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Originally published in Science Express on 2 July 2009
Science 24 July 2009:
Vol. 325. no. 5939, pp. 481 - 483
DOI: 10.1126/science.1177127
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Reports

Pathogenesis and Transmission of Swine-Origin 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Virus in Ferrets

Vincent J. Munster,1,* Emmie de Wit,1,* Judith M. A. van den Brand,1 Sander Herfst,1 Eefje J. A. Schrauwen,1 Theo M. Bestebroer,1 David van de Vijver,1 Charles A. Boucher,1 Marion Koopmans,1,2 Guus F. Rimmelzwaan,1 Thijs Kuiken,1 Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus,1 Ron A. M. Fouchier1,{dagger}

The swine-origin A(H1N1) influenza virus that has emerged in humans in early 2009 has raised concerns about pandemic developments. In a ferret pathogenesis and transmission model, the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus was found to be more pathogenic than a seasonal A(H1N1) virus, with more extensive virus replication occurring in the respiratory tract. Replication of seasonal A(H1N1) virus was confined to the nasal cavity of ferrets, but the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus also replicated in the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. Virus shedding was more abundant from the upper respiratory tract for 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus as compared with seasonal virus, and transmission via aerosol or respiratory droplets was equally efficient. These data suggest that the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus has the ability to persist in the human population, potentially with more severe clinical consequences.

1 National Influenza Center and Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015GE Rotterdam, Netherlands.
2 National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720BA Bilthoven, Netherlands.

* These authors contributed equally to this work.

{dagger} To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: r.fouchier{at}erasmusmc.nl

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