#Cyprus - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A wild Greylag Goose in Nicosia Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7864

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Persistent #influenza A #RNA detection in a #fatal #pediatric case of influenza-associated #encephalopathy

 

Abstract

Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is a life-threatening complication of influenza. We report a case of a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with fulminant IAE. The patient received life-sustaining support, intensive immunomodulatory therapy, and antiviral therapy. Following an initial single dose of baloxavir marboxil, persistent influenza A (H3N2) RNA detection prompted a multi-targeted antiviral regimen (oseltamivir, baloxavir marboxil, peramivir, and onradivir) as salvage therapy. Nevertheless, influenza A RNA remained detectable for more than 1 month, potentially reflecting severe neurological injury, immunosuppression, and impaired airway clearance.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103380

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#Urban #waterfowl harbour geographically connected #viral communities across #Aotearoa New Zealand

 

Abstract

Urban waterfowl are important natural reservoirs of viruses that can affect wildlife, livestock and human health, yet the diversity and spatial distribution of these viral communities remain poorly understood. Here, we characterised the faecal viromes of urban waterfowl sampled from 13 locations across the length of Aotearoa (New Zealand). We identified 96 avian viruses (50 species) spanning nine viral families, including 33 previously undescribed viruses. Picornaviruses were the most widespread viral group, while several viruses were closely related to those previously identified in Australian waterfowl, indicating that some viral lineages are likely distributed across the broader Australasian region. Despite sampling locations spanning more than 1,500 km, virome composition exhibited little evidence of geographic structure, with little difference in viral diversity or community composition between sampling locations. Network analyses similarly demonstrated extensive sharing of virus species among sampling locations, indicating little geographic structuring of virome composition among urban waterfowl. In addition, we recovered the complete genome of a low-pathogenic A(H3N8) influenza A virus from mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) in the most southern region of Aotearoa. These findings reveal extensive viral diversity and widespread connectivity among urban waterfowl, providing new insights into viral ecology and the potential for widespread virus distribution across Aotearoa.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Te Niwha, Aotearoa's Infectious Disease Research Platform, TN/SWC/24/UoOJG

New Zealand Royal Society Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, RDF-20-UOO-007, MTP-UOO2504

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.10.04.756485

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly Situation #Update (CDC, Oct. 6 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominate

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic remains stable and is still in its epidemic period. 

    In week 39 (September 27 - October 3), there were 139,060 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a slight decrease of 1.4% from the previous week. 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 219 new cases of severe influenza complications (210 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 7 unidentified A cases, and 1 B case) and 44 deaths (41 H1N1, 1 H3N2, and 2 unidentified A cases). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 90.7%. 

    This flu season (2025-2026) saw a total of 30 severe cases (all H1N1); the previous flu season (2024-2025) saw a total of 1,862 severe cases (1,225 H1N1, 511 H3N2, 35 unidentified A cases, and 91 B cases) and 378 deaths (247 H1N1, 107 H3N2, 12 unidentified A cases, and 12 B cases). 

    Among the severe cases, the majority were elderly people over 65 years old (66.4%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.6%), and 67.2% had not received the flu vaccine for this season. 

    Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has declined, but it is still in the epidemic period. 

    In the 39th week (September 27 - October 3), there were 7,836 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID-19, a decrease of 26.7% compared with the previous 7 days (September 24 - September 30). 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 37 new local severe cases and 16 local deaths. 

    This quarter (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) saw a cumulative total of 12 local severe cases, with no deaths. 

    In the previous quarter (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026), there were a cumulative total of 781 local cases of COVID-19 complicated with severe illness, of which 163 died. 

    The majority of severe cases were among the elderly aged 65 and above (73.6%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.0%). 83.9% of these cases had not received the COVID-19 vaccine that quarter. In the past four weeks, the most common local case variants were PQ.16.1.1 and NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/tC7VIc05_kkg8wOlIPpQIw?typeid=9

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#Taiwan, In response to suspected #plague case reported in #Russia, CDC has inquired about the incident through #IHR mechanism and is monitoring situation (Oct. 6 '26)

 

{Edited}

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated on October 6, 2026, regarding recent international media reports of a death from pneumonia of unknown cause reported on October 2, 2026, in Irkutsk Oblast, Siberia, Russia. 

