title: H5 influenza, a global update.
abstract: H5 influenza viruses have caused much alarm globally due to their high pathogenic potential. As yet we have not seen sustained spread of the virus amongst humans despite a high prevalence of the virus in avian populations. Nevertheless, isolated human cases of infection have demonstrated high mortality and there are substantial efforts being taken to monitor the evolution of the virus and to undertake preparedness activities. Here we review and discuss the evolution of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 (H5N1) virus with emphasis on recent events.
authors.affiliation: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
authors.forename: Rhodri
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harfoot
authors.affiliation: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Richard.webby@stjude.org.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Webby
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005777:Geese / Q000821:virology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D014943:Global Health; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D010802:Phylogeny
chemical_list: D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: H5N1; current outbreaks; evolution; influenza; vaccine approach