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Oseltamivir‐resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus associated with high case fatality, India 2015

Influenza A viruses has been associated with severe global pandemics of high morbidity and mortality with devastating impact on human health and global economy. India witnessed a major outbreak of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in 2015. This study comprises detailed investigation of cases died of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection during explosive outbreak of 2015, in central part of India. To find out presence of drug resistant virus among patients who died of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection and to find out presence of other mutations contributing to the morbidity and mortality. Twenty‐two patients having confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and subsequently died of this infection along with 20 non fatal cases with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection were included in the study. Samples were investigated through RT‐PCR/RFLP analysis, followed by nucleotide cycle sequencing of whole NA gene for detection of H275Y amino acid substitution in NA gene responsible for oseltamivir drug resistance. Out of 22 fatal cases, 6 (27.27%) were found to harbor oseltamivir resistant virus strains, whereas the H275Y mutation was not observed among the 20 non fatal cases. Amino acid substitution analysis of complete NA gene revealed V241I, N369K, N386K substitution in all strains playing synergistic role in oseltamivir drug resistance. High morbidity and mortality associated with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses can be explained by presence of drug resistant strains circulating in this outbreak. Presence of Oseltamivir resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses is a cause of great concern and warrants continuous screening for the circulation of drug resistant strains.