A new paper on the surveillance of baloxavir-resistant influenza viruses in Japan has been published in the latest issue of Eurosurveillance
Produced by leading virologists, including ISRV members Emi Takashita, and Masataka Ichikawa, the study analyses national surveillance data from the 2017/18 to 2023/24 influenza seasons, assessing changes in susceptibility of circulating influenza viruses following the introduction of baloxavir into clinical use. Overall, reduced susceptibility remained uncommon, though seasonal variation was observed, particularly during seasons dominated by influenza A H3N2.
The paper includes the table “Supply volume of influenza antivirals to medical institutions, Japan, influenza seasons 2017/18 to 2023/24,” providing important context on national antiviral usage trends alongside resistance findings.
The authors highlight the continued need for integrated phenotypic and genotypic surveillance to support antiviral stewardship and inform public health decision making.
This paper is an important source of primary data on circulating virus drug susceptibility from the country with the highest per capita use of influenza antivirals, offering valuable insights for a wide and diverse audience.
The full article is available on the Eurosurveillance website
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