INFLUENZA VIRUS: BIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HELATH SIGNFICANCE

Abstract

Annual influenza epidemic cause subatantial morbidity, mortality and socio economic tolls. According to WHO estimtes , about three ti five million infections and 250000-500000 deaths occur annually. Influenza pandemic , aglobal outbreak caused by a new strain of influenza virus,also cccurs occasionally in populations with less pre-exisiting immunity. Zoonotic influenza A virus inflectionsoccur when avian ad swine influenza virus cross the species barrier and cause severe disease in humans and other mammals. Avian influenza viruses account for most, but not all cases of zoonotic influenza infection in humans. Most of the human infections of zoonotic influenza virus are acquires mainly through direct contact with infected animals/birds or contaminated environment. In thi review, the biology by influenza virus inflection with special reference to the avian zoonoses and its public health awareness and preparedness towards seasonals , pandemic or zoonotic outbreaks, influenza virus still remains to be a major public health threat warrants constant surveilance.