It is found that the H7 subtype of the avian virus has evolved to make itself more adaptive to human beings, thereby increasing its chances to move freely between humans and birds.
The virus found in the respiratory tract of ferrets is said to breed well in the sugars found in human tracheal cells. This is becoming the primary reason for concern, as the virus is following the same sugar binding tendencies as seen in previous viral pandemics around the globe.
"These findings suggest that the H7 class of viruses have partially adapted to recognize the receptors that are preferred by the human influenza virus," said Terrence Tumpey, a senior microbiologist with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
According to the researchers such virus mutations call for stricter surveillance and screening on the part of health agencies and governments across the world.
Though, research also says that the mutations and adaptations are not strong enough as yet, to trigger off an epidemic in the near future for sure. However, the possibility of one, can not be overlooked and thus, the H7 virus needs to be kept under the scanner constantly.
"I think this is certainly amongst the most dangerous (avian flu) viruses out there,'' said virologist Dr. Ron Fouchier, with the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
"And I think we need to continue to develop vaccines for H7 just as well as H5 (N1).''
Out of all the animals suffering influenza infections, ferrets follow a path resembling that, as seen in humans. However, a small difference is seen in human viruses and those found in birds. The virus found to infect humans is present largely in the upper respiratory tract, binding itself to the alpha 2-6 receptors found there.
However in birds, the virus resides in the gut of the fowl, binding itself to alpha 2-3 receptors. In order to freely move between the two hosts the virus will have to adapt itself to enhance compatibility with the human receptors.
“But in general H7 viruses from North America that have been isolated from about 2002 onwards seem to have developed an increasing affinity for the human-type receptors”, said Dr. Terrence Tumpey.
"These viruses are partially adapted to recognize the receptors preferred by human influenza viruses, but not completely,'' he said in an interview from Atlanta.
"It needs to be adapted further. But I think it shows that potentially these viruses are changing'' he added further.
The diseases caused by H7 in humans are not as severe as those caused by other viruses and thus might lead to a complacent attitude towards the spread of the strain. However, scientists consider the virus to have strong adaptive tendencies thus, making it a potential threat, overlooking which might prove to be a costly mistake.
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