Emerging respiratory tract viral infections

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Avian influenza viruses (e.g., A(H5N1), A(H7N9)) continue to circulate in poultry and sporadically infect humans.
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continues to spread globally with high mortality rates, particularly in those with comorbidities.
• The exact animal-to-human transmission routes for MERS-CoV remain undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations and treatment strategies for avian influenza viruses and MERS-CoV.
• To highlight recent findings on the epidemiology and therapeutic outcomes associated with these viral infections.
• To emphasize the critical need for novel antiviral therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical data and observational studies on avian influenza and MERS-CoV.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes for antiviral medications and corticosteroids in severe influenza cases.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on MERS-CoV transmission and clinical impact.

Main Results:

• Avian influenza A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) remain prevalent, with reduced A(H7N9) risk following poultry market closures.
• Oseltamivir treatment in severe influenza cases is linked to reduced mortality, even when initiated late.
• High-dose corticosteroids were associated with adverse outcomes in certain influenza infections (A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H5N1)).
• MERS-CoV poses a significant public health threat with no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines available.

Conclusions:

• There is an urgent requirement for the development of more effective antiviral therapies to combat avian influenza and MERS-CoV.
• Further investigation is needed to optimize antiviral dosing and understand the role of corticosteroids in severe influenza.
• Enhanced understanding of MERS-CoV transmission is crucial for effective control strategies.