Pathogenicity of the Swine-Origin 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Virus

In animal models, this virus caused more morbidity than seasonal H1N1 viruses but was not as readily transmissible.

With the swine-origin 2009 A (H1N1) influenza virus spreading widely, the WHO raised its global pandemic alert level to phase 6. How virulent and readily transmissible is this new virus compared with contemporary seasonal H1N1 viruses? Investigators from Harvard, MIT, and the CDC have collaborated to explore these issues in animal models.

Initial studies in ferrets showed that animals inoculated with any of three 2009 H1N1 isolates lost more weight than animals inoculated with a seasonal H1N1 virus from 2007. Unlike ferrets infected with the seasonal virus, those infected with the 2009 H1N1 isolates had high virus titers in lung tissue and had virus detected in the gastrointestinal tract. No evidence of viremia was found with any of the viru…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Pathogenicity of the Swine-Origin 2009 A (H1N1) Influenza Virus

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Reviewing Author