Transmission, Pathological and Clinical Manifestations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A Virus in Mammals with Emphasis on H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b.
Viruses·
- DOI
- 10.3390/v17121548
- PMID
- 41472219
- PMCID
- PMC12737373
- OpenAlex
- W4416718528
- Study type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- Publisher unavailable
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The demonstrated capacity for cross-species infection and potential intermammalian transmission highlights ongoing risks for human exposure and reinforces the importance of systematic monitoring to track viral evolution in animal reservoirs.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
This review investigates the transmission patterns, disease pathology, and clinical symptoms associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in mammalian hosts, with particular attention to central nervous system involvement.
Study design
The authors performed a narrative review that synthesized previously documented case reports to characterize infection patterns across distinct mammalian categories.
Population and setting
The analysis focuses on naturally infected terrestrial wildlife, marine species, and dairy cattle, with documented cross-species spillover events concentrated in European and American regions.
Main findings
Clinical presentations vary by host group, showing respiratory and neurological symptoms in marine animals alongside lethargy and neurological deficits in land-dwelling species. Tissue damage predominantly targets the lungs and brain in wildlife, whereas gastrointestinal and mammary structures are primarily affected in livestock. Elevated viral concentrations within neural tissue highlight a strong neurological preference, while emerging observations suggest possible direct animal-to-animal and parent-to-offspring spread.
Public-health relevance
The demonstrated capacity for cross-species infection and potential intermammalian transmission highlights ongoing risks for human exposure and reinforces the importance of systematic monitoring to track viral evolution in animal reservoirs.
Important limitations
The precise biological mechanisms enabling central nervous system entry remain unverified, with several theoretical pathways still under discussion. Furthermore, the conclusions rely entirely on compiled observational reports rather than controlled experimental investigations.
GIDS interpretation
This publication situates cross-species viral ecology within broader One Health frameworks by cataloging host-specific disease signatures and highlighting the scientific value of coordinated tracking systems for emerging infectious agents.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 9 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.