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Influenza C virus in humans and animals
Han Sol Lee1, Ji Yun Noh1,2,3, Hee Jin Cheong1,2,3
1Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Influenza C virus (ICV) was discovered in 1947 and detected in humans, with natural infections occurring periodically. However, early studies on ICV were challenging in diagnosis because the virus is difficult to culture. As a result, the disease burden and pathogenicity of ICV have been underestimated. Recent studies using molecular biological techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction have provided further insights into prevalence, seasonality, genomic diversity, and evolution. In addition, the possibility of interspecies transmission was suggested based on the high similarity between the nucleotide sequence of ICV confirmed to infect animals and the sequence of ICV isolated from humans. In this review, we summarize current data on the epidemiology and clinical features, viral genome analysis, and animal studies of ICV.
Insights
Influenza C virus (ICV) infections in humans are underestimated due to diagnostic challenges. Recent molecular techniques reveal ICV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Influenza C virus (ICV) was discovered in 1947 and infects humans periodically.
- Historically, ICV diagnosis was difficult due to challenges in culturing the virus, leading to underestimated disease burden and pathogenicity.
- Recent advancements in molecular techniques have improved the understanding of ICV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on the epidemiology and clinical features of ICV.
- To analyze the genomic diversity and evolution of ICV.
- To summarize findings from animal studies related to ICV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ICV.
- Analysis of molecular biological techniques, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Comparison of nucleotide sequences of ICV from human and animal origins.
Main Results:
- Real-time PCR and other molecular methods provide insights into ICV prevalence, seasonality, genomic diversity, and evolution.
- High sequence similarity between animal and human ICV strains suggests potential interspecies transmission.
- Current data on epidemiology, clinical features, genome, and animal studies are summarized.
Conclusions:
- Influenza C virus remains an underappreciated human pathogen.
- Molecular techniques are crucial for understanding ICV epidemiology and evolution.
- Further research into interspecies transmission is warranted.
