Avian influenza virus H5N1: a review of its history and information regarding its potential to cause the next pandemic.
Avian influenza virus H5N1, which has been limited to poultry, now has spread to migrating birds and has emerged in mammals and among the human population. It presents a distinct threat of a pandemic for which the World Health Organization and other organizations are making preparations. This article reviews information about the virus itself and its spread among poultry, migrating birds, mammals, and humans.
Ligon
B Lee
BL
Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. bligon@bcm.tmc.edu
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000662:veterinary / Q000821:virology; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history / Q000821:virology; D011200:Poultry; D011634:Public Health; D016865:Reassortant Viruses / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014944:World Health Organization