Influenza A virus subtype H10N7

Influenza A virus subtype H10N7 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that can cause illness in humans and many other animal species. A bird-adapted strain of H10N7, like the H5N1, has caused fatal infections in seals, which poses a risk for humans.

Overview

The Influenza A virus is a major pathogen in birds and mammals, including humans. The virus is classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The H10N7 subtype is one of many possible combinations of these proteins.

Infection in Humans

Human infections with the H10N7 subtype are rare but have occurred. The first recorded cases were in Egypt in 2004, where two children were infected with a strain of H10N7 after exposure to poultry. Both children recovered. In 2014, a fatal human case occurred in Egypt, again after exposure to poultry.

Infection in Animals

H10N7 has also been found in a variety of animals, including birds and seals. In 2014, an outbreak of H10N7 in seals in northern Europe resulted in high mortality rates. The virus was found to be a bird-adapted strain, similar to the one that caused the human case in Egypt.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of H10N7, like other influenza viruses, involves surveillance, early detection, and prompt isolation and treatment of infected individuals. Vaccines are not currently available for this subtype.

See Also

• Influenza A virus subtype H1N1
• Influenza A virus subtype H3N2
• Influenza A virus subtype H5N1
• Influenza A virus subtype H7N9