Human H5N1 Infection: Refining the Estimates

Mild human infection with the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus appears to be relatively common, making mortality rates lower than originally feared.

A major concern regarding avian influenza A (H5N1) in humans has been the high mortality rate — 58.6% among WHO-confirmed cases. Noting that most of the known avian H5N1 infections in poultry and in humans have occurred in geographic regions with limited resources for medical care and formal H5N1 confirmation, researchers wondered whether many mild cases might have been missed. To explore this possibility, they conducted an analysis of all available serologic surveys of H5N1 infection in humans.

The primary analysis involved 19 studies that assessed serum samples according to modified WHO guidelines. Among a total of 7304 participants, the overall seropositivity rate was 1.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.6%–2.1%). A secondary analysis involvi…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Human H5N1 Infection: Refining the Estimates

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Reviewing Author