The changing nature of avian influenza A virus (H5N1)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 has been endemic in some bird species since its emergence in 1996 and its ecology, genetics and antigenic properties have continued to evolve. This has allowed diverse virus strains to emerge in endemic areas with altered receptor specificity, i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in microbiology (Regular ed.) 2012-01, Vol.20 (1), p.11-20
Main Authors: Watanabe, Yohei, Ibrahim, Madiha S, Suzuki, Yasuo, Ikuta, Kazuyoshi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
binding capacity
Biota
Birds
ecology
Endemic Diseases
Evolution, Molecular
genetics
Humans
Influenza A virus
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - classification
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - genetics
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - isolation & purification
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - pathogenicity
Influenza in Birds - epidemiology
Influenza in Birds - pathology
Influenza in Birds - virology
Influenza, Human - epidemiology
Influenza, Human - virology
Internal Medicine
pandemic
Pandemics
viruses
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Summary:Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus subtype H5N1 has been endemic in some bird species since its emergence in 1996 and its ecology, genetics and antigenic properties have continued to evolve. This has allowed diverse virus strains to emerge in endemic areas with altered receptor specificity, including a new H5 sublineage with enhanced binding affinity to the human-type receptor. The pandemic potential of H5N1 viruses is alarming and may be increasing. We review here the complex dynamics and changing nature of the H5N1 virus that may contribute to the emergence of pandemic strains.
ISSN:0966-842X
1878-4380
DOI:10.1016/j.tim.2011.10.003