Influenza viruses resistant to the antiviral drug oseltamivir: transmission studies in ferrets

J Infect Dis. 2004 Nov 1;190(9):1627-30. doi: 10.1086/424572. Epub 2004 Sep 28.

Abstract

Three type A influenza viruses, each of which has a distinct neuraminidase-gene mutation and is resistant to the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir, have been isolated. Previously, in the ferret model, an R292K mutant of a type A (H3N2) virus was not transmitted under conditions in which the wild-type virus was transmitted. This model was used to investigate whether the E119V mutant of a type A (H3N2) virus and the H274Y mutant of a type A (H1N1) virus would be transmitted under similar circumstances. Both mutant viruses were transmitted, although the H274Y mutant required a 100-fold-higher dose for infection of donor ferrets and was transmitted more slowly than was the wild type. Both the mutant and the wild-type viruses retained their genotypic characteristics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetamides / pharmacology*
  • Amino Acid Substitution
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Resistance, Viral*
  • Ferrets
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza A virus / genetics*
  • Influenza A virus / growth & development
  • Mutation
  • Neuraminidase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neuraminidase / genetics
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology*
  • Oseltamivir
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Acetamides
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Viral Proteins
  • Oseltamivir
  • Neuraminidase