Dr V M Katoch,Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research,said that there were no cases of resistance to Tamiflu drug,which is used to treat patients with swine flu and hence the genetic mutation of the virus should not be considered extremely significant. The National Institute of Virology in Pune had reported the mutation of the virus from two isolates. However ,Dr A C Mishra,Director of NIV said there was nothing to worry about this mutation. We analysed two samples,where the mutation occurred unlike others , he said. Mishra had a meeting with ICMR officials in New Delhi and pointed out that studies are required to understand whether the mutation was likely to have a serious impact. Katoch,however said that the mutation was not of public health importance. There is no change in the clinical profile of the patient and no cases have been registered showing drug resistance, Katoch said. The NIV reports were shared with the World Health Organisation,he added. Katoch urged that early treatment was essential to fight swine flu. People should be alert to the symptoms,he added.
