The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the detection of a rare flu variant in at least two individuals in the United States. This particular variant has shown some resistance to the most frequently prescribed antiviral treatment.
Tamiflu-Resistant Flu Strain Detected in 15 Countries
This particular strain of influenza viruses has undergone mutations that may potentially reduce the efficacy of oseltamivir phosphate, commonly referred to as Tamiflu.
A report published Wednesday (June 12) in the CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases journal revealed that the "dual mutant" influenza variant has been detected in 15 countries across five continents. Notably, two cases have been identified in the US.
However, these occurrences are quite rare, accounting for just approximately 1% of the samples gathered from May 2023 to February 2024, KSAT reported.
According to a report from the CDC, laboratory studies have indicated a significant reduction in Tamiflu effectiveness, up to 16-fold, due to the presence of the doubly mutated variant.
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Resistance of New Flu Strain to Tamiflu's Real Impact Unclear
Based on Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, there is no way to accurately predict how the resistance of other influenza variants in the lab will translate to real-life clinical practice.
"The clinical significance of this slight resistance is still uncertain," he stated. "It is possible that the dosage of Tamiflu administered to patients is adequate to combat this issue."
According to the CDC, laboratory testing has shown that newer antiviral treatments, such as baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), remain effective against the dual mutants, Globe Gazette reported. In addition, flu vaccines should provide protection against infections that result from viruses with the mutations.
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