ruthbeme
Well-known member
A radical new treatment for the flu has been developed at a British university - using the flu virus itself.
The Warwick University scientists say they have discovered a "harmless" form of the flu virus that might successfully combat infection.
They claim their treatment will work against any strain of flu - including the dreaded H5N1 bird flu virus.
According to researcher, Professor Nigel Dimmock said the "protecting virus" was altered to prevent it from causing illness.
It also has the property that it remains dormant until it encounters another flu virus.
The treatment works because the protecting virus begins spreading within the body after encountering another virus. The theory is that it will crowd out other viruses by spreading faster - giving the immune system time to develop defences against any new strain.
Laboratory studies suggest the treatment may work up to 24 hours after infection - but could also be administered up to six weeks before a patient was infected, like a short-term vaccine.
Professor Dimmock said the protecting virus would work against A strains of virus, which pose the greatest threat, but might not protect against B viruses.
He said his team had been studying these viruses for some years.
He said: "This virus arose naturally and we have selected this dead virus as a result of which it cannot multiply. Although they are dead, they have to rely on an infectious virus to revive the missing function.
"Protecting virus stops infection, prevents disease and allows immunity to develop.
"We predict it will work against all strains of influenza A.
"Where the breakthrough has come over the last few months is to produce a protecting virus with defined genetic material so we know exactly what it is."
He said it was hoped to begin trials on human patients in the near future - and financial support was being sought for this.
Date: October 6th 2006
http://www.staffnurse.com/nursing-news-articles/set-a-virus-to-catch-a-virus-2126.html
The Warwick University scientists say they have discovered a "harmless" form of the flu virus that might successfully combat infection.
They claim their treatment will work against any strain of flu - including the dreaded H5N1 bird flu virus.
According to researcher, Professor Nigel Dimmock said the "protecting virus" was altered to prevent it from causing illness.
It also has the property that it remains dormant until it encounters another flu virus.
The treatment works because the protecting virus begins spreading within the body after encountering another virus. The theory is that it will crowd out other viruses by spreading faster - giving the immune system time to develop defences against any new strain.
Laboratory studies suggest the treatment may work up to 24 hours after infection - but could also be administered up to six weeks before a patient was infected, like a short-term vaccine.
Professor Dimmock said the protecting virus would work against A strains of virus, which pose the greatest threat, but might not protect against B viruses.
He said his team had been studying these viruses for some years.
He said: "This virus arose naturally and we have selected this dead virus as a result of which it cannot multiply. Although they are dead, they have to rely on an infectious virus to revive the missing function.
"Protecting virus stops infection, prevents disease and allows immunity to develop.
"We predict it will work against all strains of influenza A.
"Where the breakthrough has come over the last few months is to produce a protecting virus with defined genetic material so we know exactly what it is."
He said it was hoped to begin trials on human patients in the near future - and financial support was being sought for this.
Date: October 6th 2006
http://www.staffnurse.com/nursing-news-articles/set-a-virus-to-catch-a-virus-2126.html
