Influenza-B Malaysia

Influenza B Virus Malaysia/2506/04 is a strain of the Influenza B virus, which is one of the two types of influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu epidemics in humans. Unlike Influenza A, which can infect both humans and animals, Influenza B primarily infects humans and is less prone to cause pandemics. However, it still poses a significant public health concern due to its ability to cause severe respiratory illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

The Influenza B Virus Malaysia/2506/04 strain was first isolated in Malaysia in the year 2004. This strain is part of the Victoria lineage of Influenza B viruses, which are named after the location where they were first identified. The Victoria lineage, along with the Yamagata lineage, represents the two main genetic lineages of Influenza B viruses. The isolation and identification of this strain have contributed to the understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of Influenza B viruses .

Influenza B Virus Malaysia/2506/04 is an enveloped virus with a diameter of approximately 80-120 nanometers. It contains a single-stranded, segmented, negative-sense RNA genome within a nucleocapsid. The segmented nature of the genome allows for genetic reassortment, which can lead to the emergence of new viral strains. This genetic instability is responsible for the annual epidemics and occasional pandemics of influenza infections .

The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of the virus are particularly important for its ability to infect host cells and for the development of immunity. Phylogenetic analyses of these genes have provided valuable insights into the evolution and spread of Influenza B viruses. The HA gene of the Malaysia/2506/04 strain belongs to the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage, while the NA gene belongs to the B/Yamagata/16/88 lineage .

Influenza B Virus Malaysia/2506/04 has been involved in several outbreaks and has been a subject of virological investigations. For instance, during the 2006-2007 influenza season in Taiwan, this strain was identified in multiple outbreaks. The strain was found to be antigenically similar to other B/Malaysia/2506/04-like viruses, and the seasonal influenza vaccine used during that period was effective in stimulating protective immunity against these variants .

Research on Influenza B Virus Malaysia/2506/04 has led to the development of various reagents, including proteins, antibodies, and cDNAs, which are used in scientific studies and vaccine development. The hemagglutinin protein (HA) of this strain, expressed in different host systems such as baculovirus-insect cells and HEK293 cells, has been utilized in the production of vaccines and diagnostic assays .

Continuous surveillance and genetic analysis of Influenza B viruses are crucial for the selection of appropriate vaccine candidates and for the development of effective prophylactic measures. The study of strains like Malaysia/2506/04 helps in understanding the genetic and antigenic diversity of Influenza B viruses, which is essential for the control and prevention of influenza outbreaks.