[Evolution of avian influenza viruses H5N1 (1997-2004) in southern and south-eastern Asia]

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype are widespread and have become endemic in poultry in southern and southeastern Asia. An unprecedented epizootic was caused by these viruses in 8 countries in the winter of 2003 to 2004. This fact along with more frequent human cases of the infection with unusually high mortality rates in Vietnam and Thailand raises concern that these H5N1 events may lead to a new influenza A virus pandemic. This review summarizes the results of studies dealing with the ecology and evolution of avian influenza H5N1 viruses in southern and southeastern Asia since 1997. The pathogenesis of the infection in human beings and laboratory animals and possible determinants of the high pathogenicity of H5N1 viruses in mammals are considered. A scheme for designing modified H5N1 vaccines using the latest advances in reverse genetics of influenza viruses is given.