Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Neuraminidase Inhibition Antibodies in Healthy Adults after Exposure to Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09

We detected high titers of cross-reactive neuraminidase inhibition antibodies to influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b in 96.8% (61/63) of serum samples from healthy adults in Hong Kong in 2020. In contrast, antibodies at low titers were detected in 42% (21/50) of serum samples collected in 2009. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H5N1) titers were correlated.

TNFA and IL10 Polymorphisms and IL-6 and IL-10 Levels Influence Disease Severity in Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infected Patients

Cytokines are key modulators of immune response, and dysregulated production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines contributes to the pathogenesis of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection. Cytokine production is impacted by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes coding for them. In the present study, SNPs in the IL6, TNFA, IFNG, IL17A, IL10, and TGFB were investigated for their association with disease severity and fatality in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-affected patients with mild disease (n = 293) and severe disease (n = 86). Among those with severe disease, 41 patients had fatal outcomes. In a subset of the patients, levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, IFN-γ, and IL-17 were assayed in the plasma for their association with severe disease. The frequency of TNFA rs1800629 G/A allele was significantly higher in severe cases and survived severe cases group compared to that of those with mild infection (OR with 95% for mild vs. severe cases 2.95 (1.52–5.73); mild vs. survived severe cases 4.02 (1.84–8.82)). IL10 rs1800896-rs1800872 G-C haplotype was significantly lower (OR with 95% 0.34 (0.12–0.95)), while IL10 rs1800896-rs1800872 G-A haplotype was significantly higher (OR with 95% 12.11 (2.23–76.96)) in fatal cases group compared to that of the mild group. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in fatal cases compared to that of survived severe cases. IL-6 levels had greater discriminatory power than IL-10 to predict progression to fatal outcome in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-infected patients. To conclude, the present study reports the association of TNFA and IL10 SNPs with severe disease in Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-infected subjects. Furthermore, IL-6 levels can be a potential biomarker for predicting fatal outcomes in Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infected subjects.

Reassortant Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus in Elderly Woman, Denmark, January 2021

A case of human infection with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus containing a nonstructural gene highly similar to Eurasian avian-like H1Nx swine influenza virus was detected in Denmark in January 2021. We describe the clinical case and report testing results of the genetic and antigenic characterizations of the virus.

Longitudinal Projection of Herd Prevalence of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infection in the Norwegian Pig Population by Discrete-Time Markov Chain Modelling

In order to quantify projections of disease burden and to prioritise disease control strategies in the animal population, good mathematical modelling of infectious disease dynamics is required. This article investigates the suitability of discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) as one such model for forecasting disease burden in the Norwegian pig population after the incursion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (H1N1pdm09) in Norwegian pigs in 2009. By the year-end, Norway's active surveillance further detected 20 positive herds from 54 random pig herds, giving an estimated initial population prevalence of 37% (95% CI 25-52). Since then, Norway's yearly surveillance of pig herd prevalence has given this study 11 years of data from 2009 to 2020 to work with. Longitudinally, the pig herd prevalence for H1N1pdm09 rose sharply to >40% in three years and then fluctuated narrowly between 48% and 49% for 6 years before declining. This initial longitudinal pattern in herd prevalence from 2009 to 2016 inspired this study to of test the steady-state discrete-time Markov chain model in forecasting disease prevalence. With the pig herd as the unit of analysis, the parameters for DTMC came from the initial two years of surveillance data after the outbreak, namely vector prevalence, first herd incidence and recovery rates. The latter two probabilities formed the fixed probability transition matrix for use in a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) that is quite similar to another compartmental model, the susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model. These DTMC of predicted prevalence (DTMCP) showed good congruence (Pearson correlation = 0.88) with the subsequently observed herd prevalence for seven years from 2010 to 2016. While the DTMCP converged to the stationary (endemic) state of 48% in 2012, after three time steps, the observed prevalence declined instead from 48% after 2016 to 25% in 2018 before rising to 29% in 2020. A sudden plunge in H1N1pdm09 prevalence amongst Norwegians during the 2016/2017 human flu season may have had a knock-on effect in reducing the force of infection in pig herds in Norway. This paper endeavours to present the discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) as a feasible but limited tool in forecasting the sequence of a predicted infectious disease's prevalence after it's incursion as an exotic disease.

Expression of Surfactant Protein D Distinguishes Severe Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) from Coronavirus Disease 2019

The differentiation between influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could constitute a diagnostic challenge during the ongoing winter owing to their clinical similitude. Thus, novel biomarkers are required to enable making this distinction. Here, we evaluated whether the surfactant protein D (SP-D), a collectin produced at the alveolar epithelium with known immune properties, was useful to differentiate pandemic influenza A(H1N1) from COVID-19 in critically ill patients. Our results revealed high serum SP-D levels in patients with severe pandemic influenza but not those with COVID-19. This finding was validated in a separate cohort of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 who also showed low plasma SP-D levels. However, plasma SP-D levels did not distinguish seasonal influenza from COVID-19 in mild-to-moderate disease. Finally, we found that high serum SP-D levels were associated with death and renal failure among severe pandemic influenza cases. Thus, our studies have identified SP-D as a unique biomarker expressed during severe pandemic influenza but not COVID-19.

Influenza A Virus Infections in Dromedary Camels, Nigeria and Ethiopia, 2015-2017

We examined nasal swabs and serum samples acquired from dromedary camels in Nigeria and Ethiopia during 2015–2017 for evidence of influenza virus infection. We detected antibodies against influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) viruses and isolated an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09–like virus from a camel in Nigeria. Influenza surveillance in dromedary camels is needed.

