IDENTIFICATION OF MOLECULAR FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE REASSORTMENT AND PANDEMIC POTENTIAL OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA H5 VIRUSES

Abstract

The risk that H5N1 “bird flu’ viruses will spread around the world in a pandemic has been a concern since they first emerged in humans. They are now widespread in birds and have caused 860 human infections and 454 deaths around the world. Recently H5 viruses have changed and are mixing more freely with other flu viruses in nature. This project will examine why these changes have occurred and will strengthen public health efforts to prepare for future influenza pandemics.