H5N1 Bird Flu: One Mutation Away from Human Threat
TL;DR Summary
Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have found that a single mutation in the H5N1 bird flu virus could enable it to infect humans, raising concerns about a potential pandemic. The study, published in Science, highlights that a change in the hemagglutinin protein could allow the virus to target human cells. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that multiple mutations were necessary for human transmission. Despite over 50 human infections, the virus has not yet adapted for widespread human transmission, suggesting additional mutations may be needed.
- Just one mutation can make H5N1 bird flu a threat to humans, California researchers say Los Angeles Times
- Single bird flu mutation could let it latch easily to human cells, study finds The Washington Post
- Bird flu in North America worries epidemiologists: Three people infected by the H5N1 virus Le Monde
- H5N1 bird flu is closer to gaining pandemic potential than we thought New Scientist
- Bird Flu, Explained The New York Times
Reading Insights
Total Reads
0
Unique Readers
1
Time Saved
5 min
vs 6 min read
Condensed
92%
1,122 → 85 words
Want the full story? Read the original article
Read on Los Angeles Times