Avian Influenza Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Avian Influenza, including details on bird flu, h5n1, risks, vaccines, prevention.

The threat of avian influenza A (H5N1). Part I: Epidemiologic concerns and virulence determinants.

Cinatl J, Michaelis M, Doerr HW

Institute for Medical Virology, Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt/M, Germany. cinatl@em.uni-frankfurt.de

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.

Published 16 August 2007 in Med Microbiol Immunol, 196(4): 181-90.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Avian Influenza Research Today. All Rights Reserved.