Emergence of an Influenza B Virus with Antigenic Change

Influenza B virus Yamagata group strains, isolated in the 2000 to 2001 influenza epidemic season, reacted poorly to the polyclonal ferret sera prepared against strains isolated earlier. The results of genetic analysis clarified that a point mutation of the nucleotide at position 126 in the HA1 region and the corresponding one-amino-acid substitution altered viral antigenicity

Nationwide Laboratory Surveillance of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Japan: Fiscal Years 2011–2020

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a devastating demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV), predominantly affecting patients with impaired cellular immunity. PML is a non-reportable disease with a few exceptions, making national surveillance difficult. In Japan, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for JCV in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is performed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases to support PML diagnosis. To clarify the overall profile of PML in Japan, patient data provided at the time of CSF-JCV testing over 10 years (FY2011–2020) were analyzed. PCR testing for 1537 new suspected PML cases was conducted, and 288 (18.7%) patients tested positive for CSF-JCV. An analysis of the clinical information on all individuals tested revealed characteristics of PML cases, including the geographic distribution, age and sex patterns, and CSF-JCV-positivity rates among the study subjects for each type of underlying condition. During the last five years of the study period, a surveillance system utilizing ultrasensitive PCR testing and widespread clinical attention to PML led to the detection of CSF-JCV in the earlier stages of the disease. The results of this study will provide valuable information not only for PML diagnosis, but also for the treatment of PML-predisposing conditions