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Human influenza virus A/HongKong/156/97 (H5N1) infection
E C Claas1, J C de Jong, R van Beek
1Department of Virology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Introduction of influenza viruses with gene segments of avian origin into the human population may result in the emergence of new pathogenic human influenza viruses. The recent infection of a 3-year-old boy with an influenza A (H5N1) virus of avian origin can be considered as an example of such an event. However, this virus, influenza A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1) and the 17 additional H5N1 viruses isolated from humans by the end of 1997 lack the ability to spread efficiently amongst humans and therefore have limited pandemic potential. However, the possibility of reassortment of these viruses with currently circulating human viruses illustrates the need for pandemic preparedness.
Insights
Avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses can infect humans, but current strains lack efficient human-to-human spread. Pandemic preparedness is crucial due to reassortment potential with human influenza viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza viruses with avian gene segments pose a risk for emerging novel human pathogens.
- Human infections with avian influenza viruses highlight potential zoonotic threats.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy was infected with an avian-origin influenza A (H5N1) virus.
- Influenza A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1) and other H5N1 human isolates showed limited human-to-human transmissibility by late 1997.
Findings:
- The studied H5N1 viruses demonstrated inefficient spread among humans, limiting their immediate pandemic potential.
- Genetic reassortment between avian H5N1 and circulating human influenza strains is a theoretical possibility.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the need for robust pandemic preparedness strategies.
- Continuous surveillance and research are essential to monitor and mitigate risks associated with avian influenza virus emergence in humans.