2009 A/H1N1 Influenza Virus with Neuraminidase I223R Mutation
Author Information
Author(s): van der Vries Erhard, Veldhuis Kroeze Edwin J., Stittelaar Koert J., Linster Martin, Van der Linden Anne, Schrauwen Eefje J. A., Leijten Lonneke M., van Amerongen Geert, Schutten Martin, Kuiken Thijs, Osterhaus Albert D. M. E., Fouchier Ron A. M., Boucher Charles A. B., Herfst Sander
Primary Institution: Erasmus Medical Centre, Department of Virology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Does the I223R mutation in the neuraminidase of the 2009 A/H1N1 influenza virus affect its virulence and transmissibility?
Conclusion
The I223R mutated virus isolate has comparable replicative ability and transmissibility, but lower pathogenicity than the reference virus.
Supporting Evidence
- The I223R mutation does not significantly affect the virus's ability to replicate in vitro.
- Both the I223R mutant and the reference virus transmitted effectively among ferrets.
- At day 7 post-inoculation, the I223R mutant caused milder pulmonary lesions compared to the reference virus.
- Ferrets infected with the I223R mutant showed similar weight loss to those infected with the reference virus.
Takeaway
A mutated flu virus can still spread easily among ferrets, but it might not make them as sick as the regular virus.
Methodology
The study compared a clinical isolate with the I223R mutation to a reference virus in ferrets, assessing replication, pathogenicity, and transmissibility.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a ferret model, which may not fully represent human infection.
Participant Demographics
Ferrets used in the study were 6-month-old female and influenza virus seronegative.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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