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 …
Within the influenza A virion are eight segments of viral RNA. These molecules carry the all the information needed to make new influenza virus particles. These eight RNAs are shown schematically as olive green lines at the top of the illustration. RNAs are chains of four different nucleotides, A, C, G, U. In the case …
Here is an update on the global swine flu situation as of 29 April 2009. There are now 257 laboratory confirmed cases, with 7 deaths, in 11 countries. In the US there are 109 cases in 11 states. There are many more suspected cases; together the statistics indicate widespread dissemination of the new H1N1 influenza …
In this week’s discussion of swine flu A/Mexico/09 (H1N1), we have considered many aspects of influenza virus biology that might not be familiar to some readers of virology blog. I thought it might be useful to explain how the virus multiplies, how it infects us, and how we combat infection. Today we’ll start with the …
Here is an update on the global swine flu situation as of 29 April 2009. Not surprisingly, laboratory confirmed case counts continue to rise globally. There are 91 cases in the US in 10 states (Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Texas). There has been a laboratory confirmed fatal case in …
Here are my answers to questions about swine flu sent by readers of virology blog: Q: Can you please tell me why there is a flu “season”. Influenza is seasonal in temperate climates because conditions found during winter, low temperature and humidity, favor spread of the infection. In the dry conditions of winter, virus-laden respiratory …
