Influenza A Virus
Multiplex PCR assay detects four respiratory viruses with single swab
HOUSTON — A multiplex PCR assay was able to detect and differentiate between four respiratory viruses — influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 — researchers reported at ASM Microbe.
Maternal HIV infection may impact flu vaccine response in infants
In a study conducted among nearly 500 influenza vaccine-naive mother-infant pairs in Malawi, researchers found that maternal HIV infection was associated with lower antibody responses to influenza A viruses in both mothers and their infants, suggesting that influenza vaccines “may have variable efficacy in sub-Saharan Africa” where there is a high burden of HIV, researchers said.
Surveillance for novel flu viruses should target swine workers with ‘intense’ exposure to pigs
A study of hundreds of swine workers in China showed that they are at an increased risk for infections with enzootic swine influenza A viruses despite pre-existing elevated neutralizing antibodies, according to a recent study.
Transmission of Xofluza-resistant flu virus reported in Japanese siblings
A recent report published in Emerging Infectious Diseases detailed a case of likely human-to-human transmission of an influenza A virus with reduced susceptibility to Xofluza between two siblings in Japan.