influenza A virus subtype H3N2 (A/H3N2) to determine the evolutionary pattern in codon bias. A total of 6,881 sequences isolated between 1993 and 2010 were used. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) and G+C% content at the three codon positions were analyzed by calculating the codon substitution patterns were analyzed by calculating the percentage of synonymously substituted codons (SSCs) and that of codons substituted to the same codon within each synonymous codon group (EMC) between 1993 and subsequent years. In the multivariate analy...

Genetic analysis and antigenic characterization of swine origin influenza viruses isolated from humans in the United States, 1990-2010.

Virology — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shu B, Garten R, Emery S, Balish A, Cooper L, Sessions W, Deyde V, Smith C, Berman L, Klimov A, Lindstrom S, Xu X Abstract Swine influenza viruses (SIV) have been recognized as important pathogens for pigs and occasional human infections with swine origin influenza viruses (SOIV) have been reported. Between1990 and 2010, a total of twenty seven human cases of SOIV infections have been identified in the United States. Six viruses isolated from1990 to 1995 were recognized as classical SOIV (cSOIV) A(H1N1). After 1998, twenty-one SOIV recovered from human cases were characterized as triple reassortant (tr_SOIV) inheriting genes from classical swine, avian and human influenza viruses. Of those twenty-one tr_SOIV, thirteen were of A(H1N1), one of A(H1N2), and seven of A(H3N2) s...

Characterization of avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks in Vietnam in 2009 and 2010

Archives of Virology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:04:19 +0100

Abstract In the surveillance of avian influenza in Vietnam, 26 H9N2, 1 H3N2, 1 H3N8, 7 H4N6, 3 H11N3, and 1 H11N9 viruses were isolated from tracheal and cloacal swab samples of 300 domestic ducks in April 2009, and 1 H9N6 virus from 300 bird samples in March 2010. Out of the 27 H9 virus isolates, the hemagglutinins of 18 strains were genetically classified as belonging to the sublineage G1, and the other nine belonged to the Korean sublineage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that one of the 27 H9 viruses was a reassortant in which the PB2 gene belonged to the Korean sublineage and the other seven genes belonged to the G1 sublineage. Three representative H9N2 viruses were intranasally inoculated into ducks, chickens, pigs, and mice. On the basis of experimental infection st...

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Have You Heard, November 4, 2011: CDC Confirms the 6th and 7th Cases of Swine-Origin Influenza A H3N2 Virus with 2009 H1N1 M Gene

CDC Flu updates — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

Flu Season News: Vaccinations and Virus Tracking

NurseZone.com Nursing News — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:37:21 +0100

October 27, 2011 - “The good news about this year’s flu season is that the vaccine seems to be perfectly formulated for the strains of flu--the pandemic influenza A [H1N1], seasonal [H3N2] and influenza B--that have been most commonly seen in the Southern Hemisphere. And, what happens in the Southern Hemisphere is typically a good predictor of what will happen in the Northern,” noted Paul J. Poduska, CIC, M(ASCP), infection control preventionist for Poudre Valley Health System (PVHS) in Fort Collins, Colo. “Even so, nurses need to understand that we really can’t predict how this flu season is going to develop.” (Source: NurseZone.com Nursing News)

'Super-flu' claims unfounded

NHS News Feed — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0100

Conclusion These findings present a cluster of five people who developed influenza-like illness in central Cambodia in 2009. The first case was affected with swine flu; two with seasonal flu; and two with both seasonal and swine flu. The researchers say that finding of co-infections has rarely been reported, and that prior study of more than 2,000 clinical samples had found no dual infection. However, they say that other isolated cases of co-infection with swine flu (pH1N1) and seasonal flu A/H3N2 have been reported in individuals from Singapore, China and New Zealand. This new evidence that co-infections are possible is a valuable discovery There is the possibility that when two viruses infect an individual, they might have the ability to combine their genetic material and produce a new m...

Warnings over 'new super-flu' unfounded

NHS News Feed — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0100

Phosphatidylglycerol Suppresses Influenza A Virus Infection.

American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this report we demonstrate that POPG acts as a strong anti-viral agent against IAV. POPG markedly attenuated IL-8 production and cell death induced by IAV in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells. The lipid also suppressed viral attachment to the plasma membrane and subsequent replication in MDCK cells. Two virus strains, H1N1-PR8-IAV and H3N2-IAV bind to POPG with high affinity but exhibit only low affinity interactions with the structurally related lipid palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine. Intranasal inoculation of H1N1-PR8-IAV in mice, in the presence of POPG, markedly suppressed the development of inflammatory cell infiltrates and the induction of IFN-γ recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage, and viral titers recovered from the lungs after 5 days of infection. These findings ide...

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Dual Infection of Novel Influenza Viruses A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in a Cluster of Cambodian Patients.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Myers CA, Kasper MR, Yasuda CY, Savuth C, Spiro DJ, Halpin R, Faix DJ, Coon R, Putnam SD, Wierzba TF, Blair PJ Abstract Abstract. During the early months of 2009, a novel influenza A/H1N1 virus (pH1N1) emerged in Mexico and quickly spread across the globe. In October 2009, a 23-year-old male residing in central Cambodia was diagnosed with pH1N1. Subsequently, a cluster of four influenza-like illness cases developed involving three children who resided in his home and the children's school teacher. Base composition analysis of internal genes using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that specimens from two of the secondary victims were coinfected with influenza A/H3N2 and pH1N1. Phylogenetic analysis of the ...

Influenza viruses in Thailand: 7 years of sentinel surveillance data, 2004–2010

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These data suggest that March–April may be the most appropriate months for seasonal influenza vaccination in Thailand. This system provides a robust profile of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in Thailand and has proven useful for public health planning. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Safety and Immunogenicity of a New Trivalent Inactivated Split-virus Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Korean Children: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Active-controlled, Phase III Study.

J Korean Med Sci — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report results of a randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase III study conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a new trivalent inactivated split-virus influenza vaccine (GC501) manufactured by the Green Cross Corporation in Korea. A total of 283 healthy children aged 6 months to < 18 yr were randomized to receive either GC501 or control. Of the GC501 recipients, seroconversion occurred in 48.5% for A/H1N1, 67.7% for A/H3N2 and 52% for influenza B. The proportion of subjects who had post-vaccination hemagglutination-inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater was 90.7% for A/H1N1, 86.8% for A/H3N2 and 82.4% for influenza B in the GC501 recipients. No serious adverse events related to vaccination, or withdrawals because of adverse events were reported. The majority ...

