Risk assessment and anti-viral approaches for novel H7N9 influenza virus

Abstract

Human infection with avian infuenza A/H7N9 virus emerged in eastern China in February 2013 and was associated with exposure to poultry. No evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission for the current H7N9 outbreak has been found. The novel H7N9 virus has no vaccine so antivirals are the only option for control. The virus appears to be susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors; however viral sequence data indicates the potential for antiviral resistance to the adamantanes. As influenza viruses constantly change it is possible that this virus could become able to spread between people triggering a pandemic. Thus, new antiviral options are needed and ongoing surveillance maintained or increased to assess the emergence and prevalence of H7N9 viruses resistant to available antivirals. © 2013 Tripp RA.