Skip to main content

Don't struggle financially

Don't struggle financially
Start investing your small change today

Is it Bird Flu or Human Flu?

Assignment title: Is it Bird Flu or Human Flu
Subject: Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Mark: 8/10 lost two points for needing more specific information and missing the websites on the reference list.

Criteria

  1. Identify the pathogen(s) involved. 
  2. Outline the type of immune defenses that might be operating.
  3. How does the pathogen enter the body, cause disease and how is it transmitted?
  4. What is the outcome of the infection?
  5. How is the disease diagnosed? What strategies exist (if any) to control the infection?
  6. References

Is it Bird Flu or Human Flu?

The Enemy - Microbes

Avian Influenza A, also known as H5N1 or Bird Flu, is an enzootic member of the orthomyxoviridae family, representing an enveloped, ssRNA viral molecule, with surface hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface glycoproteins. (1)

The Defence - Host Disease

H5N1 is more prevalent in birds in China, Asia, Europe and Africa, however, mutations have crossed the animal to human barrier causing destructive and fatal consequences for many individuals around the world due to individuals carrying the virus internally. (2)

The War - Infection, and Transmission of Disease

Surface hemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigenic glycoproteins found on H5N1 molecules attach to type 2 pneumocytes and macrophages and alpha-2-3 sialic acid receptors found on human ciliated respiratory epithelial cells, preferably on alveolar epithelial cells expressing alpha 2-3 SA galactose-N-acetylglucosamine in the lower respiratory tract. This blocks cleansing mechanisms in the airways. (3)

The Casualty - Clinical Manifestations

H5N1 has an incubation period of 2-8 days however cases up to 17 days have been recorded. Initial symptoms express flu-like characteristics including a high fever above 38 degrees Celcius, cough, headache, muscle aches, mucous production, sore throat, and malaise. Other symptoms accompanying H5N1virus include abdominal and chest pain, diarrhea, respiratory distress, vomiting and nose and gum blood loss. (2)

H5N1 is a biological deteriorating infection with a 60% chance of fatality. Viral treatment within 48 hours gives the infected individual the best chance of survival. (2)

The Victory - Diagnosis, and Control

Assay tests, white blood cell differentials and nasopharyngeal culture are completed on infected individuals to diagnose the particular strain of influenza causing the disease. The doctor can also perform chest x-rays and auscultation tests to detect abnormal lung function as well as other internal organ tests if the individual is having severe symptoms (5)

Treatment with antiviral medication Oseltamivir within 48 hours post onset of symptoms has been reported to increase recovery prognosis (5). Various vaccines have been developed to avert a pandemic however the best control of H5N1 is prevention. H5N1 spread and mutation can be reduced with proper hygiene practices, evading contaminated surfaces, avoiding live-bird markets with an H5N1 outbreak, ensuring bird items are thoroughly cooked and people working with infected birds should wear protective clothing and special breathing masks (5).

Bibliography

  1. R.B Couch. Orthomyxoviruses. (ebook) Medical Microbiology. 4th ed. Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; 1996. Chapter 58
  2. The Writing Committee of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Avian Influenza WHO website: Media Center - Factsheet
  3. C.Y Cheung, C.Y.H Leung, J.M Nicholls & J.s.M Peiris Innate immune responses to influenza A H5N1: friend or foe? Trends in Immunology, 30,12 (2009) pp.574-584
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD) Seasonal Influenza (flu): Information on Avian Influenza CDC Website: reviewed June 21st 2012, updated June 22nd 2012
  5. L.J Vorvick & D Zieve. The University of Washington, School of Medicine Avian Influenza: Bird Flu; H5N1


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Start Investing Your Loose Change

Popular posts from this blog

Discipline of Toxicology and Specialty Fields

Many of the different professional groups may be involved in dealing with toxic chemicals including chemists, environmental scientists, food scientists, forensic scientists, clinical scientists, and regulators. Depending on their professional roles, they may take different approaches to dealing with toxic chemicals and their effects.  5 Types of Toxicology Specialty Fields Descriptive toxicology Involves toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals. Decides if a substance is toxic and the level of toxicity. Mechanistic toxicology Involves how toxic chemicals cause toxicity effects at the biochemical and system level e.g. neurochemical site blockage Regulatory toxicology Assessment of therapeutic and consumer chemicals by regulatory bodies. Various federal government agencies set standards for use, transport, and storage.  Clinical toxicology Clinical Toxicologists ask the question, what was the victim poisoned with? Their conduct is in support of medical investigations
Post a Comment
Read more

What is the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Clot Pathway?

The Intrinsic and Extrinsic Clot Pathway When damage occurs to tissues, or there is damage to a nerve, a number of vascular responses occur.  Neutrophils are attracted to the injured site which stimulates the release of histamine, basophils, platelets, mast cells, and kinins.  Prostaglandins and lipids are released from the damaged cells. Vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels cause heat, redness, and swelling. Pain occurs from damage to the nerves, as well as toxic chemicals which are released from microbes. Kinins can irritate nerve endings while prostaglandins intensify and prolong the pain. Increased blood flow to tissues causes blood clotting factors which leak into the tissues which set the clotting sequence in motion. Fibrinogen in the blood converts to fibrin making a meshing over the damaged site to trap the microbes and stop the spread of infection.
Post a Comment
Read more