Oseltamivir Resistance in Influenza A Viruses in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Besselaar Terry G., Naidoo Dhamari, Buys Amelia, Gregory Vicky, McAnerney Jo, Manamela Jack M., Blumberg Lucille, Schoub Barry D.
Primary Institution: National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, South Africa
Hypothesis
Have oseltamivir-resistant viruses spread to South Africa?
Conclusion
Oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 subtype viruses have spread in South Africa and may continue to do so.
Supporting Evidence
- Oseltamivir resistance was previously rare, occurring in less than 1% of viruses.
- 16% of influenza A (H1N1) viruses in the 2007-08 season were found to be oseltamivir resistant in other countries.
- Resistance testing showed that all tested isolates from South Africa were positive for the H274Y mutation.
Takeaway
Some flu viruses in South Africa are now resistant to a common flu medicine called oseltamivir, which means they might not work as well to help people get better.
Methodology
Throat or nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from patients, and viruses were isolated and tested for resistance using PCR and sequencing.
Limitations
The study only included outpatients and did not assess severe cases.
Participant Demographics
Patients from all 9 provinces in South Africa.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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