Dynamic Propagation and Impact of Pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) in Children: A Detailed Review

Abstract

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the circulating Swine flu virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the unique blending strain of influenza A H1N1 2009 (Swine Flu) is a pandemic affecting several geographical regions, including India. Previous literature indicates that children are "drivers" of influenza pandemics. At present, satisfactory data were not available to accurately estimate the role of children in the spread of influenza (in particular 2009 pandemic influenza). However, the role of children in the spread of pandemics influenza is unclear. Several studies in children have indicated that the immunization program decreased the occurrence of influenza, emphasizing the significance of communities impacted by global immunization programs. This article provides a brief overview on how children are a key contributor to pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) and we would like to draw your attention to the need for a new vaccine for children to improve disease prevention and a positive impact on the community.

Fig. 1

The swine is a potential source for reassortment and mixing of influenza A viruses. The antigenic and genetic similarities between avian, human and swine influenza A viruses (IAV) make swine more susceptible to infected by both avian and human influenza strains. IAV from swine can also infect human. Avian and human Swine flu virus glycoprotein (HA) is preferentially binds to α-2, 3 and α-2, 6 SA receptors, which are independently expressed on the cells of respiratory track, whereas swine can express both types of SA receptors proving that swine act as a “mixing vessel” for avian and human influenza A viruses and that reassortant virus combination is responsible for the origin of novel pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus which effect in children age group. Children are highly susceptible to seasonal as well as influenza A infection and play key role in spreading “human to human” influenza infection. Re-entry of human IAV H1N1 to swine may give rise to a novel future influenza A strain which may further leads to pandemic/epidemic. Solid lines: Represent confirmed infection events, Dotted line: Depicted occasional infection event