Organisms

Influenza A virus

The type species of the genus ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS that causes influenza and other diseases in humans and animals. Antigenic variation occurs frequently between strains, allowing classification into subtypes and variants. Transmission is usually by aerosol (human and most non-aquatic hosts) or waterborne (ducks). Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The type species of the genus ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS that causes influenza and other diseases in humans and animals. Antigenic variation occurs frequently between strains, allowing classification into subtypes and variants. Transmission is usually by aerosol (human and most non-aquatic hosts) or waterborne (ducks). Infected birds shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Narrower headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

24 entry terms
  • FLUAV
  • Human Influenza A Virus
  • Influenza Virus Type A
  • Influenza Viruses Type A
  • Orthomyxovirus Type A
  • Influenza A viruses
  • Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae
  • Avian Orthomyxovirus Type A
  • Fowl Plague Virus
  • Myxovirus influenzae-A hominis
  • Myxovirus influenzae-A suis
  • Myxovirus pestis galli
  • Orthomyxovirus Type A, Avian
  • Orthomyxovirus Type A, Human
  • Orthomyxovirus Type A, Porcine
  • Pestis galli Myxovirus
  • Fowl Plague Viruses
  • Myxovirus influenzae A hominis
  • Myxovirus influenzae A suis
  • Myxovirus, Pestis galli
  • Myxoviruses, Pestis galli
  • Pestis galli Myxoviruses
  • Plague Virus, Fowl
  • Virus, Fowl Plague

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

13 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, drug effects, enzymology, genetics, growth & development, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pathogenicity, physiology, radiation effects, ultrastructure.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

infection: coordinate IM with INFLUENZA, HUMAN (IM) in humans or ORTHOMYXOVIRIDAE INFECTIONS (IM) in animals other than birds; infection in birds = INFLUENZA IN BIRDS; ALPHAINFLUENZAVIRUS is also available

MeSH Record

History Note

1997 (1977)

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Orthomyxoviridae (1968-1976)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. B04w.820w.480w.968w.405.400w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QW 168.5.O7

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Influenza A virus. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009980. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009980
  2. Influenza A virus. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus
  3. Influenza A virus. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q834390