Global epidemiology of Equine Influenza viruses; “A possible emerging zoonotic threat in future” an extensive systematic review with evidence.

The research article investigates the threat of H3N8 equine influenza viruses, gathering evidence that points towards the virus’s ability to infect humans, based on studies from a variety of scientific literature.

Objective of the Study

• The main objective of the study was to aggregate and analyze data from diverse scientific literature related to the zoonotic capability (infecting humans) of the H3N8 equine influenza viruses. The compiled data yields insight into the global epidemiology of the equine influenza viruses, potentially indicating an emerging threat to human health.

Methodology

• The research utilized multiple search engines, including CNKI, PubMed, ProQuest, Chongqing Database, Mongol Med, and Web of Knowledge. Out of a total of 926 articles found, only 32 met the criteria for inclusion in the review.
• The selection process included various research and review articles published in Chinese, English, and Mongolian, that reported evidence related to human infections by the equine influenza virus.

Findings

• Epidemiological data and phylogenetic analysis of the selected articles found considerable evidence of humans being infected with H3N8 equine influenza viruses in various regions of the world in the past.
• Recent articles from Pakistan and China have highlighted the evolving threat and capability of equine influenza viruses to cause human epidemics in the future.
• New developments at the start of the 21st century, documented that equine influenza viruses have been transmitted and established in different animal species including camels and dogs. There have also been cases of presumed encephalopathy associated with influenza viruses in horses, indicating the unpredictable nature of these viruses.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that the unpredictable nature of H3N8 EIVs, point to the necessity of continuous surveillance for H3N8 in equines and humans in contact with them. This helps to detect and respond to new and threatening mutations.