Molecular virology: was the 1918 flu avian in origin?

Nature. 2006 Apr 27;440(7088):E9; discussion E9-10. doi: 10.1038/nature04824.

Abstract

Taubenberger et al. claim that the 1918 influenza virus was derived from an avian source and adapted to humans shortly before the pandemic. However, we do not believe that this conclusion, which has been widely disseminated in the popular press and in scientific journals, is supported by their phylogenetic evidence.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Birds / virology*
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / classification*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza in Birds / transmission
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / history
  • Influenza, Human / transmission
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Phylogeny*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Swine / virology
  • Time Factors
  • Zoonoses / transmission
  • Zoonoses / virology