Monday, June 29, 2009

Denmark: Resistance in the pandemic influenza A H1N1v detected in Denmar

The first case of resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) in the pandemic influenza A H1N1v found in Denmark. This is the first identified cases worldwide.

It is well known and expected that influenza virus can mutate spontaneously. Resistance has not changed the virus' ability to infect or cause disease, the assessment is that they are a relatively mild flu.

The person is now healthy, and there is no further evidence of infection with resistant virus. The infection was in preventative treatment with oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) because of close contact with a case that was infected abroad. Yet he had flu symptoms. A test showed that the person was infected with influenza A H1N1v. Further studies at Statens Serum Institut has now shown that the virus has mutated. It is resistant to the antiviral agent oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®), while zanamivir (Relenza ®) can continue to be used for treatment.

World Health Organization Calls on the basis of the Danish case for increased attention to the possibility of development of resistance in the pandemic influenza A H1N1v.

A similar development of resistance to oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) is also seen in the winter influenza A H1N1, which has circulated the past two winter seasons.

Each fund in Denmark is mentioned not unexpected. It does not constitute a risk to public health and does not need to change the recommendations for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®).

In Denmark the situation continues to be followed closely with monitoring of disease incidence and investigation of all isolated influenza A H1N1v.
hat-tip Aruna

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