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The mode of transmission of a disease is dynamic, and patterns can change with
time. Avian influenza initially was thought to be restricted to birds, and fears were
expressed that it may spread to humans. Studies revealed that the glycoprotein virus
receptor (Hemagglutinin) carried by the avian influenza virus attaches to sialic acid
alpha-2,3-galactose receptors present on the alveolar cells in contrast to sialic acid
alpha-2,6-galactose receptors present on the bronchial epithelial cells (Shinya &
Kawaoka, 2006). The location of receptors makes it difficult for the avian influenza
virus to spread from human to human. The human influenza virus attaches to sialic
acid alpha-2,3-galactose receptors, which are present on bronchi and alveolar type II
epithelial cells, thus easily transmitted through respiratory channels (Ma, 2007; Smith
& Bazini-Barakat, 2003). Successful interspecies transmission and adaptation to a new
genetic environment is possible through antigenic drift and antigenic shift processes.
The 2009 pandemic swine flu has succeeded in this interspecies transmission.
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