The virologist and the flu

J Clin Virol. 2015 Aug:69:200-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.06.099. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

Abstract

We report a case of a virologist - who is in age-appropriate medical condition with no relevant chronic diseases - who shed influenza A H3N2 virus RNA for 70 days while infectious virus could be detected by cell culture only up to 5 days after onset of symptoms despite a 5-day course of oseltamivir. The case might have implications for infection control in hospital settings and the weighting of the predictive value of PCR results.

Keywords: Influenza; Influenza vaccination; Viral shedding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oseltamivir / therapeutic use
  • RNA, Viral / analysis*
  • RNA, Viral / drug effects
  • Viral Load / drug effects
  • Virus Shedding / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • RNA, Viral
  • Oseltamivir