Fatal outcome of human influenza A (H5N1) is associated with high viral load and hypercytokinemia.

ABSTRACT: Avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses cause severe disease in humans, but the basis for their virulence remains unclear. In vitro and animal studies indicate that high and disseminated viral replication is important for disease pathogenesis. Laboratory experiments suggest that virus-induced cytokine dysregulation may contribute to disease severity. To assess the relevance of these findings for human disease, we performed virological and immunological studies in 18 individuals with H5N1 and 8 individuals infected with human influenza virus subtypes. Influenza H5N1 infection in humans is characterized by high pharyngeal virus loads and frequent detection of viral RNA in rectum and blood. Viral RNA in blood was present only in fatal H5N1 cases and was associated with higher pharyngeal viral loads.

SUBMITTER: de Jong MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4333202 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature