Posted on 07/13/2008 12:20:28 AM PDT by neverdem
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic, according to research published in the August issue of the Journal of General Virology. Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread through at least 45 countries in 3 continents. Despite its ability to spread, it cannot be transmitted efficiently from human to human. This indicates it is not fully adapted to its new host species, the human. However, this new research reveals mutations in the virus that may result in a pandemic.
"The mutations needed for the emergence of a potential pandemic virus are likely to originate and be selected within infected human tissues," said Professor Dr Prasert Auewarakul from Mahidol University, Thailand. "We analyzed specific molecules called haemagglutinin on viruses derived from fatal human cases. Our results suggest new candidate mutations that may allow bird flu to adapt to humans."
Viruses with a high mutation rate such as influenza virus usually exist as a swarm of variants, each slightly different from the others. These are called H5N1 bird flu quasispecies. Professor Dr Auewarakul and his colleagues found that some mutations in the quasispecies were more frequent than others, which indicates they may be adaptive changes that make the virus more efficient at infecting humans. Most of these mutations were found in the area required for the virus to bind to the host cell.
"This study shows that the H5N1 virus is adapting each time it infects a human," said Professor Dr Auewarakul. "Such adaptations may lead to the emergence of a virus that can cause a pandemic. Our research highlights the need to control infection and transmission to humans to prevent further adaptations."
The research has provided genetic markers to help scientists monitor bird flu viruses with pandemic potential. This means they will be able to detect potentially dangerous strains and prevent a pandemic. The research also gives new insights into the mechanism of the genesis of a pandemic strain.
"Our approach could be used to screen for mutations with significant functional impact," said Professor Dr Auewarakul. "It is a new method of searching for changes in H5N1 viruses that are required for the emergence of a pandemic virus. We hope it will help us to prevent a pandemic in the future."
Source : Society for General Microbiology
Ping...
(Thanks, neverdem!)
While the US is focused on Iraq, worldwide terrorism, global warming and the cost of gasoline, something even more deadly may be creeping up on us.
Is the government taking appropriate steps to protect the public? Stay tuned...
/mark
I believe I found the article. It's a pdf link, but I went to sleep first. Better late then never, although I only glanced at the abstract.
I’m suprised at their persistence and how much they are doing. Just the other day in some county news something like this was said, “commissioners have returned to discussing _________ (I don’t remember what) after having attended a two day Bird Flu meeting.”
Wow! Some might call that evolution, anybody who understands evolution would at least.
Not me. I would call that "adaptation". After all, it is still a flu virus, albeit changed somewhat, and not some "new" species.
As he said, “someone who understands evolution”...
Nice try.
You were able to discern that small changes are possible.
Maybe some day you'll consider that enough small changes might add up to a big change.
The time to prepare for a pandemic is yesterday. You need food that can stay in long term storage. I recommend a few 6 gallon pails of beans, wheat, powdered milk, etc. from Walton Feed. Remember that you may have to feed the children of less prepared neighbors. Oh yeah, and stock up on generic Tagamet. It stops the “cytokine storm” whereby your own immune system reaction kills you. A few gallons of bleach would be a good idea for sterilization. This is cheap insurance against a range of natural and man-made disasters.
Thanks for the ping.
“Wow! Some might call that evolution, anybody who understands evolution would at least”
Some in North Korea might even see it as potential biowarfare.
Thank you. I have not heard this info before but it makes sense. And yes, those who prepare will end up taking care of the kids. I need to add to my stock.
I recall reading that turmeric and some psychotropic med or other (can't recall the name at the moment) did the same thing, but this is the first I'd heard of Tagamet...
Cheers!
I think it was in an article from the Life Extension Foundation at lef.org. By the way, its a great organization and a noble cause.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.