Mutations in H5N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin that confer binding to human tracheal airway epithelium.

ABSTRACT: The emergence in 2009 of a swine-origin H1N1 influenza virus as the first pandemic of the 21st Century is a timely reminder of the international public health impact of influenza viruses, even those associated with mild disease. The widespread distribution of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in the avian population has spawned concern that it may give rise to a human influenza pandemic. The mortality rate associated with occasional human infection by H5N1 virus approximates 60%, suggesting that an H5N1 pandemic would be devastating to global health and economy. To date, the H5N1 virus has not acquired the propensity to transmit efficiently between humans. The reasons behind this are unclear, especially given the high mutation rate associated with influenza virus replication. Here we

SUBMITTER: Ayora-Talavera G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2775162 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature