Genetic characteristic of hemagglutinin of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in Guizhou Province in 2017 / 中华预防医学杂志

The number of H7N9 bird flu cases was high and the situation was grim in guizhou province in 2017. To understand the molecular characteristics of the hemagglutinin gene (HA) and the risk of human infection with avian influenza virus A(H7N9) in Guizhou Province, 2017. Homology, genetic evolution and pivotal sites related to receptor binding regions, pathogenicity and potential glycosylation of 14 avian influenza viruses A(H7N9) were analyzed by a series of bioinformation softwares. It was cleared that there was 95.9%-100% similarity among 14 strains in nucleotide of the HA gene, and there were 96.8%-97.8% and 96.8%-97.9% similarities with vaccine strains A/Shanghai/2/2013 and A/Anhui/1/2013 recommended by WHO, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 14 HA genes were directly evolved in the Yangtze River Delta evolution branch, but they could be derived from five diffenrent strains. Then 13 of 14 strains cleavage site sequences of HA protein revealed they were low pathogenic avian influenza viruses, while A/Guizhou-Weining/CSY01/2017 was high pathogenic avian influenza virus. Mutation G186V at the receptor binding sites in the HA was found in all 14 strains, and mutation Q226L in 13 strains besides A/Guizhou-Weining/CSY01/2017. All five potential glycosylation motifs in the HA were conservative.

Cien años después, recordando cómo BMJ y JAMA comunicaron la pandemia de gripe de 1918-1919 / One hundred years later, recalling how BMJ and JAMA reported the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic

RESUMEN La pandemia de gripa que en 1918-1919 asoló el planeta, es sin duda el evento de enfermedad masivo de mayor virulencia y letalidad que la especie humana ha sorteado a lo largo de la historia. Este ensayo se centró en evaluar, a partir de lo publicado en la literatura médica de dos de las más importantes revistas de la época, (BMJ) The British Medical Journal y (JAMA)The Journal of the American Medical Association, la interpretación que desde la medicina se hizo de este fenómeno y de la respuesta que en términos de tecnología diagnóstica y terapéutica se dio por parte de los médicos. Se encontró que el arsenal de conocimientos, diagnóstico y terapéutica de la época ofrecía muy pocas herramientas para abordar el manejo clínico y frenar los contagios y mortalidad. No obstante, las dificultades que debieron sortear los clínicos y autoridades sanitarias de la época se constituyeron en un sólido aliciente para que en poco tiempo se avanzara significativamente en la comprensión y manejo de las enfermedades infecciosas, particularmente de etiología viral.

ABSTRACT The influenza pandemic that ravaged the planet in 1918-1919 is, undoubtedly, the most virulent and lethal infectious disease that the human species has ever overcome. This essay was to evaluate the medical interpretation of this phenomenon and the response given by doctors in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic technology based on the data published in the medical literature of two of the most important journals of the time, BMJ (The British Medical Journal) and JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association). It was found that the arsenal of knowledge, diagnosis and therapeutics of the time offered very few tools to address clinical management and curb contagion and mortality. However, the difficulties that clinicians and health authorities had to overcome were a solid incentive to make significant progress in the understanding and management of infectious diseases, particularly of viral etiology, in a short period of time.

A pandemia de gripe que devastou o planeta em 1918-1919 é, sem dúvida, o evento de doença maciça mais virulento e letal que a espécie humana passou ao longo da história. Este ensaio teve como objetivo avaliar, a partir do que foi publicado na literatura médica de duas das mais importantes revistas da época, (BMJ) The British Medical Journal e (JAMA) The Journal of American Medical Association,a interpretação que a medicina fez desse fenômeno e a resposta que os médicos deram em termos de tecnologia diagnóstica e terapêutica. Verificou-se que o arsenal de conhecimento, diagnóstico e terapia da época oferecia pouquíssimas ferramentas para abordar o manejo clínico e impedir infecções e mortalidade. No entanto, as dificuldades que os médicos e as autoridades de saúde da época tiveram que superar foram um sólido incentivo para que, em pouco tempo, fossem feitos progressos significativos no entendimento e tratamento de doenças infecciosas, particularmente de etiologia viral.(AU)

