tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
A pattern of genetic mutation has been found in avian flu that leads to a higher possibility of infections and diseases in humans.
A University of Hong Kong medical team has discovered a genetic adaptation marker, known as 526R, in the enzyme PB2, which is found in all influenza A viruses.
The 526R pattern was found in samples of avian influenza A H5N1 and H7N9, and seasonal influenza H3N2, and enables those viruses to replicate in mammal and human cells.
"We believe that it is because of such a pattern of genetic mutation that certain types of avian flu virus can be adopted in humans more easily," said Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the microbiologist leading the research team.
The team attributed a severe increase of H3N2 cases in humans since 1968 to the existence of the 526R adaptation marker.
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http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1644774/mutation-increases-risk-infections
A University of Hong Kong medical team has discovered a genetic adaptation marker, known as 526R, in the enzyme PB2, which is found in all influenza A viruses.
The 526R pattern was found in samples of avian influenza A H5N1 and H7N9, and seasonal influenza H3N2, and enables those viruses to replicate in mammal and human cells.
"We believe that it is because of such a pattern of genetic mutation that certain types of avian flu virus can be adopted in humans more easily," said Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the microbiologist leading the research team.
The team attributed a severe increase of H3N2 cases in humans since 1968 to the existence of the 526R adaptation marker.
...
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1644774/mutation-increases-risk-infections