Virus-host interactions and the unusual age and sex distribution of human cases of influenza A(H7N9) in China, April 2013

摘要

Although the detection of antibodies to H7 subtype viruses has proved challenging even among culture- confirmed cases [29-35], Serosurveys to compare cross- reactive antibodies and neutralising effects by multiple assays and by age group could be important, not only to inform possible protection, but also to explore pat- terns of enhanced risk in influenza A(H7Ng) affected areas and more broadly elsewhere to inform risk assessment. Certain immunological effects, including ADE as it pertains to influenza, may yet be speculative. At this early stage of trying to understand the unex- pected epidemiological patterns of an emerging patho- gen, however, it is prudent for the global scientific and public health community to consider all possibilities within the full virus—host-environment paradigm.