Characteristics of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus and its pathogenicity in human beings / 中华临床感染病杂志

ABSTRACT

The origin,diversity,hemagglutinin protein and mutations of avian influenza A (H7N9) virus are widely studied recently.Although this virus is low-pathogenic in domestic poultry,it becomes highly pathogenic in human when gene mutations occur.The available evidence has revealed that the novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus is a multiple gene reassortment,and virus shedding in quail and chickens is much higher than in other species.When human infected with H7N9 virus,immune responses will be activated,and massive cytokines and chemokine are produced,which may result in secondary hemophagocytic syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction.The prognosis of H7N9 viral infection may be associated with high level of angiotensin Ⅱ in plasma and the genetic trait of individuals (carrying rs12252-C/C genotype IFITM3).This paper reviews the recent progress on H7N9 virus infection,to provide reference for the control of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus and the management of severe cases.