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. 2018 Apr 9;6:104. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00104

Table 1.

Characteristics of influenza viruses.

Characteristics Influenza A Influenza B Influenza C Influenza D
Virus structure Enveloped
Eight gene segments
Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins
Enveloped
Seven gene segments
HA–esterase fusion glycoprotein

Epidemiology Antigenic shift and drift Only antigenic drift Only antigenic drift Only antigenic drift

Known hosts Domestic and wild animals and avian species Humans, pigs, and seals Humans and pigs Humans and livestock (cattle, pigs, and goats)

Clinical manifestation Pandemic potential could cause high mortality Can cause severe disease in elderly and high-risk populations Mild seasonal disease predominantly in children Mild disease in humans across ages

Available diagnostics Rapid diagnostic tests (i.e., antigen detection); rapid molecular assays (nucleic acid detection); immunofluorescence; and cell culture Real-time PCR and cell culture

Treatments NA inhibitors: zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir. Laninamivir investigational in USA. NA inhibitors: zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir. Laninamivir investigational in USA. Supportive symptom management Supportive symptom management
Adamantanes: amantadine and rimantadine (notrecommended in USA due to resistance)