Swine flu- a serious pandeMic threat

Abstract

Swine infl uenza (swine fl u) is a respiratory disease caused by type A infl uenza virus, the only pandemic strain. This new strain called swine-origin (H1N1) infl uenza A virus (SO-IAV), is transmitted to humans and spreads quickly from person to person. It emerged in Mexico and USA in April 2009. The 2009 outbreak of swine fl u was considered a mutation or re-assortment of four known strains of infl uenza A virus subtype H1N1; one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs. World Health Organization offi cially declared the outbreak to be pandemic in June 2009, and the cases are closely monitored globally. The current review focuses on pathogenesis, transmission, role of pigs as reservoirs, diagnosis, symptoms and compares swine fl u with common cold. The outbreak of swine fl u in India, its possible impact in other countries as well as pandemic preparedness plans, vaccines as a preventive measure of swine flu infection and treatments are also covered in this review. Key words - Infl uenza A virus H1N1, Pandemic, swine flu