Drug-resistant H1N1 reported at Duke hospital, page 1
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Topic started on 20-11-2009 @ 02:24 PM by ModernAcademia

Drug-resistant H1N1 reported at Duke hospital


www.wral.com
Public health officials confirmed Friday that four patients at Duke University Hospital have a drug-resistant form of the H1N1 influenza virus.

All four patients were in an isolated unit on one floor of Duke University Hospital, and officials said there is no evidence the cases represent a hospital-wide concern.

The four patients were very ill with underlying compromised immune systems and multiple other complex medical conditions, officials said.
(visit the link for the full news article)


reply posted on 20-11-2009 @ 04:13 PM by marg6043
reply to post by ModernAcademia



It means is resistance to Tamiflu that happens before with the seasonal flu also, rare cases but it happens specially if the people have been bombarded with antibiotics or other medications.

Still why no let the swine flu run its course and let the people create their own immunity.

Tamiflu is not always effective you know it tells you in their side effects.


reply posted on 20-11-2009 @ 04:32 PM by ZombieOctopus



reply posted on 20-11-2009 @ 07:53 PM by freetree64
20 Nov 2009 20:42:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
(Adds details and reaction)

* Five H1N1 patients resistant to Tamiflu

* Possible person-to-person spread of resistant strain

LONDON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - British health officials are investigating the likely person-to-person spread of a drug-resistant strain of swine flu, the Health Protection Agency said on Friday.

There have been five confirmed cases in Wales of patients infected with H1N1 resistant to oseltamivir -- the generic name of Roche AG and Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug Tamiflu, the agency said.

Four other patients are infected with H1N1 with the same genetic mutation but one was helped by Tamiflu and the status of three others is not clear. Another antiviral, GlaxoSmithKline and Biota Inc's Relenza, was effective in the patients, the HPA said.

The patients had serious conditions that suppressed their immune systems, which can give the virus a better than usual opportunity to develop resistance, the HPA added.

"Although further epidemiological investigation is underway, it would seem likely that transmission of oseltamivir-resitant H1N1 virus has taken place," it said in a statement. "At present we believe the risk to the general healthy population is low."

John McCauley of the Medical Research Council said the patients involved were in an at-risk group.

"It is well established that patients with immunodeficiency do have problems with eliminating virus, giving it a greater chance to acquire resistance," he said in a statement.

The World Health Organisation has reported 57 cases of Tamiflu resistance worldwide. There have not yet been any confirmed cases of person-to-person transmission, although a possible case in the United States is under investigation.

The British government launched a national pandemic flu service in July to allow people to get a diagnosis and prescription online or over the phone without visiting a doctor.

It said on Friday it was taking the development of a Tamiflu-resistant strain seriously but it would continue to offer the antiviral to all patients.

"Our strategy to offer antivirals to all patients with swine flu is the right one, to help prevent complications and reduce the severity of the illness," the Department of Health said in a statement.

British officials have confirmed the H1N1 virus has killed 214 people, but experts note that most people who are made sick by the virus are not tested.

A nationwide vaccination programme began last month, initially targeting those considered high risk, such as pregnant women and front-line healthcare workers.

Norwegian health authorities reported a mutation of H1N1 in some patients with severe disease but other officials noted quickly that other patients infected with the same mutant have had mild disease. [ID:nLK669768] (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by David Stamp)
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