Influenza a e sua importância no contexto brasileiro e mundial

Abstract

Influenza A virus belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae, and is the pathogen responsible for influenza or flu, a highly contagious infection. The Influenza A virus is present all over the planet and annually is responsible for causing seasonal epidemics. A typical feature of Influenza A virus is related to its ability to infect and replicate in several animal hosts, not just the human species. The virus is extremely variable, and it often undergoes gene mutations and rearrangements. The surface glycoproteins of the viral particle differentiate the viral subtypes of Influenza A viruses and play an important role in the infection and replication of these viruses. The transmission of this pathogen is quite simple, mainly through inhalation of aerosols and droplets secreted by coughing and sneezing from infected individuals. When the introduction of a new virus occurs in the human population, it can be responsible for triggering pandemics around the globe, causing impacts on the world economy and high rates of mortality and morbidity. Currently, vaccines produced through different techniques are available for the prevention of the disease, in addition to the use of antivirals. Performing a rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to disease control and to avoid cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome that can induce various complications. The present work had the objective of reviewing the literature about this virus of great importance in the world context.