Bird Flu Virus Is One Mutation Away from Binding More Efficiently to Human Cells
Briefly

from www.scientificamerican.com2 months ago
The study shows that H5N1 only requires a single mutation to effectively attach to human cells, indicating a potential risk for increased human transmission.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird-flu-virus-is-one-mutation-away-from-adapting-to-human-cells/
James Paulson noted that a single genetic change in H5N1's receptor binding capability could facilitate its switch from avian to human cells.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird-flu-virus-is-one-mutation-away-from-adapting-to-human-cells/
The ongoing outbreaks have seen H5N1 affect various animal populations, but human cases remain linked mostly to direct exposure from infected farm animals.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird-flu-virus-is-one-mutation-away-from-adapting-to-human-cells/
While currently there is no sign of human-to-human transmission, the research raises alarms about the H5N1 virus's pandemic potential if mutations occur.
www.scientificamerican.comhttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird-flu-virus-is-one-mutation-away-from-adapting-to-human-cells/
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
#h5n1 #avian-influenza #pandemic-risk #mutation #transmissibility
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