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Jason Tetro
Microbiology, Health & Hygiene Expert
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The laboratory data has since confirmed what officials have feared: swine flu is back and responsible for over 70 per cent of the cases seen to date. But even as this mystery is resolved, another more sinister one is upon us. It comes as a result of the severity of the disease in those with the strongest immune systems. To date, over 75 per cent of people admitted to the intensive care unit are between the ages of 20 and 64. There is every indication that this form of H1N1pdm is not the same one seen by most in 2009-10. Instead, this might be an evil cousin or, as flu researchers call it, a virulent quasispecies.
The concept of a quasispecies is well known in the microbiological world although rarely discussed in the public realm. It is similar to a faction of a particular species that has somehow evolved and adapted to improve its ability to survive and thrive. The actual mechanisms are quite complex and only a few have mastered the understanding of these rogue strains. However, when one comes about, it can leave even the most confident researcher scratching his or her head wondering what has happened.
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But now, it seems that this quasispecies, as well as two others known as Q226R and L194I may have made their way to the United States.
Microbiology, Health & Hygiene Expert
...
The laboratory data has since confirmed what officials have feared: swine flu is back and responsible for over 70 per cent of the cases seen to date. But even as this mystery is resolved, another more sinister one is upon us. It comes as a result of the severity of the disease in those with the strongest immune systems. To date, over 75 per cent of people admitted to the intensive care unit are between the ages of 20 and 64. There is every indication that this form of H1N1pdm is not the same one seen by most in 2009-10. Instead, this might be an evil cousin or, as flu researchers call it, a virulent quasispecies.
The concept of a quasispecies is well known in the microbiological world although rarely discussed in the public realm. It is similar to a faction of a particular species that has somehow evolved and adapted to improve its ability to survive and thrive. The actual mechanisms are quite complex and only a few have mastered the understanding of these rogue strains. However, when one comes about, it can leave even the most confident researcher scratching his or her head wondering what has happened.
..
But now, it seems that this quasispecies, as well as two others known as Q226R and L194I may have made their way to the United States.
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