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Review
. 2008 Sep 12;26 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):D54-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.072.

Pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in mammals

Emmie de Wit  1 , Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Menno D de Jong, Ron A M Fouchier
Affiliations
Review

Pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in mammals

Emmie de Wit et al. Vaccine. .

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry. Occasionally, these outbreaks have resulted in transmission of influenza viruses to humans and other mammals, with symptoms ranging from conjunctivitis to pneumonia and death. Here, the current knowledge of the determinants of pathogenicity of HPAI viruses in mammals is summarized. It is becoming apparent that common mechanisms exist across influenza A virus strains and subtypes, through which influenza viruses adapt to mammals and gain or loose pathogenicity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Determinants of adaptation and pathogenicity of avian influenza viruses in mammals. The functions of eight viral proteins, that are discussed in the main text as important determinants of pathogenicity, are indicated.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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