Frontline defense against the next pandemic: Antivirals for avian flu

S.A. Khan, P.G.M. Rao, P. Kumar, G. Rodrigues

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

A pandemic of the human influenza virus has caused extensive morbidity and mortality around the world. The mechanisms involved in the emergence of new influenza viral strains and the epidemiological factors leading to pandemics are unpredictable. The spread of the virus and the challenges encountered in its management are discussed, along with a review on the antivirals against avian influenza. Till date, neuraminidase inhibitors remain the mainstay of management as they are well tolerated and less likely to promote the development of drug resistance, compared to the conventional adamantanes. Details on the clinical effects of antivirals on the infection, safety profile, status in clinical practice and drug resistance are covered in this paper. Future prospects and research to fight the pandemic are also addressed. An outbreak of this infection in various Asian countries emphasises the need for a collaborative approach from healthcare experts, governments and media, to control and curb the spread of infection worldwide.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)383-389
Number of pages7
JournalIndian Journal of Pharmacology
Volume38
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Frontline defense against the next pandemic: Antivirals for avian flu'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this