H3N2 Shandong

The H3N2 subtype of the Influenza A virus is a significant strain responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks. The specific strain, A/Shandong/9/93 (H3N2), is one of the many variants that have been studied extensively due to its impact on public health.

The H3N2 subtype emerged in 1968 during the Hong Kong flu pandemic. It is characterized by the presence of hemagglutinin (H3) and neuraminidase (N2) surface proteins. The A/Shandong/9/93 strain was isolated in Shandong, China, in 1993. This strain, like other H3N2 viruses, has undergone significant genetic and antigenic changes over time, contributing to its persistence and ability to cause recurrent epidemics .

The genetic makeup of the H3N2 virus includes eight RNA segments that encode for various viral proteins. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins are crucial for the virus’s ability to infect host cells and for the release of new viral particles. The A/Shandong/9/93 strain has been studied for its neuraminidase structure, revealing insights into the evolutionary mechanisms and mutations that affect its function .

H3N2 viruses, including the A/Shandong/9/93 strain, have been responsible for numerous seasonal flu outbreaks. These viruses are known for their ability to cause severe illness, particularly in older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. The A/Shandong/9/93 strain has contributed to the understanding of how H3N2 viruses circulate and evolve in different climatic regions, such as China .

Research on the A/Shandong/9/93 strain has provided valuable information on the mechanisms of influenza virus transmission and evolution. Studies have shown that factors such as population susceptibility, climatic conditions, and antigenic changes play significant roles in the dynamics of H3N2 virus circulation . Additionally, structural studies of the neuraminidase protein from this strain have highlighted the importance of specific mutations in the virus’s evolutionary trajectory .