ScienceDaily  — A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that the potential for an avian influenza virus to cause a human flu pandemic is greater than previously thought.  Results also illustrate how the current swine flu outbreak likely came about.  

As of now, avian flu viruses can infect humans who have contact with birds, but these viruses tend not to transmit easily between humans.  However, in research recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor Daniel Perez from the University of Maryland showed that after reassortment with a human influenza virus, a process that usually takes place in intermediary species like pigs, an avian flu virus requires relatively few mutations to spread rapidly between mammals by respiratory droplets.

“This is similar to the method by which the current swine influenza strain likely formed,” said Perez, program director of the University of Maryland-based Prevention and Control of Avian Influenza Coordinated Agricultural Project, AICAP.  “The virus formed when avian, swine, and human-like viruses combined in a pig to make a new virus.  After mutating to be able to spread by respiratory droplets and infect humans, it is now spreading between humans by sneezing and coughing.”

Sumber : Science Daily

Informasi lengkap dapat diakses di:

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429132238.htm

Photo:  This graphic shows why the Type A virus can’t be eradicated. (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Maryland),  http://www.sciencedaily.com