Table 1

Characteristics of influenza viruses


Influenza A
Influenza B
Influenza C

Genetic structure
8 segments
8 segments
7 segments
Viral proteins
10 total
11 total
9 total
Unique viral protein
M2
NB
HEF
Antigenic determinants
Hemagglutinin and neuroaminidase
Hemagglutinin and neuroaminidase
Hemagglutinin and neuroaminidase
Genetic change
Antigenic shift and drift
Antigenic drift
Antigentic drift
Host range
Avians, humans swine, marine mammals, horses
Humans
Humans and swine
Human epidemiology
Pandemics and seasonal epidemics
Seasonal epidemics
No seasonality

Sandrock and Kelly Critical Care 2007 11:209   doi:10.1186/cc5675