Influenza aviar; una nueva pandemia

Introduction: In the last 300 years have happened 10 pandemics caused by virus of influenza, with an average of one every 33 years. Epidemiology: The influenza A H5N1 is the most virulent subtype of an ample list of highly pathogenic avian viruses that has emerged in the last years. Virology and physiopathology: It is remarkable that although H5N1 is not yet capable of making an effective human to human transmission; its genome could transform to become the source of the next human pandemia caused by influenza viruses, an event that could kill millions of persons. Medical profile: The infection by avian influenza is characterized by a febril respiratory affection (at least 38°C) with leucopenia, lymphopenia thrombocytopenia and high levels of aminotransferases as well as hyperglycemia. Fever is the most common symptom as well as flu syndrome with infection of lower airways. Diagnosis: The gold standard diagnostic method is still the positive culture for the H5N1 in canine kidney with Madin-Darby or a chicken alantoid innocultated with a well recollected specimen. Treatment: The treatment of the infection consists of administering Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 75 mg oral, 2 times a day for 5 days and Zanamivir (Relenza) 10 mg inhaled twice a day for 5 days. Conclusions: Influenza could be «preparing itself» once again to become the protagonist of a pandemic that could cause million of deceases, as we have verified it through history.