ARS | Publication request: Frequent global transmission of H1N1pdm09 influenza viruses from humans to swine, 2009-2011

Submitted to: Journal of General Virology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 6, 2012
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Citation: Nelson, M.I., Gramer, M.R., Vincent, A.L., Holmes, E.C. 2012. Global transmission of influenza viruses from humans to swine. Journal of General Virology. 93(10):2195-2203.

Interpretive Summary: At least 52 human-to-swine transmission events of pandemic A/H1N1/09 influenza virus were identified. These results highlight the global frequency of swine exposure to human influenza viruses and the permeability of the human-swine species barrier, even following adaptive evolution in humans. More generally, these findings emphasize the need to improve biosecurity measures aimed at the human-swine interface, including influenza vaccination of swine workers, in both developed and developing countries.

Technical Abstract: Using a large-scale phylogenetic approach we identify at least 52 human-to-swine transmission events of pandemic A/H1N1/09 influenza virus. These results highlight the global frequency of swine exposure to human influenza viruses and the permeability of the human-swine species barrier, even following adaptive evolution in humans. More generally, these findings emphasize the need to improve biosecurity measures aimed at the human-swine interface, including influenza vaccination of swine workers, in both developed and developing countries.