outline

Introduction.
Transmittion.
Symptoms.
Pathogenesis.
Diagnosis.
Treatment.
Prevention.
Introduction:

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird)

influenza (flu) A viruses.
These influenza A viruses occur naturally among birds.
H5N1 avian flu infections among humans have now been
recorded .
Continued…
H5N1 isolates found in Hong Kong in 1997 and 2001 were
not consistently transmitted efficiently among birds and
did not cause significant disease in these animals. In 2002
new isolates of H5N1 were appearing within the bird
population of Hong Kong. These new isolates caused acute
disease, including severe neurological dysfunction and
death in ducks.
Where does influenza A virus come from?
Wild birds worldwide get flu A infections in their
intestines, but usually do not get sick from flu infections.
However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and
some of these viruses can make certain domesticated bird
species, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick
and kill them.
Where does influenza A virus come from?

Migratory Domestic birds Humans

water birds and other
animals
Transmittion

Bird to bird transmission?

Bird to human transmission?
Bird to bird transmission:

Infected birds can shed influenza virus in their saliva,

nasal secretions, and feces.
 Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact
with contaminated secretions or excretions or with
surfaces that are contaminated with secretions or
excretions from infected birds.
 Domesticated birds may become infected with avian
influenza virus through direct contact with infected
waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact
with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as
water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.
Bird to human transmission:
The spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus from bird to human,
would be similar to the way in which this bird flu virus
spreads from bird to bird.
Transmission of the virus from birds to humans occurs
when a person working closely with these animals inhales
dust particles containing the virus or by other means.
Pathogenesis:
After binding to a receptor on the cell
membrane, the influenza virus moves into the
cytoplasm where the virus shell opens,
releasing RNA. In the nucleus, viral RNA is
copied to messenger RNA which moves back
to the cytoplasm as a template to make more
viral proteins. Copies of the viral RNA join with
the viral proteins to make more viruses, which
bud on the outer surface of the cell and seek
new cells to infect.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from
typical human influenza-like symptoms to eye infections,
pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases
These Are The Bird Flu Symptoms:

 Fever (body temperature over 38 degrees).

 Sore throat, with or without cough.
 Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath.
 Burning sensation in the eyes, sore eyes.
 Muscle pain.
 Diarrhea.
 Runny nose.
 Headache.
Complications:

People with bird flu may develop life-threatening

complications, including:
Pneumonia
Collapsed lung
Respiratory failure
Kidney dysfunction
Heart problems.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis: HI tests, ELISA tests as well as PCR and
sequence assays are available.The virus can be isolated
from the nose or a throat swab. This is used to infect cells
in culture (or eggs Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test are
being developed to detect viral RNA.

Imaging tests
X-rays may be useful in assessing the condition of your
lungs, which can help determine the proper diagnosis and
the best treatment options for your signs and symptoms.
Treatment

Oseltamivir, which is available

only in oral formulations.

Zanamivir , which is in the same class of drugs as Tamiflu,

may also be effective against H5N1.

These drugs must be taken within two days after the

appearance of symptoms.
prevention
Avoid domesticated birds. If possible, avoid rural areas,
small farms and open-air markets.

Wash your hands. your hands with soap and warm

water for at least 20 seconds before and after
handling raw poultry and eggs
Continued….
avoid mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, ice cream, and any
other foods containing raw or undercooked eggs.
Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a
minimum internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
Any questions??