The avian flu subtype that is of most significance is H5N1. This subtype is known to cause the dangerous (or pathogenic) form of the disease. While the H5N1 subtype is not always in a highly pathogenic form, it will mutate into it. There are a total of twenty-five subtypes, sixteen H subtypes and nine N subtypesin the avian flu. The H and N stand for Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase respectively. The Hemagglutinin will bind the virus to the cell it is infecting. Neuraminidse will aid in the virus's spread. The H5N1 subtype is effective enough for the virus to cause damage to the human body.
PCR tests and Viral Antigen Tests are two of many tests that may be used to discover the avian flu. The immunofluorescence assay is used to determine the subtype.
Remember to cook your chicken!
