Influenza A Virus: Updates and Insights

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 January 2026 | Viewed by 521

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
Interests: influenza A virus; emerging viruses; virus–host cell interactions; virus entry; antivirals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
Interests: influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, RNA viruses, RNA targeting inhibitors, antisense strategies, modified oligonucleotides, RNA structure, pathogenic RNA
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a type of influenza virus that includes multiple subtypes and can infect a variety of mammals, including wild birds, domestic poultry, pigs, horses, and humans, causing influenza outbreaks. The continuous mutation and strong cross-species transmission capabilities of IAV pose ongoing public health challenges. Currently, researchers are deeply exploring the adaptability of the virus to the host and its mutation mechanism, with the aim of better predicting and preventing the emergence of new influenza strains. At the same time, in order to cope with the rapid mutation of the virus, vaccine development and antiviral treatment strategies are also evolving. Nevertheless, the maintenance of vaccine efficacy and the resistance of antiviral drugs remain key challenges in prevention and control. Additionally, enhancing the surveillance and laboratory research of influenza viruses is crucial for the timely detection and response to potential pandemic strains.

This Special Issue includes but is not limited to current research on the infection and pathogenesis of IAV, innate and adaptive immunity, mechanisms of variation, host responses, structural genomics and biology, and therapeutic methods and vaccine development strategies against IAV. Research articles, review articles, and short communications are welcome.

Dr. Pawel Zmora
Prof. Dr. Elzbieta Kierzek
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • influenza A virus
  • virus–host interactions
  • antivirals
  • vaccines
  • epidemiology
  • genetic diversity
  • RNA structure, RNA interactions, structural biology

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

12 pages, 766 KiB  
Article
Influenza-Related Encephalopathy in Children: Epidemiology and Literature Review from a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Italy (Winter 2023–2024)
by Raffaele Vitale, Marco Denina, Laura Badiali, Matteo Sandei, Giulia Mazzetti, Carlotta Canavese, Aba Tocchet, Antonia Versace and Silvia Garazzino
Pathogens 2025, 14(6), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14060551 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
Introduction: While influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children remains a serious concern, recent evidence suggests a shift in its epidemiology, with a possible decline in incidence and severity over time. Methods: This retrospective review includes patients aged 0–18 admitted to a tertiary hospital in [...] Read more.
Introduction: While influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) in children remains a serious concern, recent evidence suggests a shift in its epidemiology, with a possible decline in incidence and severity over time. Methods: This retrospective review includes patients aged 0–18 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Northern Italy between November 2023 and February 2025. Inclusion criteria were a positive influenza test, influenza-like symptoms, and neurological involvement. Findings are interpreted alongside current literature. Results: Twenty-five unvaccinated children met criteria for IAE (11 in 2023/24; 14 in 2024/25). Neurological comorbidities were present in 40%. All patients had pathological EEGs. Lumbar puncture was performed in 40%, with abnormalities in 33%. Brain imaging was conducted in 56% of cases, revealing findings in 15%. All received oseltamivir; 60% were also treated with dexamethasone. Severe complications occurred in 16%, while 12% had persistent symptoms or required therapy at discharge. After adjusting for seasonal peak timing, no significant inter-seasonal difference was observed. Discussion: Although IAE continues to present serious risks, recent trends suggest a changing burden. The lack of vaccination among cases underscores the need for prevention. Study limitations include its single-center design and the absence of long-term follow-up. Broader prospective studies are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza A Virus: Updates and Insights)
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