Thread by @ejustin46

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 👍👍👍
𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗮 (𝗛𝗣𝗔𝗜) 𝗛5𝗡1: 𝗔𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽

(published in Oct. 2023)
sciencedirect.com/science/articl…

2) H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus that can cause severe disease in humans and is often fatal. It first emerged in humans in 1997 in Hong Kong.
Since 2003, over 800 human cases have been reported worldwide.
Most cases have occurred in Southeast Asia.

3) H5N1 viruses have evolved into multiple clades, with clade 2.3.4.4 currently circulating widely and causing outbreaks in birds globally.
The virus spreads between birds through contact with infected secretions/excretions. While rare, human infections ...

4) ... usually occur through direct contact with infected poultry. Limited human-to-human transmission has occurred.
H5N1 can infect multiple avian and some mammalian species. Its spread among wild birds and persistence in various regions increases exposure risks.

5) Clinically, H5N1 causes severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in humans. It can also infect other organs like the brain and liver.

6) Diagnosis involves virus isolation, antigen/antibody detection, and PCR-based molecular methods from respiratory and stool samples.
Treatment includes antiviral drugs like oseltamivir, but resistance has emerged. Vaccines are available but require further development.

7) Surveillance, controlling outbreaks in animals, limiting exposure to infected birds, hygiene practices and antiviral prophylaxis can help control spread and risk of infection.

8) In summary, H5N1 is a zoonotic avian influenza virus that poses an ongoing global threat due to its severe consequences in humans and persistence in bird populations worldwide.

Thanks for reading 🙏