Puzelli S, Facchini M, Piacentini S, Di Mario G, C. Characterization of an influenza B virus isolated from a fatal case of myocarditis in a pediatric patient in Italy. J Infect Public Health. 2023 Dec 28;17(3):417-420
Influenza B is one of the infective agents that can cause rapid and fatal myocarditis in children. Here, we describe a fatal case of myocarditis in a previously healthy child, after infection with an influenza B/Victoria-lineage virus during the 2022-23 epidemic season in Italy. Influenza B virus was isolated also in a second case, a younger family member showing only a mild influenza-like illness. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses have been performed on both virus samples and results showed that HA1 sequences were identical and genetically and antigenically related to other B viruses circulating in 2022-23 season in Italy. However, a D129N substitution was found in the receptor binding domain of the HA of the two viruses, not detected in other circulating viruses in Italy but only in a proportion of those circulating in other European countries. Phenotypic analyses assessed the susceptibility towards either neuraminidase inhibitors and baloxavir. Annual influenza vaccination remains one of the best interventions to prevent complications such as myocarditis, particularly in children.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- The evolution, complexity, and diversity of swine influenza viruses in China: A hidden public health threat 15 hours ago
- MHC class II proteins mediate sialic acid independent entry of human and avian H2N2 influenza A viruses 15 hours ago
- Histopathologic Features and Viral Antigen Distribution of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b from the 2022–2023 Outbreak in Iowa Wild Birds 15 hours ago
- Detection and characterization of H5N1 HPAIV in environmental samples from a dairy farm 19 hours ago
- Genomic Characterization of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5N1 Virus Newly Emerged in Dairy Cattle 19 hours ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]