Cases of human infection with highly pathogenic strains of the avian influenza A virus: risks and vaccination strategies

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Abstract

For several decades, avian influenza viruses have been considered a source of new variants with pandemic potential based on all known influenza pandemics to date. This review provides examples of human infections with various subtypes of avian influenza A viruses since 1997, when the first cases of human infection with highly pathogenic (H5N1) avian influenza viruses were reported in Hong Kong. In recent years, the World Health Organization has reported the largest number of human avian influenza virus infections in the Pacific region. An unusual outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) has been documented among cows and birds in the United States, with some farmers being infected as well. The article presents an analysis of infection risks, the properties and structure of strains, and their susceptibility to direct-acting antivirals. It also discusses vaccine development approaches, the strategy and tactics of vaccination within the WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and the Global Influenza Strategy.

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About the authors

Elena I. Burtseva

National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after N.F. Gamaleya; Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies

Author for correspondence.
Email: elena-burtseva@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2518-6801
SPIN-code: 2707-1446

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine)

Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleye st, Moscow, 123098; Moscow

Anastasia S. Krepkaia

National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after N.F. Gamaleya

Email: nastya18-96@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7272-4011
SPIN-code: 7710-8090
Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleye st, Moscow, 123098

Anna V. Ignatieva

National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after N.F. Gamaleya

Email: valgella@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6206-2299
SPIN-code: 4320-1544

Cand. Sci. (Biology)

Russian Federation, 18 Gamaleye st, Moscow, 123098

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2. Fig. 1. Cases of human infection with the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus registered in countries around the world in the period 2003–2025.

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