Host obesity impacts genetic variation in influenza A viral populations.

ABSTRACT: Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by excess adiposity leading to a systemic increase in inflammation and dysregulation of metabolic hormones and immune cell populations. Obesity is well established as a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases; however, its consequences for infectious disease are poorly understood. Influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly infectious pathogen responsible for seasonal and pandemic influenza. Host risk factors, including compromised immunity and pre-existing health conditions, can contribute to increased infection susceptibility and disease severity. During viral replication in a host, the negative sense single stranded RNA genome of IAV accumulates genetic diversity that may have important consequences for viral evolution and transmission.

SUBMITTER: Knoll M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10369978 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature