title: Pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in mammals.
abstract: In recent years, there has been an increase in outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry. Occasionally, these outbreaks have resulted in transmission of influenza viruses to humans and other mammals, with symptoms ranging from conjunctivitis to pneumonia and death. Here, the current knowledge of the determinants of pathogenicity of HPAI viruses in mammals is summarized. It is becoming apparent that common mechanisms exist across influenza A virus strains and subtypes, through which influenza viruses adapt to mammals and gain or loose pathogenicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Virology and National Influenza Center, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Emmie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Wit
authors.forename: Yoshihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawaoka
authors.forename: Menno D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: de Jong
authors.forename: Ron A M
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fouchier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D008322:Mammals; D011200:Poultry; D037521:Virulence Factors
chemical_list: D037521:Virulence Factors