Avian flu: virus found in Chile has mutations with signs of adaptation to mammals

2023-04-17 14:40:27

When analyzing a sample of the bird flu virus found in a Chilean man, hospitalized since March with the disease, scientists found two genetic mutations that indicate adaptation of the virus to mammals. The information was released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday (4/14). Authorities say the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low.

The patient, a 53-year-old male, developed the first symptoms of H5N1 avian influenza on March 13, when he developed a cough, sore throat and hoarseness. As the condition worsened, he had to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), where he currently receives treatment with antiviral drugs and antibiotics.

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“The most plausible hypothesis about the transmission is that it occurred through environmental exposure to areas where sick or dead birds or marine mammals were found near the case’s residence,” said the World Health Organization (WHO) in a report released on 6 September. April.

mutations

Previous animal studies suggest that these mutations, found in the PB2 gene, may make the virus more harmful or spread more easily in mammalian cells. But officials have found no evidence that the virus has gained an edge for lung infection or human-to-human transmission.

Scientists believe that the mutations found in the hospitalized patient occurred after he became ill. There is no evidence that the virus has spread to other people or exchanged genetic material with other flu viruses or acquired resistance against drugs or vaccines.

low risk

Because of these characteristics, public health authorities’ assessment of the general risk of the H5N1 virus to people remains “low,” Vivien said.

“These genetic changes were previously seen in previous H5N1 infections and did not result in human-to-human spread,” Vivien Dugan, acting director of the influenza division at the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a statement.

“However, it is important to continue to look carefully at each case of human infection. We need to remain alert to changes that would make these viruses more dangerous for people.” (With information from AP News Agency)

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