Apoptosis and Pathogenesis of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Humans

Details

• Alternative Title:
  Emerg Infect Dis
• Personal Author:
  Uiprasertkul, Mongkol ; Kitphati, Rungrueng ; Puthavathana, Pilaipan ; Kriwong, Romchat ; Kongchanagul, Alita ; Ungchusak, Kumnuan ; Angkasekwinai, Suwimon ; Chokephaibulkit, Kulkanya ; Srisook, Kanittar ; Vanprapar, Nirun ; Auewarakul, Prasert
• Description:
  The pathogenesis of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in humans has not been clearly elucidated. Apoptosis may also play an important role. We studied autopsy specimens from 2 patients who died of infection with this virus. Apoptosis was observed in alveolar epithelial cells, which is the major target cell type for the viral replication. Numerous apoptotic leukocytes were observed in the lung of a patient who died on day 6 of illness. Our data suggest that apoptosis may play a major role in the pathogenesis of influenza (H5N1) virus in humans by destroying alveolar epithelial cells. This pathogenesis causes pneumonia and destroys leukocytes, leading to leukopenia, which is a prominent clinical feature of influenza (H5N1) virus in humans. Whether observed apoptotic cells were a direct result of the viral replication or a consequence of an overactivation of the immune system requires further studies.
• Subjects:
  Apoptosis Autopsy Humans Influenza, Human Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype Male Middle Aged Pulmonary Alveoli Respiratory Mucosa Rna, Viral
• Source:
  Emerg Infect Dis. 13(5):708-712.
• Document Type:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Thailand
• Volume:
  13
• Issue:
  5
• Collection(s):
  Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha256:ce2c0ea74351db9cbeaf16966061a65a4ac563ccf8730da4c87e54114ed8e00c
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/16367/cdc_16367_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 299.21 KB ]