Abstract

ACOSTA L, Orlando; GUERRERO, Carlos A  and  CORTES, Jorge A. Basic, clinical and epidemiological aspects of influenza. rev.fac.med. [online]. 2009, vol.57, n.2, pp.149-177. ISSN 0120-0011.

In response to the continued expansion of the new influenza A H1N1 virus, on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) raised worldwide the pandemic alert level to phase 6 and declared the world to be at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. This article reviews and updates some of the molecular characteristics on the influenza A virus, which allow it to evade the long-term adaptive immune response. The antigenic, genetic and epidemiological characteristics of the new influenza A H1N1 of pig origin are particularly highlighted. Since influenza is a viral infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality, this articles touches on some clinical issues such as clinical features, impordifferential diagnosis and influenza-related complications. The worrisome expansion of influenza A virus strains with resistance to antiviral drugs is presented within the context of influenza treatment. The effects of vitamin D on innate immunity are emphasized as a likely explanation for some of the apparent epidemiologic inconsistencies of influenza. In conclusion, worldwide surveillance must be intensified to ensure successful prevention, diagnosis and treatment of influenza.

Keywords : virus diseases; human influenza; influenza in birds; influenza A virus; H1N1 subtype; prevention and control; complications; epidemiology.

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