Absence of Influenza A(H1N1) During Seasonal and Pandemic Seasons in a Sentinel Nursing Home Surveillance Network in the Netherlands

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionNeither seasonal nor pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses were detected in the network, despite widespread community transmission of seasonal and influenza A(H1N1) virus. ILI incidence trends corresponded to virological trends. Sentinel surveillance of ILI combining clinical and virological data in NHs increases understanding of transmission risks in this specific vulnerable population. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Intranasal administration of a flagellin-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine enhances mucosal immune responses to protect mice against lethal infection.

Vaccine — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we tested whether the FlaB protein could serve as an effective mucosal adjuvant for an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) manufactured for humans; in a murine vaccination model, this vaccine consists of A/Brisbane/59/07 (H1N1 subtype), A/Uruguay/716/07 (H3N2 subtype), and B/Florida/4/06 (B type). Intranasal co-administration of the TIV with FlaB induced prominent humoral responses as demonstrated by high influenza-specific IgA levels in both the mucosal secretions and serum and significant specific IgG induction in the systemic compartment. The FlaB protein significantly potentiated influenza-specific cytokine production by draining lymph node cells and splenocytes. The FlaB mucosal adjuvant conferred excellent protection against a lethal challenge with a live vir...

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Molecular and antigenic evolution of human influenza A/H3N2 viruses in Quebec, Canada, 2009–2011

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Antigenic and molecular characterization of H3N2 viruses over three seasons revealed that not only is the number of HA mutations important, but the nature and location of key mutations may play a significant role in antigenic drift. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Most Recent US Adolescent H3N2 Sequences Are trH3N2

Recombinomics — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:50:04 +0100

The commentary discusses the frequent detection of trH3N2 sequences in recent adolescent cases. (10/25/11 01:20) (Source: Recombinomics)

Antiviral activity of arbidol, a broad‐spectrum drug for use against respiratory viruses, varies according to test conditions

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe therapeutic activity of arbidol was investigated against representatives of seven different virus families. Its 50% median effective concentration (EC50) was 0.22–11.8 µg/ml (0.41–22 nM). Therapeutic indices of 91 were obtained for type 1 poliovirus and 1.9–8.5 for influenza A and B, human paramyxo‐3, avian infectious bronchitis‐, and Marek's disease viruses. Arbidol was more inhibitory for influenza A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) virus than rimantadine or amantadine (EC50 10 vs. >15 and >31.6 µg/ml); greater inhibition occurred when end‐points were expressed as TCID50s. For respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a reduction in plaque size but not number was observed. However, when the drug was added to infected cultures (≥5 µg/ml), a 3‐log reduction in titer ...

Identification of novel virus inhibitors by influenza A virus specific reporter cell based screening.

Antiviral Research — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang J, Liu T, Tong X, Li G, Yan J, Ye X Abstract As influenza viruses have developed resistance towards current drugs, it is urgent to find potential novel antiviral inhibitors. Here we generated an influenza virus reporter cell line in which the luciferase gene was driven by the influenza virus promoter and screened a small compound library (NCI Diversity Set II). Ten compounds were identified to have inhibitory activity against influenza A virus H1N1. Among them, four compounds blocked influenza virus replication through inhibiting the activity of vRNP. The compound NSC 335506 inhibited HA-mediated membrane fusion. It showed the inhibitory activity against H1N1, H9N2 and H5N1 subtype but not H3N2. Our results demonstrated that influenza virus reporter cell is a very us...

Boy In Maine Tests Positive For “Unusual” Flu Strain

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:08:43 +0100

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine health officials are investigating a case of a young boy coming down with what is being described as an unusual strain of influenza. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the 7- or 8-year-old boy from Cumberland County came down with flu-like symptoms in early October, not long after being exposed to pigs at an agricultural fair. State Epidemiologist Stephen Sears says the H3N2 swine-origin strain of influenza was confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as genetically similar to a strain identified in three cases in Pennsylvania and one case in Indiana. Sears said the boy was treated by his family doctor and is back up and playing. He said health experts don’t expect the new strain to pose a widespread threat. (© Copyri...

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CDC Confirms 5th Case of New Swine-Origin H3N2 Reassortant in Maine

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:00:00 +0100

The patient in Maine was reported to have attended an agricultural fair where animals, including pigs, were present. (Source: CDC Flu updates)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a hospitalized adult with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mimicking influenza A and Pneumocystis (carinii) jiroveci pneumonia (PCP)

Heart and Lung — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We report on an adult patient with HIV with CAP that mimicked influenza and PCP, and was attributable to RSV. (Source: Heart and Lung)

Genetic Characterization of H1N2 Influenza A Viruses Isolated from sick pigs in Southern China in 2010

Virology Journal — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our finding provides further evidence about the interspecies transmission of avian influenza viruses to pigs and emphasizes the importance of reinforcing swine influenza virus (SIV) surveillance, especially before the emergence of highly pathogenic FMDs in pigs in Guangdong. (Source: Virology Journal)

Genetic evolution of low pathogenecity H9N2 Avian influenza viruses in Tunisia: Acquisition of new mutations

Virology Journal — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Considering these mutations, the molecular basis of tropism, host responses and enhanced virulence will be defined and studied. Otherwise, Continuous monitoring of viral genetic changes throughout the year is warranted to monitor variations of Influenza viruses in the field. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Clinical and socioeconomic impact of different types and subtypes of seasonal influenza viruses in children during influenza seasons 2007/2008 and 2008/2009

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study evaluates the clinical presentation and socio-economic impact of laboratory-confirmed influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 or B infection in children attending an Emergency Room because of influenza-like illness. Methods: Among the 4,726 children involved, 662 had influenza A (143 A/H1N1 and 519 A/H3N2) and 239 influenza B infection detected by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction. Upon enrolment, systematic recordings were made of the patients' demographic characteristics and medical history using standardised written questionnaires. The medical history of the children was re-evaluated 5-7 days after enrolment and until the resolution of their illness by means of interviews and a clinical examination by trained investigators using standardised questionnaires. During this evaluation...

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine administered with a needle-free disposable-syringe jet injector.

