Discovery That Small Genetic Changes Enable The H5N1 Bird Flu Virus To Replicate More Easily In The Noses Of Mammals Could Lead To Vaccine

So far there have only been isolated cases of bird flu in humans, and no widespread transmission as the H5N1 virus can't replicate efficiently in the nose. The new study, using weakened viruses in the lab, supports the conclusions of controversial research published in 2012 which demonstrated that just a few genetic mutations could enable bird flu to spread between ferrets, which are used to model flu infection in humans. Researchers say the new findings could help to develop more effective vaccines against new strains of bird flu that can spread between humans...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news