Detecting Avian Influenza Virus Spread in Households
Author Information
Author(s): van Boven Michiel, Koopmans Marion, Du Ry van Beest Holle Mirna, Meijer Adam, Klinkenberg Don, Donnelly Christl A, Heesterbeek Hans (J. A. P.)
Primary Institution: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University
Hypothesis
Can we detect changes in the transmissibility of avian influenza viruses in humans living in close contact?
Conclusion
The study suggests that secondary human-to-human transmission of avian influenza is plausible, but current antiviral drugs are unlikely to prevent all household infections.
Supporting Evidence
- More than 30 human-to-human transmission events were reported during the outbreak.
- The method allows for rapid estimation of within-household transmission rates.
- Less than half of the household infections could have been prevented by antiviral prophylaxis.
Takeaway
This study looks at how bird flu can spread between people in the same house and finds that it can spread from one person to another, but medicine might not stop all infections.
Methodology
The study analyzed household infection data from an outbreak of H7N7 avian influenza in the Netherlands to estimate transmission rates.
Potential Biases
There may be a risk of false positives in the dataset due to the sensitivity and specificity of the tests used.
Limitations
The study size is relatively small, which may limit the ability to detect secondary transmission effectively.
Participant Demographics
Households of poultry workers who were infected with H7N7 avian influenza.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.64–2.3
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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