On the brink of emergence: an evolutionary approach to #Influenza A virus #H5N1 isolated from #humans
Highlights • A detailed phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 HPAIV isolated from humans was performed. • All strains infecting humans have acquired substitutions in several key proteins. • All strains have gained specific substitutions to better adapt to the human host. • Substitutions in key proteins involved in replication and immune evasion were found. • A significant degree of polymorphic sites was found in the polymerase complex. • Substitutions in hemagglutinins and neuraminidases from different clades were found. Abstract Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs) pose today a very significant risk to global health given the widespread circulation of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV). After decimating the avian population all over the world, these viruses spill over to many different mammal species , causing also fatal outbreaks. As the virus continues to evolve increasing human cases of H5N1 HPAIV have been reported, causing concern t...