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Emergence and Pathogenesis of Swine Influenza Viruses in Humans

Chapter 25 in Human Respiratory Viral Infections 1st edition. Sunit K. Singh, editor. CRC Press copyright 2014.

Pigs have a unique position in the ecology of influenza. Because they can be infected with and support the replication of both avian and human influenza viruses. Owing to the segmented nature of the influenza genome, reassortment of gene segments can occur and produce variant viruses. Thus, pigs serve as a “mixing vessel” when they become infected by two distinct influenza strains. This has been the generally accepted method by which new human pandemics arise. This chapter discusses the role swine play in the appearance of influenza viruses in humans, the pathogenicity of swine-origin influenza viruses (SOIV) in humans as well as measures to control and prevent the emergence of SOIVs.