Biomaterial Database

[The virological, epidemiological and clinical features of influenza A, B and C viruses]. 1997

Y Matsuzaki, and K Nakamura

Department of Bacteriology, Yamagata University School of Medicine.

Influenza epidemics that start abruptly and spread rapidly are caused by either influenza A or B virus. Although well-defined outbreaks of influenza C have rarely been reported, influenza C virus has been shown to cause a mild upper respiratory illness in children as well as in adults. Influenza A virus naturally infects several mammalian species including humans as well as a variety of avian species, whereas influenza B virus infects only humans. Influenza C virus primarily infects humans but has also been isolated from pigs. Furthermore, there are several differences in the biological and biochemical properties among three types of influenza virus. Here we summarize the virological, epidemiological and clinical features of influenza A, B and C viruses.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007251	Influenza, Human	An acute viral infection in humans involving the respiratory tract. It is marked by inflammation of the NASAL MUCOSA; the PHARYNX; and conjunctiva, and by headache and severe, often generalized, myalgia.	Grippe,Human Flu,Human Influenza,Influenza in Humans,Influenza,Flu, Human,Human Influenzas,Influenza in Human,Influenzas,Influenzas, Human
D009980	Influenza A virus	The type species of the genus ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS that causes influenza and other diseases in humans and animals. Antigenic variation occurs frequently between strains, allowing classification into subtypes and variants. Transmission is usually by aerosol (human and most non-aquatic hosts) or waterborne (ducks). Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.	Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae,Avian Orthomyxovirus Type A,FLUAV,Fowl Plague Virus,Human Influenza A Virus,Influenza Virus Type A,Influenza Viruses Type A,Myxovirus influenzae-A hominis,Myxovirus influenzae-A suis,Myxovirus pestis galli,Orthomyxovirus Type A,Orthomyxovirus Type A, Avian,Orthomyxovirus Type A, Human,Orthomyxovirus Type A, Porcine,Pestis galli Myxovirus,Fowl Plague Viruses,Influenza A viruses,Myxovirus influenzae A hominis,Myxovirus influenzae A suis,Myxovirus, Pestis galli,Myxoviruses, Pestis galli,Pestis galli Myxoviruses,Plague Virus, Fowl,Virus, Fowl Plague
D009981	Influenza B virus	Species of the genus BETAINFLUENZAVIRUS that cause HUMAN INFLUENZA and other diseases primarily in humans. Antigenic variation is less extensive than in type A viruses (INFLUENZA A VIRUS) and consequently there is no basis for distinct subtypes or variants. Epidemics are less likely than with INFLUENZA A VIRUS and there have been no pandemics. Previously only found in humans, Influenza B virus has been isolated from seals which may constitute the animal reservoir from which humans are exposed.	Betainfluenzavirus influenzae,FLUBV,Human Influenza B Virus,Influenza Viruses Type B,Influenza virus type B,Orthomyxoviruses Type B,Influenza B viruses
D009982	Gammainfluenzavirus	A genus of the family ORTHOMYXOVIRIDAE comprising viruses similar to types A and B but less common, more stable, more homogeneous, and lacking the neuraminidase protein. They have not been associated with epidemics but may cause mild influenza. Influenza C virus is the type species.	FLUCV,Gammainfluenzavirus influenzae,Influenza C Virus,Influenza Viruses Type C,Influenza virus type C,Influenzavirus C,Orthomyxoviruses Type C,Gammainfluenzaviruses,Influenza C Viruses,Virus, Influenza C
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia