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Editor, Senior Moderator
The dysfunctional host response to influenza A H7N9: a potential treatment option?
Steven M Opal1* and David S Fedson2
* Corresponding author: Steven M Opal Steven_Opal@brown.edu
Author Affiliations
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Critical Care 2014, 18:135 doi:10.1186/cc13839
See related research by Wu et al. http://ccforum.com/content/18/2/R43
Published: 22 April 2014
Abstract
The newly emerging human pathogen influenza A H7N9 represents a potentially major threat to human health. The virus was first shown to be pathogenic in humans in 2013, and outbreaks continue to occur in China to the present time. The current incident mortality rate is disturbingly high despite the frequent use of antiviral therapy and intensive care management. If the virus gains the capacity for efficient person-to-person transmission, a global influenza pandemic could ensue with devastating consequences. In the absence of an effective vaccine, targeted regulation of the host immune response by immune modulators might be considered. Readily available, approved drugs with immune-modulating activities might prove to be a treatment option in combination with existing antiviral agents and supportive care.
http://ccforum.com/content/18/2/135/abstract
Steven M Opal1* and David S Fedson2
* Corresponding author: Steven M Opal Steven_Opal@brown.edu
Author Affiliations
For all author emails, please log on.
Critical Care 2014, 18:135 doi:10.1186/cc13839
See related research by Wu et al. http://ccforum.com/content/18/2/R43
Published: 22 April 2014
Abstract
The newly emerging human pathogen influenza A H7N9 represents a potentially major threat to human health. The virus was first shown to be pathogenic in humans in 2013, and outbreaks continue to occur in China to the present time. The current incident mortality rate is disturbingly high despite the frequent use of antiviral therapy and intensive care management. If the virus gains the capacity for efficient person-to-person transmission, a global influenza pandemic could ensue with devastating consequences. In the absence of an effective vaccine, targeted regulation of the host immune response by immune modulators might be considered. Readily available, approved drugs with immune-modulating activities might prove to be a treatment option in combination with existing antiviral agents and supportive care.
http://ccforum.com/content/18/2/135/abstract