title: SnapShot: Evolution of human influenza A viruses.
abstract: The major natural hosts of influenza A viruses are wild aquatic birds. Occasionally, viruses are transmitted to mammalian and other avian species, including humans. Due to the high mutation rate and reassortment of the viral genome, the viruses may undergo adaptation to humans and then give rise to a pandemic.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Virologie, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wendel
authors.affiliation: Institut für Virologie, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Mikhail
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matrosovich
authors.affiliation: Institut für Virologie, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 2, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans Dieter
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Klenk
mesh_terms: D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000266:history* / Q000821:virology*