H5N1 Virus

A couple of SNBALs ago we discussed the bird flu and how it was spreading to infect humans. I found an article suggesting a reason for why it has not spread more into the human population. Recent research is showing that the avian flu "prefers" to infect cells that are deep inside of the lung; normal influenza strains infect cells in the airway, which makes it easier for human-to-human transmission because coughing will distribute the virus. This explains why most of the human cases have been people who have extensive exposure to birds. The article also states that to start a pandemic, the H5N1 virus would have to do is mutate so that it can attach to the sites on the cells that normal influenza viruses use for infection.

You can view the article here: http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/URItheFlu/tb/2911