[H5N1: vaccine solutions for humans and other animals]

The hypervirulence of H5N1 influenza virus makes it impossible to produce a vaccine traditionally (with egg embryos), but there are alternative solutions. A live recombinant fowl-pox H5 virus is used for avian pathology. An inactivated H5N2 adjuvant vaccine is rendered immunogenic by using hemagglutinin H5 (DIVA technique). Disease prevention strategies differ between European and Asian countries. WHO has opted for a recombinant vaccine based on a non pathogenic virus (PR8) to which modified H5 and N1 from a pandemic virus are grafted The poor immunogenicity of this vaccine will require the use of large doses and immunostimulants. A live vaccine based on an adenovirus coupled to the H5 gene was recently developed. Finally, Chinese authors are examining the preventive and curative potential of hyperimmune serum raised in animals.