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By LizW - As A/H1N1 flu continues to infect large numbers of people worldwide, flu and gene researchers study viral sequences (a sequence can be thought of as a viral ?fingerprint?) to determine how changes in the sequence affect the ease of transmission and virulence.
Recently, a sample isolated from a case in Shanghai, China, showed a change in the segment that controls the optimal temperature for virus replication. Because of its avian components, the H1N1 virus has so far reproduced best at a temperature of 41 deg. C, or 106 deg. F., the temperature of a bird?s upper respiratory tract. The change in the Shanghai isolate would allow the virus to replicate best at the cooler temperature of human upper respiratory tracts, thus allowing for easier transmission by sneezing or coughing. The change has also been associated with a higher incidence of neurological complications, such as encephalitis, in other strains of influenza.
Scientists and researchers continue to monitor potential shifts in the H1N1 virus as it spreads around the world.
Links for further reading:
Suggested headlines:
Change in H1N1 signals possible easier transmission
Researchers find change in H1N1 in China
Editor: Sally
ftcom@embaqmail.com
Recently, a sample isolated from a case in Shanghai, China, showed a change in the segment that controls the optimal temperature for virus replication. Because of its avian components, the H1N1 virus has so far reproduced best at a temperature of 41 deg. C, or 106 deg. F., the temperature of a bird?s upper respiratory tract. The change in the Shanghai isolate would allow the virus to replicate best at the cooler temperature of human upper respiratory tracts, thus allowing for easier transmission by sneezing or coughing. The change has also been associated with a higher incidence of neurological complications, such as encephalitis, in other strains of influenza.
Scientists and researchers continue to monitor potential shifts in the H1N1 virus as it spreads around the world.
Links for further reading:
Suggested headlines:
Change in H1N1 signals possible easier transmission
Researchers find change in H1N1 in China
Editor: Sally
ftcom@embaqmail.com