BACKGROUND: Cases of human infections with H5N1 avian influenza viruses have been reported all over the world with the reason of direct contact with sick or diseased poultry, which suggests the direct contact with poultry may be one of the major risk factors for human infection. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we estimated the seroprevalence of antibodies against avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in veterinarians with exposure to avians. STUDY DESIGN: From May 21, 2011 through April 22, 2012, 406 veterinarians exposure to poultry in Guangdong province were interviewed a questionnaire. A serum specimen was collected from participants to test for H5N1 antibodies by HI and NT assay. RESULTS: None of the 406 sera from occupationally exposed veterinarians was positive according to the HI test and the NT test with the H5N1 AIV. CONCLUSION: Our seroepidemiologic survey suggests that the risk of avian-to-human transmission of the H5N1 AIV is very low based on the samples that we tested. However, prevention regarding the risk of H5N1 AIV transmission is essential and should be recommended as public health measures.
BACKGROUND: Cases of humaninfections with H5N1 avian influenza viruses have been reported all over the world with the reason of direct contact with sick or diseased poultry, which suggests the direct contact with poultry may be one of the major risk factors for humaninfection. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we estimated the seroprevalence of antibodies against avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in veterinarians with exposure to avians. STUDY DESIGN: From May 21, 2011 through April 22, 2012, 406 veterinarians exposure to poultry in Guangdong province were interviewed a questionnaire. A serum specimen was collected from participants to test for H5N1 antibodies by HI and NT assay. RESULTS: None of the 406 sera from occupationally exposed veterinarians was positive according to the HI test and the NT test with the H5N1 AIV. CONCLUSION: Our seroepidemiologic survey suggests that the risk of avian-to-human transmission of the H5N1 AIV is very low based on the samples that we tested. However, prevention regarding the risk of H5N1 AIV transmission is essential and should be recommended as public health measures.
Authors: Xinhua Chen; Wei Wang; Yan Wang; Shengjie Lai; Juan Yang; Benjamin J Cowling; Peter W Horby; Timothy M Uyeki; Hongjie Yu Journal: BMC Med Date: 2020-12-02 Impact factor: 8.775