Emerging Infectious Diseases (Feb 2010)

Extensive Mammalian Ancestry of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus

  • Natalia A. Ilyushina,
  • Jeong-Ki Kim,
  • Nicholas J. Negovetich,
  • Young-Ki Choi,
  • Victoria Lang,
  • Nicolai V. Bovin,
  • Heather L. Forrest,
  • Min-Suk Song,
  • Philippe Noriel Q. Pascua,
  • Chul-Joong Kim,
  • Robert G. Webster,
  • Richard J. Webby

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1602.091141
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 2
pp. 314 – 317

Abstract

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We demonstrate that the novel pandemic influenza (H1N1) viruses have human virus–like receptor specificity and can no longer replicate in aquatic waterfowl, their historic natural reservoir. The biological properties of these viruses are consistent with those of their phylogenetic progenitors, indicating longstanding adaptation to mammals.

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