Emergence of Influenza B Viruses With Reduced Sensitivity to Neuraminidase Inhibitors.

The article presents a medical research study that examined the prevalence and transmission of influenza B viruses with reduced sensitivity to neuraminidase inhibitors. Influenza B isolates from children before and after oseltamivir therapy and from untreated influenza patients in Japan. The drug sensitivities of the influenza B viruses were tested through sialidase inhibition assay. The authors conclude that influenza B viruses with reduced neuraminidase inhibitor sensitivity did not occur as frequently as resistant influenza A viruses. The viruses are transmitted within communities and families.