    The patient was a 28-year-old female laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, who died on October 2 after developing severe pneumonia. 

    According to an official statement issued by the Rospotrebnadzor (Russian official infectious disease management agency), as reported by local Russian media, expanded testing of the infected employee's samples revealed no special microorganisms related to her job duties. 

    The country's biosafety expert committee also confirmed that no pathogen leakage occurred at the laboratory. 

    Furthermore, Russia has conducted extensive testing and hospitalized isolation observation on all contacts. 

    Currently, only two cases of COVID-19 and two cases of rhinovirus infection have been detected, with no other special infectious disease pathogens found, and the relevant contacts have no abnormal symptoms. 

    The incidence of respiratory diseases among the general population in the region remains within the normal seasonal range. 

    Further information is still pending clarification. 

    A WHO spokesperson stated that the public health risk posed by this event to the general public is low.

    To monitor the situation, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) inquired with the International Health Regulations (IHR) {focal point} in Russia on October 5th for detailed information regarding the event to clarify the local epidemic situation and the risk of cross-border transmission. 

    The CDC also sent a letter to the WHO today (October 6th) requesting information related to this case.

    The CDC explained that Taiwan has not reported any cases of plague since 1953. 

    Regarding the international epidemic, according to WHO data, from 2019 to 2025, 10 countries worldwide reported 3,860 suspected cases of plague, of which 2,646 were confirmed cases, resulting in 423 deaths (a case fatality rate of 11% for suspected cases). 

    Approximately 98% of confirmed cases were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. China reported 19 confirmed cases, and Mongolia reported 17 confirmed cases. 

    The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) points out that plague is a Category 1 notifiable infectious disease, requiring reporting within 24 hours, immediate isolation and treatment with appropriate antibiotics as soon as possible. 

    Aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones are the first-line drugs for treating plague and are readily available and stably supplied in domestic clinical practice, suitable for both diagnostic treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis.

    In response to emerging infectious diseases, Taiwan has established relevant testing capabilities and an infectious disease prevention and control medical network. 

    Legal regulations mandate that isolation hospitals at all levels develop emergency response plans, procedures for admitting infectious disease patients, and conduct regular drills, including personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing, negative pressure isolation ward testing and maintenance, and inter-hospital transfer drills, ensuring frontline medical staff are aware of and report emerging infectious diseases.

    In addition, collaborations have been established with three medical centers—Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, and National Cheng Kung University Hospital—to set up a special pathogen technology care demonstration center. 

    A dedicated team has been formed to improve the efficiency of various hardware and software facilities in the care area, introduce smart healthcare technologies, and establish standardized care models. This center can provide professional technical guidance to isolation hospitals at all levels and is capable of providing comprehensive medical care services for patients with highly contagious or unexplained severe acute or emerging infectious diseases.

    In response to the current international plague outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is not only closely monitoring the development of the epidemic both domestically and internationally, but also strengthening fever screening at airports and ports, as well as quarantine measures for aircraft and ships. 

    Furthermore, the CDC is using various communication channels to urge inbound and outbound travelers to pay attention to the international epidemic situation and their own protection.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/tfHqeDmxP80662NPXLwWYA?typeid=9

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#Australia, #H5 avian #influenza events in #wildlife (Dept. Agriculture, Oct. 6 '26)

{Extracts}

(...)

Event data

    ° 686 Positive events

    ° 58,174 Hotline reports

    As of 4pm AEST, 5 October 2026, Australia has 686 confirmed events of H5 bird flu in wildlife.

