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Review
. 2024 Sep 4:15:1467029.
doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1467029. eCollection 2024.

A comprehensive review of influenza B virus, its biological and clinical aspects

Muhammad Awais Ashraf  1   2 , Muhammad Asif Raza  1   2 , Muhammad Nabeel Amjad  1   2 , Ghayyas Ud Din  1   2 , Lihuan Yue  1 , Bei Shen  1 , Lingdie Chen  1   2 , Wei Dong  3 , Huiting Xu  3 , Yihong Hu  1   2
Affiliations
Review

A comprehensive review of influenza B virus, its biological and clinical aspects

Muhammad Awais Ashraf et al. Front Microbiol. .

Abstract

Influenza B virus (IBV) stands as a paradox, often overshadowed by its more notorious counterpart, influenza A virus (IAV). Yet, it remains a captivating and elusive subject of scientific inquiry. Influenza B is important because it causes seasonal flu outbreaks that can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and exacerbations of chronic conditions like asthma. Limitations in the influenza B virus's epidemiological, immunological, and etiological evolution must be addressed promptly. This comprehensive review covers evolutionary epidemiology and pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, viral isolation and propagation, advanced molecular detection assays, vaccine composition and no animal reservoir for influenza B virus. Complex viral etiology begins with intranasal transmission of influenza B virus with the release of a segmented RNA genome that attacks host cell machinery for transcription and translation within the nucleus and the release of viral progeny. Influenza B virus prevalence in domesticated and wild canines, sea mammals, and birds is frequent, yet there is no zoonosis. The periodic circulation of influenza B virus indicates a 1-3-year cycle for monophyletic strain replacement within the Victoria strain due to frequent antigenic drift in the HA near the receptor-binding site (RBS), while the antigenic stability of Yamagata viruses portrays a more conservative evolutionary pattern. Additionally, this article outlines contemporary antiviral strategies, including pharmacological interventions and vaccination efforts. This article serves as a resource for researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the mysterious nature of the influenza B virus. It provides valuable insights and knowledge essential for comprehending and effectively countering this viral foe, which continues to pose a significant public health threat.

Keywords: identification; immunity and antiviral strategies; influenza B virus; isolation; public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of influenza B genome and brief details of proteins.
Figure 2
Figure 2
History and evolution of influenza virus.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Replication cycle of influenza B virus.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Globally approved antivirals drugs against influenza B virus.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Workflow of NGS for influenza B samples.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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