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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
Avian influenza viruses in humans: lessons from past outbreaks
Yao-Tsun Li1, Martin Linster1, Ian H Mendenhall1
1Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857.
Background:
Human infections with avian influenza viruses (AIV) represent a persistent public health threat. The principal risk factor governing human infection with AIV is from direct contact with infected poultry and is primarily observed in Asia and Egypt where live-bird markets are common.
Areas Of Agreement:
Changing patterns of virus transmission and a lack of obvious disease manifestations in avian species hampers early detection and efficient control of potentially zoonotic AIV.
Areas Of Controversy:
Despite extensive studies on biological and environmental risk factors, the exact conditions required for cross-species transmission from avian species to humans remain largely unknown.
Growing Points:
The development of a universal ('across-subtype') influenza vaccine and effective antiviral therapeutics are a priority.
Areas Timely For Developing Research:
Sustained virus surveillance and collection of ecological and physiological parameters from birds in different environments is required to better understand influenza virus ecology and identify risk factors for human infection.
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