UMD researchers crack the code of a deadly virus

(University of Maryland) Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an unforgiving killer of horses, donkeys and zebras, resulting in mortality as high as 80 percent. The virus can also infect humans, with similar results. A research team has exploited a weakness in VEEV's genetic code, resulting in a far less deadly mutant version of the virus when tested in laboratory mice. The new discovery could enable the development of a vaccine and other drugs to combat VEEV.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news