According to a study published in the journal The Lancet, confirmed the first cases of resistance in avian influenza virus strain N7N9 to Tamiflu and related drugs. The study, conducted by the team of Dr. Yang from the Shanghai Center for Public Health, has been described as one of the finest virology research done so far.
The team examined 14 people infected with the strain N7N9, and track viral load (the content of virus in the blood) in the course of treatment. All study participants developed pneumonia. Seven of them require assisted ventilation, and three others - from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation of the blood - a procedure in which blood is oxygenated using an external device, as the lungs do not function properly. Two of these patients die after the infection.
Researchers found that 11 patients Tamiflu lowers viral load, while most seriously ill he continued to grow, even during treatment. According to the team, this means that the strain acquired resistance to Tamiflu, and maybe even the entire class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors.
Assumption was later confirmed by genetic studies of viruses that detect mutations characteristic of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains. This is the first study linking these mutations with resistance in strains N7N9. According to the authors, in all cases, early treatment provides the best chance of recovery.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that N7N9 strain can spread from person to person. According to the World Health Organization is currently developing a vaccine that provides immunity against the agent.