Vaccine — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: DSJI delivery of TIV is well-tolerated and immunogenic. PMID: 21986218 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Antibody responses and cross protection against lethal influenza A viruses differ between the sexes in C57BL/6 mice.

Vaccine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lorenzo ME, Hodgson A, Robinson DP, Kaplan JB, Pekosz A, Klein SL Abstract A mouse model was used to determine if protective immunity to influenza A virus infection differs between the sexes. The median lethal dose of H1N1 or H3N2 was lower for naïve females than males. After a sublethal, primary infection with H1N1 or H3N2, females and males showed a similar transient morbidity, but females generated more neutralizing and total anti-influenza A virus antibodies. Immunized males and females showed similar protection against secondary challenge with a homologous virus, but males experienced greater morbidity and had higher lung viral titers after infection with a lethal dose of heterologous virus. Females develop stronger humoral immune responses and greater cross protecti...

A randomized, double-blind noninferiority study of quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine in adults.

Vaccine — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Q/LAIV met the criteria for noninferiority: the ratios of the GMTs for the A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria strains were 1.09 (95% CI, 1.01-1.18), 1.05 (95% CI, 0.96-1.14), 1.10 (95% CI, 0.97-1.25), and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82-1.03), respectively. Solicited symptoms and adverse events were similar in the Q/LAIV and T/LAIV arms. Q/LAIV may confer increased protection against influenza by targeting B strains from both lineages. PMID: 21983154 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Comparison of two real-time RT-PCR-based systems for the detection and typing of the pandemic influenza A virus, 2009.

Journal of Virological Methods — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:17:59 +0100

In conclusion, the RealStar system confirmed the results of all the influenza A-positive samples subtyped by the CDC method, and was able to type 37.9% of samples untyped by the CDC method. However, 62.1% of samples, detected as influenza A-positive but not subtyped by the CDC method, were found to be negative by the RealStar system. Further investigation is needed to explain this latter, unexpected, finding. PMID: 21807027 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)

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Antigenic variability in Neuraminidase protein of Influenza A/H3N2 vaccine strains (1968 - 2009).

Bioinformation — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:50:02 +0100

Authors: Shil P, Chavan SS, Cherian SS Abstract Antigenic drift and shift involving the surface proteins of Influenza virus gave rise to new strains that caused epidemics affecting millions of people worldwide over the last hundred years. Variations in the membrane proteins like Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA) necessitates new vaccine strains to be updated frequently and poses challenge to effective vaccine design. Though the HA protein, the primary target of the human immune system, has been well studied, reports on the antigenic variability in the other membrane protein NA are sparse. In this paper we investigate the molecular basis of antigenic drift in the NA protein of the Influenza A/H3N2 vaccine strains between 1968 and 2009 and proceed to establish correlation bet...

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) in Children's Hospital, Australia.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Khandaker G, Lester-Smith D, Zurynski Y, Elliott EJ, Booy R Abstract To the Editor: We read with interest the report by Carcione et al. of clinical features of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 and comparison of these with 2009 seasonal influenza infection in a population-based study from Western Australia (1). Here we share our experience of hospitalizations for influenza in a tertiary care children's hospital in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, during the 3 peak influenza seasons of the last decade. PMID: 22000384 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Multisite virological influenza surveillance in India: 2004–2008

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Seasonal influenza A(H1N1), H3N2, and type B co‐circulated in all regions without any particular pattern of movement of any subtype. Year‐round limited influenza activity with peaks during rains was observed. Genetic drifts and varying seasonality in different parts of the country suggest that a staggered timing of vaccination may be appropriate for India. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Influenza vaccination in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis: efficacy and safety

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions In this study, influenza vaccination did not cause any major adverse event in SPs, and their serological response was equal to HCs. Studies with larger sample size and a broader selection of subjects could help validate the results of this study. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Update: influenza activity --- United States and worldwide, may 22--september 3, 2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States and worldwide since the last update. PMID: 21918493 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

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Anticipating the Species Jump: Surveillance for Emerging Viral Threats

Zoonoses and Public Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

SummaryZoonotic disease surveillance is typically triggered after animal pathogens have already infected humans. Are there ways to identify high‐risk viruses before they emerge in humans? If so, then how and where can identifications be made and by what methods? These were the fundamental questions driving a workshop to examine the future of predictive surveillance for viruses that might jump from animals to infect humans. Virologists, ecologists and computational biologists from academia, federal government and non‐governmental organizations discussed opportunities as well as obstacles to the prediction of species jumps using genetic and ecological data from viruses and their hosts, vectors and reservoirs. This workshop marked an important first step towards envisioning both scientifi...

H3N2 Dominance In US Raises trH3N2 Pandemic Concerns

Recombinomics — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:23:08 +0100

The commentary discusses the dominance of the H3N2 serotype in the United States and increase in unsubtypables and relationship to a trH3N2 pandemic. (09/10/11 12:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Unsubtypables Raise trH3N2 Pandemic Concerns

Recombinomics — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:23:08 +0100

The commentary discusses the increase in unsubtypables and relationship to seasonal H3N2 designations. (09/10/11 06:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children --- Indiana and Pennsylvania, July--August 2011

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:33:03 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children --- Indiana and Pennsylvania, July--August 2011.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This report describes two cases of febrile respiratory illness caused by swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses identified on August 19 and August 26, 2011, and the current investigations. No epidemiologic link between the two cases has been identified, and although investigations are ongoing, no additional confirmed human infections with this virus have been detected. These viruses are similar to eight other swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses identified from previous human infections over the past 2 years, but are unique in that one of the eight gene segments (matrix [M] gene) is from the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus. The acquisition of the M gene in these two swine-origin influenza A (H3N2) viruses indicates that they are "reassortants" because they contain genes of the swine-orig...

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Development of DIVA (differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals) vaccines utilizing heterologous NA and NS1 protein strategies for the control of triple reassortant H3N2 influenza in turkeys.

Vaccine — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we selected one TR H3N2 strain, A/turkey/OH/313053/04 (H3N2) that showed broad cross reactivity with other recent TR turkey H3N2 isolates, and created NA- and NS-based DIVA vaccines using traditional reassortment as well as reverse genetics methods. Protective efficacy of those vaccines was determined in 2-week-old and 80-week-old breeder turkeys. The reassortant DIVA vaccines significantly reduced the presence of challenge virus in the oviduct of breeder turkeys as well as trachea and cloaca shedding of both young and old breeder turkeys, suggesting that proper vaccination could effectively prevent egg production drop and potential viral contamination of eggs in infected turkeys. Our results demonstrate that the heterologous NA and NS1 DIVA vaccines together with their corr...