Illness Severity in Hospitalized Influenza Patients by Virus Type and Subtype, Spain, 2010-2017

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 caused more hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths than influenza A(H3N2) or B.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the effect of influenza virus type and subtype on disease severity among hospitalized influenza patients in Spain. We analyzed the cases of 8,985 laboratory-confirmed case-patients hospitalized for severe influenza by using data from a national surveillance system for the period 2010–2017. Hospitalized patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus were significantly younger, more frequently had class III obesity, and had a higher risk for pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome than patients infected with influenza A(H3N2) or B (p<0.05). Hospitalized patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 also had a higher risk for intensive care unit admission, death, or both than patients with influenza A(H3N2) or B, independent of other factors. Determining the patterns of influenza-associated severity and how they might differ by virus type and subtype can help guide planning and implementation of adequate control and preventive measures during influenza epidemics.

Bidirectional Human-Swine Transmission of Seasonal Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus in Pig Herd, France, 2018

In 2018, a veterinarian became sick shortly after swabbing sows exhibiting respiratory syndrome on a farm in France. Epidemiologic data and genetic analyses revealed consecutive human-to-swine and swine-to-human influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus transmission, which occurred despite some biosecurity measures. Providing pig industry workers the annual influenza vaccine might reduce transmission risk.

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infection in a Captive Giant Panda, Hong Kong

We report influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in a captive giant panda in Hong Kong. The viral load peaked on day 1 and became undetectable on day 5, and an antibody response developed. Genome analysis showed 99.3%-99.9% nucleotide identity between the virus and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in Hong Kong.

A retrospective epidemiological interpretation of Norway's serosurveillance data from 2009-2017

Since the incursion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in 2009, serosurveillance every year of the Norwegian pig population revealed the herd prevalence for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (HIN1pdm09) has stabilised between 40% and 50%. Between 30 September 2009 and 14 September 2017, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute and Norwegian Food Safety Authority screened 35,551 pigs for antibodies to influenza A viruses (IAVs) from 8,636 herds and found 26% or 8,819 pigs' sera ELISA positive (titre ≥40). Subtyping these IAV antibodies from 8,214 pigs in 3,629 herds, by a routine haemagglutination inhibition test (HAIT) against four standard antigens produced 13,771 positive results (HAIT titre ≥40) of binding antibodies. The four antigen subtypes eliciting positive HAIT titre in descending frequencies were immunogen H1N1pdm09 (n = 8,200 or 99.8%), swine influenza A virus (SIVs) subtypes swH1N1 (n = 5,164 or 62%), swH1N2 (n = 395 or 5%) and swH3N2 (n = 12 or 0.1%). Of these 8,214 pig pigs sera, 3,039 produced homologous HAIT subtyping, almost exclusively immunogen H1N1pdm09 (n = 3,026 or 99.6%). Using HAIT titre of pig and herd geometric mean titre (GMT) as two continuous outcome variables, and with the data already structured hierarchically, we used mixed effects linear regression analysis to investigate the impact of predictors of interests had on the outcomes. For the full data, the predictors in the regression model include categorical predictors antigen subtype (H1N1pdm09, swH1N1, swH1N2 & swH3N2), and production type (sow herd or fattening herd), ordinal predictors year (longitudinally from 2009 to 2017) and number of antigens in heterologous reactions (1, 2, 3, 4) in the same pig serum. The last predictor, the proportion of HAIT positive (antigen specific) in tested pigs within the herd, was a continuous predictor, which served as a proxy for days post-infection (dpi) or humoral response time in the pig or herd. Regression analysis on individual pig HAIT titres showed that antigen as a predictor, the coefficient for immunogen H1N1pdm09 was at least fourfold higher (P < 0.001) than the three SIVs antigen subtypes, whose much lower coefficients were statistically no different between the three SIVs antigen subtypes. Correspondingly, for herd GMT, immunogen H1N1pdm09 was 28–40-fold higher than the three SIVs antigen subtypes. Excluding the HAIT data of the three SIVs antigen subtypes, regression analysis focusing only on immunogen H1N1pdm09 increased greatly the coefficients of the predictors in the models. Homologous reactions (99.6% H1N1pdm09) have lower HAIT titres while the likelihood of the number of antigens involved in HAIT heterologous reactions in a single pig serum increased with higher HAIT titres of immunogen H1N1pdm09. For predictor ‘production’, sows and sow herds had higher HAIT titres and GMT compared to fattening pigs and fattening herds respectively. Herds with ‘higher proportion of pigs tested positive’ also had higher HAIT titre in the pig and herd GMT.

Molecular characterization of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating at various geographical locations in India, 2017

Background & objectives

Influenza virological surveillance is an essential tool for the early detection of novel genetic variants of epidemiologic and clinical significance. This study was aimed to genetically characterize A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in 2017 and to compare it with the global data.

Methods

The regional/State Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) provided influenza diagnosis for referred clinical samples and shared influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 positives with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, India, for hemagglutinin (HA) gene phylogenetic analysis. Sites at Manipal, Jaipur and Dibrugarh performed the sequencing and shared the sequence data for analysis. The antiviral susceptibility of influenza viruses was assessed for known molecular marker H275Y at the ICMR-NIV, Pune.

