Understanding the Influenza A H1N1 2009 Pandemic
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2010, Vol 10, Issue 2
Abstract
A new strain of Influenza A virus, with quadruple segment translocation in its RNA, caused an outbreak of human infection in April 2009 in USA and Mexico. It was classifed as Influenza A H1N1 2009. Te genetic material originates from three different species: human, avian and swine. By June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) had classifed this strain as a pandemic virus, making it the frst pandemic in 40 years. Influenza A H1N1 2009 is transmitted by respiratory droplets; the transmissibility of this strain is higher than other influenza strains which made infection control difcult. Te majority of cases of H1N1 2009 were mild and self limiting, but some people developed complications and others died. Most laboratory tests are insensitive except the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which is expensive and labour intensive. Te Influenza A H1N1 2009 virus is sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir), but some isolates resistant to oseltamivir have been reported. A vaccine against the new pandemic strain was available by mid-September 2009 with very good immunogenicity and safety profle. Surveillance is very important at all stages of any pandemic to detect and monitor the trend of viral infections and to prevent the occurrence of future pandemics. Te aim of this review is to understand pandemic influenza viruses, and what strategies can be used for surveillance, mitigation and control.
Authors and Affiliations
Zakariya Al-Muharrmi| Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Keywords
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