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

Javad Charostad; Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd; Shahab Mahmoudvand; Davood Bashash; Seyed Mohammad Ali Hashemi; Mohsen Nakhaie; Keivan Zandi

doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102638

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

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2023 Sep-Oct:55:102638. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102638. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Authors

Javad Charostad¹, Mohammad Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd², Shahab Mahmoudvand³, Davood Bashash⁴, Seyed Mohammad Ali Hashemi⁵, Mohsen Nakhaie⁶, Keivan Zandi⁷

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoghi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran.
² Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
³ Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran.
⁴ Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁵ Department of Bacteriology & Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
⁶ Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Electronic address: mohsennakhaee1367@gmail.com.
⁷ Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, USA; Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: keivan@um.edu.my.

PMID: 37652253
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102638

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are globally challenging due to widespread circulation and high mortality rates. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains like H5N1 have caused significant outbreaks in birds. Since 2003 to 14 July 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 878 cases of HPAI H5N1 infection in humans and 458 (52.16%) fatalities in 23 countries. Recent outbreaks in wild birds, domestic birds, sea lions, minks, and etc., and the occurrence of genetic variations among HPAI H5N1 strains raise concerns about potential transmission and public health risks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding and new insights into HPAI H5N1. It begins with an introduction to the significance of studying this virus and highlighting the need for updated knowledge. The origin and evaluation of HPAI H5N1 are examined, shedding light on its emergence, and spread across different geographic regions. The genome organization and structural biology of the H5N1 virus are explored, providing insights into its molecular composition and key structural features. This manuscript also delves into the phylogeny, evolution, mutational trends, reservoirs, and transmission routes of HPAI H5N1. The immune response against HPAI H5N1 and its implications for vaccine development are analyzed, along with an exploration of the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of HPAI H5N1 in human cases. Furthermore, diagnostic tools and preventive and therapeutic strategies are discussed, highlighting the current approaches and potential future directions for better management of the potential pandemic.

Keywords: Avian influenza; Genetic variations; H5N1; Highly pathogenic avian influenza; Surveillance.

Publication types

Review