Predicting the Next Influenza Pandemics

J Infect Dis. 2019 Apr 8;219(Suppl_1):S14-S20. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiz040.

Abstract

Worldwide outbreaks of influenza (pandemics) are caused by influenza A viruses to which persons lack protective immune responses. Currently, we are unable to predict which influenza virus strains may cause a pandemic. In this article, we summarize some of the information that will be needed to better assess the pandemic potential of influenza viruses, and we discuss our current gaps in knowledge.

Keywords: Influenza; pandemic; prediction; surveillance; transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Genome, Viral
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / isolation & purification
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / metabolism
  • Influenza in Birds / transmission*
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Neuraminidase / genetics
  • Oligosaccharides / metabolism
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Poultry / virology
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Risk Assessment
  • Swine / virology
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
  • Oligosaccharides
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins
  • influenza virus polymerase basic protein 1
  • sialooligosaccharides
  • Neuraminidase