H5 Influenza Viruses in Egypt
Rabeh El-Shesheny1,2, Ahmed Kandeil2, Ahmed Mostafa2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3678, USA.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine
|March 4, 2020
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) and A(H5N8) viruses continue to circulate in Egypt, posing risks to poultry and humans. Low adherence to control measures fuels virus evolution, with no clear resolution in sight.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Egypt has faced a decade-long endemic presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses.
- HPAI A(H5N1) has severely impacted poultry production and caused significant human infections and fatalities in Egypt.
- Since 2017, HPAI A(H5N8) viruses, originating from Southeast Asia via Europe, have replaced A(H5N1), with no subsequent human cases reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ongoing situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Egypt.
- To investigate the factors contributing to the increased number of avian influenza outbreaks.
- To understand the implications of virus evolution and control measure adherence.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on avian influenza outbreaks in Egypt.
- Analysis of trends in HPAI A(H5N1) and A(H5N8) virus circulation.
- Assessment of factors influencing the adherence to control measures.
Main Results:
- Despite control efforts, avian influenza outbreaks have increased since 2006.
- Noncompliance with preventive measures and suboptimal vaccination programs contribute to outbreak persistence.
- Social norms and declining public awareness, particularly among women and children responsible for household flocks, hinder control measure adherence.
Conclusions:
- Egypt remains an epicenter for A(H5) virus evolution due to persistent outbreaks and challenges in control.
- The lack of human cases with A(H5N8) does not indicate reduced H5 infections in poultry.
- Addressing social factors and enhancing public awareness are crucial for effective avian influenza control in Egypt.
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