        § 10 in Western Australia (WA)

        § 325 in South Australia (SA)

        § 68 in New South Wales (NSW)

        § 2 in Queensland (QLD)

        § 234 in Victoria (VIC)

        § 46 in Tasmania (TAS)

        § 1 in Other Territories*

{*} Jervis Bay Territory (Commonwealth jurisdiction)

    As H5 bird flu is confirmed in more locations and species in Australia it will not be necessary to continue testing all species in known areas of transmission, or to test every animal involved in an investigation. 

    Reporting will be targeted to provide a clear picture of the national H5 bird flu situation in wildlife in Australia and key developments.

Data disclaimer

    Data reflects information provided by state and territory governments to the Australian Government as at 17:00 AEST daily. The Australian Government publishes this information for national reporting purposes. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and currency of the data remains with the relevant state or territory government. Due to differences in reporting timing, information on the national dashboard may differ from information published on state or territory government websites.

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu/latest-data#h1_bird_flu

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#Norway - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

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A wild Greylag Goose in Akershus Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7878

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Several Central Asian #countries have strengthened #border #quarantine measures after #Russia reported a possible pneumonic #plague case (NetEase, Oct. 5 '26)

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    While Russia continues to deny a plague outbreak, neighboring countries have already taken action. 

    Following the death of a 28-year-old female employee of the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have strengthened border health and quarantine measures. 

    Russia's latest conclusion remains that the illness is "pneumonia of unknown cause," and no plague has been publicly detected in the 197 contacts identified so far.

    The deceased was named Daria Shipilova, and worked at the Irkutsk Siberian and Far Eastern Anti-Plague Research Institute, which is under the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare of the Russian Federation.

    She was hospitalized on September 29 with severe pneumonia and died on October 2.

    The incident quickly spiraled out of control because her workplace was not an ordinary laboratory, but an institution that specializes in researching highly dangerous infectious diseases such as plague.

    Russian local media later published an extremely frightening version: Shipilova broke a test tube containing live plague pathogens while working in the laboratory on September 25 and subsequently fell ill.

    This claim has not yet been confirmed by the Russian health authorities.

    Following expanded testing, the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare stated that Shipilova's official diagnosis remains "pneumonia of unknown cause," and no microorganisms related to her occupational activities were detected in her biological samples.

    The Russian side also stated that the expert committee found no evidence of any incidents involving the handling of pathogenic microorganisms at the institute.

    However, the measures taken locally were not lenient.

    Following Shipilova's death, 197 people who had been in contact with her were placed under medical observation. Russian local media initially reported that several hospitals restricted access, and research institute staff were also quarantined.

    The Sherekhov aluminum plant near Irkutsk has even reinstated the requirement for masks.

    Anna Popova, Russia's top public health official, traveled to Irkutsk to attend a special meeting on the prevention and control of "suspected particularly dangerous infectious diseases."

    The leader of the neighboring Buryat Republic, Alexei Tsydenov, initially wrote directly "the woman who died of the plague," but later changed the wording to "possibly died of the plague."

    By October 5, the Russian government had further downplayed the rumors.

    Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said that expanded laboratory testing did not find any pathogens related to Shipilova's professional activities, and her cause of death is still listed as "pneumonia of unknown cause."

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also publicly stated that day, urging the outside world not to follow rumors about a "plague outbreak" circulating online, but to rely on information officially released by the Russian health authorities.

    But Russia's neighbors clearly did not wait for the final conclusion.

    The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health announced that health quarantine checkpoints nationwide have been upgraded. Passengers, vehicles, and goods transiting the country will be subject to stricter epidemiological monitoring.

    Tajikistan's health authorities have also confirmed that they have strengthened national border health and quarantine measures, with a focus on preventing the importation of particularly dangerous infectious diseases.

    The Kazakh Ministry of Health stated that it is monitoring the situation in Irkutsk, and no cases of plague have been confirmed on the Russian side so far. Kazakhstan has assessed the risk of imported cases as "low," but health quarantine measures have been implemented at border crossings.

