The threat of avian influenza A (H5N1). Part I: Epidemiologic concerns and virulence determinants
Jindrich Cinatl1, Martin Michaelis, Hans W Doerr
1Institute for Medical Virology, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt/M, Germany. cinatl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
Among emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, influenza constitutes one of the major threats to mankind. In this review series epidemiologic, virologic and pathologic concerns raised by infections of humans with avian influenza virus A/H5N1 are discussed. This first part concentrates on epidemiologic concerns and virulence determinants. H5N1 spread over the world and caused a series of fowl pest outbreaks. Significant human-to-human transmissions have not been observed yet. Mutations that make the virus more compatible with human-to-human transmission may occur at any time. Nevertheless, no one can currently predict with certainty whether H5N1 will become a human pandemic virus.
More Related Videos
08:46Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
08:10Production of High-Titer Infectious Influenza Pseudotyped Particles with Envelope Glycoproteins from Highly Pathogenic H5N1 and Avian H7N9 Viruses
Published on: January 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Influenza
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Viral Recombination
Leaky Scanning
Viral Mutations
Inhibitors Of Virion Release
