Progress in treatment of infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus since 2005

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus(AIV) has spread unprecedentedly across the world since the first outbreak of human cases was reported in 1997 in Hong Kong, China. Until June 19th,2008,H5N1 virus resulted in sporadic but severe even fatal human cases in 15 countries,243 died in 385 reported human H5N1 infections,including 20 in China,and the overall mortality was more than 60%. These new appeared viruses and their capacity of transmission from birds to humans have raised a great deal of concern for a potential pandemic,and world health organization has promulgated a few recommendations or guidelines. This review provides an up-to-date information of research in H5N1 virus infection since 2005, and summarizes the epidemiology, clinical features, pathology, diagnosis, current therapeutic options and prevention strategies of H5N1 infection in humans. Key words: Highly pathogenic avian influenza; H5N1; Clinical features;  Therapy