Avian influenza pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
Transmission
Template:H5N1 Template:Details more The highly pathogenic Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 virus is an emerging avian influenza virus that has been causing global concern as a potential pandemic threat. It is often referred to simply as "bird flu" or "avian influenza" even though it is only one subtype of avian influenza causing virus.
H5N1 has killed millions of poultry in a growing number of countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa. Health experts are concerned that the co-existence of human flu viruses and avian flu viruses (especially H5N1) will provide an opportunity for genetic material to be exchanged between species-specific viruses, possibly creating a new virulent influenza strain that is easily transmissible and lethal to humans.[1]
Since the first H5N1 outbreak occurred in 1997, there has been an increasing number of HPAI H5N1 bird-to-human transmissions leading to clinically severe and fatal human infections. However, because there is a significant species barrier that exists between birds and humans, the virus does not easily cross over to humans, though some cases of infection are being researched to discern whether human to human transmission is occurring. More research is necessary to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the H5N1 virus in humans. Exposure routes and other disease transmission characteristics such as genetic and immunological factors, that may increase the likelihood of infection, are not clearly understood[2].
Although millions of birds have become infected with the virus since its discovery, 206 humans have died from the H5N1 in twelve countries according to WHO data as of November 2007.
The Avian Flu claimed at least 200 humans in Romania, Greece, Turkey and Russia. Epidemiologists are afraid that the next time such a virus mutates, it could pass from human to human. If this form of transmission occurs, another big pandemic could result. However, disease-control centers around the world are making avian flu their top priority.
Bird flu may refer to:
- Avian influenza - another name for bird flu or avian influenza
- H5N1 - the current type of bird flu virus that is the worst pandemic threat
- Influenza A virus - the species of virus that causes all bird flu.
Genetics
Genetic factors in distinguishing between "human flu viruses" and "avian flu viruses" include:
- PB2: (RNA polymerase): Amino acid (or residue) position 627 in the PB2 protein encoded by the PB2 RNA gene. Until H5N1, all known avian influenza viruses had a Glu at position 627, while all human influenza viruses had a lysine.
- HA: (hemagglutinin): Avian influenza HA bind alpha 2-3 sialic acid receptors while human influenza HA bind alpha 2-6 sialic acid receptors. Swine influenza viruses have the ability to bind both types of sialic acid receptors.
References
- ↑ Food Safety Research Information Office. "A Focus on Avian Influenza". Created May 2006, Updated November 2007.
- ↑ World Health Organization. (2006). [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/avian_influenza/en/#humans Avian influenza (" bird flu") – The Disease in Humans.] Retrieved April 6, 2006.