Comparison of epidemiological characteristics of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in five countries of Asia and Africa / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To understand characteristics of demographic, seasonal and spatial distribution of H5N1 cases in major countries of Asia (Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, China) and Africa (Egypt).@*Methods@#Through searching public data resource and published papers, we collected cases information in five countries from May 1st, 1997 to November 6th, 2017, including general characteristics, diagnosis, onset and exposure history, etc. Different characteristics of survived and death cases in different countries were described and χ2 test was used to compare the differences among death cases and odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI value was used to compare death risk in different countries.@*Results@#A total of 856 cases were reported in five countries with Egypt had the most cases (44.3%). The highest number of cases were reported in 2015 (18.3%). 53% cases were reported from January to March, and 96.1% of cases had the history of poultry exposure. 64.2% (43 cases) cases in China had live poultry market exposure, but the sick/dead poultry exposure was the major exposure for cases in other four countries. 452 death cases were reported in five countries, and the fatality rate was 52.8%. With Egypt as the reference group, the highest death risk was seen in Indonesia (OR (95%CI): 11.52 (7.46-17.77)), followed by Cambodia (OR (95%CI): 4.27(2.37-7.69)) and China (OR (95%CI): 2.87 (1.73-4.74)). The age distribution of death cases among 5 countries was statistically significant, and the highest fatality rate was in 15-54 years group in Egypt (83.6%, 102 cases), while in Cambodia the highest fatality rate was in 0-14 years group (76.9%, 30 cases). The highest number of deaths were reported in 2006, and 48.3% were reported from January to March. There was difference in exposure routes among 5 countries (χ2=43.85, P=0.001), 63.2% (24 cases) of the death cases in China had live poultry market exposure. 92.9% (79 cases), 83.3% (40 cases) and 100.0% (38 cases) death cases in Indonesia, Vietnam and Camodia had sick/dead poultry exposure, respectively;and 81.6% (31 cases) of the death cases in Egypt had backyard poultry exposure.@*Conclusion@#The geographical distribution, seasonal age, gender, exposure matter and outcome of H5N1 cases in five countries were different.

Serologic monitoring of animal welfare-oriented laying-hen farms in South Korea / 대한수의학회지

As animal welfare issue becomes important, the European Union bans conventional cages for laying hens from 2012. So the alternative housing systems like floor pens, aviaries or free range systems have been suggested. From 2011 to 2014, we monitored 20 welfare-oriented laying hen farms in South Korea to figure out serological status of major viral diseases. During this period, total 3,219 blood samples were collected from the randomly selected chickens to test and evaluate the hemagglutination inhibition titers for low pathogenic avian influenza, Newcastle disease and egg drop syndrome '76. A total of 2,926 blood samples were tested through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the serological status of infectious bronchitis (IB). The distribution of ELISA titers for IB was various from almost 0 to 20,000 through the all weeks of age. Also, the antibody coefficient of variation for most of the diseases in this study was higher than those of typical cage layers. As this study was the first surveillance for major avian viral diseases of the animal welfare-oriented farms in South Korea, the results obtained from this study will help to determine what information and resources are needed to maintain better biosecurity and to improve the health and welfare of laying hen flocks.

Advances on epidemiological research of human infections with novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus / 中华预防医学杂志

Human infections with novel avian influenza A(H7N9)virus was an emerging infectious disease discovered in March, 2013. As of June30, 2016, 770 cases of H7N9 were reported in worldwide including 315 deaths with 40.9% of high case fatality rate. Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta were the high-prevalence area. Formerly, the cases of H7N9 were concentrated on the municipalities. However, most of the case-patients were from smaller cities or rural areas nowadays. The H7N9 human infections mainly occurred in winter and spring every waves as similar as seasonal and H5N1 human infections. Middle aged and old (the median age was 61 years) male patients were occupied the large proportion among the cases of H7N9. In addition, the phenomenon of the limited and unsustained human-to-human transmission were existed. At present, the 4 major epidemic waves had happened and human infections with novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus could be outbreak regularly in China. In this paper, the pathogenic characteristics and disease distribution of H7N9 influenza A viruses were elaborated, with both transmission factors and control measures, which were helpful to provide the scientific evidence for prevention and control in H7N9avian influenza epidemic.

