influenzareport2006.pdf

By
Georg Behrens, Hannover
René Gottschalk, Franfurt
Lutz Gürtler, Greifswald
Timm C. Harder, Greifswald
Christian Hoffmann, Hamburg
Bernd Sebastian Kamps, Paris
Stephen Korsman, Tygerberg
Wolfgang Preiser, Tygerberg
Gustavo Reyes-Terán, Mexico-City
Matthias Stoll, Hannover
Ortrud Werner, Greifswald
Gert van Zyl, Tygerberg

Influenza Report 2006
www.InfluenzaReport.com
Edited by
Bernd Sebastian Kamps
Christian Hoffmann
Wolfgang Preiser
Flying Publisher

4
Editors
Bernd Sebastian Kamps, M.D.
Amedeo.com
Paris
Christian Hoffmann, M.D.
ifi Institute
Lohmühlenstrasse 5
D – 20099 Hamburg
Phone: + 49 40 181885 3780
Fax: + 49 40 181885 3788
www.HIVMedicine.com
www.SARSReference.com
Wolfgang Preiser, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Stellenbosch
Discipline of Medical Virology
Tygerberg Campus
PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
Phone: + 27 21 938 9353, -4 Fax: + 27 21 938 9361
[email protected].za
Medicine is an ever-changing field. The editors and authors of Influenza Report 2006 have
made every effort to provide information that is accurate and complete as of the date of
publication. However, in view of the rapid changes occurring in medical science, prevention
and policy, as well as the possibility of human error, this site may contain technical
inaccuracies, typographical or other errors. Readers are advised to check the product
information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug to be administered to verify the
recommended dose, the method and duration of administration, and contraindications. It is the
responsibility of the treating physician who relies on experience and knowledge about the
patient to determine dosages and the best treatment for the patient. The information contained
herein is provided "as is" and without warranty of any kind. The contributors to this site,
including the editors and Flying Publisher, disclaim responsibility for any errors or omissions or
for results obtained from the use of information contained herein.
Important: The current book is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in
rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided herein should not
be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for
professional care. Members of the lay public using this site are advised to consult with a
physician regarding personal medical care. If you have or suspect you may have a health
problem, consult your healthcare provider.
© 2006 by Flying Publisher – Paris, Cagliari, Wuppertal, Sevilla
Proofreading: Emma Raderschadt, M.D.
Cover: Attilio Baghino, www.a4w.it
ISBN: 3-924774-51-X
Printed by Druckhaus Süd GmbH & Co. KG, D-50968 Cologne
Tel. [phone] – [email protected]

5
Preface
Thirty years ago, infectious diseases were seemingly on the decline.
Tuberculosis was defeated, small pox was about to be eradicated, sexually
transmissible diseases could easily be treated, and other scourges of
mankind, such as malaria, were expected to disappear one day. Some
experts hilariously announced that we would soon be able to close the book
of infectious diseases once and for all. Of course, that was before the
beginning of the AIDS pandemic in 1981, and before the discovery of the
hepatitis C virus, as well as many other viruses capable of causing severe
disease in humans.
Human memory is permeable and porous. A quick look at medical history
would have sufficed to understand that infectious diseases have
accompanied humans ever since they opted for a sedentary lifestyle. While
we are today better prepared to prevent and fight off infectious diseases, we
are nonetheless condemned to coexist with them. In a world with an
increasing potential for the rapid spread of pathogens – overcrowded cities,
high mobility – the role of efficient infectious disease task forces can
therefore not be overestimated.
In the wake of HIV, hepatitis C, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and SARS,
another devastating influenza pandemic may be the next global health threat
that six and a half billion people will have to face. An avian influenza strain,
H5N1, has recently caused multiple outbreaks in poultry on three continents
and has infected nearly 200 persons, killing more than half of them. The
timing and the magnitude of the next pandemic is all but certain, but it is
wise to be prepared.
Influenza Report provides a comprehensive overview of human and avian
influenza. The book is freely available on the Internet and the second
edition is scheduled to be published before the end of the year. Influenza
Report may be translated into other languages without incurring a license
fee (see details on the website). The philosophy which governs the
publication of the report has recently been published at
www.freemedicalinformation.com.
Bernd Sebastian Kamps, Christian Hoffmann, and Wolfgang Preiser
Paris, Hamburg, Tygerberg – 24 March 2006