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Avian influenza A H5N1 virus: a continuous threat to humans

Kelvin Kw To1, Kenneth Hl Ng2, Tak-Lun Que2

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China ; Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China ; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.

Emerging Microbes & Infections
|June 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This study details a severe pneumonia case from avian influenza A (H5N1) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection in a traveler. It highlights H5N1 risks, transmission, and control measures, emphasizing poultry vaccination and surveillance for pandemic preparedness.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Avian influenza A (H5N1) poses a significant zoonotic threat.
  • Co-infections with other pathogens can complicate disease presentation and severity.
  • Understanding H5N1 transmission and pathogenesis is crucial for pandemic preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first case of severe pneumonia caused by H5N1 subclade 2.3.2.1 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection.
  • To review the epidemiology, virology, transmission, diagnosis, and control of human-transmissible H5N1 clades.
  • To discuss H5N1 pathogenesis, mortality factors, and the role of poultry vaccination and surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a traveler with severe pneumonia.
  • Comprehensive literature review on H5N1 epidemiology, virology, and clinical aspects.
  • Analysis of factors influencing H5N1 pathogenesis and mortality.
  • Discussion on control strategies including biosecurity and poultry vaccination.

Main Results:

  • A severe pneumonia case was identified due to H5N1 subclade 2.3.2.1 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection in a traveler returning from South China.
  • Review highlights the complex factors in H5N1 poultry-to-human transmission and pathogenesis, including hyperinflammation and antiviral resistance.
  • Poultry vaccination is identified as a key control measure, but vaccine efficacy depends on timely and appropriate application due to rapid viral evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Co-infections with H5N1 pose severe risks, necessitating vigilant surveillance and preparedness.
  • Effective control strategies require a multifaceted approach, including biosecurity, appropriate poultry vaccination, and continuous monitoring for new viral mutants.
  • Further research is needed to understand host, viral, and medical intervention factors influencing H5N1 mortality rates across different regions.
Keywords:
H5N1avianinfluenza virusmycoplasma

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