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Viruses. 2018 Sep 13;10(9). pii: E497. doi: 10.3390/v10090497.
Zoonotic Potential of Influenza A Viruses: A Comprehensive Overview.
Mostafa A1,2, Abdelwhab EM3, Mettenleiter TC4, Pleschka S5.
Author information
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) possess a great zoonotic potential as they are able to infect different avian and mammalian animal hosts, from which they can be transmitted to humans. This is based on the ability of IAV to gradually change their genome by mutation or even reassemble their genome segments during co-infection of the host cell with different IAV strains, resulting in a high genetic diversity. Variants of circulating or newly emerging IAVs continue to trigger global health threats annually for both humans and animals. Here, we provide an introduction on IAVs, highlighting the mechanisms of viral evolution, the host spectrum, and the animal/human interface. Pathogenicity determinants of IAVs in mammals, with special emphasis on newly emerging IAVs with pandemic potential, are discussed. Finally, an overview is provided on various approaches for the prevention of human IAV infections.
KEYWORDS:
Influenza A virus; evolution; pandemic; pathogenicity; zoonosis
PMID: 30217093 DOI: 10.3390/v10090497
Free full text
Zoonotic Potential of Influenza A Viruses: A Comprehensive Overview.
Mostafa A1,2, Abdelwhab EM3, Mettenleiter TC4, Pleschka S5.
Author information
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) possess a great zoonotic potential as they are able to infect different avian and mammalian animal hosts, from which they can be transmitted to humans. This is based on the ability of IAV to gradually change their genome by mutation or even reassemble their genome segments during co-infection of the host cell with different IAV strains, resulting in a high genetic diversity. Variants of circulating or newly emerging IAVs continue to trigger global health threats annually for both humans and animals. Here, we provide an introduction on IAVs, highlighting the mechanisms of viral evolution, the host spectrum, and the animal/human interface. Pathogenicity determinants of IAVs in mammals, with special emphasis on newly emerging IAVs with pandemic potential, are discussed. Finally, an overview is provided on various approaches for the prevention of human IAV infections.
KEYWORDS:
Influenza A virus; evolution; pandemic; pathogenicity; zoonosis
PMID: 30217093 DOI: 10.3390/v10090497
Free full text