Effective Aerosol Inoculation of Dose-Escalated Seasonal Influenza H3N2 Virus in Controlled Human Infection Model.

ABSTRACT: Human challenge models (CHIMs) are instrumental in advancing influenza research but have traditionally relied on intranasal inoculation, which does not mimic the natural aerosol transmission of the virus. We conducted a dose-escalation influenza CHIM study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of two modern aerosol delivery systems: a flow-focusing monodisperse aerosol generator (FMAG) and a medical nebulizer. Fourteen healthy adults aged 18-49 years were exposed to influenza A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2) in a controlled inpatient setting. Infection rates were 75% (3/4) with FMAG and 50% (2/4) with the nebulizer at the higher dose. Infections were self-limited, with sinus congestion, rhinorrhea, and cough being the most common symptoms. No serious adverse events occurred. Viral shedding was repr

SUBMITTER: Rouphael N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12330413 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature