Influenza B

Influenza viruses are negative-sense, single-stranded, segmented RNA viruses and belong in the  Orthomyxoviridae family. They are subdivided into four of which genera, A, B and C affect humans. The Influenza B Virus is the only species in the genus Betainfluenzavirus. As Influenzavirus B mutates at a rate 2 to 3 times slower than type A and only infects humans and seals, Influenza B does not cause influenza pandemics in contrast to the morphologically similar influenza A virus.

The genome of, is 14,548 nucleotides long and consists of eight segments. Its virion consists of an envelope, a matrix protein (M), a nucleoprotein (NP), a  nucleocapsid, and a  polymerase complex. NP encapsidates the viral RNA protecting it from nucleases, is essential for RNA transcription, replication and packaging. M plays critical roles in virus replication, from virus entry and uncoating to assembly and budding of the virus particle. Two major glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) form the viral envelope and are presented on the outer surface of the virion.

The  Influenza B Virus antibodies, ELISA Kits and proteins (eg Protein ABIN2130150 or Antibody ABIN235319 ) can be useful for conducting Cross Reactivity Analysis for other virus-related diagnostic tests (i.e. COVID-19 serological)