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UK. HPA - Health Protection Agency leads work on gaining greater understanding of Swine flu virus
Health Protection Agency leads work on gaining greater understanding of Swine flu virus
8 May 2009
Scientists at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced the first genetic fingerprint of the swine flu virus infecting humans across Europe.
The virus?s entire genomic sequence will now be studied alongside other genetic information to give a greater understanding of how the virus behaves as it infects individuals. As viruses are transmitted there is potential for them to evolve and change their behaviour.
Health secretary Alan Johnson visited the HPA?s National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) this morning to meet researchers working on swine flu.
In addition to the genetic discovery, the HPA?s Centre for Infections has today shared the first UK isolate of the virus to partner scientific institutes. This virus strain is the first building block in the development of an effective vaccine against swine flu.
Collaborating organisations include NIBSC and the HPA?s Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Porton Down, as well as the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA).
This isolate will enable scientists to gather more information on the characteristics of the virus affecting humans in Europe and compare those with that in Mexico and the US.
For research into an effective vaccine to be successful, scientists must determine how our bodies? immune systems when exposed to the virus ? another piece of research that will be made possible by the virus isolate being shared.
Professor Maria Zambon, Director of the Health Protection Agency?s Centre for Infections, said:
"We are continuing to learn more and more each day about swine flu. The pure sample of virus that we have isolated, together with its genetic fingerprint, will be important resources as scientific organisations join forces on the development of an effective vaccine."
The rapid assessment of this virus will ultimately help us to make future decisions regarding the health implications of swine flu. ?
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:
"A significant step towards protecting the world?s health against swine flu has been taken.
"The speed with which vaccine prototypes can be created to combat potential pandemics is testimony to the dedication and world-class expertise of Health Protection Agency researchers.
"We have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for some time. We now look to the vaccine industry to produce the required quantities of vaccine as quickly as possible.?
Ends
Further information on swine flu is available on the Health Protection Agency's website at www.hpa.org.uk.
The Department of Health has set up a swine flu information line for the public on 0800 1 513 513.
Copies of a leaflet being distributed at all ports of entry into the UK providing passengers arriving in the UK with information on swine flu are available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile.../1240986139568
The Health Protection Agency is providing expert advice and support to the UK government, NHS and other organisations.
This includes:
For further information on this statement please contact the Health Protection Agency's Centre for Infections press office on:020 8327 6647020 8327 7098020 8327 7080020 8327 7097
Last reviewed: 8 May 2009
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<cite cite="http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1241418744649?p=1231252394302">HPA - Health Protection Agency leads work on gaining greater understanding of Swine flu virus</cite>
8 May 2009
Scientists at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have produced the first genetic fingerprint of the swine flu virus infecting humans across Europe.
The virus?s entire genomic sequence will now be studied alongside other genetic information to give a greater understanding of how the virus behaves as it infects individuals. As viruses are transmitted there is potential for them to evolve and change their behaviour.
Health secretary Alan Johnson visited the HPA?s National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) this morning to meet researchers working on swine flu.
In addition to the genetic discovery, the HPA?s Centre for Infections has today shared the first UK isolate of the virus to partner scientific institutes. This virus strain is the first building block in the development of an effective vaccine against swine flu.
Collaborating organisations include NIBSC and the HPA?s Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Porton Down, as well as the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA).
This isolate will enable scientists to gather more information on the characteristics of the virus affecting humans in Europe and compare those with that in Mexico and the US.
For research into an effective vaccine to be successful, scientists must determine how our bodies? immune systems when exposed to the virus ? another piece of research that will be made possible by the virus isolate being shared.
Professor Maria Zambon, Director of the Health Protection Agency?s Centre for Infections, said:
"We are continuing to learn more and more each day about swine flu. The pure sample of virus that we have isolated, together with its genetic fingerprint, will be important resources as scientific organisations join forces on the development of an effective vaccine."
The rapid assessment of this virus will ultimately help us to make future decisions regarding the health implications of swine flu. ?
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:
"A significant step towards protecting the world?s health against swine flu has been taken.
"The speed with which vaccine prototypes can be created to combat potential pandemics is testimony to the dedication and world-class expertise of Health Protection Agency researchers.
"We have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for some time. We now look to the vaccine industry to produce the required quantities of vaccine as quickly as possible.?
Ends
Further information on swine flu is available on the Health Protection Agency's website at www.hpa.org.uk.
The Department of Health has set up a swine flu information line for the public on 0800 1 513 513.
Copies of a leaflet being distributed at all ports of entry into the UK providing passengers arriving in the UK with information on swine flu are available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile.../1240986139568
The Health Protection Agency is providing expert advice and support to the UK government, NHS and other organisations.
This includes:
- Enhancing the Agency?s presence at airports in England to provide all passengers arriving from Mexico with information and advice on swine flu.
- A leaflet produced by the Health Protection Agency, the Department of Health and the UK Borders Agency is being made available at all ports of entry into the UK providing passengers arriving in the UK with information on swine flu.
- Specialist liaison to the UK Embassy in Mexico to aid the UK effort to tackle swine flu.
- In association with the College of General Practitioners (RCGP), the HPA has produced standard practical advice for healthcare professionals investigating individuals with possible swine influenza infection, including contact details of local health protection units.
- Advice has been issued for schools. Measures including deciding to close temporarily or offer antivirals as a precautionary measure are only advised when a case is strongly suspected or confirmed within a school community. These decisions are a matter for local determination on a case by case basis by schools, working with the Health Protection Agency, NHS Primary Care Trusts and local authorities.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 5. ?This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation, communication and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short?. The Agency is well prepared to meet the requirements of phase 5.
For further information on this statement please contact the Health Protection Agency's Centre for Infections press office on:020 8327 6647020 8327 7098020 8327 7080020 8327 7097
Last reviewed: 8 May 2009
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