Results

All the eight VRDLs had well-established influenza diagnostic facilities and showed increased activity of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 during 2017. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses from the different regions of the country were similar to A/Michigan/45/2015 strain which was the 2017-2018 recommended vaccine strain and were clustered with the globally circulating clade 6B.1 with signature mutations S84N, S162N and I216T. The clade 6B.1 showed further subgrouping with additional mutations S74R, S164T and I295V; however, there was no significant association between the presence of these mutations and severity of disease due to influenza. All the study viruses were sensitive to oseltamivir.

Interpretation & conclusions

During the study period, all the study sites reported globally circulating A/Michigan/45/2015 vaccine strain of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and remained sensitive to oseltamivir. Further genetic and antigenic characterization of influenza viruses is recommended to address public health concerns.

Genetic characterisation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating in Assam, Northeast India during 2009-2015

Introduction

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, since its identification in April 2009, has continued to cause significant outbreaks of respiratory tract infections including pandemics in humans. In the course of its evolution, the virus has acquired many mutations with an ability to cause increased disease severity. A regular molecular surveillance of the virus is essential to mark the evolutionary changes that may cause a shift to the viral behavior.

Materials and Methods

Samples of Throat/Nasal swabs were collected from a total of 3715 influenza-like illness cases and screened by Real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction for influenza viruses. Nucleotide sequence analysis was done to identify changes in antigenicity of the virus strains.

Results

The present study describes the molecular characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses detected in Assam of Northeast India during 2009-2015. Influenza A viruses were detected in 11.4% (425/3715), of which influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were detected in 41.4% (176/425). The nucleotide sequencing of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses revealed a total of 17 and 22 amino acid substitutions in haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of the virus, respectively, compared to contemporary vaccine strain A/California/07/2009. The important mutations detected in HA genes of A/Assam(H1N1)pdm09 strains included E391K, K180Q and S202T. Mutation 'N248D' which has an ability to develop oseltamivir resistance was also detected in NA gene of A/Assam(H1N1)pdm09 strains.

Conclusions

Regular molecular surveillance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is important to monitor the viral behavior in terms of increase virulence, drug resistance pattern and emergence of novel strains.

Comparison of immunogenicity between intradermal and intramuscular injections of repeated annual identical influenza virus strains post-pandemic (2011-2012) in COPD patients

We compared the antibody responses and persistence of the reduced-dose, 9 µg hemagglutinin (HA)/strain intradermal (ID) injection via the Mantoux technique and the 15 μg HA/strain intramuscular (IM) injection of the repeated annual identical trivalent, inactivated, split-virion vaccine 2011-2012 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Eighty patients were randomized to ID (n = 41) and IM (n = 39) groups. Four weeks post-vaccination, the antibody responses of the two groups were similar; those for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza A(H3N2)-but not influenza B-met the criteria of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP). The antibody responses for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 rapidly declined in both groups, especially with the ID injection, whereas those for influenza A(H3N2) maintained above the CPMP criteria throughout 12 months post-vaccination. The geometric mean titres for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 persisted above the protective threshold (≥ 40) until 6 months post-vaccination in both the ID and IM groups. The seroprotection rates of the ID and IM groups were above 60% until 3 months and 6 months post-vaccination, respectively. In conclusion, the 9 μg HA/strain ID injection of vaccine 2011-2012 elicited antibody responses similar to the standard dose of 15 μg of the HA/strain IM injection at 4 weeks post-vaccination. However, the antibody responses for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 rapidly declined, especially in the case of the ID injection, whereas they were comparable for influenza A(H3N2). Additional strategies for increasing vaccine durability should be considered, especially for new pandemic strains affecting elderly COPD patients.

Human-to-Human Transmission of Influenza A(H3N2) Virus with Reduced Susceptibility to Baloxavir, Japan, February 2019

In 2019, influenza A(H3N2) viruses carrying an I38T substitution in the polymerase acidic gene, which confers reduced susceptibility to baloxavir, were detected in Japan in an infant without baloxavir exposure and a baloxavir-treated sibling. These viruses’ whole-genome sequences were identical, indicating human-to-human transmission. Influenza virus isolates should be monitored for baloxavir susceptibility.

Seasonal Influenza and Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Surveillance among Inpatients and Outpatients, East Jakarta, Indonesia, 2011-2014

During October 2011-September 2014, we screened respiratory specimens for seasonal and avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infections among outpatients with influenza-like illness and inpatients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in East Jakarta, an Indonesia district with high incidence of H5N1 virus infection among poultry. In total, 31% (1,875/6,008) of influenza-like illness case-patients and 15% (571/3,811) of SARI case-patients tested positive for influenza virus. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B virus infections were detected in all 3 years, and the epidemic season extended from November through May. Although 28% (2,810/10,135) of case-patients reported exposure to poultry, only 1 SARI case-patient with an H5N1 virus infection was detected. Therefore, targeted screening among case-patients with high-risk poultry exposures (e.g., a recent visit to a live bird market or close proximity to sick or dead poultry) may be a more efficient routine surveillance strategy for H5N1 virus in these types of settings.

Medical Outcomes in Women Who Became Pregnant after Vaccination with a Virus-Like Particle Experimental Vaccine against Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Virus Tested during 2009 Pandemic Outbreak

The clinical effects and immunological response to the influenza vaccine in women who later become pregnant remain to be thoroughly studied. Here, we report the medical outcomes of 40 women volunteers who became pregnant after vaccination with an experimental virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine against pandemic influenza A(H1N1)2009 (influenza A(H1N1)pdm09) and their infants. When included in the VLP vaccine trial, none of the women were pregnant and were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) placebo, (2) 15 μg dose of VLP vaccine, or (3) 45 μg dose of VLP vaccine. These 40 women reported becoming pregnant during the follow-up phase after receiving the placebo or VLP vaccine. Women were monitored throughout pregnancy and their infants were monitored until one year after birth. Antibody titers against VLP were measured in the mothers and infants at delivery and at six months and one year after birth. The incidence of preeclampsia, fetal death, preterm delivery, and premature rupture of membranes was similar among groups. All vaccinated women and their infants elicited antibody titers (≥1:40). Women vaccinated prior to pregnancy had no adverse events that were different from the nonvaccinated population. Even though this study is limited by the sample size, the results suggest that the anti-influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 VLP experimental vaccine applied before pregnancy is safe for both mothers and their infants.

Molecular characterization of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates collected in the 2015-2016 season and comparison of HA mutations detected in Turkey since 2009

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic virus causing the 2009 global outbreak moved into the post-pandemic period, but its variants continued to be the prevailing subtype in the 2015-2016 influenza season in Europe and Asia. To determine the molecular characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates circulating during the 2015-2016 season in Turkey, we identified mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) genes and investigated the presence of H275Y alteration in the neuraminidase genes in the randomly selected isolates. The comparison of the HA nucleotide sequences revealed a very high homology (>99.5%) among the studied influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates, while a relatively low homology (96.6%-97.2%), was observed between Turkish isolates and the A/California/07/2009 vaccine virus. Overall 14 common mutations were detected in HA sequences of all 2015-2016 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates with respect to the A/California/07/2009 virus, four of which located in three different antigenic sites. Eleven rare mutations in 12 HA sequences were also detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all characterized influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates formed a single genetic cluster, belonging to the genetic subclade 6B.1, defined by HA amino acid substitutions S84N, S162N, and I216T. Furthermore, all isolates showed an oseltamivir-sensitive genotype, suggesting that Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) could still be the drug of choice in Turkey.

Post-pandemic influenza-associated mortality in Mexico

Influenza is a leading cause of respiratory tract infections worldwide and there is limited information on the impact of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm virus on mortality after the 2009 pandemic. Using national mortality register data through 1998-2015 in Mexico, influenza-associated mortality was estimated for respiratory, cardiovascular, and all-cause events. The proportion of influenza-associated respiratory and cardiovascular deaths among different age groups were compared. There were 8,853,986 death registries included for the 1998-2015 winter seasons, average influenza-associated respiratory, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality rates were 5.2, 6.3, and 19.6 deaths/100,000 population, respectively. The largest number of respiratory influenza-associated deaths occurred in adults 60 years of age and older, followed by children <5 years of age; during the 2009 pandemic, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014 winter seasons there was a larger number of deaths in the 20-59 years old group. Influenza-associated mortality rates showed a continuous reduction in children <5 years of age. After the 2009 pandemic, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-associated mortality in Mexico showed a persistent change in the demographic pattern of the most severely affected population, particularly during the 2013-2014 season. Influenza associated-mortality has decreased in children <5 years of age and continue to be elevated in adults >60 years of age.

Detection of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses obtained from influenza surveillance in Indonesia

Background:

Influenza antiviral resistance has been shown to occur in many countries and is commonly found in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2). In this study, we monitored and investigated the neuraminidase inhibitor resistance of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses through the influenza surveillance system in Indonesia.

Methods:

A total of 4752 clinical specimens were collected from patients with influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection during the year 2016. An allelic discrimination assay was conducted by a single base substitution or a single-nucleotide polymorphism that is specific to the H275 wild-type and Y275 mutant. Sequencing was performed to confirm the H275Y mutations, and we analysed the phylogenetic relationship.

Results:

The first occurrence of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was observed in the samples from the influenza-like illness surveillance. Two H275Y oseltamivir-resistant viruses (0.74%) out of 272 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 positives were found. Both of them were collected from untreated patients.

Conclusion:

The number of oseltamivir-resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in Indonesia is very low. However, it is necessary to continue with active surveillance for oseltamivir resistance in severe and mild cases.

Rapid risk assessment during the early weeks of the 2015-2016 influenza season in Ukraine

BACKGROUND

Several eastern European countries reported a severe influenza season to the World Health Organization (WHO) during late 2015. A country-specific rapid risk assessment for Ukraine was conducted to assess the season's severity and inform public health action.

METHODS

The exposure and hazard were assessed using acute respiratory infection (ARI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), laboratory surveillance, virological and vaccine data from weeks 40/2015 to 7/2016 with comparison to 4 previous seasons to describe the influenza season start (5-week consecutive increase in ARI or SARI), predominant virus types, geographical spread and affected age groups.

RESULTS

The exposure was characterised by an earlier and steeper increase in SARI (week 1/2016) and ARI (week 2/2016) compared to the previous 4 seasons. Transmission was across Ukraine with an increase in ARI and SARI cases aged 30-64 years compared to 2014/15. Laboratory-confirmed deaths increased from 11 in 2014/2015 to 342 in 2015/2016; the majority were 30-64 years old and unvaccinated; and 63.5% had underlying conditions. Total population vaccination coverage was 0.3%. The hazard assessment found influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 accounted for >95% of viruses detected. Ukrainian virus strains (n = 62) were antigenically similar to vaccine strains and susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

The first weeks of the 2015/16 influenza season were more severe than previous seasons, with an earlier and steeper increase in severe cases and deaths, particularly in younger adults. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the predominant strain and was closely related to the seasonal vaccine strain with no evidence of resistance to antiviral drugs.

