Avian influenza virus H5N1: a review of its history and information regarding its potential to cause the next pandemic

B Lee Ligon

doi:10.1053/j.spid.2005.07.002

Avian influenza virus H5N1: a review of its history and information regarding its potential to cause the next pandemic

Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2005 Oct;16(4):326-35. doi: 10.1053/j.spid.2005.07.002.

Author

B Lee Ligon¹

Affiliation

¹ Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. bligon@bcm.tmc.edu

PMID: 16210112
DOI: 10.1053/j.spid.2005.07.002

Abstract

Avian influenza virus H5N1, which has been limited to poultry, now has spread to migrating birds and has emerged in mammals and among the human population. It presents a distinct threat of a pandemic for which the World Health Organization and other organizations are making preparations. This article reviews information about the virus itself and its spread among poultry, migrating birds, mammals, and humans.

Publication types

Historical Article
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Birds
Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
Communicable Diseases, Emerging / history
Communicable Diseases, Emerging / virology*
Disease Outbreaks*
Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
Disease Reservoirs / virology
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Humans
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / growth & development*
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / pathogenicity
Influenza in Birds / epidemiology*
Influenza in Birds / history
Influenza in Birds / virology
Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
Influenza, Human / history
Influenza, Human / virology
Poultry
Public Health*
Reassortant Viruses / growth & development*
Reassortant Viruses / pathogenicity
World Health Organization