Pandemic swine influenza virus: Preparedness planning

Abstract

The novel H1N1 influenza virus that emerged in humans in Mexico in early 2009 and transmitted efficiently in the human population with global spread was declared a pandemic strain. The introduction of different avian and human influenza virus genes into swine influenza viruses often result in viruses of increased fitness for pigs that occasionally transmit to humans.

The novel virus affecting humans is derived from a North American swine influenza virus that has acquired two gene segments (Neuraminidase and Matrix ) from the European swine lineages. This reassortant appears to have increased fitness in humans. The potential for increased virulence in humans and of further reassortment between the novel H1N1 influenza virus and oseltamivir resistant seasonal H1N1 or with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza stresses the need for urgent pandemic planning.

Keywords: Pandemic, swine, influenza, virus, preparedness.