Molecular and epidemiological analysis of pandemic and post-pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus from central India

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus pandemic struck India in 2009 and continues to cause outbreaks in its post-pandemic phase. Diminutive information is available about influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 from central India. This observational study presents epidemiological and molecular findings for the period of 6 years. Throat swab samples referred from districts of Madhya Pradesh were subjected to diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 following WHO guidelines. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded and analyzed. Hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The H275Y mutation responsible for antiviral resistance was tested using allelic real-time RT-PCR. Out of 7365 tested samples, 2406 (32.7%) were positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, of which 363 (15.08%) succumbed to infection. Significant trends were observed in positivity (χ²  = 50.8; P < 0.001) and mortality (χ²  = 24.4; P < 0.001) with increasing age. Mutations having clinical and epidemiological importance were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of HA gene sequences revealed that clade 7, 6A, and 6B viruses were in circulation. Oseltamivir resistance was detected in three fatal cases. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses having genetic diversity were detected from central India and continues to be a concern for public health. This study highlights the need of year-round monitoring by establishment of strong molecular and clinical surveillance program.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Individuals With Medically Attended Influenza A and B Virus Infections Enrolled in 2 International Cohort Studies Over a 6-Year Period: 2009-2015

Background

Outcome data from prospective follow-up studies comparing infections with different influenza virus types/subtypes are limited.

Methods

Demographic, clinical characteristics and follow-up outcomes for adults with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), or B virus infections were compared in 2 prospective cohorts enrolled globally from 2009 through 2015. Logistic regression was used to compare outcomes among influenza virus type/subtypes.

Results

Of 3952 outpatients, 1290 (32.6%) had A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection, 1857 (47.0%) had A(H3N2), and 805 (20.4%) had influenza B. Of 1398 inpatients, 641 (45.8%) had A(H1N1)pdm09, 532 (38.1%) had A(H3N2), and 225 (16.1%) had influenza B. Outpatients with A(H1N1)pdm09 were younger with fewer comorbidities and were more likely to be hospitalized during the 14-day follow-up (3.3%) than influenza B (2.2%) or A(H3N2) (0.7%; P < .0001). Hospitalized patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 (20.3%) were more likely to be enrolled from intensive care units (ICUs) than those with A(H3N2) (11.3%) or B (9.8%; P < .0001). However, 60-day follow-up of discharged inpatients showed no difference in disease progression (P = .32) or all-cause mortality (P = .30) among influenza types/subtypes. These findings were consistent after covariate adjustment, in sensitivity analyses, and for subgroups defined by age, enrollment location, and comorbidities.

Conclusions

Outpatients infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or influenza B were more likely to be hospitalized than those with A(H3N2). Hospitalized patients infected with A(H1N1)pdm09 were younger and more likely to have severe disease at study entry (measured by ICU enrollment), but did not have worse 60-day outcomes.

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 outbreak detected in inter-seasonal months during the surveillance of influenza-like illness in Pune, India, 2012-2015

An outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was detected during the ongoing community-based surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI). Among reported 119 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases (59 cases in the year 2012 and 60 cases in 2015) in summer months, common clinical features were fever (100%), cough (90·7%), sore throat (85·7%), nasal discharge (48·7%), headache (55·5%), fatigue (18·5%), breathlessness (3·4%), and ear discharge (1·7%). Rise in ILI cases were negatively correlated with the seasonal factors such as relative humidity (Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient, i.e. r = -0·71 in the year 2012 and r = -0·44 in the year 2015), while rise in ILI cases were positively correlated with the temperature difference (r = 0·44 in the year 2012 and r = 0·77 in the year 2015). The effective reproduction number R, was estimated to be 1·30 in 2012 and 1·64 in 2015. The study highlights the rise in unusual influenza activity in summer month with high attack rate of ILI among children aged ⩽9 years. Children in this age group may need special attention for influenza vaccination. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 outbreak was confirmed in inter-seasonal months during the surveillance of ILI in Pune, India, 2012-2015.

Pandemic vaccination strategies and influenza severe outcomes during the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic and the post-pandemic influenza season: the Nordic experience

During the 2009/10 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic, the five Nordic countries adopted different approaches to pandemic vaccination. We compared pandemic vaccination strategies and severe influenza outcomes, in seasons 2009/10 and 2010/11 in these countries with similar influenza surveillance systems. We calculated the cumulative pandemic vaccination coverage in 2009/10 and cumulative incidence rates of laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths in 2009/10 and 2010/11. We estimated incidence risk ratios (IRR) in a Poisson regression model to compare those indicators between Denmark and the other countries. The vaccination coverage was lower in Denmark (6.1%) compared with Finland (48.2%), Iceland (44.1%), Norway (41.3%) and Sweden (60.0%). In 2009/10 Denmark had a similar cumulative incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09 ICU admissions and deaths compared with the other countries. In 2010/11 Denmark had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09 ICU admissions (IRR: 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-3.0) and deaths (IRR: 8.3; 95% CI: 5.1-13.5). Compared with Denmark, the other countries had higher pandemic vaccination coverage and experienced less A(H1N1)pdm09-related severe outcomes in 2010/11. Pandemic vaccination may have had an impact on severe influenza outcomes in the post-pandemic season. Surveillance of severe outcomes may be used to compare the impact of influenza between seasons and support different vaccination strategies.

