Researchers a step closer to understanding how deadly bird flu virus takes hold in humans

(Griffith University) New research has taken a step towards understanding how highly pathogenic influenza viruses such as deadly bird flu infect humans. Researchers at Griffith's Institute for Glycomics and the University of Hong Kong have revealed specific sugar molecules -- Sialylated O-glycans -- that are present in the respiratory tract are key receptors for influenza viruses, particularly the highly pathogenic influenza virus strains.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news