A group of virologists lead by Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Ron Fouchier have sent a letter to Nature and Science outlining the experiments they propose to carry out with influenza H7N9 virus. Avian influenza H7N9 virus has caused over 130 human infections in China with 43 fatalities. The source of the virus is not known but …
Virologists plan influenza H7N9 gain of function experiments Read More »
On episode #241 of the science show This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, Rich and Kathy review how human placental trophoblasts confer viral resistance via exosome-mediated delivery of microRNAs, and isolation of the first human influenza virus in 1933. You can find TWiV #241 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.
On episode #240 of the science show This Week in Virology, Vincent travels to the University of Vermont to talk with Markus and Jason about their work on HIV, influenza virus, arenaviruses and hantaviruses. You can find TWiV #240 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.
A CDC (US) advisory committee has recommended the use of FluBlok for individuals with egg allergy: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted today, 13 to 0, in favor of recommending FluBlok during the 2013-2014 influenza season for vaccination of persons 18 through 49 years of age with egg allergy of any severity. FluBlok …
Influenza vaccines for individuals with egg allergy Read More »
On epside #236 of the science show This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan and Kathy review novel approaches to preventing influenza virus infection. You can find TWiV #236 at www.microbe.tv/twiv.
Those of you with an interest in virology, or perhaps simply sensationalism, have probably seen the recent headlines proclaiming another laboratory-made killer influenza virus. From The Independent: ‘Appalling irresponsibility: Senior scientists attack Chinese researchers for creating new strains of influenza virus’; and from InSing.com: ‘Made-in-China killer flu virus’. It’s unfortunate that the comments of several …
Influenza H5N1 x H1N1 reassortants: ignore the headlines, it’s good science Read More »
