Journal Article

The Evolving Threat of Influenza Viruses of Animal Origin and the Challenges in Developing Appropriate Diagnostics

Mak, Polly WY, Jayawardena, Shanthi, Poon, Leo LM

2012

Overview

An H1N1 subtype of swine origin caused the first influenza pandemic in this century. This pandemic strain was a reassortant of avian, swine, and human influenza viruses. Many diagnostic laboratories were overwhelmed by the testing demands related to this pandemic. Nevertheless, there remains the threat of other animal influenza viruses, such as highly pathogenic H5N1. As a part of pandemic preparedness, it is essential to identify the diagnostic challenges that will accompany the next pandemic. We discuss the natural reservoir of influenza viruses and the possible role of livestock in the emergence of pandemic strains. The current commonly used molecular tests for influenza diagnosis or surveillance are also briefly reviewed. Some of these approaches are also used to detect animal viruses. Unfortunately, owing to a lack of systematic surveillance of animal influenza viruses, established tests may not be able to detect pandemic strains that have yet to emerge from the animal reservoir. Thus, multiple strategies need to be developed for better identification of influenza viruses. In addition, molecular assays for detection of mutations associated with antiviral resistance and for viral segment reassortments should also be encouraged. Influenza viruses are highly dynamic viruses. Regular and systematic influenza surveillance in both humans and animals is essential to provide a more comprehensive picture of the prevalent influenza viruses. To better prepare for the next pandemic, we should develop some simple and easy-to-use tests for characterizing newly emerging influenza viruses.

• Publisher: American Association for Clinical Chemistry,Oxford University Press
• Subject: Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry / Animals / Biological and medical sciences / Birds / Clinical Laboratory Techniques - methods / Communicable Disease Control / Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control / Disease Reservoirs / Fatalities / Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology / GDP / Genetics / Genomes / Gross Domestic Product / Humans / Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype - physiology / Influenza, Human - diagnosis / Influenza, Human - transmission / Influenza, Human - virology / Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects) / Livestock / Livestock - virology / Medical sciences / Microbiology / Molecular biophysics / Mutation / Orthomyxoviridae - isolation & purification / Orthomyxoviridae Infections - diagnosis / Orthomyxoviridae Infections - transmission / Orthomyxoviridae Infections - veterinary / Orthomyxoviridae Infections - virology / Pandemics / Swine / Swine flu / Virology - methods / Viruses / Zoonoses