H2N2

H2N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, also known as avian influenza, and is endemic in birds. It is notable for causing the Asian flu pandemic in 1957.

History

The H2N2 subtype was first identified in 1957 during the Asian flu pandemic. It was derived from the mixing of genetic material from human and avian influenza viruses, a process known as antigenic shift. The pandemic caused an estimated one to two million deaths worldwide.

Characteristics

H2N2 is characterized by the combination of the H2 hemagglutinin (H) and N2 neuraminidase (N). These are two important proteins on the surface of the virus that are responsible for its ability to infect host cells and spread.

Impact on human health

While H2N2 is primarily an avian virus, it has on occasion crossed the species barrier to infect humans. The most notable instance of this was the 1957 Asian flu pandemic. Since then, there have been sporadic reports of human infections with H2N2, but no sustained human-to-human transmission.

Prevention and control

Vaccination is the primary method of preventing and controlling influenza. However, because influenza viruses undergo frequent genetic changes, vaccines must be updated regularly to match circulating strains. Antiviral drugs can also be used to treat influenza, but their effectiveness can be limited by the emergence of drug-resistant strains.

See also

• Influenza A virus subtype H1N1
• Influenza A virus subtype H3N2
• Influenza A virus subtype H5N1

H2N2 Resources
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