Oseltamivir Resistance In European Influenza Viruses - Update

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 01 Feb 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Further sampling has been carried out by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) as part of ongoing investigations into antiviral drug susceptibility against seasonal flu viruses currently circulating in Europe.

Latest figures from this surveillance show that approximately 14% of the A (H1N1) viruses circulating in Europe have shown resistance to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir.

437 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated during November 2007 to January 2008 across Europe have been tested and 59 samples have been found to have evidence of resistance.

Only a small proportion of samples with this resistance have been identified in the UK (8 out of 162 samples tested) so far. Although this is an important finding, it is too early to judge on the clinical significance until more research is completed. The HPA is working closely with colleagues at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date the oseltamivir-resistant A (H1N1) isolates this season have been fully susceptible to the other available antiviral drugs, zanamivir and amantadine.

There is no need for change to the NICE recommendations for the use of oseltamivir in the UK at present.

Current levels of seasonal flu remain low in the UK .

Background Information

For further information see HPA statement dated January 29 2008

Background information is available on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website at http://ecdc.europa.eu/

These are very early findings and currently based on extremely limited data. Work is continuing to develop a detailed understanding of the factors which have led to the emergence and transmission of these highly resistant viruses so that appropriate strategies can be developed for their use to treat flu symptoms.

The Health Protection Agency is undertaking sample testing for Europe and working with the WHO to develop further picture of these strains.

Health Protection Agency