Enzymatic Properties of the Neuraminidase of Seasonal H1N1 Influenza Viruses Provide Insights for the Emergence of Natural Resistance to Oseltamivir
2008

Insights into H1N1 Influenza Resistance to Oseltamivir

Sample size: 11 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rameix-Welti Marie-Anne, Enouf Vincent, Cuvelier Frédérique, Jeannin Patricia, van der Werf Sylvie

Primary Institution: Unité de Génétique Moléculaire des Virus Respiratoires, URA3015 CNRS, EA302 Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France

Hypothesis

What are the enzymatic properties of the neuraminidase of seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses that contribute to natural resistance to oseltamivir?

Conclusion

The neuraminidase of recent resistant H1N1 viruses has a higher activity and affinity for its substrate compared to previously circulating sensitive viruses.

Supporting Evidence

  • Resistant H1N1 viruses were found to have the H275Y mutation linked to high resistance to oseltamivir.
  • The prevalence of resistant viruses was highest in Norway and France during the 2007-2008 season.
  • All resistant viruses were sensitive to zanamivir, indicating a specific resistance to oseltamivir.

Takeaway

Some flu viruses can resist a common medicine called oseltamivir, and scientists found that these resistant viruses are still able to grow and spread well.

Methodology

The study analyzed H1N1 viruses isolated from routine surveillance and determined their neuraminidase characteristics using inhibition assays.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on in vitro characteristics, and the in vivo implications remain to be determined.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1000103

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