Influenza A virus subtype H7N7

Influenza A virus subtype H7N7 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus that has caused human infection and death. H7N7 has unusual zoonotic potential. In 2003, Netherlands faced a H7N7 influenza outbreak, which infected 89 people and killed one, and resulted in the culling of millions of poultry.

Structure and Mechanism

The H7N7 subtype, like all Influenza A subtypes, is an Orthomyxovirus that contains segmented, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA. The 'H' in H7N7 refers to hemagglutinin, a type of viral protein that allows the virus to bind to and enter host cells. The 'N' refers to neuraminidase, another type of viral protein that allows newly formed viruses to exit host cells.

Epidemiology

H7N7 can infect both birds and mammals. In birds, it can cause severe disease and has a high mortality rate. In mammals, it can cause severe respiratory disease and eye infections (conjunctivitis). The virus is transmitted from birds to mammals and from mammals to humans via direct contact with infected animals or their secretions or excretions.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control of H7N7 outbreaks in poultry are critical to reducing human exposure. This includes rapid detection and culling of infected birds, use of personal protective equipment by those working with potentially infected birds, and vaccination of poultry.

Treatment

Treatment for H7N7 infection in humans is similar to that for other influenza viruses and includes antiviral medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir. However, some strains of H7N7 have shown resistance to these drugs.

See Also

• Influenza A virus subtype H5N1
• Influenza A virus subtype H1N1
• Influenza A virus subtype H3N2
• Influenza vaccine
• Avian influenza