Population Effects of Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic among Health Plan Members, San Diego, California, USA, October-December 2009

Lacking population-specific data, activity of seasonal and pandemic influenza is usually tracked by counting the number of diagnoses and visits to medical facilities above a baseline. This type of data does not address the delivery of services in a specific population. To provide population-specific data, this retrospective study of patients with influenza-like illness, influenza, and pneumonia among members of a Kaiser Permanente health plan in San Diego, California, USA, during October-December 2009 was initiated. Population data included the number of outpatients accessing healthcare; the number of patients diagnosed with pneumonia; antimicrobial therapy administered; number of patients hospitalized with influenza, influenza-like illness, or pneumonia; level of care provided; and number of patients requiring specialized treatments (e.g., oxygen, ventilation, vasopressors). The rate of admissions specific to weeks and predictions of 2 epidemiologic models shows the strengths and weaknesses of those tools. Data collected in this study may improve planning for influenza pandemics.

Whole-genome analysis of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses isolated in Uganda from 2009 to 2011

We report a whole-genome analysis of 19 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates from four Ugandan hospitals between 2009 and 2011. The isolates differed from the vaccine strain A/California/07/2009 by three amino acid substitutions P100S, S220T, and I338V in the hemagglutinin and by two amino acid substitutions V106I and N248D in the neuraminidase proteins with consistent mutations in all gene segments distinguishing isolates from the 2009/2010 to 2010/2011 seasons. Phylogenetic analysis showed low genetic evolution, with genetic distances of 0%-1.3% and 0.1%-1.6% for HA and NA genes, respectively. The amino acid substitutions did not lead to antigenic differences from the reference strains.

The immunogenicity of the intradermal injection of seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine containing influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in COPD patients soon after a pandemic

The antibody responses of a reduced-dose intradermal seasonal influenza vaccination have never been studied in COPD patients soon after a pandemic. A total of 149 COPD patients (60 y of age or older) were randomized to receive trivalent influenza vaccine (Sanofi-Pasteur, France) either 9 µg of hemagglutinin (HA) per strain split into 2-site intradermal (ID) injections via the Mantoux technique or one intramuscular (IM) injection of 15 µg of HA per strain. The geometric mean titers, seroconversion factors, seroconversion rates and seroprotection rates for influenza A(H3N2) and B administered through the ID injection (n = 75) were similar to those obtained with the IM injection (n = 74) 4 weeks post-vaccination. The antibody responses for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 administered through the ID injection were lower than those obtained with the IM injection, but all of these responses met the 3 criteria proposed by the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) for annual re-licensure. The seroprotection rates 4 weeks post-vaccination for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 were 64.0% (95%CI 52.7-74.0%) in the ID group vs. 78.4% (95% CI 67.6-86.3%) in the IM group (p = 0.053). Influenza-related acute respiratory illness (ARI), diagnosed as a 4-fold rise in HI titers with a convalescent titer > 1:40, and/or the RT-PCR between the ID group (5.3%) and the IM group (8.1%) were not significantly different. The reduced-dose intradermal influenza vaccine may expand vaccine coverage in cases of vaccine shortage.

Detection of pandemic strain of influenza virus (A/H1N1/pdm09) in pigs, West Africa: implications and considerations for prevention of future influenza pandemics at the source

Background

Human and animal influenza are inextricably linked. In particular, the pig is uniquely important as a mixing vessel for genetic reassortment of influenza viruses, leading to emergence of novel strains which may cause human pandemics. Significant reduction in transmission of influenza viruses from humans, and other animals, to swine may therefore be crucial for preventing future influenza pandemics. This study investigated the presence of the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus, A(H1N1)pdm09, in Nigerian and Ghanaian pigs, and also determined levels of acceptance of preventive measures which could significantly reduce the transmission of this virus from humans to pigs.

Methods

Nasal swab specimens from 125 pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria, and Kumasi, Ghana, were tested for the presence of influenza A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) by quantitative antigen-detection ELISA. A semi-structured questionnaire was also administered to pig handlers in the two study areas and responses were analyzed to evaluate their compliance with seven measures for preventing human-to-swine transmission of influenza viruses.

Results

The virus was detected among pigs in the two cities, with prevalence of 8% in Ibadan and 10% in Kumasi. Levels of compliance of pig handlers with relevant preventive measures were also found to be mostly below 25 and 40% in Ibadan and Kumasi, respectively.

Conclusion

Detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 among pigs tested suggests the possibility of human-to-swine transmission, which may proceed even more rapidly, considering the very poor acceptance of basic preventive measures observed in this study. This is also the first report on detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Ghanaian pigs. We recommend improvement on personal hygiene among pig handlers, enforcement of sick leave particularly during the first few days of influenza-like illnesses, and training of pig handlers on recognition of influenza-like signs in humans and pigs. These could be crucial for prevention of future influenza pandemics.

