Expanding Horizons: #Host Range #Evolution and #Treatment Strategies for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 and #H7N9
Abstract Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), including H5N1 and H7N9, from the Orthomyxoviridae family present substantial public health concerns . The predominant circulating clade 2.3.4.4b has demonstrated enhanced capacity for mammalian adaptation , raising concerns about potential reassortment with human seasonal influenza viruses . Unlike H7N9 ’s limited host range , H5N1 infects birds, various mammals, and humans . Recent concerns include widespread H5N1 infection of U.S. dairy cattle across 18 states , affecting over 1000 herds with 71 human infections (70 H5N1 and 1 H5N5). Key observations include cow-to-cow transmission, viral presence in milk, and transmission to humans , mainly through occupational exposure . Evidence of mammal-to-mammal transmission has been documented in European and Canadian foxes and South American marine mammals . Standard pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus in milk. The continuing mammalian adaptations , particularly mutations like PB2-E...