Genetic and antigenic characteristics of zoonotic influenza A viruses and development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness = Caractéristiques génétiques et antigéniques des virus grippaux A zoonotiques et mise au point de virus vaccinaux candidats dans le cadre de la préparation aux pandémies

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World Health Organization = Organisation mondiale de la Santé

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15 p
This article summarizes the genetic and antigenic characteristics of recently identified zoonotic influenza A viruses and related viruses circulating in animals to inform updates to WHO candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for pandemic preparedness. It reviews recent epidemiological developments, including human infections and animal outbreaks associated with influenza A(H5) and A(H9N2) viruses, and assesses the genetic and antigenic relationship of circulating viruses to existing CVVs. The document emphasizes that CVV development is an essential component of pandemic preparedness, supporting timely vaccine production while not constituting a recommendation to initiate vaccine manufacture. The report describes the geographic distribution, genetic diversity and antigenic evolution of influenza A(H5) viruses across multiple clades, as well as the occurrence of A(H9N2) infections in humans and poultry. It evaluates available laboratory evidence on virus characterization and cross-reactivity with existing candidate vaccine viruses and reviews the current status of available and pending CVVs. Based on the genetic, antigenic and epidemiological evidence available during the reporting period, the report concludes that no new candidate vaccine viruses are proposed, while highlighting the continued need for surveillance and periodic reassessment as zoonotic influenza viruses evolve.
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