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Global epidemiology of influenza: past and present

N J Cox1, K Subbarao

  • 1Influenza Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. njc1@cdc.gov

Annual Review of Medicine
|April 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Molecular epidemiology tools, including phylogenetic analysis, are crucial for understanding influenza pandemic origins and pathogen success. Recent studies reveal previously unknown aspects of influenza virus evolution and epidemiology.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Influenza pandemics, such as those in 1918, 1957, and 1968, represent severe global health events.
  • Understanding the origins and pathogenicity of influenza viruses is critical for pandemic preparedness.
  • Traditional concepts of global influenza epidemiology have been challenged by recent scientific advances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the origins of pandemic influenza viruses using molecular epidemiology.
  • To understand the factors contributing to the success of influenza as a pathogen.
  • To analyze avian influenza viruses (H5N1, H9N2) that have infected humans.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of viral genes, particularly for the 1918 pandemic influenza virus.
  • Molecular investigation of avian influenza viruses (H5N1, H9N2).
  • Antigenic, genetic, and epidemiologic analyses of influenza viruses.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic analysis provided clues to the source of the 1918 pandemic influenza virus.
  • Molecular methods were applied to study human infections with avian influenza viruses in Hong Kong.
  • Combined analyses have refined understanding of interpandemic influenza dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular epidemiology is a powerful tool for tracing influenza origins and understanding viral evolution.
  • Recent research has debunked several long-held beliefs about influenza epidemiology.
  • Continued investigation is necessary to address remaining questions about influenza pandemics.

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