ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Avian influenza virus (AIV) in relation to their biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. AIV is type A influenza that is adapted to avian hosts. Although the virus can be isolated from numerous avian species, the natural reservoir species are dabbling ducks, shorebirds, and gulls. Infection from consuming AIV contaminated food may occur when virus is aerosolized into the sinuses by mastication. In humans the clinical outcome of AIV infection can vary substantially. The general health of the patient and the AIV strain to which the patient was exposed will in large part affect how (or if) disease develops. Based on natural infections and experimental studies, some molecular markers have been identified to be indicators for the ability of AIV to infect and replicate in humans. The exact diagnostic paradigm for AIV in humans can vary regionally, but because of the importance of influenza, it is frequently included in diagnostic panels and regimens for respiratory diseases.
