The Journal of infectious diseases
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses cause severe disease in humans, and dysregulation of cytokine responses is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of human H5N1 disease. However, mechanisms leading to the increased induction of proinflammatory cytokines by H5N1 viruses are poorly understood. ⋯ Compared with H1N1 virus-induced mediators, H5N1 mediators markedly enhance the cytokine response to PolyIC and to both seasonal and H5N1 virus infection in a RIG-I-dependent manner. Thus, sensitizing neighboring cells by upregulation of RIG-I contributes to the amplified cytokine cascades during H5N1 infection.
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Comparative Study
Description of antiviral treatment among adults hospitalized with influenza before and during the 2009 pandemic: United States, 2005-2009.
The 2009 influenza pandemic led to guidelines emphasizing antiviral treatment for all persons hospitalized with influenza, including pregnant women. We compared antiviral use among adults hospitalized with influenza before and during the pandemic. ⋯ Antiviral treatment of hospitalized adults increased during the pandemic, especially among pregnant women. This suggests that many clinicians followed published guidance to treat hospitalized adults with antiviral agents. However, compliance with antiviral recommendations could be improved.