Application of standardized workflow in intra-hospital transport of human infections of avian influenza A(H7N9)virus / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To summarize the successful application experience of intra-hospital transport of 13 H7N9 avian influenza patients from the general wards to the avian influenza ward. Methods Form the expert group, to determine the design target and principle of the standardized workflow and point out the operation points of standard workflow in intra-hospital transport of each link. Results The standardized workflow included the disposal of the transfer notice, condition assessment, department contact,patient preparation,object preparation,custody transfer personnel preparation,transit guardianship and transfer to the avian influenza ward,a total of eight procedures.Between January 2013 and March 2017,13 cases were successfully transfered.All patients safely arrived avian influenza ward. The process was quick and smooth.Nobody was died or rescued within 1 h after transport. Conclusions The main differences of intra-hospital transport between H7N9 avian influenza patients and general critically ill patients are the transit time control, the particularity of terminal disposal, transshipment arrangement and hospital infection management personnel involved in the whole process.

Interactions of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 nucleoprotein with NF-κB-inducing kinase(NIK) / 军事医学

Objective To study the interactions between the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 nucleoprotein (H5N1 NP) and NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK),and to reveal the effect of H5N1 NP on NIK-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity.Methods The gene encoding NIK protein was amplified by RT-PCR from total RNA of HeLa cell line.Eukaryotic expression plasmid pCMV-Myc-NIK and prokaryotic expression plasmid pGEX-4T-1-NP (GST-NP) were constructed by cloning from HeLa cell cDNA and pcDNA3-Flag-NP vector,respectively.Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and GST pull-down were used to test the interactions between H5N1 NP and NIK.Dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis system was used to test the effect of H5N1 NP on NIK-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity.Results Co-IP and GST pull-down showed that pCMV-Myc-NIK and pGEX-4T-1-NP (GST-NP) could express Myc tagged NIK protein and GST tagged NP protein in HEK293T cells and E.coli,respectively,and that H5N1 NP was associated with NIK in vivo and in vitro.Dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis suggested that H5N1 could inhibit NIK-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity.Conclusion H5N1 NP interacts with NIK and inhibits NIK-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity.This finding can facilitate further study of H5N1.

Evolution, global spread, and pathogenicity of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4

Novel subtypes of Asian-origin (Goose/Guangdong lineage) H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses belonging to clade 2.3.4, such as H5N2, H5N5, H5N6, and H5N8, have been identified in China since 2008 and have since evolved into four genetically distinct clade 2.3.4.4 groups (A–D). Since 2014, HPAI clade 2.3.4.4 viruses have spread rapidly via migratory wild aquatic birds and have evolved through reassortment with prevailing local low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. Group A H5N8 viruses and its reassortant viruses caused outbreaks in wide geographic regions (Asia, Europe, and North America) during 2014–2015. Novel reassortant Group B H5N8 viruses caused outbreaks in Asia, Europe, and Africa during 2016–2017. Novel reassortant Group C H5N6 viruses caused outbreaks in Korea and Japan during the 2016–2017 winter season. Group D H5N6 viruses caused outbreaks in China and Vietnam. A wide range of avian species, including wild and domestic waterfowl, domestic poultry, and even zoo birds, seem to be permissive for infection by and/or transmission of clade 2.3.4.4 HPAI viruses. Further, compared to previous H5N1 HPAI viruses, these reassortant viruses show altered pathogenicity in birds. In this review, we discuss the evolution, global spread, and pathogenicity of H5 clade 2.3.4.4 HPAI viruses.

Application of oxygen therapy for treatment of human infections of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus / 中华护理杂志

This paper retrospectively analyzed nursing care of 20 critically ill patients with human infections of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus treated by oxygen therapy.According to the severity of hypoxia in patients admitted to the hospital,individualized oxygen therapy strategy was selected,such as humidified high flow nasal cannula or mechanical ventilation.Oxygen therapy strategy was adjusted in a timely manner according to patients' condition,such as prone position ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.As a resuh,15 cases were transferred to the general ward when the virus associated test was negative,and 5 cases died.

