Avian Influenza and Mpox as Potential Drivers of Future Pandemics

Author: Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Kayla Lichtenberger, BS, M(ASCP), MLT(ASCP)
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1.5 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Serology/Immunology): 1.5 hour(s)

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Objectives

  • Describe the viruses responsible for avian influenza and Mpox, including their classification, genome structure, and life cycles.
  • Explain the means of transmission and hosts of avian influenza and Mpox.
  • Associate pathological outcomes caused by avian influenza with the host immune response.
  • Compare different methods of laboratory testing for avian influenza and Mpox, as well as describe types of specimens for each.
  • Summarize current recommendations for treatment and prevention for avian influenza and Mpox.
  • Assess the current situation for each virus with regard to causing a future pandemic.

Course Outline

  • Introduction to Avian Influenza Viruses
    • Introduction
    • Why Bird Flu is a Problem
    • Origin of H5N1 Bird Flu
    • Phylogeny of H5N1 and other Bird Flu Viruses
    • Structure and Genome Organization of H5N1
    • Biology of Bird Influenzas
    • Bird flu is caused by which influenza virus?
    • What type of genome does the avian influenza virus have?
  • Transmission and Hosts of Avian Influenza
    • Introduction to H5N1 Epidemiology and Life Cycle
    • Wildlife Hosts: Birds
    • Wildlife Hosts: Mammals
    • Domestic Hosts: Poultry
    • Domestic Hosts: Cattle
    • Other Domestic Hosts
    • Humans
    • Humans: Symptoms, Precautions, Recommendations
    • To date, what is the most commonly infected domesticated mammal infected with avian influenza in the U.S.?
  • Cellular Physiology and Host Immune Responses
    • Infection and Cellular Physiology
    • Host Immune Responses which Contribute to Pathogenicity
    • The avian influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein attaches to receptors in what tract in birds and what tract in humans?
    • True or False: Unlike the virus that causes COVID-19, the avian influenza virus does not trigger a cytokine storm in infected people.
  • Diagnosis and Testing
    • Differential Diagnosis
    • Laboratory Protocol for Testing
    • Methods for Testing
    • Types of Specimens, Specimen Collection, and Shipping
    • True or False: Rapid antigen tests for H5N1 are the tests of choice for definitive diagnosis.
    • Which condition should be suspected in a patient presenting with respiratory symptoms and loss of taste or smell?
  • Treatment and Prevention
    • Surveillance in Wildlife
    • Prevention and Treatment in Farm Animals: Poultry
    • Prevention and Treatment in Farm Animals: Cattle
    • Prevention and Treatment in Humans
    • What is the best treatment for bird flu in humans?
  • Trends and Predictions for Future Spread
    • History and Evolution of Avian Influenza Viruses
    • How Bird Flu Could Cause a Human Pandemic
    • Pandemics, Politics, and People
    • True or False: The first documented cases of avian influenza occurred in 1956.
  • Other Viruses of Concern on the Horizon
    • Other Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Concern
    • Overview of Mpox Virus
    • Mpox Transmission and Epidemiology
    • Diagnosis and Clinical Signs and Symptoms
    • Laboratory Testing
    • Treatment and Prevention
    • Prevention and Self-Care
    • Conclusion
    • What is the most common means of transmitting mpox to someone else?
    • What is the routine laboratory testing method of choice for mpox?
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Margaret Reinhart, MS, MLS(ASCP), is a Senior Lecturer emerita of Biological Sciences at St. Joseph's University (formerly University of the Sciences), where she taught hematology, clinical immunology, microbiology, parasitology, and other related courses, as well as directed the MLS program for over 30 years. She also taught courses in Global Environmental Sustainability and Animal Studies. She is currently an adjunct instructor in Hematology at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. She holds a Master's Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Health Care Administration.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information: Kayla Lichtenberger, BS, M(ASCP), MLT(ASCP), has built a progressive career in clinical microbiology at Essentia Health. She began as a medical laboratory assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in diagnostic workflows before transitioning into the microbiology department. There, she advanced into leadership as the lead technologist, overseeing daily operations, guiding workflow efficiency, and supporting high‑quality diagnostic results. Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from North Dakota State University and a medical laboratory technician degree from Rasmussen College, grounding her leadership in both scientific training and hands‑on laboratory experience.