Influenza B viruses: not to be discounted

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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
05:38

Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B

Published on: January 30, 2017

16.3K

Carolien E van de Sandt1, Rogier Bodewes1, Guus F Rimmelzwaan1,2

  • 1Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Future Microbiology
|September 12, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Influenza B viruses cause significant illness and death, yet remain understudied. This review highlights knowledge gaps in influenza B virus evolution, immunity, and pathogenesis, informing future vaccine strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Influenza B viruses are a significant cause of human morbidity and mortality.
  • Despite their impact, influenza B viruses receive less research attention compared to influenza A viruses.
  • Key biological and epidemiological characteristics of influenza B viruses remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on influenza B virus evolution, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and immunity.
  • To identify existing gaps in understanding influenza B viruses.
  • To discuss implications for vaccine development, including quadrivalent and universal strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on influenza B viruses.
  • Analysis of evolutionary patterns and antigenic divergence.
  • Examination of epidemiological data and pathogenesis studies.
  • Discussion of current and potential vaccination approaches.

Main Results:

  • Influenza B viruses exhibit significant antigenic divergence, with two distinct lineages co-circulating.
  • Knowledge gaps exist in understanding the full spectrum of influenza B virus biology and its impact on immunity.
  • The need for quadrivalent vaccines is established due to the co-circulation of distinct lineages.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is imperative to fully elucidate the characteristics of influenza B viruses.
  • Addressing knowledge gaps will improve control strategies against this important pathogen.
  • Development of universal influenza vaccination strategies should consider influenza B viruses.
Keywords:
animal modelsevolutionhumanimmunityinfluenza B viruslineagesnatural hostspathogenesistropism

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