Thursday, March 4, 2010

Mexico: The mutation of the H1N1 virus, 0.25%

La Jornada
Thursday, 4 March 2010, p. 40

About 20 cases of mutation of the H1N1 influenza virus resistant to the antiviral oseltamivir, as detected in Mexico, have also been staged in other countries and are likely being reported here, warned the Health Ministry (SSA). Thus the importance of the vaccine, said the head of the agency, Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos.

Undersecretary for Prevention and Health Promotion, Mauricio Hernandez Avila, said that although the resistance of the virus was found only in one patient, one should not underestimate the problem. He said the daughter, aged 10, acquired the flu and was complicated to the degree that she was in intensive care.

For that reason entered the system of epidemiological surveillance for resistance. He took samples of the strain were sent to the laboratory for genetic sequencing. That mutation was detected at position H274Y neuraminidase gene.

Hernandez explained that the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (Indre) virus genetic studies of cases of patients suffering serious complications and probabilistic methods other strains are selected for analysis.

Cordova said that of the 423 samples suspected to contain a mutation, information obtained from the girl is the first in which is located to the antiviral resistance, equivalent to 0.25 percent.

The secretary also stressed the importance of continuing the implementation of the A/H1N1 virus vaccine, which until last Friday had given 6 million 700 thousand doses. He stressed that the biological virus protection even if it is resistant to drugs.

The SSA estimates that between April and May next will have implemented 20million doses. The strategy will continue throughout the year and some antigens are reserved for pregnant women.

On Tuesday, the agency reported the first case of resistance of influenza, a girl who was admitted on January 4 Pediatric Hospital La Villa, for mild respiratory distress syndrome, malnutrition grade I and bronchiolitis. She was discharged after showing satisfactory progress smoothly.

At 10 days, was admitted to Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez diagnosed with severe pneumonia, malnutrition of moderate intensity and influenza-like illness. Once the evil was controlled, moved to La Villa Pedriártico to continue his treatment, where he was discharged on Feb. 3.

hat-tip Tonka

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