Molecular evolution of influenza B virus during 2011-2017 in Chaoyang, Beijing, suggesting the free influenza vaccine policy

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 21;9(1):2432. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-38105-1.

Abstract

Two influenza B virus lineages, B/Victoria and B/Yamagata, are co-circulating in human population. While the two lineages are serologically distinct and TIV only contain one lineage. It is important to investigate the epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of two influenza B virus lineages in Beijing after the free influenza vaccine policy from 2007. Here, we collected the nasopharyngeal swabs of 12657 outpatients of influenza-like illness and subtyped by real-time RT-PCR during 2011-2017. The HA and NA genes of influenza B were fully sequenced. The prevalence is the highest in the 6-17 years old group among people infected with influenza B. Yamagata-lineage virus evolved to two inter-clade from 2011-2014 to 2014-2017. The amino acids substitutions of HA1 region were R279K in strains of 2011-2014 and L173Q, M252V in strains of 2014-2017. Substitutions L58P, I146V were observed in HA1 region of Victoria-lineage virus in 2011-2012 and I117V, N129D were showed in 2015-2017. Phylogenetic analysis of NA showed Yamagata-Victoria inter-lineage reassortant occurred in 2013-2014. Influenza B mainly infect the school-aged children in Beijing and the free influenza vaccine inoculation does not seem to block school-age children from infection with influenza B. The antigen characteristics of circulating influenza B were different to the recommended vaccine strains. We concluded that the Victoria-lineage vaccine strain should been changed and the free influenza vaccine should be revalued.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Beijing / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Female
  • Freedom
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Influenza B virus / genetics*
  • Influenza B virus / immunology*
  • Influenza Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Vaccination / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Vaccination / methods

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines