David S Hui1, Alimuddin Zumla. 1. aDivision of Respiratory Medicine and Stanley Ho Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Territories, Hong Kong bDivision of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the clinical and treatment aspects of avian influenza viruses and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). RECENT FINDINGS: Avian influenza A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) viruses have continued to circulate widely in some poultry populations and infect humans sporadically. Sporadic human cases of avian A(H5N6), A(H10N8) and A(H6N1) have also emerged. Closure of live poultry markets in China has reduced the risk of A(H7N9) infection. Observational studies have shown that oseltamivir treatment for adults hospitalized with severe influenza is associated with lower mortality and better clinical outcomes, even as late as 4-5 days after symptom onset. Whether higher than standard doses of neuraminidase inhibitor would provide greater antiviral effects in such patients requires further investigation. High-dose systemic corticosteroids were associated with worse outcomes in patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 or A(H5N1). MERS-CoV has continued to spread since its first discovery in 2012. The mortality rates are high in those with comorbid diseases. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available. The exact mode of transmission from animals to humans remains unknown. SUMMARY: There is an urgent need for developing more effective antiviral therapies to reduce morbidity and mortality of these emerging viral respiratory tract infections.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the clinical and treatment aspects of avian influenza viruses and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). RECENT FINDINGS: Avian influenza A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) viruses have continued to circulate widely in some poultry populations and infect humans sporadically. Sporadic human cases of avian A(H5N6), A(H10N8) and A(H6N1) have also emerged. Closure of live poultry markets in China has reduced the risk of A(H7N9) infection. Observational studies have shown that oseltamivir treatment for adults hospitalized with severe influenza is associated with lower mortality and better clinical outcomes, even as late as 4-5 days after symptom onset. Whether higher than standard doses of neuraminidase inhibitor would provide greater antiviral effects in such patients requires further investigation. High-dose systemic corticosteroids were associated with worse outcomes in patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 or A(H5N1). MERS-CoV has continued to spread since its first discovery in 2012. The mortality rates are high in those with comorbid diseases. There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available. The exact mode of transmission from animals to humans remains unknown. SUMMARY: There is an urgent need for developing more effective antiviral therapies to reduce morbidity and mortality of these emerging viral respiratory tract infections.
Authors: Alimuddin Zumla; Osman Dar; Richard Kock; Matthew Muturi; Francine Ntoumi; Pontiano Kaleebu; Macete Eusebio; Sayoki Mfinanga; Matthew Bates; Peter Mwaba; Rashid Ansumana; Mishal Khan; Abdulaziz N Alagaili; Matthew Cotten; Esam I Azhar; Markus Maeurer; Giuseppe Ippolito; Eskild Petersen Journal: Int J Infect Dis Date: 2016-06-15 Impact factor: 3.623
Authors: Yan'an Hou; Yi-Roe Tan; Wei Yen Lim; Vernon Lee; Linda Wei Lin Tan; Mark I-Cheng Chen; Peiling Yap Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2018-04-02 Impact factor: 3.295