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of fluorodeoxycytidine analogs against highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, seasonal, and pandemic H1N1 virus infections.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kumaki Y, Day CW, Smee DF, Morrey JD, Barnard DL Abstract Various fluorodeoxyribonucleosides were evaluated for their antiviral activities against influenza virus infections in vitro and in vivo. Among the most potent inhibitors was 2'-deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine (2'-FdC). It inhibited various strains of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses, pandemic H1N1 viruses, an oseltamivir-resistant pandemic H1N1 virus, and seasonal influenza viruses (H3N2, H1N1, influenza B) in MDCK cells, with the 90% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 4.6μM, as determined by a virus yield reduction assay. 2'-FdC was then tested for efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with a lethal dose of highly pathogenic influenza A/Vietnam/1203/2004 H5N1 virus. 2'FdC (60mg/kg/d) administ...

CDC: New H1N1 Strain H3N2 Infected Two Children In Recent Months

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have made a startling announcement this week. Two children previously vaccinated for the H1N1 influenza virus have contracted a new strain named H3N2 in what is being called a virus "reassortment." The good news is both have been treated successfully, but what's next? The viruses are similar but not identical to each other, but they are different from eight other H3N2 infections identified in people over the past two years because they both contain the so-called matrix gene from the pandemic H1N1 influenza strain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Swine Flu Sickens Two Kids

MedPage Today Infectious Disease — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:35:37 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Novel H3N2 swine flu viruses -- which also contain an element of the pandemic H1N1 strain -- have sickened two children, the CDC has reported. (Source: MedPage Today Infectious Disease)

Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children - Indiana and Pennsylvania, July - August 2011. MMWR 2011;60 (Early Release); 1-4.

CDC Flu updates — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:04:06 +0100

(Source: CDC Flu updates)

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EARLY RELEASE: Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children --- Indiana and Pennsylvania, July--August 2011

CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:14:07 +0100

(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

New Swine Flu Virus Discovered

About.com Pediatrics — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:00:32 +0100

The CDC has just released a report, "Swine-Origin Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infection in Two Children -- Indiana and Pennsylvania, July-August 2011," that discusses two new cases of kids getting sick with swine flu....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Pediatrics)

A plant‐based system for rapid production of influenza vaccine antigens

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These results demonstrate the feasibility of our transient plant expression system for the rapid production of influenza vaccine antigens. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Avian glycan-specific IgM monoclonal antibodies for the detection and quantitation of type A and B haemagglutinins in egg-derived influenza vaccines.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Legastelois I, Chevalier M, Bernard MC, de Montfort A, Fouque M, Pilloud A, Serraille C, Devard N, Engel O, Sodoyer R, Moste C Abstract Two IgM monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), Y6F5 and Y13F9, were selected during a screening of clones obtained immunising BALB/c mice with purified envelop proteins of the A/Sydney/5/97 (H3N2) IVR108 influenza strain. These MAbs recognised avian glycans on the haemagglutinin (HA) of the virus. This broad recognition allowed these MAbs to be used as enzyme-labelled secondary antibody reagents in a strain specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in combination with a capture MAb that recognised and allowed the quantitation of the strain specific HA protein present in an egg-produced influenza vaccine. Advantage was taken of these MAbs t...

Influenza disease burden in adults by subtypes following the initial epidemic of pandemic H1N1 in Singapore

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Win et al. (2011) Influenza disease burden in adults by subtypes following the initial epidemic of pandemic H1N1 in Singapore. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI:10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00282.x.Peaks of influenza activity in July 2009 and January 2010 were >90% pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1), but by May 2010, H3N2 predominated in hospital attendances (46·5%, versus 38·9% pH1N1); H3N2 hospital attendances were older (72·9% aged ≥60 years versus 13·5% for pH1N1), but the age‐stratified proportions admitted for pneumonia ]were similar. As at the end of the third epidemic wave in Singapore, pH1N1 cases in hospital attendances were still markedly younger than cases of H3N2 or influenza B, with little evidence for any changes in severity. (Source: Infl...

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Response to influenza virus vaccination during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Patients on chemotherapy have significantly lower responses to influenza virus vaccination compared with healthy controls. Vaccination early during the chemotherapy cycle induces better responses than does vaccination at day 16 of the cycle. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm this effect. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Contribution of murine innate serum inhibitors toward interference within influenza virus immune assays

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:02:59 +0100

Conclusions The practice of treating sera to inactivate innate inhibitors of influenza viruses prior to evaluation within immune assays has allowed us to effectively detect influenza virus‐specific antibodies for decades. However, this practice has yielded an under‐appreciation for the contribution of innate serum inhibitors toward host immune responses against these viruses, including contributions toward neutralization and macrophage uptake. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Indiana trH3N2 Case With Pandemic H1N1 MP

Recombinomics — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:36:04 +0100

The commentary discusses the detection of a pandemic H3N2 (trH3N2) case (1M) with pandemic H1N1 MP. (08/27/11 14:20) (Source: Recombinomics)

Temporal Dynamics of Host Molecular Responses Differentiate Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Influenza A Infection

PLoS Genetics — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

by Yongsheng Huang, Aimee K. Zaas, Arvind Rao, Nicolas Dobigeon, Peter J. Woolf, Timothy Veldman, N. Christine Øien, Micah T. McClain, Jay B. Varkey, Bradley Nicholson, Lawrence Carin, Stephen Kingsmore, Christopher W. Woods, Geoffrey S. Ginsburg, Alfred O. Hero Exposure to influenza viruses is necessary, but not sufficient, for healthy human hosts to develop symptomatic illness. The host response is an important determinant of disease progression. In order to delineate host molecular responses that differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic Influenza A infection, we inoculated 17 healthy adults with live influenza (H3N2/Wisconsin) and examined changes in host peripheral blood gene expression at 16 timepoints over 132 hours. Here we present distinct transcriptional dynamics of host r...

