Publications
Evolution of Influenza B Virus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 1995 and 2008
Sam IC, Su YC, Chan YF, Nor'E SS, Hassan A, Jafar FL, Joseph U, Halpin RA, Ghedin E, Hooi PS, Fourment M, Hassan H, AbuBakar S, Wentworth DE, Smith GJ
PMID: 26136576
Abstract
Influenza B virus causes significant disease but remains understudied in tropical regions. We sequenced 72 influenza B viruses collected in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1995 to 2008. The predominant circulating lineage (Victoria or Yamagata) changed every 1 to 3 years, and these shifts were associated with increased incidence of influenza B. We also found poor lineage matches with recommended influenza virus vaccine strains. While most influenza B virus lineages in Malaysia were short-lived, one circulated for 3 to 4 years.