Diagnosis and Treatment of the World's First Case of Human Avian Inlfuenza Infected by H10N8 Virus / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To evaluate the value of imaging on the diagnosis and treatment of human-infected H10N8 virus. Materials and Methods The chest X-ray and CT features of one case of human infected H10N8 virus were retrospectively studied. Results A 73-year-old female patient was admitted to the third affiliated hospital of Nanchang University on November 30, 2013 due to cough, sputum for 3 days and fever for 1 day. The patient was diagnosed with severe pulmonary infection and underwent chest CT on December 1, which showed large opacities with air bronchograms were in the lower lobe of her right lung and ground-glass exudative lesions in the lower lobe of the left lung;the next 24 h, 48 h and 72 h review tracking chest X-ray showed the chest lesions developed rapidly which involved more lobes with more areas, integration of lesions and plenty of pleural effusion in a very short time. This was a typical white lung sign of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The patient died later on December 6, which was reported as the case of human-infected avian influenza (H10N8 virus) by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Conclusion The chest imaging features found in human infected H10N8 virus present as progressive opacities and exudative lesions.

Application of nomogram model in predicting mortality of patients infected with avian influenza A (H7 N9) / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective To develop and validate a mortality risk prediction model for patients infected with avian influenza A H 7N9 virus.Methods A stratified and random sampling method was adopted for selection of subjects .A total of 102 patients infected with avian influenza A H7N9 virus, who were admitted to the designated hospitals in Zhejiang Province during March 2013 and March 2015, were enrolled.Standard questionnaires were used to collect data about demographic , epidemiologic and clinical characteristics , and the data were retrospectively reviewed . Univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression analysis were used to identify the mortality risk factors of patients infected with avian influenza A H7N9 virus, and nomogram was applied to develop the risk prediction model .The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed using Concordance index (C-index) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥60 years (χ2 =3.98, OR=2.99, 95%CI:1.05-9.21, P<0.05), increased initial neutrophil count (χ2 =6.66,OR=5.06, 95%CI:1.56-18.83, P<0.05), C-reactive protein≥120mg/L (χ2 =8.63, OR=5.15, 95%CI:1.79-16.31, P<0. 01), poor hand hygiene (χ2 =6.83, OR =10.29, 95%CI:2.18-81.49, P <0.01) and 5 days of incubation period or shorter (χ2 =7.23, OR=4.75, 95%CI:1.59-15.80, P<0.01) were independent risk factors for mortality of patients .Based on the above study , a risk prediction model of nomogram was developed.Poor hand hygiene (grade A, 100.0 points) ranked on the top of all risk factors, followed by C-reactive protein≥120 mg/L (grade B, 76.5 points), increased initial neutrophil count (grade C, 70.5 points), 5 days of incubation period or shorter (grade D, 62.0 points) and age ≥60 years (grade E, 51.0 points).The C-index and the area under the curve were 0.833 and 0.817 for the nomogram model , respectively;and the nomogram model fitted well .Conclusion Nomogram model can effectively predict and estimate the risk of death for patients infected with avian influenza A H 7N9 virus.

Factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por nueva influenza A (H1N1) en la región Cusco-Perú / Risk factors associated to mortality by novel Influenza A (H1N1) in Cusco-Peru

