H5N1 influenza viruses: outbreaks and biological properties

H5N1 Outbreaks and Enzootic Influenza

Ongoing outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in migratory waterfowl, domestic poultry, and humans in Asia during the summer of 2005 present a continuing, protean pandemic threat. We review the zoonotic source of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses and their genesis from their natural reservoirs. The acquisition of novel traits, including lethality to waterfowl, ferrets, felids, and humans, indicates an...

Replication-Competent Neuraminidase-Negative Influenza H5N1 Viruses

H5N1 influenza viruses: facts, not fear.

The ongoing controversy over publication of two studies involving the transmission in ferrets of H5N1 (H5) subtype influenza viruses and the recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to redact key details in the manuscripts call for an examination of relevant scientific facts. In addition, there are calls in the media to destroy the viruses, curtail future research ...

Egyptian H5N1 Influenza Viruses—Cause for Concern?

1 Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America, 2 Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States of America, 3 Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 4 ERATO InfectionInduced Host Responses Project, Saitama, Japan, 5 Department of Special Pat...

Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses from Pigs, Indonesia

Pigs have long been considered potential intermediate hosts in which avian influenza viruses can adapt to humans. To determine whether this potential exists for pigs in Indonesia, we conducted surveillance during 2005-2009. We found that 52 pigs in 4 provinces were infected during 2005-2007 but not 2008-2009. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses had been introduced into the pig populat...