    Uzbekistan raised its health and epidemic prevention department's alert level earlier, with the same aim of preventing the importation of particularly dangerous infectious diseases from abroad.

    There's a place here that's easily swayed by social media.

    The "pneumonic plague" mentioned in the English report is not "pneumonia plague"; the accurate Chinese name is "pneumonic plague".

    Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis. The most common form is bubonic plague; if the bacteria invade the lungs, it can cause pneumonic plague. The biggest difference between pneumonic plague and bubonic plague is that the former can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets produced by infected individuals, which is why public health departments are particularly concerned.

    However, "the existence of suspected pneumonic plague" and "the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Russia" are two completely different things.

    As of the evening of October 5, publicly available evidence could only confirm a few things: 

    ° a female employee of the anti-plague research institute had died; 

    ° Russia had initiated preventative measures as a "suspected particularly dangerous infectious disease"; 

    ° approximately 197 contacts were under medical observation; and 

    ° at least four Central Asian countries had implemented border control measures to prevent the importation of the virus.

    What remains uncertain is precisely the most frightening question: whether she was actually infected with the plague, and whether the test tube supposedly containing plague bacteria was broken.

    There's another layer of background to this mystery.

    The vast grasslands and mountains bordering Russia, Mongolia, and northwest China naturally contain plague foci. Just this September, the Russian health authorities reported a high level of plague activity in animals in the Altai region near the Mongolian border and organized disease control personnel to conduct monitoring.

    Therefore, the fact that Central Asian countries are now strengthening border health checks does not mean that they have confirmed the outbreak of plague in Russia.

    What they are doing is something else entirely: conclusions can wait, but border epidemic prevention cannot.

    To date, Russia has not released any laboratory results proving that Shipilova was infected with plague, nor has it released any reports on the pathogen strains detected in the so-called "ruptured test tube."

Source: 

Link: https://www.163.com/dy/article/L8GQQJKP05528J01.html

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#Teratogenic Effects and Outcomes of #Congenital #Oropouche Virus Infection: Current Evidence, Pathophysiological Mechanisms, and Research Priorities

 

Abstract

Background: 

Oropouche virus (OROV), an Orthobunyavirus endemic to Latin America, has recently emerged as a pathogen of concern in pregnancy following reports of vertical transmission, fetal demise, congenital anomalies, and neonatal disease. The unprecedented 2023–2025 outbreaks in Latin America have expanded the geographic distribution of OROV and renewed concerns regarding its potential as an emerging human teratogen. 

Methods: 

We conducted a narrative comprehensive review of the literature focusing on epidemiology, maternal–fetal transmission, placental infection, experimental models, fetal and neonatal outcomes, and comparisons with other congenital arboviral infections. 

Results: 

Increasing evidence supports the ability of OROV to infect the placenta, cross the maternal–fetal interface, and invade fetal tissues. Human cases have documented miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal demise, microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, cerebral atrophy, corpus callosum abnormalities, posterior fossa defects, arthrogryposis, and neonatal death following maternal infection. Viral RNA and OROV-specific antibodies have been detected in placental, fetal, and neonatal samples, providing direct evidence of congenital infection. Experimental studies using trophoblast cultures, placental organoids, neural progenitor cells, brain organoids, and animal models have confirmed placental susceptibility, vertical transmission, fetal neurotropism, and disruption of neurodevelopment. The congenital phenotype shares important similarities with congenital Zika syndrome and other neurotropic arboviral infections. 

Conclusions: 

OROV is newly and increasingly recognized as a vertically transmissible neurotropic arbovirus with potential teratogenic effects. Although biological plausibility is supported by converging clinical and experimental findings, prospective epidemiological studies are urgently needed to quantify risks, identify determinants of fetal injury, and define long-term outcomes among affected children.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v18101101

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N5 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

(...)

{Scotland} 

Backyard flock. Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N5. Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7873

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#Chile - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A backyard poultry farm in Araucanía Region.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7872

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#Cambodia - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) ( #poultry ) - Immediate notification

{Extract}

(...)

