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Overview

Influenza A virus causes influenza in birds and some mammals and is the only species of Influenzavirus A. Influenzavirus A is a genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses. Strains of all subtypes of influenza A virus have been isolated from wild birds, although disease is uncommon. Some isolates of influenza A virus cause severe disease both in domestic poultry and, rarely, in humans. Occasionally viruses are transmitted from wild aquatic birds to domestic poultry and this may cause an outbreak or give rise to human influenza pandemics.

Influenza A viruses are negative sense, single-stranded, segmented RNA viruses. There are several subtypes, labeled according to an H number (for the type of hemagglutinin) and an N number (for the type of neuraminidase). There are 16 different H antigens (H1 to H16) and nine different N antigens (N1 to N9). The newest H type (H16) was isolated from Black-headed Gulls caught in Sweden and the Netherlands in 1999 and reported in the literature in 2005.

Each virus subtype has mutated into a variety of strains with differing pathogenic profiles; some pathogenic to one species but not others, some pathogenic to multiple species.

Articles About Influenza A virus

New Study Warnings On Annual Influenza Vaccine

Annual Flu Vaccines Could Leave People Vulnerable to Novel Pandemics: Study

By IBTimes

According to a new research paper published in the November Journal of Virology, vaccinating children annually against influenza virus could interfere with their development of cross-reactive killer T cells to flu viruses. (Nov 17)

MORE TOPICS: INFECTION, AVIAN INFLUENZA, H5N1

Seal Deaths Along New England Coast Declared Unusual Mortality Event

By IBTimes

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared the high number of seal deaths reported along the New England coast since early September constitutes an unusual mortality event (UME). (Nov 05)

Ten Ways To Avoid Influenza

By IBTimes AU

After a recent study showing that more males suffer from influenza compared to females, it is indeed important to check things that can be avoided in order to prevent flu. Influenza is a contagious disease that can be spread through air and contracted easily. (Sep 21)

Mysterious Strain of H1N1 Infected Children at State Fair: Public Health Alert

By IBTimes

There is not enough information to determine whether flu could become pandemic (Sep 05)

Universal Flu Vaccine Discovered, Available in 5 Years

By IBTimes

A universal flu vaccine, with the ability to potentially protect from all influenza strains that have circulated over the years, will be available within the next five years, according to researchers. (Jul 31)

Scientists Close to Universal Flu Vaccine

By IBTimes

Yearly flu shots could be a relic in less than a decade, as scientists say they are on the verge of developing a universal vaccine capable of treating all strains of seasonal influenza. (Jul 29)

"Super Antibody" F16: Universal Flu Vaccine in the Works?

By IBTimes

British and Swiss scientists have identified an antibody from a human patient that neutralizes main groups of influenza A viruses. The flu "super antibody" called F16 can fight all types of influenza A viruses. (Jul 29)

'Super Antibody' Brings Universal Flu Vaccine a 'Step Closer'

By IBTimes

Scientists say their discovery of "super antibody" FI6, which can fight all types of influenza A viruses that cause disease in humans and animals, may serve as a turning point in the development of new flu treatments. (Jul 29)

MORE TOPICS: SWINE FLU, GLAXOSMITHKLINE, INFECTION

Super Vaccine for Influenza A Virus Developed

By IBTimes

British and Swiss scientists have identified an antibody from a human patient that neutralizes main groups of influenza A viruses, dubbed the "super antibody" F16. (Jul 29)

A nurse prepares a flu vaccine shot at a hospital in Budapest in a file photo.

Flu "super antibody" may bring universal shot closer

By Reuters

Scientists have found a flu "super antibody" called FI6 that can fight all types of influenza A viruses that cause disease in humans and animals and say their discovery may be a turning point in the development of new flu treatments. (Jul 28)