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ECDC published a technical document on 'Influenza virus characterisation, Summary Europe, May?June 2011'. Over 450 virus specimens (propagated virus isolates or clinical samples) collected from January to May 2011 have been received from EU and EU-affiliated countries.
In particular, Influenza A(H1N1)pdm, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria/2/87 lineage viruses have been characterised genetically and antigenically. Some of the findings are:
Recently isolated A(H1N1)pdm viruses continue to fall into several genetic groups but all groups show
antigenic similarity to the currently recommended vaccine virus A/California/7/2009.
A(H3N2) viruses also continue to fall into distinct genetic groups with some viruses showing antigenic
difference from the currently used vaccine virus A/Perth/16/2009, but there is no consistent correlation of
altered antigenicity with any genetic group.
Influenza B viruses of the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage have predominated over those of the B/Yamagata/2/87
lineage. Most of the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage viruses are genetically and antigenically similar to the currently
recommended vaccine virus B/Brisbane/60/2008.
In particular, Influenza A(H1N1)pdm, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria/2/87 lineage viruses have been characterised genetically and antigenically. Some of the findings are:
Recently isolated A(H1N1)pdm viruses continue to fall into several genetic groups but all groups show
antigenic similarity to the currently recommended vaccine virus A/California/7/2009.
A(H3N2) viruses also continue to fall into distinct genetic groups with some viruses showing antigenic
difference from the currently used vaccine virus A/Perth/16/2009, but there is no consistent correlation of
altered antigenicity with any genetic group.
Influenza B viruses of the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage have predominated over those of the B/Yamagata/2/87
lineage. Most of the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage viruses are genetically and antigenically similar to the currently
recommended vaccine virus B/Brisbane/60/2008.
