H3N2, Influenza-B infections detected

Even as the health department is focusing on containing the spread of Influenza-A (H1N1) in the state, cases of a different sub-type of the same virus (H3N2 and Influenza-B), were reported among swab samples sent to the government recognised laboratories.

‘H’ and ‘N’ are proteins found in the virus, where ‘H’ stands for hemagglutinin and ‘N’ for neuraminidase. There are 18 different ‘H’ sub-types and 11 different ‘N’ sub-types.

Dr G Arun Kumar, professor, Manipal Centre for Virus Research (MCVR) said they had received swab samples where patients tested positive for H3N2 and Influenza B.

“The government is focusing only on H1N1, but there are patients with other kinds of influenza also. They could test negative for H1N1 flu but positive for the other sub-types of the virus. Of the many swab samples that we have received, about 20% of them have the virus infection, besides H1N1 flu, there have also been cases of H3N2 and Influenza-B viruses. The line of treatment and care for these two sub-types are same as H1N1. The government should also focus on these infections,” he
added.

Dr V Ravi, professor, Department of Neurovirology, NIMHANS, confirmed that among the samples they received, they also found three samples testing positive for Influenza B.

The National Institute of Virology, Bengaluru branch, also confirmed to have received samples containing Influenza-B virus.

In other government recognised laboratories, either they are not reporting cases of H3N2 and Influenza-B cases or they do not have the required testing kits to perform the tests.
So, these two sub-types in a way has been ignored by the health department officials.

When enquired about the other sub-type of virus in the state health department, the official said they do not have any records of H3N2 or Influenza-B and that the laboratories are only testing for Influenza A (H1N1) at the moment.

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