Reassortment of pandemic H1N1/2009 influenza A virus in swine.

ABSTRACT: The emergence of pandemic H1N1/2009 influenza demonstrated that pandemic viruses could be generated in swine. Subsequent reintroduction of H1N1/2009 to swine has occurred in multiple countries. Through systematic surveillance of influenza viruses in swine from a Hong Kong abattoir, we characterize a reassortant progeny of H1N1/2009 with swine viruses. Swine experimentally infected with this reassortant developed mild illness and transmitted infection to contact animals. Continued reassortment of H1N1/2009 with swine influenza viruses could produce variants with transmissibility and altered virulence for humans. Global systematic surveillance of influenza viruses in swine is warranted.

SUBMITTER: Vijaykrishna D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3569847 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature