Avian/Bird flu: A review: H5N1 outbreaks in Nepal

Authors

  • Dhiraj Shrestha Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Balkrishna Bhattachan Biotechnology Society Nepal, BSN Bulletin, Bhaktapur, Nepal
  • Hiramani Parajuli Tri-Chandra Multiple College, Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Sujata Shrestha Central Jail Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3521-2279

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njb.v9i1.38647

Keywords:

Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), Avian Flu, Bird Flu, H5N1, Nepal

Abstract

Avian/Bird flu is a viral disease of birds, caused by avian influenza virus (AIV). A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has breached the barrier of species to humans and other animals escalating the pandemic threat. If the H5N1 evolves to a human-to-human transmissible virus retaining its pathogenicity, it can trigger an influenza pandemic. H5N1 has a mortality rate of about 60%, varying with strains. Meaningful antigenic alteration in hemagglutinin (HA) and/or neuraminidase (NA) results in recurring pandemics. The HPAI H5N1 subtype alone has outreached more than 77 nations around the world since the first human case and death was reported in 1997. Wild and migratory birds are the AIV reservoirs. Poultry is primarily impacted by incidents and outbreaks of the disease. A wide range of serological and molecular methods have substantially aided in the identification of bird flu in humans. Candidate vaccines have been developed, yet are not ready for widespread use. Oseltamivir (brand name: Tamiflu) is the preferred drug for the management of human Influenza-like illness (ILI). Surveillance, mass awareness, and pandemic preparedness abiding WHO recommendations are of paramount importance for the prevention of bird flu outbreaks.

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Author Biographies

Dhiraj Shrestha, Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Microbiology

Hiramani Parajuli, Tri-Chandra Multiple College, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Microbiology

Sujata Shrestha, Central Jail Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

Department of Laboratory

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Published

2021-07-31

How to Cite

Shrestha, D., Bhattachan, B., Parajuli, H., & Shrestha, S. (2021). Avian/Bird flu: A review: H5N1 outbreaks in Nepal. Nepal Journal of Biotechnology, 9(1), 24–41. https://doi.org/10.3126/njb.v9i1.38647

Issue

Section

Review Articles