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• NISN surveillance activities

NISN was established to address public health and regulatory concerns regarding the potential emergence and consequences of drug resistance in influenza viruses following the introduction of neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral agents.

This objective is, in part, met by conducting longitudinal, prospective surveillance for resistance in collaboration with the World Health Organisation Global Influenza Surveillance Network.  This surveillance is necessary to determine the possible emergence, clinical importance and epidemiological consequences of resistant strains, particularly in patient groups under-represented in clinical trials.

To obtain data prior to the introduction of the neuraminidase inhibitors, a representative sample of clinical isolates were analysed by the Network.  Surveillance for resistance emergence in the post-licensure period has been undertaken by the Network in collaboration with the four WHO Collaborating Centers who have provided virus isolates for analysis. 

The Network has recently published the analysis of Japanese isolates for the period 2003-2007.  The paper can be found on the publication page.

During 2009, laboratories within the NISN network have been analysing pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 viruses for antiviral resistance.  Current surveillance data are summarised on the WHO website.