Influenza virus characterisation, summary Europe, March 2011

Over 660 virus specimens (propagated virus isolates or clinical samples) collected since December 2010 have been received from EU and affiliated countries at the WHO CC in London (Table 1). Predominantly these viruses were type A influenza H1N1pdm viruses and type B influenza viruses of the B/Victoria/2/87 lineage, although type A influenza H3N2 viruses and type B influenza viruses of the B/Yamagata/16/88 lineage continued to be detected. In Table 1, batches for which analysis is incomplete are shown as in progress.