Role of Nonstructural Proteins and Hemagglutinin Antigens among Patients Suffering from Influenza B Virus

Abstract Introduction: Influenza B is a single-negative-sense, ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus possessing an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of viral origin for replication. These properties enable it to switch antigens. Research focuses on influenza B because of its significant public health impact. The study aims to determine the disease and the speed of its spread in young patients and tries to limit its spread through immunization. Materials and Methods: The study included 50 patients aged from 10 to 30 years old. The specimens were collected from patients who were admitted to Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital in the city of Babylon, Baylon, Iraq. A total of 20 symptomatic patients had documented influenza B virus infection. The virus was diagnosed first by the rapid test method [immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG] and then by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using diagnostic genes [nonstructural protein ( NSP )] and hemagglutinin ( HA ) and reverse transcription PCR to determine the amount of virus. Results: The results showed that 20 out of 50 gave a positive result for (IgM) in the rapid test, whereas the conventional PCR showed that 8 (40%) out of 20 patients carried the NSP gene (NSP) and showed 18 (85%) out of 20 carrying HA genes. Conclusion: Influenza B is a common and rapidly spreading disease. Therefore, it is recommended to develop techniques to limit the spread of the disease, considering the speed of its spread and the antigenic transformation capacity possessed by this family must be taken into account. It is also recommended to find more effective vaccines to reduce their spread. Our observations showed that young children are at risk for infection with the influenza B virus compared with adults.