H5N1 mutation towards a pandemic strain gathers pace

American researchers have discovered that a key step has been reached in the mutation of the H5N1 virus which could allow it to transform into a human flu virus, thus opening the door to a pandemic.

Dr Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that mutation on one of the H5N1 viral proteins has been identified in samples taken from sick birds from Europe and Africa. This transformation could allow the avian virus to tolerate our 37°C body temperature (the body temperature of birds is about 41°C) and therefore to develop in our upper respiratory tract.

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