INFLUENZA A VIRUS, 1918 PANDEMIC STRAIN (A comment on appropriate level of containment)

ProMed ^ | 10-08-04

[Mother Abigail]

From: Karl M Johnson

INFLUENZA A VIRUS, VIRULENCE, 1918 PANDEMIC STRAIN

Date: Fri 8 Oct 2004

A comment on appropriate level of containment

Professor Kawaoka's team is to be congratulated for successful recreation of the 1918 influenza virus with it apparent increased virulence for mice. But if that virulence transfers to humans, I am deeply concerned about his decision to take the agent from BSL-4 [biosafety level 4] containment to BSL-3 [biosafety level 3] after finding that level of pathogenicity. We have already experienced 3 breaks in technique and containment of the SARS coronavirus this year. Escape of this influenza strain could lead to a repeat of history that would be completely preventable if that virus were "put back in its box". Personally, I would never permit work with this agent under conditions lower than BSL-4. The University of Wisconsin and appropriate federal agencies should convene an emergency meeting to sort this out, ensuring that Dr Kawaoka has ongoing access to BSL-4 containment so that he can continue this undeniably important work.

[Mother Abigail]

Dr Johnson expresses valid concerns about the disease security aspects of Dr Kawaoka's research, particularly in view of the finding of the enhanced pathogenicity of the construct containing the 1918 HA subunit. His call for a reassessment of the situation should be heeded.

[Bedford Forrest]

Mad scientist alert????

[per loin]

I am deeply concerned about his decision to take the agent from BSL-4 [biosafety level 4] containment to BSL-3 [biosafety level 3] after finding that level of pathogenicity.

Is this a decision that can be made by Kawaoka on his own?

[dasboot]

1918 ping

[Henchman]

Is this how "Swamp Thing" started?

[rmlew]

If this guy get chills and a sore throat, nuke the place with him in it.