The H3N2 Influenza-A Virus Brisbane 10/07 is a notable strain of the Influenza A virus, specifically classified under the H3N2 subtype. This strain was first isolated in Brisbane, Australia, in 2007. Influenza A viruses are known for their ability to cause seasonal flu epidemics and occasional pandemics due to their high mutation rates and genetic reassortment capabilities.
Influenza A viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae and are characterized by their segmented, negative-sense RNA genome. The H3N2 subtype is defined by the presence of hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins on the viral surface. The “H3” denotes the type-3 hemagglutinin, while “N2” indicates the type-2 neuraminidase. These surface proteins play crucial roles in the virus’s ability to infect host cells and in the immune response elicited by the host.
The H3N2 subtype evolved from the H2N2 subtype through a process known as antigenic shift, which involves the reassortment of gene segments between different influenza viruses. This shift led to the emergence of the H3N2 virus, which caused the Hong Kong Flu pandemic in 1968-1969, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide .
The A/Brisbane/10/2007 strain was collected in Brisbane, Australia, in 2007. This strain is part of the H3N2 subtype and has been included in seasonal flu vaccines due to its prevalence and impact on public health. The strain is known for its ability to cause seasonal influenza outbreaks, contributing to the annual burden of flu-related illnesses .
The H3N2 Influenza-A Virus Brisbane 10/07 strain has undergone various genetic mutations and antigenic changes since its isolation. These changes can affect the virus’s virulence, transmissibility, and susceptibility to antiviral drugs. The hemagglutinin protein of this strain has been studied extensively, revealing insights into its antigenic sites and receptor-binding properties .
H3N2 viruses, including the Brisbane 10/07 strain, are significant contributors to seasonal influenza epidemics. These viruses can cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Annual vaccination campaigns aim to mitigate the impact of these viruses by including representative strains in the flu vaccine formulation .