H5N1 avian flu virus

Protein tubules free avian flu virus from immune recognition

harminka — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:18:40 -0600

A protein found in the virulent avian influenza virus strain called H5N1 forms tiny tubules in which it "hides" the pieces of double-stranded RNA formed during viral infection, which otherwise would prompt an antiviral immune response from infected cells, said Baylor College of Medicine researchers in an online report in the journal Nature.

Key step bird flu virus takes to spread readily in humans

harminka — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:44:04 -0500

Since it first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997, the H5N1 avian flu virus has been slowly evolving into a pathogen better equipped to infect humans. The final form of the virus, biomedical researchers fear, will be a highly pathogenic strain of influenza that spreads easily among humans.

Doctor advises caution over flu drug

harminka — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:23:13 -0500

In this week's BMJ, a senior doctor advises caution over the use of the antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Are some people immune to avian flu?

harminka — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 07:14:18 -0600