Influenza A and B viruses (IAV/IBV)

Influenza A and B viruses are segmented, negative-sense RNA viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family, responsible for acute respiratory infections known as the flu (CDC, 2023). These viruses utilize surface glycoproteins, specifically hemagglutinin for host cell attachment and entry, and neuraminidase for the release of progeny virions from infected cells (StatPearls, 2023). Influenza A is known for its ability to infect a wide range of hosts and undergo significant antigenic shifts, leading to pandemics, whereas Influenza B primarily infects humans and evolves more slowly through antigenic drift (CDC, 2023). Pharmacological management involves several classes of drugs: neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g., oseltamivir) prevent viral spread within the host, and cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors (e.g., baloxavir marboxil) interfere with viral replication by blocking mRNA synthesis (FDA, 2018). The clinical utility of these drugs is often challenged by the rapid emergence of resistant strains and the necessity for early administration to achieve maximum efficacy (Ison et al., 2019). Additionally, M2 ion channel blockers like amantadine were historically used but are now largely ineffective due to widespread resistance in circulating Influenza A strains (StatPearls, 2023). Monitoring viral load and identifying specific subtypes through molecular diagnostics are essential for tailoring treatment and managing public health outbreaks (CDC, 2023).

Other names

Flu virusOrthomyxovirusSeasonal influenza virus

Inhibition of viral neuraminidase, inhibition of cap-dependent endonuclease, and inhibition of M2 ion channel protein.