The Genomic Rate of Molecular Adaptation of the Human Influenza A Virus

Molecular Biology and Evolution — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Quantifying adaptive evolution at the genomic scale is an essential yet challenging aspect of evolutionary biology. Here, we develop a method that extends and generalizes previous approaches to estimate the rate of genomic adaptation in rapidly evolving populations and apply it to a large data set of complete human influenza A virus genome sequences. In accord with previous studies, we observe particularly high rates of adaptive evolution in domain 1 of the viral hemagglutinin (HA1). However, our novel approach also reveals previously unseen adaptation in other viral genes. Notably, we find that the rate of adaptation (per codon per year) is higher in surface residues of the viral neuraminidase than in HA1, indicating strong antibody-mediated selection on the former. We also observed high ...

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WHO Testing New Seasonal H3N2 Vaccine Target

Recombinomics — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:13:47 +0100

The commentary discusses the testing of a new seasonal H3N2 target by the WHO regional center in Australia. (08/18/11 15:55) (Source: Recombinomics)

Pandemic Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza: What Have We Learned?

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 32: 393-399DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1283279ABSTRACTIn March 2009, cases of influenza-like illness in Mexico caused by a novel H1N1 virus containing genes from swine, avian, and human influenza strains were reported. Within several weeks, 2009 H1N1 disseminated rapidly and was the predominant influenza strain globally. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared that criteria for an influenza pandemic had been met. Concern that this pandemic would rival the 1918 pandemic was high. Fortunately, that was not the case. Influenza-related disease activity peaked in late October to November 2009. By August 2010, the H1N1 influenza virus had moved into the postpandemic period. During the 2010–2011 season, influenza A H3N2 has been the predominant sero...

Novel antiviral activity of neuraminidase inhibitors against an avian influenza A virus

Virology Journal — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results indicate that NA inhibitors interfered with virus particle formation in the H10/chicken virus-infected cells, in which the inhibitor caused the formation of long tubular virus-like structures instead of spherical virus particles. (Source: Virology Journal)

FLUVIRIN (Influenza A Virus A/California/7/2009(H1n1)-Like Hemagglutinin Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187 (H3n2) Hemagglutinin Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Hemagglutinin Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [Novartis Vaccines And Diagnostics Limited]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Aug 15, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Respiratory viruses involved in influenza‐like illness in a Greek pediatric population during the winter period of the years 2005–2008

Journal of Medical Virology — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:52:13 +0100

This study aimed to determine the distribution of several respiratory viruses in children diagnosed as having influenza‐like illness, over the winter period of 2005–2008. Molecular assays including conventional and real time PCR protocols, were employed to screen respiratory specimens, collected by clinicians of the Influenza sentinel system and of outpatient pediatric clinics, for identification of several respiratory viruses. Of 1,272 specimens tested, 814 (64%) were positive for at least one virus and included 387 influenza viruses, 160 rhinoviruses, 155 respiratory syncytial viruses, 95 adenoviruses, 81 bocaviruses, 47 parainfluenza viruses, 44 metapneumoviruses, and 30 coronaviruses. Simultaneous presence of two or three viruses was observed in 173 of the above positive cases, 21%...

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trH3N2 Detection and Reporting Delays Raise Concerns

Recombinomics — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:27:16 +0100

The commentary discusses the detection and reporting delays for pandemic H3N2, trH3N2. (08/06/11 20:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

Pandemic trH3N2 Vaccine Linked To Minnesota Cluster

Recombinomics — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:12:59 +0100

The commentary discusses the linkage of the production of a pandemic H3N2 vaccine and a Minnesota cluster. (08/06/11 14:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

CDC Testing Two New Seasonal H3N2 Vaccine Targets

Recombinomics — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 17:12:59 +0100

The commentary discusses the CDC testing of two new seasonal H3N2 vaccine targets. (08/03/11 23:20) (Source: Recombinomics)

Impact of pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza on children and their families: Comparison with seasonal A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 influenza viruses

Journal of Infection — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Objectives: To make a direct comparison between the total burden of pandemic influenza and that of other seasonal influenza A viral subtypes in otherwise healthy children.Methods: The total clinical and socioeconomic burden of pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza was compared with that of seasonal influenza A viral subtypes in 389 otherwise healthy children with A/H1N1/2009, 126 with seasonal A/H1N1 and 486 with seasonal A/H3N2 infection referred to the Emergency Room and hospitalised in the in-patient units of a large, university-based paediatric hospital. Influenza diagnosis was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Regardless of age or gender, the variables significantly associated with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 and seasonal A/H3N2 infection were a diagnosis of lower r...

Viral genetic sequence variations in pandemic H1N1/2009 and seasonal H3N2 influenza viruses within an individual, a household and a community

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Family clusters of influenza A viral infection are predominantly the result of secondary transmission within a household. Our results also suggested that the intra-host viral sequence variation might be more common that than previously thought. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

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Randomized Controlled Trial of Dose Response to Influenza Vaccine in Children Aged 6 to 23 Months

PEDIATRICS — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Administration of 2 full TIV doses may improve immunogenicity without increasing reactogenicity in infants. Current TIV dosing recommendations for young children warrant additional evaluation. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Swine Influenza Zoonotic Transmission in Swine Workers from Northwestern Mexico

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Summary A cross‐sectional study was conducted to evaluate the transmission of swine influenza through occupational exposure and to assess some risk factors for zoonotic transmission in workers from commercial farms in Mexico. Seroprevalence to swine influenza subtypes was determined by hemagglutinin inhibition assay and was higher in exposed (E), in comparison with unexposed (UE) participants (P < 0.05). Percentages of seropositivity between UE and E were 28.57% and 19.35% to A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1), 68.25% and 33.87% to A/Panama/2001/99‐like (H3N2), 1.58% and 12.9% to A/Sw/England/163266/87 (H3N2), respectively. No antibodies were detected against A/Sw/Wisconsin/238/97 (H1N1) in the UE subjects, and only 3.22% were positive in the E group (P < 0.05). A significant as...

