Scientists from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research have identified a gene with remarkable potential to limit the spread of bird flu among humans.
The gene, known to exist in most humans prior to this study, possesses previously unknown antiviral properties.
Scientists Reveal Human Avian Flu Transmission Potential
This newfound understanding allows researchers to ascertain which strains of the avian flu virus could potentially cross over to humans. By doing so, scientists can enhance their ability to create preventative measures and evaluate whether various forms of bird flu might escalate into future pandemics.
Dr. Rute Maria Pinto, the lead author of the study, expressed her excitement about the discovery, emphasizing its potential impact on detecting and assessing the risk of bird flu transmission to humans.
The identification of the BTN3A3 gene’s role enables researchers to analyze the virus’s sequence and determine its likelihood of jumping to human hosts, aiding in targeted responses.
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Enhancing Control Measures
As of July 14, 2023, the World Health Organization has reported 878 cases of human infection with bird flu since January 2003, resulting in 458 fatalities.
Bird flu predominantly affects poultry in farm or domestic settings but has also spread to wild birds. With 70 species of birds in the United Kingdom, including geese, ducks, swans, and certain eagles, testing positive for avian flu, the need for effective preventive measures is paramount.
While this discovery holds tremendous promise in curbing the transmission of bird flu from birds to humans and identifying the potential for human-to-human transmission, its application in preventing the disease within bird species requires further investigation.
Nevertheless, this breakthrough represents a significant advancement, especially as the world prepares for potential future pandemics following the COVID-19 crisis.
Understanding the barriers that hinder avian flu transmission to humans will undoubtedly lead to better-targeted solutions and improved control measures to prevent spillovers, as highlighted by study lead professor Massimo Palmarini.
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