Reply to Saito et al.

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To the Editor—The rapid emergence and spread of adamantane resistance among human influenza A(H3N2) viruses circulating globally in 2004–2007 and the more recent emergence of adamantane resistance among influenza A(H1N1) viruses in certain geographical regions have been reported by several laboratories in the United States and other countries [1–6]. In their letter, Saito et al. [7] presented data on resistance to adamantanes among seasonal influenza A viruses collected in Japan during the 2006–2007 influenza season. The influenza A(H3N2) subtype was predominant in Japan during this season. Within this subtype, the incidence of adamantane resistance reached ∼90%, which was a 25% increase from the previous influenza season. A drastic spike in the incidence of adamantane resistance (an increase from 0% to 64%) was also detected among influenza A(H1N1) viruses.