The threat of avian influenza A (H5N1). Part I: Epidemiologic concerns and virulence determinants.
Among emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, influenza constitutes one of the major threats to mankind. In this review series epidemiologic, virologic and pathologic concerns raised by infections of humans with avian influenza virus A/H5N1 are discussed. This first part concentrates on epidemiologic concerns and virulence determinants. H5N1 spread over the world and caused a series of fowl pest outbreaks. Significant human-to-human transmissions have not been observed yet. Mutations that make the virus more compatible with human-to-human transmission may occur at any time. Nevertheless, no one can currently predict with certainty whether H5N1 will become a human pandemic virus.
Cinatl
Jindrich
J
Institute for Medical Virology, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt/M, Germany. cinatl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Michaelis
Martin
M
Doerr
Hans W
HW
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D014774:Virulence / Q000235:genetics
D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; C085820:INS1 protein, influenza virus; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins