Antigenic and genetic analyses of influenza type B viruses isolated in Russia, 1987–91

Abstract

SUMMARYFour influenza type B viruses isolated in Russia during periods of relatively low or high (1990-1) influenza B activity were characterized antigenically using a microneutralization assay. These isolates were antigenically similar to contemporary reference strains from either of two separate lineages represented by B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88. The evolutionary relationships of the variable portion of the haemagglutinin (HA1) genes of these viruses were determined by comparison with influenza B HAI sequences previously obtained.The Isolate B/USSR/2/87, collected during the 1987-8 influenza season, was found to be closely related to viruses on the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage that circulated during the 1988-9 influenza season in the United States. Sequence analysis of the isolates from the 1990-1 influenza season demonstrated cocirculation of viruses from both the B/Victoria/2/87 and B/Yamagata/16/88 lineages in Russia, confirming the antigenic analysis.

Transmission of Influenza B Viruses in the Guinea Pig

“…Viruses of the two influenza B virus lineages, however, though evolutionarily and antigenically distinct, cocirculate in the human population. While B/Victoria-like viruses circulated predominantly in the 1980s, B/Yamagata-like viruses prevailed in the following decade (11,38), and B/Victoria-like virus circulation became limited geographically to Asia (11,42). B/Victoria-like viruses began to recirculate globally again during the 2001-2002 influenza season (42) and continue, at present, to cocirculate with B/Yamagata-like viruses.…”

The reappearance of Victoria lineage influenza B virus in Brazil, antigenic and molecular analysis

“…In addition to the genetic difference, the lack of cross-reactivity between antibodies for these two lineages (Kanegae et al, 1990) led WHO to recommend the use of Victoria-lineage strain, B/Shangdong/7/97, in the vaccine administered in Eastern Asia throughout the 1999-2000 epidemic (Anonymous, 1999). In this study, we describe the reappearance of the Victoria-lineage in Brazil, since its replacement with the Yamagata-lineage in the early 1990s (Hemphill et al, 1993) …”

Influenza B: Prospects for the Development of Cross-Protective Vaccines

“…Based on HA antigenic and genetic variation, two distinct FLUBV lineages are identified. These discrete lineages (B/Yamagata/16/88-like (B Yam ) or B/Victoria/2/87-like (B Vic ) viruses) have been co-circulating globally since at least 1983 [30][31][32][33][34]. According to Chinese scientists, the two major HA lineages possibly began to diverge in the early 1970s, with the Victoria lineage emerging in China through gradual evolution from a minor lineage [35].…”