Tweet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments on WHO Case Definitions and Atypical H5N1 Infections
"In the context of the WHO case definitions for human infections with influenza A(H5N1) virus, it appears that atypical infections continue to be excluded from the potential clinical spectrum of challenge:
However, the following references indicate that atypical infections (encephalitis, diarrheal, gastrointestinal illness) are a serious concern associated with outbreaks of avian influenza A subtype H5N1 worldwide
Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol. 10, No. 7, July 2004; and
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/352/7/686>, NEJM,
Furthermore, European researchers have reported what they call the first evidence that low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, and not just highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains like H5N1, can infect humans. The finding, in a study of Italian poultry workers, suggests that avian influenza viruses have more chances than previously suspected to mix with human influenza viruses, potentially creating hybrids that could trigger a human influenza pandemic, according to a report published online by the Journal of Infectious Diseases . (See posting re: Low-pathogen H2N2 on this site)
(See: Low-pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) Viruses Can Infect Humans<http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/sep1305lpai.html>, and ProMED-mail post "Avian influenza, human: LPAI susceptibility"
20050918.2759).
_________________
Comments on WHO Case Definitions and Atypical H5N1 Infections
"In the context of the WHO case definitions for human infections with influenza A(H5N1) virus, it appears that atypical infections continue to be excluded from the potential clinical spectrum of challenge:
However, the following references indicate that atypical infections (encephalitis, diarrheal, gastrointestinal illness) are a serious concern associated with outbreaks of avian influenza A subtype H5N1 worldwide
Emerging Infectious Diseases, Vol. 10, No. 7, July 2004; and
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/352/7/686>, NEJM,
Furthermore, European researchers have reported what they call the first evidence that low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, and not just highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains like H5N1, can infect humans. The finding, in a study of Italian poultry workers, suggests that avian influenza viruses have more chances than previously suspected to mix with human influenza viruses, potentially creating hybrids that could trigger a human influenza pandemic, according to a report published online by the Journal of Infectious Diseases . (See posting re: Low-pathogen H2N2 on this site)
(See: Low-pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) Viruses Can Infect Humans<http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/avianflu/news/sep1305lpai.html>, and ProMED-mail post "Avian influenza, human: LPAI susceptibility"
20050918.2759).
_________________