Molecular genetic analysis of influenza A/H3N2 virus strains isolated in Western Siberia in the 2010-2011 epidemic season

Molecular genetic and antigenic features of influenza A/H3N2 virus strains isolated in Western Siberia in 2011 are similar to those of the vaccine strain A/Perth/16/2009 despite a number of unique amino-acid changes. The strains lack specific amino-acid changes in NA protein providing decrease of sensibility to NA inhibitors activity that used in medical practice. Based on phylogenic analysis of HA protein amino-acid sequences examined strains are similar to influenza A/H3N2 virus strains circulating at the moment in Eurasia.

► H3N2 virus strains circulating in 2009-2011 in Western Siberia were described. ► HA of strains of 2011 are similar to HA of A/Victoria/210/2009 and A/Hessen/5/2010. ► HA of strains of 2011 belong to 1 of 2 phylogenetic groups from A/Perth/16/2009 clade. ► Strains do not contain specific amino-acid changes in NA protein causing reduction of sensitivity to NA inhibitors.