This Season's Influenza Vaccine Is the Same as Last

Rheumatology News — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The vaccine for the upcoming influenza season will contain the same three strains included in this past season's vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration announced. In a statement, the FDA announced that it had approved the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine formulation, which will include the following strains: A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus, and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. This formulation will be used by the six manufacturers that are licensed to produce and distribute the influenza vaccine in the United States. (Source: Rheumatology News)

This Season's Flu Vaccine Is Same as Last

Pediatric News — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The vaccine for the upcoming influenza season will contain the same three strains included in this past season's vaccine, the Food and Drug Administration announced. In a statement, the FDA announced that it had approved the 2011-2012 influenza vaccine formulation, which will include the following strains: A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. (Source: Pediatric News)

Universal Influenza Vaccine In Reach Targeting Key Common Proteins

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Almost a quarter million people are hospitalized with the flu every year, and an estimated 3,000 to 49,000 die, making the flu one of the chief causes of preventable death in the USA. However, a universal flu vaccine that protects against all strains may be within reach in the next five years that will make yearly shots a thing of the past according to experts. A traditional flu vaccine uses the external proteins on a flu virus (the H and N on strains such as H1N1 and H3N2) to prompt the body's immune system to create antibodies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Targeting Key Proteins May Lead To Univeral Vaccine In Five Years

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0100

About 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu every year, and an estimated 3,000 to 49,000 die, making the flu one of the chief causes of preventable death in the USA. However, a universal flu vaccine that protects against all strains may be within reach in the next five years that will make yearly shots a thing of the past according to experts. A traditional flu vaccine uses the external proteins on a flu virus (the H and N on strains such as H1N1 and H3N2) to prompt the body's immune system to create antibodies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Molecular basis of antigenic drift in Influenza A/H3N2 strains (1968-2007) in the light of antigenantibody interactions.

Bioinformation — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:13:31 +0100

Authors: Shil P, Chavan S, Cherian S The emergence of new strains of Influenza virus have caused several pandemics over the last hundred years with the latest being the H1N1 Swine flu pandemic of 2009. The Hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the Influenza virus is the primary target of human immune system and is responsible for generation of protective antibodies in humans. Mutations in this protein results in change in antigenic regions (antigenic drift) which consequently leads to loss of immunity in hosts even in vaccinated population (herd immunity). This necessitates periodic changes in the Influenza vaccine composition. In this paper, we investigate the molecular basis of the reported loss of herd immunity in vaccinated population (vaccine component: Influenza A/X-31/1968 (H3N2)) which...

AFLURIA (Influenza A Virus A/California/7/2009 X-181 (H1n1) Hemagglutinin Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated), And Influenza A Virus A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187 (H3n2) Antigen (Propiolactone Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension [CSL Limited]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jul 21, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Characterization of Influenza A Outbreaks in Minnesota Swine Herds and Measures Taken to Reduce the Risk of Zoonotic Transmission

Zoonoses and Public Health — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:53:27 +0100

SummaryInfluenza A virus infections commonly cause respiratory disease in swine and can be transmitted between people and pigs, with potentially novel strains introduced into herds and spilling back into the human population. The goals of this study were to characterize influenza infections in Minnesota pigs and assess biosecurity measures used by swine workers. Veterinarians submitting influenza‐positive swine samples to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between October 2007 and April 2009 were surveyed regarding disease‐related information and biosecurity procedures at each farm. Influenza‐positive samples were submitted year‐round, peaking in spring and fall. H1N1 was the most commonly detected subtype (56%), followed by H3N2 (14%) and H1N2 (12%). Most...

FLUZONE (Influenza A Virus A/California/7/2009 X-179a (H1n1) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187 (H3n2) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension FLUZONE HIGH-DOSE (Influenza A Virus A/California/7/2009 X-179a (H1n1) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187 (H3n2) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), And Influenza B Virus B/Brisbane/60/2008 Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated)) Injection, Suspension FLUZONE INTRADERMAL (Influenza A Virus A/California/7/2009 X-179a (H1n1) Antigen (Formaldehyde Inactivated), Influenza A Virus A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187 (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) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Jul 19, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Compatibility of H9N2 avian influenza surface genes and 2009 pandemic H1N1 internal genes for transmission in the ferret model [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza (pH1N1) virus caused the first influenza pandemic in 40 y. The virus was identified as a triple reassortant between avian, swine, and human influenza viruses, highlighting the importance of reassortment in the generation of viruses with pandemic potential. Previously, we showed that a reassortant virus composed of wild-type avian H9N2 surface genes in a seasonal human H3N2 backbone could gain efficient respiratory droplet transmission in the ferret model. Here we determine the ability of the H9N2 surface genes in the context of the internal genes of a pH1N1 virus to efficiently transmit via respiratory droplets in ferrets. We generated reassorted viruses carrying the HA gene alone or in combination with the NA gene of a prototypical H9N2 virus in the backgro...

A novel monoclonal antibody effective against lethal challenge with swine-lineage and 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses in mice.

Virology — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this report we describe the development of a novel monoclonal antibody (S-OIV-3B2) that shows high hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neutralization titers not only against H1N1pdm, but also against representatives of the α, β, and γ clusters of swine-lineage H1 influenza viruses. Mice that received a single intranasal dose of S-OIV-3B2 were protected against lethal challenge with either H1N1pdm or cH1N1 virus. These studies highlight the potential use of S-OIV-3B2 as effective intranasal prophylactic or therapeutic antiviral treatment for swine-lineage H1 influenza virus infections. PMID: 21774955 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Virology)

Dimer Interface of NS1 Effector Domain from Influenza A Virus [Molecular Biophysics]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Non-structural protein 1 from influenza A virus, NS1A, is a key multifunctional virulence factor composed of two domains: an N-terminal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding domain and a C-terminal effector domain (ED). Isolated RNA-binding and effector domains of NS1A both exist as homodimers in solution. Despite recent crystal structures of isolated ED and full-length NS1A proteins from different influenza virus strains, controversy remains over the actual biologically relevant ED dimer interface. Here, we report the biophysical properties of the NS1A ED from H3N2 influenza A/Udorn/307/1972 (Ud) virus in solution. Several lines of evidence, including 15N NMR relaxation, NMR chemical shift perturbations, static light scattering, and analytical sedimentation equilibrium, demonstrate that Ud ...

Influenza vaccine effectiveness in Wisconsin during the 2007-08 season: Comparison of interim and final results.

Vaccine — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The 2007-08 influenza vaccine provided modest protection against medically attended influenza in this population. The interim estimate of VE after 17 days closely approximated the final season VE, supporting the potential use of interim VE estimates while influenza seasons are still in progress. PMID: 21767593 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Discovery of dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidines as promising anti‐influenza virus agents

Chemical Biology and Drug Design — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A series of novel dihydro‐alkyloxy‐benzyl‐oxopyrimidine (DABO) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their activity against influenza virus in MDCK cells. Four DABO derivatives (4a1, 4a2, 4a3, and 4d1) showed potent activity against influenza virus. Among them, compound 4a3 was the most promising lead with broad activity against influenza A (antiviral EC50 values of 9 and 18 μM for the A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 subtype, respectively) and influenza B virus (EC50: 33 μM). The antiviral mechanism of action of these DABO derivatives must be quite different from that of the currently approved anti‐influenza virus drugs which target the viral M2 or neuraminidase proteins. The DABO derivatives represent a new avenue for further optimization and development of novel anti‐influenza vir...

