Let’s resume our discussion of the influenza virus genome. Last time we established that there are eight negative-stranded RNAs within the influenza virion, each coding for one or two proteins. Now we’ll consider how proteins are made from these RNAs. Figure 1 shows influenza RNA segment 2, which encodes two proteins: PB1 and PB1-F2. The …
Here are my answers to questions about the currently circulating influenza H1N1 strain (formerly swine flu) sent by readers of virology blog. A reader from Mexico shared the following numbers with virology blog, then asked a question about hog cholera. Q: There are 312 confirmed cases of swine virus here in Mexico and 12 of …
Influenza A/Mexico/2009 (H1N1): Questions and answers Read More »
Here are my answers to questions about swine flu sent by readers of virology blog: Q: Am I missing something? How can a summer pandemic be unprecedented? You cited a pretty famous example of one. In fact nearly all of your examples seem to have occurred partly or mostly “out of season”. A: You are …
Swine flu A/Mexico/2009 (H1N1): Questions and answers Read More »
Influenza virus may be transmitted among humans in three ways: (1) by direct contact with infected individuals; (2) by contact with contaminated objects (called fomites, such as toys, doorknobs); and (3) by inhalation of virus-laden aerosols. The contribution of each mode to overall transmission of influenza is not known. However, CDC recommendations to control influenza …
Here are some updates on the global status of swine influenza H1N1. As of Monday, 27 April, the US has reported 40 laboratory confirmed cases of swine influenza H1N1 infection in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio, and Texas. Mexico has confirmed 26 human cases with seven deaths, Canada reports six cases, and Spain one …
The many human viral diseases that have crossed from other animal species – such as AIDS, Ebola, SARS, encephalitis and respiratory diesease caused by henipaviruses – demonstrate the pathogenic potential of the zoonotic pool. Are there also reverse zoonoses – diseases of humans that are transferred to other animal species? An example of a reverse …
Reverse zoonoses: Human viruses that infect other animals Read More »
