Abstract

ORRACA CASTILLO, Odalys et al. Immunology of the Influenza A H1N1 infection. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2010, vol.14, n.1, pp. 280-294. ISSN 1561-3194.

An update about the virology and immunology of the Influenza A H1N1 infection is made.  The first epidemic of the XXI^th century was addresses by WHO on June 9^th, 2009.  H1N1 is a new virus of the Influenza A, showing increased infection, thereby influencing on the spreading speed of the infection among different countries leading to high morbidity and mortality.  The viral genome (RNA), being formed of 8 fragments, works for a defective viral replication and on the process of antigenic flux and change, having a genetic rearrangement causing the appearance of new viral strains.  The inefficient induction of interferon, the weak role of neutralizing antibodies in the prime-infection, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, added to the bacterial superimposed infections will condition the high morbidity and mortality that are increased in certain comorbid conditions of the infected individuals.  Changes occurring on viral antigens avoid the reconnaissance of the virus by the immune system, then the difficulty to make a proper vaccine.   Understanding the immunopathology of this infection, so as the divulgation of this information to the scientific community, are the initial steps for the taking of decisions to favor the avoiding of the infection spreading.

Keywords : Human influenza; prevention & control; Influenza A virus; inmunology/pathogenicity; MUTATION; genetics.

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