Seasonality of influenza A(H3N2) virus: a Hong Kong perspective (1997-2006).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The underlying basis for the seasonality of influenza A viruses is still uncertain. Phylogenetic studies investigated this phenomenon but have lacked sequences from more subtropical and tropical regions, particularly from Southeast Asia.

Methodology/principal findings

281 complete hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences were obtained from influenza A(H3N2) viruses, collected over 10 years (1997-2006) from Hong Kong. These dated sequences were analyzed with influenza A(H3N2) vaccine strain sequences (Syd/5/97, Mos/10/99, Fuj/411/02, Cal/7/04) and 315 other publicly available dated sequences from elsewhere, worldwide. In addition, the NA sequence alignment was inspected for the presence of any naturally occurring, known, neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) res

SUBMITTER: Tang JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2481298 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature