Oseltamivir-Resistant Influenza A/H7N9 Virus Augurs Poor Outcome

Two patients in whom resistant virus emerged showed a rebound in viral load and clinical deterioration.

Investigators conducted detailed sequential virological studies on 14 patients (not epidemiologically linked) who were admitted to a Shanghai hospital in April 2013 with influenza A/H7N9 virus infection. All had received oseltamivir for <2 days before admission. All developed pneumonia, and half needed mechanical ventilation. Of three who were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), two died. Four received corticosteroids.

Median age of the patients was 74 years; 71% were male. Viral load was high in throat-swab specimens on admission but declined in response to antiviral treatment in 11 patients. Peak viral load was higher in patients with more-severe disease (i.e., those requiring mechanical ventilation or ECMO). Investiga…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Oseltamivir-Resistant Influenza A/H7N9 Virus Augurs Poor Outcome

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Reviewing Author