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Measurement of Enzymatic Activity and Specificity of Human and Avian Influenza Neuraminidases from Whole Virus by Glycoarray and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry.

Chembiochem — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pourceau G, Chevolot Y, Goudot A, Giroux F, Meyer A, Moulés V, Lina B, Cecioni S, Vidal S, Yu H, Chen X, Ferraris O, Praly JP, Souteyrand E, Vasseur JJ, Morvan F Influenza neuraminidases hydrolyze the ketosidic linkage between N-acetylneuraminic acid and its adjacent galactose residue in sialosides. This enzyme is a tetrameric protein that plays a critical role in the release of progeny virions. Several methods have been described for the determination of neuraminidase activity, usually based on colorimetric, fluorescent, or chemiluminescent detection. However, only a few of these tests allow discrimination of the sialyl-linkage specificity (i.e., α2-3- versus α2-6-linked sialyllactosides) of the neuraminidase. Herein we report a glycoarray-based assay and a MALDI-TOF study...

Predicting the Epidemic Sizes of Influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B: A Statistical Method

PLoS Medicine — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Early circulation of one influenza strain is associated with a reduced total incidence of the other strains, consistent with the presence of interference between subtypes. Routine ILI and virologic surveillance data can be combined using this new method to predict the relative size of each influenza strain's epidemic by following the change in incidence of a given strain in the context of the incidence of cocirculating strains. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary (Source: PLoS Medicine)

A novel genotyping and quantitative analysis of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistance associated mutations in influenza A viruses by single nucleotide polymorphism analysis.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Duan S, Boltz DA, Li J, Oshansky CM, Marjuki H, Barman S, Webby RJ, Webster RG, Govorkova EA Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are among the first line of defense against influenza virus infection. With the increased worldwide use of the drugs, antiviral susceptibility surveillance is increasingly important for effective clinical management and for public health epidemiology. Effective monitoring requires effective resistance detection methods. We have developed and validated a novel genotyping method for rapid detection of established NA inhibitor resistance markers in influenza viruses by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The multi- or mono-plex SNP analysis based on single nucleotide extension assays was developed to detect NA mutations H275Y and I223R/V in pandemi...

Overexpression of α-2,6 sialyltransferase stimulates propagation of human influenza viruses in Vero cells.

Acta Virologica — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:45:02 +0100

In this study, we stably transfected Vero cells with cDNA of human α-2,6-sialyltransferase (SIAT1), an enzyme catalyzing α-2,6-sialylation of galactose on glycoproteins. Overexpression of SIAT1 in the transfected Vero cells (Vero-SIAT1 cells) was confirmed by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Vero-SIAT1 cells expressed 7 times higher amounts of NeuAcα2,6Gal, but 3 times lower amounts of NeuAcα2,3Gal as compared to parental Vero cells. Furthermore, the influenza viruses A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B grew in Vero-SIAT1 cells to the higher titers than in Vero cells. Taken together, these results imply that Vero-SIAT1 cells are useful not only for the propagation of human influenza viruses, but also for the preparation of influenza vaccines. Keywords: influenza virus; α-...

A gel-capture assay for characterizing the sialyl-glycan selectivity of influenza viruses.

Acta Virologica — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:45:02 +0100

In this study we developed a simple and inexpensive gel-capture assay (GCA) of the influenza virus HA receptor-binding selectivity. Its principle is the binding of soluble influenza virus to pentasaccharide analogs, representatives of receptors of human and avian influenza viruses, immobilized on a gel resin. The human and avian analogs consisted of a sialyllactose-N-tetraose c (LSTc) [Neu5Ac(α2,6)Gal(β1-3)GlcNAc(β1-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc] and a sialyllactose-N-tetraose a (LSTa) [Neu5Ac(α2,3)Gal(β1-3)GlcNAc(β1-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc], respectively. Following equilibration, the unbound virus is washed away and the bound one is assayed via HA by densitometry as a function of the analog concentration. Using GCA, the receptor selectivity of three influenza viruses of different HA subtype was inv...

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Neuraminidase inhibitor susceptibility of swine influenza A viruses isolated in Germany between 1981 and 2008

Medical Microbiology and Immunology — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:00:24 +0100

Abstract European swine influenza A viruses donated the matrix protein 2 as well as the neuraminidase (NA) gene to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses that emerged in 2009. As a result, the latter became amantadine resistant and neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) susceptible. These recent developments reflecting the close connection between influenza A virus infection chains in humans and pigs urge an antiviral surveillance within swine influenza A viruses. Here, NAI susceptibility of 204 serologically typed swine influenza A viruses of subtypes H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 circulating in Germany between 1981 and 2008 was analyzed in chemiluminescence-based NA inhibition assays. Mean 50% inhibitory concentrations of oseltamivir and zanamivir indicate a good drug susceptibility of teste...

Age-specific Differences in Influenza A Epidemic Curves: Do Children Drive the Spread of Influenza Epidemics?

American Journal of Epidemiology — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to quantify the lead time by age using laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A for the 1995/1996–2005/2006 seasons from Canadian communities and laboratory-confirmed hospital admissions for the H1N1/2009 pandemic strain. With alignment of the epidemic curves locally before aggregation of cases, slight age-specific differences in the timing of infection became apparent. For seasonal influenza, both the 10–19- and 20–29-year age groups peaked 1 week earlier than other age groups, while during the fall wave of the 2009 pandemic, infections peaked earlier among only the 10–19-year age group. In the H3N2 seasons, infections occurred an average of 3.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.7, 6.1) days earlier in the 20–29-year age group than ...

Patchouli alcohol: in vitro direct anti-influenza virus sesquiterpene in Pogostemon cablin Benth.

