by Tanya Melillo Fenech MD MSc(HSM) Dip(HSM)

Public Health Physician, Disease Surveillance Unit,

Department of Public Health

 

Human Infections with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Viruses

 

2007 has ended but despite little news in the media, the avian virus is still circulating and causing deaths to wild birds, poultry and humans. In 2007 there were 85 human cases with 57 deaths (a case fatality rate of 67%). Since October 2007 there have been 23 human avian cases with 13 cases occurring in December. Indonesia is still having large number of outbreaks.

 

 

30 countries reported H5N1 cases in birds.The countries involved in poultry/birds infected with avian virus since October are Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Romania, Poland, Egypt, Benin, Russia, Portugal and Germany.

 

 

Seasonality of Outbreaks

 

The H5N1 outbreaks seem to follow a seasonal pattern in line with evidence that cooler temperatures are more favourable to influenza viruses.

 

Human to Human Transmission

 

A single human to human transmission of H5N1 avian influenza virus has been confirmed by WHO in a family in Pakistan due to close contact in a very circumscribed area. It has not been possible to exclude that another transmission occurred this way also in China. It appears to be restricted though to blood relatives, suggesting that innate genetic susceptibility is the main predisposing factor.

 

 

Ground Breaking Test

 

LUMINEX Corporation in Toronto, have developed XTAG RVP, a ground breaking test that with a single patient sample, one can assess the presence or absence of 12 viruses that are responsible for 85% of all respiratory viral infections within a few hours.

It can test for  Influenza A, A-H1, A-H3, B, Adenoviruses, RSV A and B (most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia  in children), Metapneumo virus (a recently diagnosed virus that causes influenza -like symptoms and is the second leading cause of respiratory  infections in children), Parainfluenza 1,2,3 (which causes upper and lower respiratory infections) and Rhinoviruses(common cold).

 

New Influenza Vaccine

 

A new vaccine ACUMFLU-A manufactured by Acambis in the UK is being considered a super vaccine that beats all forms of influenza and is 90% effective. Two injections could give long lasting immunity. Two other vaccine companies, in the UK and in Switzerland are also working on an universal vaccine against all influenza viruses.

 

 

Latest studies published in Journals.

 

International journal Vaccine published a study done by Novartis on their adjuvanted influenza vaccine (Fluad®) that showed sustained protection against seasonal influenza in the elderly population by showing a significant reduction in hospitalisation due to major conditions like pneumonia, acute coronary syndrome and cerebrovascular accidents during the influenza season.

 

A report in the BMJ following a review of over 51 publications on the effect of simple physical means on preventing respiratory infections concluded that handwashing and wearing masks, gloves and gowns are effective in preventing the spread of viruses.

 

Another study in the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases found that ordinary seasonal influenza vaccines may provide some protection against avian influenza. Some immune cells called CD4T-cells recognise and act against H5N1 virus and seasonal vaccine administration enhances the frequency of such reactive CD4 T-cells.

 

 

Elderberry

 

Black elderberry has been used as a natural remedy for common ailments like colds and coughs for centuries but recent research has pinpointed an active element called Antivirin which combats the influenza virus. Antivirin is found in the protein of the black elderberry and disarms the influenza virus by preventing it form invading healthy cells’ membranes.

 

Pneumococcal Vaccine

 

Experts in the US working on pandemic preparedness are recommending that the general public take the pneumonia vaccine. This vaccine has the ability to prevent the lethal secondary bacterial infections which develop as a complication to the influenza.

 

 

Levels of Seasonal Influenza Activity

 

Since sentinel monitoring of influenza activity started in September 2007, in 27 countries, the level of influenza activity has so far remained low across Europe in most countries. Overall for Europe the majority of influenza viruses seen in 2007 were Influenza type A subtype H1.