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Journal of Infection
Article in Press, Accepted Manuscript - Note to users
doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2011.04.013 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Copyright ? 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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A definition for influenza pandemics based on historial records a definition for influenza pandemics
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$ 31.50
Chris W PotterCorresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author and Roy Jenningsa, E-mail The Corresponding Author
a Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX
Accepted 21 April 2011.
Available online 12 May 2011.
Abstract
Objective
:: To analyse the records of past influenza outbreaks to determine a definition for pandemics.
Methods
. Analysis of publications of large outbreaks of influenza which have occurred since 1889/90, and to match the results against the current definitions of an influenza pandemic.
Results
. According to the general understanding of a pandemic, nine outbreaks of influenza since 1889/90 satisfy the definition; however, for two of these, occurring in 1900 and 1933, the data are limited. The special condition for an influenza pandemic requires, in one definition, that the virus strain responsible could not have arisen from the previous circulating strain by mutation; and in the second, that the new strain be a different subtype to the previously circulating strain. Both these restrictions deny pandemic status to two, and possibly three, influenza outbreaks which were pandemics according to the more general understanding of the term. These observations suggest that a re-evaluation of the criteria which define influenza pandemics should be carried out.
Conclusion
. The contradiction outlined above brings the previous definitions of an influenza pandemic into question; however, this can be resolved by defining an influenza pandemic by the following criteria. Thus, an influenza pandemic arises at a single, specific place and spreads rapidly to involve numerous countries. The haemagglutinin (HA) of the emergent virus does not cross react serologically with the previously dominant virus strain(s), and there is a significant lack of immunity in the population against the emergent virus. These three criteria are interlinked and can be determined early to alert authorities who could respond appropriately. Other criteria associated with pandemics are necessarily retrospective, although important and valid. The implications of this definition are discussed.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...c394fa0ab2e6ea0c8a333058ac9d0c0d&searchtype=a
Article in Press, Accepted Manuscript - Note to users
doi:10.1016/j.jinf.2011.04.013 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Copyright ? 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Permissions & Reprints
A definition for influenza pandemics based on historial records a definition for influenza pandemics
Purchase
$ 31.50
Chris W PotterCorresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author and Roy Jenningsa, E-mail The Corresponding Author
a Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX
Accepted 21 April 2011.
Available online 12 May 2011.
Abstract
Objective
:: To analyse the records of past influenza outbreaks to determine a definition for pandemics.
Methods
. Analysis of publications of large outbreaks of influenza which have occurred since 1889/90, and to match the results against the current definitions of an influenza pandemic.
Results
. According to the general understanding of a pandemic, nine outbreaks of influenza since 1889/90 satisfy the definition; however, for two of these, occurring in 1900 and 1933, the data are limited. The special condition for an influenza pandemic requires, in one definition, that the virus strain responsible could not have arisen from the previous circulating strain by mutation; and in the second, that the new strain be a different subtype to the previously circulating strain. Both these restrictions deny pandemic status to two, and possibly three, influenza outbreaks which were pandemics according to the more general understanding of the term. These observations suggest that a re-evaluation of the criteria which define influenza pandemics should be carried out.
Conclusion
. The contradiction outlined above brings the previous definitions of an influenza pandemic into question; however, this can be resolved by defining an influenza pandemic by the following criteria. Thus, an influenza pandemic arises at a single, specific place and spreads rapidly to involve numerous countries. The haemagglutinin (HA) of the emergent virus does not cross react serologically with the previously dominant virus strain(s), and there is a significant lack of immunity in the population against the emergent virus. These three criteria are interlinked and can be determined early to alert authorities who could respond appropriately. Other criteria associated with pandemics are necessarily retrospective, although important and valid. The implications of this definition are discussed.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...c394fa0ab2e6ea0c8a333058ac9d0c0d&searchtype=a