Clinical findings in 10 children with H275Y influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the clinical effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors against H275Y influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. A cluster of H275Y influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus with cross-resistance to oseltamivir and peramivir was detected among untreated community patients in Hokkaido, Japan, during the 2013-2014 influenza season.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study. Specimens from nasopharyngeal swabs underwent rapid testing and single-nucleotide polymorphism identification on real-time polymerase chain reaction. We collected clinical data from the H275Y group and a 275H wild-type comparison group. All children were given one of four neuraminidase inhibitors.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight children infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus were analyzed. Ten viruses had the H275Y substitution, while the other 18 had wild-type 275H. Mean fever duration after treatment and after onset was 25.3 h (95%CI: 14.1-36.5) and 48.9 h (95%CI: 34.4-63.3) in the H275Y group, respectively, and 26.1 h (95%CI: 18.7-33.6) and 46.3 h (95%CI: 35.7-56.8) in the 275H group, respectively. In the H275Y group, three patients were treated with oseltamivir, one with peramivir, five with zanamivir, and one with laninamivir. All of them had mild symptoms and received only outpatient care. Fever duration was 7.5-21.0 h and 18.0-66.0 h after treatment and after onset, respectively, in the patients treated with oseltamivir and peramivir, and 20.5-42.0 h and 42.0-88.0 h, respectively, in those treated with zanamivir and laninamivir.

CONCLUSION

Fever in the H275Y children treated with oseltamivir and peramivir resolved rapidly during the 2013-2014 influenza season.

Antibody response to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in vaccinated, serologically infected and unaffected pregnant women and their newborns

Objective

To evaluate the serological response in pregnant Danish women immunized during the 2009 pandemic by serologic infection or by vaccination with influenza A(H1N1) Pandemrix^® and describe levels of passively acquired maternal antibody in their offspring.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Department of Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark, October to December 2009.

Population

Pregnant women and their offspring

Methods

Serological analysis of antibodies to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 by hemagglutination inhibition assay in 197 women and their offspring. Blood samples were collected consecutively at delivery from the mother and the umbilical cord. In a subgroup of 124 of the 197 women, an additional blood sample from gestational weeks 9–12 was available for analysis.

Main outcome measures

Seroconversion, geometric mean titer, geometric mean‐fold rise and protective antibodies.

Results

33 of the 124 subgroup women (27%) seroconverted during pregnancy, 79% after vaccination and 17% after serologic infection (p < 0.001). The geometric mean titer after delivery in non‐vaccinated, non‐serologically infected women was 17.1 (95%CI 15.7–18.6). The geometric mean titer increased significantly after serologic infection with H1N1 [76.5 (95%CI 51.3–113.9), p < 0.001] and after vaccination [589.6 (95%CI 339.3–1024.7), p < 0.001]. The geometric mean‐fold rise (mother at delivery/mother early pregnancy) was significantly higher after vaccination [2.23 (1.93–2.54)] than after serologic infection [1.73 (1.59–1.87), p = 0.013]. In newborns of vaccinated mothers, 89.5% had protective antibody levels compared with 15.8% in newborns of serologically infected mothers (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy confers passive immunity to the newborn.

Ethnicity, deprivation and mortality due to 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in England during the 2009/2010 pandemic and the first post-pandemic season

The relationship between risk of death following influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and ethnicity and deprivation during the 2009/2010 pandemic period and the first post-pandemic season of 2010/2011 in England was examined. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the mortality risk, adjusted for age, gender, and place of residence. Those of non-White ethnicity experienced an increased mortality risk compared to White populations during the 2009/2010 pandemic [10·5/1000 vs. 6·0/1000 general population; adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1·84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·39-2·54] with the highest risk in those of Pakistani ethnicity. However, no significant difference between ethnicities was observed during the following 2010/2011 season. Persons living in areas with the highest level of deprivation had a significantly higher risk of death (RR 2·08, 95% CI 1·49-2·91) compared to the lowest level for both periods. These results highlight the importance of rapid identification of groups at higher risk of severe disease in the early stages of future pandemics to enable the implementation of optimal prevention and control measures for vulnerable populations.

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in giant pandas, China

We confirmed infection with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in giant pandas in China during 2009 by using virus isolation and serologic analysis methods. This finding extends the host range of influenza viruses and indicates a need for increased surveillance for and control of influenza viruses among giant pandas.

Efficiency of points of dispensing for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2009

During October 23-December 8, 2009, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health used points of dispensing (PODs) to improve access to and increase the number of vaccinations against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. We assessed the efficiency of these units and access to vaccines among ethnic groups. An average of 251 persons per hour (SE 65) were vaccinated at the PODs; a 10% increase in use of live-attenuated monovalent vaccines reduced that rate by 23 persons per hour (SE 7). Vaccination rates were highest for Asians (257/10,000 persons), followed by Hispanics (114/10,000), whites (75/100,000), and African Americans (37/10,000). Average distance traveled to a POD was highest for whites (6.6 miles; SD 6.5) and lowest for Hispanics (4.7 miles; SD ±5.3). Placing PODs in areas of high population density could be an effective strategy to reach large numbers of persons for mass vaccination, but additional PODs may be needed to improve coverage for specific populations.

Efficiency of points of dispensing for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination, Los Angeles County, California, USA, 2009

During October 23–December 8, 2009, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health used points of dispensing (PODs) to improve access to and increase the number of vaccinations against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. We assessed the efficiency of these units and access to vaccines among ethnic groups. An average of 251 persons per hour (SE 65) were vaccinated at the PODs; a 10% increase in use of live-attenuated monovalent vaccines reduced that rate by 23 persons per hour (SE 7). Vaccination rates were highest for Asians (257/10,000 persons), followed by Hispanics (114/10,000), whites (75/100,000), and African Americans (37/10,000). Average distance traveled to a POD was highest for whites (6.6 miles; SD 6.5) and lowest for Hispanics (4.7 miles; SD ±5.3). Placing PODs in areas of high population density could be an effective strategy to reach large numbers of persons for mass vaccination, but additional PODs may be needed to improve coverage for specific populations.

