indiana territory

JUST A LITTLE MORE ON BIRD FLU

When you're looking up information on a topic, one thing always leads to another and this is from RECOMBINOMICS which has been following the story for a couple of years - or more. If you go there and click on In the News you will wind up on THIS PAGE which has some very interesting information.


They are predicting a new genetic change in the Bird Flu that will "increase the virus’ affinity for human receptors and lead to more efficient transmission of H5N1 to humans . . ."


Recombinomics issued a new prediction and warning of a likely alteration in the avian influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin gene. This alteration will increase the virus’ affinity for human receptors and lead to more efficient transmission of H5N1 to humans, notes the firm.

This group in October predicted that the virus would combine with the virus type in the Middle East and result in one that was more easily acquired by humans. In December, the first case of Bird Flu appeared in Turkey and this alteration was detected in it.

Overall, the virus is believed to be "in the process of acquiring genetic information that allows for more efficient infections of humans,” says Recombinomics president, Henry Niman, Ph.D.


This is something to keep tabs on. The San Diego Union Tribune is of a like opinion and published an article in late January entitled "Pandemic's Box." It is certainly worth a read and notes "President Bush has launched a $7.1 billion plan to prepare for a global flu epidemic."

posted by Jody @ 9:44 PM