Introducción: En la Región Cusco durante el 2009, se reportaron 395 casos confirmados de nueva influenza A(H1N1) y 15 defunciones. La tasa de letalidad del 3.8%, estuvo muy por encima de reportes nacionales e internacionales, constituyéndose en serio problema de salud pública. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por nueva influenza A(H1N1). Material y metodo: Se realizo un estudio de Casos y Controles en 3 Hospitales de la ciudad del Cusco, entre las Semanas Epidemiológicas 18-34, 2009. Se identificaron 15 casos y 45 controles confirmados por PCRtr. Considerándose “caso” todo caso confirmado de nueva influenza A(H1N1), hospitalizado y fallecido y “control”, todo caso confirmado de nueva influenza A(H1N1), hospitalizado y dado de alta vivo. Resultados: De 24 factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad por Nueva influenza A(H1N1) estudiados, se identificaron los siguientes: Tiempo de inicio de tratamiento antiviral mayor de 3 días (p=0.001); tiempo de terapia corticoide mayor de 5 días (p=0.00001); tiempo de (p=0.0003) hospitalización mayor de 7 días (p=0.0003); tiempo de terapia antibiótica mayor de 10 días (p=0.0001); tiempo de medidas de soporte mayor de 10 días (p=0.001); compromiso de conciencia moderadograve según Score APACHE II (p=0.0000000); hipertensión arterial (p=0.001); anemia (p=0.01); hipokalemia (p=0.01); hipoxia (p=0.0005) y leucocitosis (p=0.01). El análisis de regresión logística mostró que un sujeto incluido en el estudio con terapia antibiótica mayor de 10 días (p<0.007), tiempo de terapia corticoide mayor de 5 días (p<0.05) e inicio del tratamiento antiviral mayor de 3 días (p<0.05) tuvo elevada probabilidad de morir del 84%...

Introduction: 395 confirmed cases of new influenza A (H1N1) cases and 15 deaths were reported in the Cusco Region during 2009. The case fatality rate of 3.8%, was well above national and international reports, becoming serious public health problem. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with mortality novel influenza A (H1N1). Material and methods: a study of cases and controls was conducted in 3 hospitals in the city of Cusco, between Epidemiological Weeks 18-34, 2009. 15 confirmed cases and 45 controls were identified PCRtr. Considering "case" all confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) hospitalized and died and "control" means a confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) hospitalized and discharged alive. Results: Of 24 risk factors associated with mortality from New influenza A (H1N1) studied, the following were identified: start time greater antiviral treatment of 3 days (p = 0.001), while higher corticosteroid therapy 5 days (p = 0.00001), time (p = 0.0003) increased hospitalization of 7 days (p = 0.0003), time of antibiotic therapy greater than 10 days (p = 0.0001), time measures more support 10 days (p = 0.001) , moderate to severe commitment consciousness as APACHE II Score (p = 0.0000000), hypertension (p = 0.001), anemia (p = 0.01), hypokalemia (p = 0.01), hypoxia (p = 0.0005) and leukocytosis (p = 0.01). The logistic regression analysis showed that a subject included in the study more than 10 days antibiotic therapy (p <0.007), while higher corticosteroid therapy 5 days (p <0.05) and initiation of antiviral treatment more than 3 days (p <0.05) had high probability of death of 84%...

Clinical presentations and imaging features of a novel avian-origin influenza H7N9 / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical presentations and imaging features of a novel avianorigin influenza (H7N9).Methods Anteroposterior chest radiographs and serial thin-section CT images in 5 patients with H7N9 were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists,the predominant inaging patterns of lung abnormalities and clinical data were recorded and analyzed.Results The large consolidation of the right lung with air bronchograms was the most common radiographic appearance in all patients with H7N9 at admission,and the abnormalities were more severe in the bilateral lower lobes.Both lungs developed large,scattered consolidations and ground-glass opacities with the progression of disease.The lesions in the left lung were more rapidly absorbed than those in the right lung.Conclusion Influenza H7N9 has certain chest imaging characteristics in the onset,progression and recovery of disease.

Follow-up study of discharged patients infected with novel recombinant avian-origin influenza A H7N9 / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the laboratory results and chest CT appearances of novel recombinant avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) in discharged patients for understanding the imaging changes.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 4 patients with novel recombinant avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) were collected.The imaging changes and laboratory results were analyzed.Results All patients underwent chest CT examination 2 to 5 times from admission to discharge.The lesions primarily presented as ground-glass opacity (GGO) and mainly located in the inferior lobe of the left lung in 3 cases,in the inferior lobe of the right lung in 1 case,alternating between absorption and progress.GGO was absorbed obviously in about 3 days after treatment and consolidation was progressed after treatment.Consolidation absorption was observed with continue treatment in 1 case.The pulmonary lesions were absorbed obviously in 1 case 7 days after discharge.Synchronous reduction of the absolute values of CD3,CD8,CD4,CD45 were observed in 3 cases and the ratio of CD4/CD8 was normal.Conclusions (1) The areas of pulmonary involvement are large and variable in H7N9.The lesion area and imaging patterns are important for disease prognosis.(2) H7N9 virus infection may causes immunosuppression,decrease of CRP value can predict the improvement of the disease.

