Persistence of H7N9 virus antibody response 2 years after infection

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2020 Mar;14(2):210-214. doi: 10.1111/irv.12702. Epub 2019 Dec 19.

Abstract

We measured antibodies against H7N9 virus 2 years after infection in 14 patients who were infected during October 2016-September 2017. Approximately 2 years after infection, antibody titers ≥10 were detectable in 13 (92.9%) patients. Three (21.4%) of 14 patients had hemagglutination inhibition titers ≥40, and their geometric mean titer (GMT) was 20 (95% CI 15.7-28.1), whereas 10 (71.4%) and all 14 (100%) of the 14 patients had titers ≥40, and GMTs at 34.4 (95% CI 25.7-51.2) and 73.45 (54.7-106.7) for neuraminidase inhibition and microneutralization antibodies, respectively. Our findings suggest that H7N9 infection may induce long-term antibody response at least 2 years after infection.

Keywords: H7N9 viruses; antibody response; influenza A virus; persistence; serological.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral