Pathogenesis and transmission of swine-origin 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus in ferrets.
The swine-origin A(H1N1) influenza virus that has emerged in humans in early 2009 has raised concerns about pandemic developments. In a ferret pathogenesis and transmission model, the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus was found to be more pathogenic than a seasonal A(H1N1) virus, with more extensive virus replication occurring in the respiratory tract. Replication of seasonal A(H1N1) virus was confined to the nasal cavity of ferrets, but the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus also replicated in the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. Virus shedding was more abundant from the upper respiratory tract for 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus as compared with seasonal virus, and transmission via aerosol or respiratory droplets was equally efficient. These data suggest that the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus has the ability to persist in the human population, potentially with more severe clinical consequences.
Munster
Vincent J
VJ
National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
de Wit
Emmie
E
van den Brand
Judith M A
JM
Herfst
Sander
S
Schrauwen
Eefje J A
EJ
Bestebroer
Theo M
TM
van de Vijver
David
D
Boucher
Charles A
CA
Koopmans
Marion
M
Rimmelzwaan
Guus F
GF
Kuiken
Thijs
T
Osterhaus
Albert D M E
AD
Fouchier
Ron A M
RA
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000821:virology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons; D013552:Swine / Q000821:virology; D014132:Trachea / Q000821:virology; D014779:Virus Replication; D017201:Virus Shedding