Adaptação experimental de uma cepa de influenza H5HA confere transmissão por gotículas aéreas numa cepa recombinante H5Ha/H1N1 do vírus da influenza em furões / Experimental adaptation of an influenza H5HA strain confers respiratory droplet transmission to reassortant H5H/H1N1 virus strain in ferrets

Analisa-se o papel - se houver algum - da censura a artigos científicos, alicerçada na publicação do trabalho que mostra ser possível a modificação genética do vírus H5N1 da influenza aviária, tornando-o mais transmissível entre mamíferos, que foi seguida de muito alvoroço e muita discussão ética.

An evaluation of the role - if any - of censorship in scientific papers, based on the publishing of the article that shows it is possible to modify the genetics of the H5N1 aviary influenza virus, enhancing its transmission among mammals, which was followed by much ado and ethical discussion.

Anticuerpos séricos contra la enfermedad de Newcastle e Influenza Aviar en aves rapaces de Chile / Serum antibodies against Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza in birds of pley in Chile

Objetivo. Detectar la presencia de anticuerpos séricos sanguíneos contra los virus de la Enfermedad de Newcastle (ENC) e Influenza aviar (IA), para comprender la contribución de las aves silvestres en la transmisión de estos virus en Chile. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 63 aves pertenecientes a los órdenes Falconiformes y Strigiformes desde centros de rehabilitación de aves de las zonas central y sur de Chile. Se realizaron las pruebas de inhibición de la hemoaglutinación (IHA) para detectar anticuerpos contra el virus ENC e inmunodifusión en gel agar (IDGA) y ELISA para IA. Resultados. Se detectaron 14 aves positivas (22.2%) para anticuerpos séricos contra el virus de la ENC. En cambio, no se registraron anticuerpos séricos sanguíneos para el virus de la IA. Conclusiones. La presencia de aves rapaces positivas en los centros de rescate a los anticuerpos séricos contra el virus de la ENC puede ser explicada por el consumo de carne de pollos que han sido vacunados contra ENC o consumo de aves que han adquirido directamente el virus vacunal a través de los distintos procedimientos de administración (aerosoles, bebederos) de la vacuna o por el ingreso a los centros de rescate de aves rapaces migratorias, las que podrían facilitar la diseminación de la infección desde los países de origen, hecho que debe ser investigado.

Objective. To detect the presence of blood serum antibodies against Newcastle disease (ND) and Avian influenza (AI) viruses, to understand the contribution of wild birds in transmission of these viruses in Chile. Materials and methods. Sixty-three birds belonging to orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes were analyzed from bird rehabilitation centers in central and south-central Chile. Hemagglutination inhibition (HIA) was used to detect antibodies against the ND virus and further AI virus typing was done by agar gel immune-diffusion (AGID) and ELISA. Results. 14 birds we found (22.2%) with serum antibodies against ND virus; however, there were no blood serum antibodies to AI virus. Conclusions. Birds of prey from rescue centers have been detected positive for serum antibodies against ND virus. Birds of prey could have become positive via direct consumption of chickens vaccinated against ND or from chickens indirectly exposed to the vaccine through different administrative procedures (aerosols, water troughs) or after the admission of migratory birds to rescue centers, which could facilitate the spread of ND from their countries of origin, and should be investigated.