Clinical epidemiology and predictors of outcome in children hospitalised with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in 2009: a prospective national study

Background

There are few large-scale, prospective studies of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in children that identify predictors of adverse outcomes.

Objectives

We aimed to examine clinical epidemiology and predictors for adverse outcomes in children hospitalised with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Australia.

Methods

Active hospital surveillance in six tertiary paediatric referral centres (June–September, 2009). All children aged <15 years admitted with laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 were studied.

Results

Of 601 children admitted with laboratory-confirmed influenza, 506 (84·2%) had influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Half (51·0%) of children with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 were previously healthy. Hospital stay was longer in children with pre-existing condition (mean 6·9 versus 4·9 days; P = 0·02) as was paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay (7·0 versus 2·3 days; P = 0·005). Rapid diagnosis decreased both antibiotic use and length of hospital and PICU stay. Fifty (9·9%) children were admitted to a PICU, 30 (5·9%) required mechanical ventilation and 5 (0·9%) died. Laboratory-proven bacterial co-infection and chronic lung disease were significant independent predictors of PICU admission (OR 6·89, 95% CI 3·15–15·06 and OR 3·58, 95% CI 1·41–9·07, respectively) and requirement for ventilation (OR 5·61, 95% CI 2·2–14·28 and OR 5·18, 95% CI 1·8–14·86, respectively). Chronic neurological disease was a predictor of admission to PICU (OR 2·30, 95% CI 1·14–4·61).

Conclusions

During the 2009 pandemic, influenza was a major cause of hospitalisation in tertiary paediatric hospitals. Co-infection and underlying chronic disease increased risk of PICU admission and/or ventilation. Half the children admitted were previously healthy, supporting a role for universal influenza vaccination in children.

Contact tracing for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-infected passenger on international flight

In April 2009, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection was confirmed in a person who had been symptomatic while traveling on a commercial flight from Mexico to the United Kingdom. Retrospective public health investigation and contact tracing led to the identification of 8 additional confirmed cases among passengers and community contacts of passengers.

Incidence of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection, United Kingdom, 2009-2011

We conducted a longitudinal community cohort study of healthy adults in the UK. We found significantly higher incidence of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection in 2010-11 than in 2009-10, a substantial proportion of subclinical infection, and higher risk for infection during 2010-11 among persons with lower preinfection antibody titers.

Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccinations against laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated infections among Singapore military personnel in 2010-2013

Background

Limited information is available about seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) in tropical communities.

Objectives

Virus subtype-specific VE was determined for all military service personnel in the recruit camp and three other non-recruit camp in Singapore's Armed Forces from 1 June 2009 to 30 June 2012.

Methods

Consenting servicemen underwent nasal washes, which were tested with RT-PCR and subtyped. The test positive case and test negative control design was used to estimate the VE. To estimate the overall effect of the programme on new recruits, we used an ecological time series approach.

Results

A total of 7016 consultations were collected. The crude estimates for the VE of the triavalent vaccine against both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B were 84% (95% CI 78–88%, 79–86%, respectively). Vaccine efficacy against influenza A(H3N2) was markedly lower (VE 33%, 95% CI −4% to 57%). An estimated 70% (RR = 0·30; 95% CI 0·11–0·84), 39% (RR = 0·61;0·25–1·43) and 75% (RR = 0·25; 95% CI 0·11–0·50) reduction in the risk of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B infections, respectively, in the recruit camp during the post-vaccination period compared with during the pre-vaccination period was observed.

Conclusions

Overall, the blanket influenza vaccine programme in Singapore's Armed Forces has had a moderate to high degree of protection against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B, but not against influenza A(H3N2). Blanket influenza vaccination is recommended for all military personnel.

Fatal influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 encephalopathy in immunocompetent man

We report an immunocompetent patient who had fatal encephalopathy after mild influenza. He rapidly died after unusual symptoms related to intracerebral thrombosis and hemorrhage. A brain biopsy specimen was positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus RNA, but a lung biopsy specimen and cerebrospinal spinal fluid samples were negative.

Pathogenic mechanisms of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection elucidated on gene expression profiling

BACKGROUND

The pathogenic mechanisms underlying influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and pneumonia remain unclear. This study examined A(H1N1)pdm09 host responses using gene expression profiles of patients' peripheral blood.

METHODS

Sixteen A(H1N1)pdm09-infected children in three groups were examined: a CNS group, with convulsion and altered consciousness (n = 6); a pneumonia (Pneu) group (n = 5); and a group of infected control patients (n = 5). The signal ratios of the acute to recovery phases in CNS or Pneu were analyzed versus those of the control.

RESULTS

The CNS (619 transcripts) and Pneu (656 transcripts) groups had significantly increased signal ratios compared to the control group. Regarding the increased ratios of transcripts shown by multiple probes, contactin-associated protein-like 3 transcripts, oleoyl-ACP hydrolase transcripts, and interleukin 1 type 1 receptor were observed in CNS and Pneu. Increased ratios of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 and α-synuclein were characteristic of CNS. Alkaline phosphatase and the Fc fragment of IgA receptor were characteristic of Pneu. Regarding enriched gene ontology terms, 'response to lipopolysaccharide', 'innate immune response', and 'intrinsic to membrane' were observed commonly in CNS and Pneu. Enriched gene ontology terms related to 'hemoglobin' and 'hemostasis' were, respectively, characteristic of CNS and Pneu.

CONCLUSION

These symptom-associated transcripts might be some clues to the pathogenesis of the A(H1N1)pdm09 infection.