Bird flu in sight: New mutation could trigger pandemic!

Bird flu in sight: New mutation could trigger pandemic!

Würzburg, Deutschland - scientists raise the alarm: According to a new study, the H5N1 virus, better known as bird flu, could develop into a serious threat to humanity. The virus, which is particularly common in birds, now shows dangerous mutations that could make it possible to bind to human cells more efficiently. It was found that a single genetic change in the surface protein hemaglutinin of the virus could be sufficient to facilitate the transmission between people. James Paulson, one of the study authors at the Scripps Research Institute, explained that "it is terrifying how quickly the virus could adapt", which rejects the discussion about possible pandemics. Most recently, the virus also appeared in US milk cows and has already affected various animal species such as wild birds and bears. krone.at reported .

dangerous mutation in focus

The contagious properties of H5N1 make current developments particularly alarming. While there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission so far, a mutation could make the virus sensitive to the upper respiratory tract, as immunologist Jenna Guthmiller warns. This would weaken the symptoms, but also increase the likelihood of transmission by sneezing and coughing. A current case in Canada, which was discussed in the press, shows that similar mutations also occurred in a teenager who was taken to the hospital in a critical condition, which is seen as a warning signal. According to Guthmiller, it is "never good news if a virus is only a mutation away from infecting more efficient people".

In addition to these troubling knowledge about H5N1, Sars-Cov-2 is still a big topic in research. Researchers from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based infection research in Würzburg and other institutions have created a detailed Atlas that shows how Sars-Cov-2 interacts with human cells. This study could give important information on how the virus increases or how it can be overcome. Essential proteins were identified that are crucial for the replication of SARS-COV-2. The results show a promising path for the development of new therapeutic approaches that could be used against Sars-Cov-2 and other RNA viruses. This was published in the renowned journal "Nature Microbiology", such as "https://www.helmholtz-hiri.de/de/newsroom/detail/translate-to-deutsch-corona-how-the-interacts-with-cells/"> reported .