Avian influenza in children

作者：Bouscambert Duchamp M^*; Lina B; Morfin F

来源：Archives de Pediatrie, 2009, 16: S101-S107.

The emerging A (H5N1) influenza virus is a clear pandemic; threat. This avian virus is responsible for the largest epizootic event described so far. To date, 42:3 humans have been infected. In humans, this virus is responsible for a rapidly developing pneumonia, with an acute respiratory failure leading to death in 60% of the infected cases. The multi-organ failure seems to result from the cytokine storm. A (H5N1) infections are mainly reported in children and young adults. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain this specific feature, including the lack of control of cytokine release during infection, or the presence of alternative cellular receptors. The specific susceptibility of children is more likely to lie related with exposure to infected birds than to specific immune or physiological factors. The proper and efficient management of A (H5N1) infection is possible nowadays. Today, the pandemic threat is real and may be imminent because of the circulation of new A (H1N1). However, ail active surveillance: of A (H5N1) virus remains very important to monitor the genetic evolution of this changing and virulent virus.

• 出版日期2009-10