Assessment of Serosurveys for H5N1

Abstract

This review suggests that the frequency of positive H5 serology results is likely to be low; therefore, it is essential that future studies adhere to WHO criteria and include unexposed controls in their laboratory assays to limit the likelihood of false-positive results.

Editorial Commentary:Pandemic H5N1: Receding Risk or Coming Catastrophe?

“…The debate remains unresolved. It is in this speculative framework that the H5N1 seroepidemiology review of Toner et al [ 4 ] in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases addresses aspects of potential H5N1 emergence related to human adaptation and pathogenicity.…”

Monitoring Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus through National Influenza-like Illness Surveillance, China

“…In contrast, avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has an overall case fatality rate of 60%, and persons with confirmed cases are usually severely ill (11). Recent reviews of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus seroprevalence studies found little evidence that large numbers of human infections are going undetected (12)(13)(14). Among the 82 human influenza A(H7N9) virus infections reported as of April 17, 2013, a total of 38 (46%) were in persons >65 years of age (2).…”

Does exposure to poultry and wild fowl confer immunity to H5N1?

“…41-45 Indeed, some have argued that the 1997 HK outbreak is irrelevant due to the genetic dissimilarity of the 1997 strain from later H5N1 strains. It is possible, as was suggested in a recent review, 46 that strains of different genotypes may differ in infectivity and transmissibility characteristics. One might argue that this genetic dissimilarity is responsible for the higher seroprevalence associated with the HK outbreak.…”