Characteristics of the 2013 Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

A novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus that causes human disease shows binding to human respiratory receptors, infectivity in multiple species, and respiratory-droplet transmissibility.

In March 2013, patients infected with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus were identified in China, and by May 31, 132 cases and 39 deaths had been confirmed. This virus is a reassortant of three avian pathogens — an H7N3 virus, an older H7N9 virus, and an H9N2 virus. Unlike patients with previous H7 infections that manifested predominantly as conjunctivitis and mild illness, most patients with novel H7N9 infection have developed severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Several multinational groups have now studied the biological features of this virus.

Zhou and colleagues assessed the receptor-binding capacity of three human isolates of the H7N9 virus and found that they bound to both avian-type (α2,3) and human-type (α2…

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

Characteristics of the 2013 Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

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Reviewing Author