Avian influenza: the threat looms (p 257)January 21, 2004The potential threat of avian influenza is discussed in this week's editorial. Five human deaths have been reported in Vietnam up to Jan 20, 2004. The disease is caused by influenza virus type A, and infects many animal species. A highly pathogenic avian influenza is caused by subtypes H5 and H7; wild birds are thought to be the reservoir for the virus which infects humans via live poultry markets common in south-east Asia (see last week's rapid review on wet animal markets: Lancet, Jan 17, 2004, p 234-36). Commenting on the implications for a widespread human outbreak of avian influenza, the editorial concludes: 'The possibility of a human pandemic with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus must be taken very seriously indeed. With the latest outbreak in birds in Vietnam, teams from WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization were quickly in country. One thing is clear: given that all new infectious diseases of human beings to emerge in the past 20 years have had an animal source, veterinary science and animal husbandry are as important for disease control as clinical medicine. When funding and resources are allocated, animal experts must not be overlooked.' | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Related Avian Influenza Current Events and Avian Influenza News Articles Study of ancient and modern plagues finds common features In 430 B.C., a new and deadly disease-its cause remains a mystery-swept into Athens. The walled Greek city-state was teeming with citizens, soldiers and refugees of the war then raging between Athens and Sparta. Stopping germs from ganging up on humans Keeping germs from cooperating can delay the evolution of drug resistance more effectively than killing germs one by one with traditional drugs such as antibiotics, according to new research from The University of Arizona in Tucson. Protein 'tubules' free avian flu virus from immune recognition A protein found in the virulent avian influenza virus strain called H5N1 forms tiny tubules in which it "hides" the pieces of double-stranded RNA formed during viral infection, which otherwise would prompt an antiviral immune response from infected cells, said Baylor College of Medicine researchers in an online report in the journal Nature. Avian flu threat: New approach needed As the first globally co-ordinated plan for the planet's gravest health threats is hatched by government ministers from around the world this weekend, a new report sets out a 10-point plan for this new, globalised approach to infectious diseases such as avian flu. 'Deadly dozen' reports diseases worsened by climate change Health experts from the Wildlife Conservation Society today released a report that lists 12 pathogens that could spread into new regions as a result of climate change, with potential impacts to both human and wildlife health and global economies. Scientists working to protect NI from Bird Flu Queen's scientists are involved in two international projects aimed to protect Northern Ireland's agri-food industry from Bird Flu and African Swine Fever, a disease which kills pigs. Discovery opens door for drugs to fight bird flu, other influenza epidemics Researchers at Rutgers University and The University of Texas at Austin have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight the much-feared bird flu and other virulent strains of influenza. The pandemic potential of H9N2 avian influenza viruses Since their introduction into land-based birds in 1988, H9N2 avian influenza A viruses have caused multiple human infections and become endemic in domestic poultry in Eurasia. Booster vaccination may help with possible future avian influenza pandemic New evidence suggests that a booster vaccination against H5N1 avian influenza given years after initial vaccination with a different strain may prove useful in controlling a potential future pandemic. The study is published in the August 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online. Newly described 'dragon' protein could be key to bird flu cure Scientists and researchers have taken a big step closer to a cure for the most common strain of avian influenza, or "bird flu," the potential pandemic that has claimed more than 200 lives and infected nearly 400 people in 14 countries since it was identified in 2003. More Avian Influenza Current Events and Avian Influenza News Articles |
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