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Crean and lethal epidemic virus A team of researchers has synthesized a hybrid
virus that combines the lethality of H5N1 (bird flu virus) and the easy spread of H1N1
(swine influenza virus).
So far, the H5N1 virus was poorly transmissible among humans, however, their infection was
highly dangerous and potentially fatal: It is estimated that 60-80% of people infected
with H5N1 die after acquiring the virus.
Now, scientists sought to combine the H5N1 with H1N1 in order to study the mechanism
of infection and recombination of the virus. According to Chen Hualan virologist, a member
of the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute in China, and leader of the current research,
the virus can be combined in a natural way, so studying the process could prevent fatal
catastrophe.
The hybrid virus showed its terrible effects in laboratory guinea pigs. After carrying
out the experiment, the scientists observed that the H5 hemagglutinin gene is responsible
for the virus replicative advantage. It also found that neuraminidase is the key element
for recombination of both pathogens.
However, according to microbiologist Richard Ebright, a member of the University of Ritgers,
the study did not significantly relieves relevant information to justify the risks they are
exposing. In addition to the terrible possibility that the hybrid virus into the hands of terrorists
or that it can be used as a biological weapon, there is always the possibility that a simple
accident occurs in the laboratory and the virus escape nearby, causing a global pandemic.
And, according to a report by the Associated Press of Confidential Reports, between 2003
and 2007 over one hundred accidents occurred within U.S. laboratories. The events include
workers bitten or scratched by infected animals, lacerations, contaminated needle sticks, among
others.
The incidence of events has progressively increased. In 2007, labs reported 36 accidents,
double the figure in 2004.
And in the George Bush administration announced an expansion of biodefense program. While in
2001 the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases spent 41 million dollars
on the program, and investment in 2006 was 1.6 trillion. The number of laboratories working
for these purposes also doubled, reaching a total of 409 research centers in 2007.
Nevertheless, Hulan research continues. The next experiment aims to study the genetic
changes that allowed the H5N1 infect guinea pigs, focusing on physiological and molecular
mechanisms that occur in the respiratory tract of animals. Scientists seeking to study the
phenomenon in order to prevent it. Well this was all not forget to subscribe
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