Brote de influenza A (H1N1) humano en pavos en un criadero comercial, Valparaíso, Chile: 2009 / Outbreak of human A (H1N1) influenza in turkeys of a commercial poultry farm, Valparaiso, Chile: August 2009

The Chilean Ministry of Health (MINSAL) led an investigation to identify associated factors to human influenza A (H1N1) infection in turkeys from poultry farms, Valparaíso. The Agriculture and Livestock Farming Service (SAG) informed the detection of influenza A (low pathogenicity) in turkeys and the Public Health Institute (ISP) confirmed influenza A (H1N1).The study included 100% of operative wards: 31% presented positive event (influenza A (H1N1)); 60% if considered only reproductive wards. Dissemination and dispersion velocity of 13 wards in 18 days evidenced a continuous common source. Interviews were performed to 89% of workers of whom 20% presented influenza-like disease: 26% from reproductive wards and 4% from raising and rearing farms. Of15 risk factors studied insemination and age in females showed statistically significant RR in low oviposition index wards. A man-bird transmission is proposed, through direct transmission of saliva during manual insemination or indirect transmission through contaminated semen. To the authors, this is the first turkey 2009 influenza H1N1 outbreak detected worldwide,in this case with a documented cloacal transmission path.

El MINSAL lideró una investigación para identificar factores asociados a infección por influenza A(H1N1) en pavos de planteles avícolas, Valparaíso. El Servicio Agrícola Ganadero informó la detección de influenza A (baja patogenicidad) en pavos y el ISP confirmó influenza A(H1N1). El estudio incluyó 100% de los pabellones operativos: 31% presentó evento positivo (influenza A(H1N1); 60% al considerar sólo pabellones de reproducción. La diseminación y velocidad de dispersión de 13 pabellones en 18 días evidenció una fuente común continua. Se entrevistó a 89% de los trabajadores y 20% presentó ETI: 26% de pabellones de reproducción y 4% de granjas de cría y recría. De 15 factores analizados, inseminación y edad de las hembras mostraron RR estadísticamente significativos en los planteles con baja ovipostura. Se plantea transmisión hombre-ave directa por saliva en inseminación manual o transmisión indirecta por semen contaminado. Es el primer brote de influenza A(H1N1) 2009 en pavos detectado en el mundo y que se comprueba vía de transmisión cloacal.

The Current Trend of Avian Influenza Viruses in Bioinformatics Research / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Since the first human infection from avian influenza was reported in Hong Kong in 1997, many Asian countries have confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses. In addition to Asian countries, the EU authorities also held an urgent meeting in February 2006 at which it was agreed that Europe could also become the next target for H5N1 avian influenza in the near future. In this paper, we provide the general and applicable information on the avian influenza in the bioinformatics field to assist future studies in preventive medicine. METHODS: We introduced some up-to-date analytical tools in bioinformatics research, and discussed the current trends of avian influenza outbreaks. Among the bioinformatics methods, we focused our interests on two topics: attern analysis using the secondary database of avian influenza, and structural analysis using the molecular dynamics simulations in vaccine design. RESULTS: Use of the public genome databases available in the bioinformatics field enabled intensive analysis of the genetic patterns. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulations have also undergone remarkable development on the basis of the high performance supercomputing infrastructure these days. CONCLUSIONS: The bioinformatics techniques we introduced in this study may be useful in preventive medicine, especially in vaccine and drug discovery.

Research progress on the mechanism of transmission,pathopoiesis,treatment and prevention of avian influenza virus(H5N1) / 解放军医学杂志

The outbreak of high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses causing severe illness and death has severely disrupted poultry production and trade and posed a significant threat to public health.In recent thirty years,the virus has been endemic in Southeast Asia,China,Europe and Africa.Although the virus shows little ability of transmission between humans,a process of genetic reassortment could occur in a human co-infected with avian influenza A virus and a human strain of influenza A virus.So H5N1 represents a potential source of the next pandemic influenza.Direct avian-human H5N1 virus transmission is the predominant means of human infection,through direct contact with infected birds and virus-contaminated fomites or with fertilizer containing poultry feces.After several rounds of infection the viruses acquire the mutations required for crossing species barrier and infect a range of mammalian species including humans.Currently,vaccination is still the key strategy to prevent severe illness and death from pandemic influenza.Antiviral drugs such as NA inhibitors play an important role in antiviral treatment.The features of avian influenza virus and its mechanism of transmission in animals and humans are herewith reviewed,and the pathopoiesis of the virus,the current status of vaccine development and antiviral treatment are also discussed.