Avian influenza viruses pose a significant danger to humans because they possess the capability to replicate at temperatures exceeding those associated with typical fever, according to researchers from Cambridge and Glasgow universities, as reported by Medical Xpress.
The scientists determined that the PB1 gene is fundamental to this temperature resilience. During the pandemics of 1957 and 1968, this gene transferred from avian strains to human ones, escalating the lethality of those particular virus types.
Testing conducted on mice demonstrated that merely a 2°C increase in body temperature successfully halts the proliferation of common seasonal influenza viruses. Conversely, this natural bodily defense mechanism proves largely ineffective against avian flu viruses, which are equipped to tolerate elevated heat levels.
“The facility with which viruses can swap genes represents an ongoing peril originating from novel influenza strains. We observed instances of this during past pandemics, such as in 1957 and 1968, when the human virus exchanged genetic material
Although transmission of avian flu to people is infrequent, the fatality rate following infection historically reached high levels. For instance, infection with the H5N1 strain resulted in a mortality rate exceeding 40%. Understanding the underlying causes for such severe illness is paramount for effective disease surveillance.
Previously, American scientists discovered that the H5N1 avian flu virus could persist for extended periods in cheeses produced from unpasteurized milk. As reported by “Zhukovsky.Life,” the hazardous pathogen remained viable in low-acidity products (pH range 5.8 to 6.6) even after 120 days of aging at 4°C, whereas it was completely deactivated in acidic cheeses, such as feta. This finding suggests an additional potential route for virus transmission from animals to humans.
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