{Otdar Mean Chey} 

    On 20 September 2026, an outbreak investigation team visited a backyard poultry farm following reports of illness and mortality suspected to be caused by Avian Influenza (AI). 

    A total of three chicken and one duck samples were collected and submitted to NAHPRI/GDAHP for testing of Avian Influenza (H5N1). 

    And On 23 September 2026, laboratory results confirmed that all four samples tested positive for Avian Influenza (H5N1). 

    Additionally, in the same area, one human case of Avian Influenza (H5N1) was confirmed by the Ministry of Health on 27 September 2026.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7875

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Apse, Domenico Ghirlandaio (c.1471)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/domenico-ghirlandaio/apse

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#UK, Avian #influenza (bird flu) #H5N5 Virus: Ness, Isle of Lewis, #Scotland (AIV 2026/20) (Dir. of Agriculture, Oct. 4 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

    Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 was confirmed at a premises in Ness, Isle of Lewis on 2 October 2026.

    A 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) are in place.

    Check if your premises is affected by using the interactive map.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-flu-bird-flu-ness-isle-of-lewis-aiv-2026-20/

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#Antibodies targeting a conserved cryptic epitope at the #influenza hemagglutinin head-stem interface via distinct binding modes

 

Abstract

Influenza A virus continues to pose pandemic threats, as demonstrated by the recent global spread of highly pathogenic H5N1 strains. Consequently, the development and characterization of vaccines targeting zoonotic influenza subtypes have become a major focus of the field. In this study, we characterize two broadly reactive antibodies previously isolated from H5N1 vaccinees. Although they have distinct immunoglobulin germline gene usage and binding modes, cryo-EM analysis shows that both antibodies share a highly conserved cryptic epitope at the interface of the hemagglutinin (HA) head and stem domains. The antigenicity of this epitope is influenced by natural amino acid variation at residue 293 of HA subunit 1, and its access is facilitated by acid-induced conformational change of HA. Nevertheless, both antibodies are non-neutralizing and possess only marginal protective efficacy against seasonal and H5N1 viruses in vivo, thus representing suboptimal vaccine responses. Overall, our findings expand the interactions of cross-reactive antibodies with an under-characterized HA epitope and provide insights for next-generation influenza vaccine design.

Competing Interest Statement

N.C.W. consults for HeliXon. All authors declare no other competing interests.

Funder Information Declared

Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, HKU C7053-24G

Health and Medical Research Fund, no. 24230352

NIH/NIGMS, GM158411

Vallee Scholars Program

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.24.754278

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Establishment of an avian #influenza #surveillance program in #Australia's largest #river basin

 

Abstract

To-date Australia has had mostly coastal occurrences in a small but growing number of species of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential impacts of expected spread are the focus of significant preparation activities. Here we report on early surveillance undertaken in 2025-26 in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's largest river system, which contains internationally important wetlands that support large multi-species aggregations of waterbirds vulnerable to mass mortality. We detected two low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of Australian origin in wild waterbirds. Ongoing surveillance will aid in early detection and rapid response in the case of a major inland outbreak of H5N1.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.09.750291

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Cross-clade #protection against #human #H5N1 isolates by a clade 2.3.4.4b HA #mRNA #vaccine in mice

 

