Apoptosis and pathogenesis of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in humans.
Emerg Infect Dis
; 13(5): 708-12, 2007 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17553248
ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in humans has not been clearly elucidated. Apoptosis may also play an important role. We studied autopsy specimens from 2 patients who died of infection with this virus. Apoptosis was observed in alveolar epithelial cells, which is the major target cell type for the viral replication. Numerous apoptotic leukocytes were observed in the lung of a patient who died on day 6 of illness. Our data suggest that apoptosis may play a major role in the pathogenesis of influenza (H5N1) virus in humans by destroying alveolar epithelial cells. This pathogenesis causes pneumonia and destroys leukocytes, leading to leukopenia, which is a prominent clinical feature of influenza (H5N1) virus in humans. Whether observed apoptotic cells were a direct result of the viral replication or a consequence of an overactivation of the immune system requires further studies.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Alvéolos Pulmonares
/
Apoptose
/
Mucosa Respiratória
/
Influenza Humana
/
Virus da Influenza A Subtipo H5N1
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Emerg Infect Dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Tailândia