Journal of Natural Medicines — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:01:28 +0100

Abstract During the screening of anti-influenza virus substances from traditional herbal medicines, the methanol extract from the leaves of Pogostemon cablin Benth. showed potent in vitro antiviral activity (99.8% inhibition at a concentration of 10 μg/mL) against influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). The anti-influenza virus principle was isolated from the hexane-soluble fraction, through solvent fractionation, repeated silica gel column chromatography, and reversed-phase HPLC. The major active principle was a volatile substance that was identified as a sesquiterpene, patchouli alcohol (1), on the basis of its spectral analyses. When anti-influenza virus activity against A/PR/8/34 was evaluated by the plaque forming assay, patchouli alcohol reduced the number of plaques ...

Estimation of Type- and Subtype-Specific Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Victoria, Australia Using a Test Negative Case Control Method, 2007-2008

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Type- and subtype-specific assessment of influenza VE is needed to identify variations that cannot be differentiated from a measure of VE against all influenza. Type- and subtype-specific influenza VE estimates in Victoria in 2007 and 2008 were generally consistent with strain circulation data. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Induction of Inflammatory Cytokines and Toll-like Receptors in Human Normal Respiratory Epithelial Cells Infected with Seasonal H1N1, 2009 Pandemic H1N1, Seasonal H3N2, and Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus

Viral Immunology — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:41:06 +0100

Viral Immunology Jun 2011, Vol. 24, No. 3: 179-187. (Source: Viral Immunology)

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Isolation of novel triple‐reassortant swine H3N2 influenza viruses possessing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of a seasonal influenza virus in Vietnam in 2010

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Please cite this paper as: Ngo et al. (2011) Isolation of novel triple‐reassortant swine H3N2 influenza viruses possessing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of a seasonal influenza virus in Vietnam in 2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00267.x.Surveillance of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) in 31 pig farms in northern and southern parts of Vietnam was conducted. Six H3N2 influenza A viruses were isolated from a pig farm in southern Vietnam. They were novel genetic reassortants between a triple–reassortant SIV and a human seasonal H3N2 virus. Their hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes were derived from a human virus circulating around 2004–2006 and the remaining genes from a triple‐reassortant SIV that originated in North America. ...

Effect of reassortment on the nucleotide and amino acid changes of human A/H3N2 RNP subunits during 1998–2009

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Reassortment can affect the evolution of the influenza RNP subunits. Monitoring the amino acid substitution profile and evolution of the RNP subunits is necessary for the surveillance of future reassortments and emergence of potential virulence markers in the population. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Toronto-area child infected with new flu virus

CTV Health — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:35:11 +0100

Canadian doctors are reporting what may be the first case of a new flu virus created after a child became co-infected with two influenza strains -- pandemic H1N1 and seasonal H3N2. (Source: CTV Health)

Update: influenza activity --- United States, 2010--11 season, and composition of the 2011--12 influenza vaccine.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes influenza activity in the United States during the 2010--11 influenza season (October 3, 2010--May 21, 2011) and describes the components of the 2011--12 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. PMID: 21637185 [PubMed - in process] (Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl...)

An open-label, randomized clinical trial assessing immunogenicity, safety and tolerability of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 MF59-adjuvanted vaccine administered sequentially or simultaneously with seasonal virosomal-adjuvanted influenza vaccine to paediatric kidney transplant recipients

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Paediatric kidney transplant recipients have a lower immune response to the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 MF59-adjuvanted and seasonal virosomal-adjuvanted influenza vaccines than healthy controls. The simultaneous administration of the two vaccines seems to increase immune response to both pandemic and seasonal A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 antigens, and has the same safety profile as that of the pandemic vaccine administered sequentially to the seasonal vaccine. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

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Neutralizing antibody but not hemagglutination antibody provides accurate evaluation for protective immune response to H5N1 avian influenza virus in vaccinated rabbits.

Vaccine — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhu H, Ding X, Chen X, Yao P, Xu F, Xie R, Yang Z, Liang W, Zhang Y, Li Y, Shen J, He P, Guo Z, Su B, Sun S, Zhu Z In order to develop an animal model and an assay method to evaluate protective immune response to H5N1 avian influenza vaccination, H5N1 avian influenza vaccine was prepared. New Zealand rabbits were assigned to receive two doses of vaccine with different hemagglutinin (HA) dosage. The sera from vaccinated rabbits was evaluated to determine antibody titer and specificity using different tested methods including hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI), neutralizing assay (NT), cross-HI assay, cross-single immunodiffusion assay and cross-neutralization assay. The titer of HI antibody from rabbits immunized with different doses of HA were no less than 1:40 among group...

Before influenza tests results are available, can droplet precautions be instituted if influenza is suggested by leukopenia, relative lymphopenia, or thrombocytopenia?

American Journal of Infection Control — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

To the Editor: Since the swine influenza (H1N1) pandemic, there has been increased awareness of the importance of instituting droplet precautions in adults hospitalized with influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and possible influenza. The current influenza season, in our area, has been primarily because of human seasonal influenza (H3N2) as well as swine influenza (H1N1). Two practical problems have emerged. First, clinicians often fail to recognize the patient has influenza, which requires droplet precautions. Droplet precautions are not required for ILIs, only for influenza. The institution of droplet precautions on admission is important to prevent nosocomial spread of influenza. Second, rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are unreliable predictors of influenza A. Positive RIDTs indica...

Severe canine influenza in dogs correlates with hyperchemokinemia and high viral load.

Virology — Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee YN, Lee HJ, Lee DH, Kim JH, Park HM, Nahm SS, Lee JB, Park SY, Choi IS, Song CS Canine influenza virus (CIV) is an emerging pathogen that causes acute respiratory disease in dogs. To better understand the mechanism(s) responsible for the virulence of the virus, we conducted immunological, virological, clinical, and histopathological analyses in CIV-infected dogs. CIV replicated efficiently in the respiratory system of dogs and caused severe respiratory disease. Notably, the infection induced the marked elevation and sustained expression of chemokines that resulted in severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia with extensive neutrophil infiltration. In clinicopathological findings, CIV infection resulted in regenerative anemia, perhaps due to pulmonary hemorrhage. The observation...

Comparison of clinical features and outcomes of medically attended influenza A and influenza B in a defined population over four seasons: 2004–2005 through 2007–2008

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Over four influenza seasons, aside from shorter intervals from illness onset to clinical encounter for infections with the A(H3N2) subtype, clinical symptoms and outcomes were similar for patients with predominantly outpatient‐attended influenza A and B infections. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)