Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis of human infection with avian influenza

Abstract: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) can infect humans through respiratory transmission, direct contact, and other routes, with the lungs being the most commonly affected site. In recent years, sporadic cases and localized outbreaks of human infection with avian influenza (HIAI) have emerged in multiple countries worldwide. Beyond the well-established subtypes, novel avian influenza strains—such as H7N4, H9N2, H10N8, and H10N3—continue to emerge, underscoring the ongoing public health threat posed by human avian influenza. In this context, imaging plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and assessment of treatment responses in human avian influenza infections. To further enhance imaging-based diagnosis and treatment, over 40 experts from multiple fields, including infectious diseases, radiology, pathology, laboratory medicine, immunology, and microbiology, collaborated to develop the expert consensus on the imaging diagnosis of HIAI. This consensus strictly adheres to evidence-based medicine principles and presents seven recommendations backed by robust scientific evidence. It integrates the latest research findings with clinical practice, aiming to provide clinicians with clear and definitive imaging diagnostic criteria and offer professional guidance on selecting appropriate imaging examination methods. This assists clinicians in more accurately addressing the diagnosis and treatment of human avian influenza infections.