Abstract

The recent spread of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses into mammals, despite limited human infections to date, has raised serious public health concerns and highlights the need for rapidly deployable vaccines, such as mRNA-based platforms, to strengthen pandemic preparedness. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of an mRNA vaccine encoding the HA of NIID-002, a WHO-recommended H5 candidate vaccine virus (CVV) derived from A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 (clade 2.3.4.4b) against A/Texas/37/2024 (TX37; clade 2.3.4.4b) and A/Cambodia/2311257/2023 (Cam23; clade 2.3.2.1e). The mRNA was formulated with ssPalmO, a low-inflammatory self-degradable ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP). BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly twice with the mRNA-LNP vaccine containing either 1 μg or 10 μg of H5 HA mRNA. After boosting, strong, dose-dependent serum IgG responses against NIID-002 HA were detected by ELISA. The mice were then challenged with a lethal dose of homologous TX37 or heterologous Cam23. All mice in the 10-μg group survived both challenges, demonstrating robust cross-clade protection. In the 1-μg group, complete protection without significant body weight loss was observed against TX37, whereas partial protection was observed following Cam23 challenge. Viral titers were significantly reduced in multiple tissues of the vaccinated mice compared to the unvaccinated controls. Our findings demonstrate that the NIID-002-HA mRNA vaccine confers protection against homologous and heterologous zoonotic H5N1 strains in a mouse model. This low-inflammatory ssPalmO-LNP platform thus supports safe, rapid vaccine development against emerging H5N1 viruses with pandemic potential.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129215

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Increased circulation of #influenza #H1N1pdm09 viruses with reduced susceptibility to #oseltamivir, #Germany 2024–2026

 

Highlights

    • The National Influenza Center for Germany (Germany NIC) detected an increase in the prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses carrying the neuraminidase substitution NA-S247N, rising from 1.16% circulating in the 2024/25 influenza season to 56.8% in the 2025/26 season.

    • The NA-S247N substitution reduced oseltamivir susceptibility slightly; combined NA-S247N/NA-I223V/T substitutions showed reduced inhibition according WHO criteria.

    • Continuous molecular and phenotypic surveillance is essential for public health and the early detection of viruses with reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.

    • Rapid pyrosequencing supports the routine surveillance of neuraminidase substitutions associated with reduced susceptibility to antivirals.

    • The findings illustrate the Germany NIC's 30-year contribution to antiviral susceptibility monitoring.

Abstract

Background

Oseltamivir is still considered to be the first-line antiviral treatment for severe seasonal influenza. However, resistance to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors poses significant challenges to influenza management. Since the 2023/24 season, A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses carrying neuraminidase substitutions (NA-I223V and/or NA-S247N) have emerged in Germany, other EU/EEA countries, and some of the World Health Organization (WHO) regions. These viruses have been linked to reduced oseltamivir susceptibility.

Methods

A rapid RT-PCR/pyrosequencing assay was developed and validated to detect NA-I223X and NA-S247X substitutions. Subsequently, a total of 765 A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses detected in Germany during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 influenza seasons were characterized phenotypically using fluorometric NA inhibition testing and/or genotypically using next-generation sequencing and pyrosequencing.

Results

The prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses bearing the NA-S247N substitution increased from 1.2% in the 2024/25 season to 56.8% in the 2025/26 season, accounting for up to 80% of analyzed viruses by March 2026. Viruses carrying NA-S247N exhibited higher oseltamivir IC50 values than wild-type viruses. Combinations of NA-S247N with substitutions at position 223 demonstrated an additional increase. In viruses carrying the combined NA-S247N and NA-I223V/T substitutions oseltamivir showed reduced inhibition with increased IC50 values of up to 17-fold compared to wild type viruses.

Conclusions

The accumulation of NA substitutions in A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza viruses, particularly NA-S247N in combination with NA-I223V/T, substantially reduces susceptibility to oseltamivir. The marked increase in NA-S247N prevalence suggests that this substitution is becoming persistent rather than transient. Targeted pyrosequencing is a practical tool for the early detection of emerging resistance-associated substitutions.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmm.2026.151745

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History of Mass Transportation: The Class 477 498 Electric Locomotive of Romanian Railways

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By TrainSimFan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59999296

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CFR_Class_47#/media/File:CFR_477_498_at_Sinaia.jpg

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (AMEDEO, Oct. 3 '26)

 

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4. KAGUJJE M, Kerkhoff AD, Maimbolwa M, Sanjase N, et al
   Clinically diagnosed pulmonary TB and its association with mortality in Zambia: a secondary data analysis of a prospective diagnostic cohort.
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