Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses

Identify the influenza virulence proteins

Hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and the M2 protein (only on type A).

Describe the difference between antigenic drift and shift

Antigenic drift = small, gradual mutations in HA/NA causing annual epidemics (Type A & B).

Antigenic shift = SEVERE large recombination events introducing a novel HA or NA subtype from another species, causing pandemics, Type A only

Identify the most appropriate treatment for influenza

Oseltamivir is first‑line for treatment and prophylaxis>Neuroamindase inhibitor

Adenovirus

Common in military, young kids, college dorms; Causes fever, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, hemorrhagic cystitis

RSV

Major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants, highest risk <6mo and premature; vaccinate mom

Measles

Highly contagious, 4 C’s: Cough, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Koplik spots + maculopapular rash

Measles complications

Acute encephalitis, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Hemaglutinin function

helps viruses attach to enter (think alphabetical H>N)

Neuraminidase function

helps virus escape infected host

Oseltamivir MOA

blocks neuramindase (prevents virus from releasing from host)

Causitive organisms of influenza»secondary bacterial pneumonia

Strep pneumo, staph aureus, Group A Strep