The continued pandemic threat posed by avian influenza viruses in Hong Kong

Trends Microbiol. 2002 Jul;10(7):340-4. doi: 10.1016/s0966-842x(02)02388-0.

Abstract

In 1997, a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus was transmitted directly from live commercial poultry to humans in Hong Kong. Of the 18 people infected, six died. The molecular basis for the high virulence of this virus in mice was found to involve an amino acid change in the PB2 protein. To eliminate the source of the pathogenic virus, all birds in the Hong Kong markets were slaughtered. In 1999, another avian influenza virus of H9N2 subtype was transmitted to two children in Hong Kong. In 2000-2002, H5N1 avian viruses reappeared in the poultry markets of Hong Kong, although they have not infected humans. Continued circulation of H5N1 and other avian viruses in Hong Kong raises the possibility of future human influenza outbreaks. Moreover, the acquisition of properties of human viruses by the avian viruses currently circulating in southeast China might result in a pandemic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / virology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / pathogenicity*
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Mice
  • Poultry
  • Virulence