Longer, more harmful flu viruses

2002/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

Wild influenza viruses sometimes become a thread, such as viruses of this aspect have been seen in the recent flu epidemic in Hong Kong. Laboratory seeds are usually spherical.

The team led by British microbiologist Wendy Barclay of the Reading University of Britain has analyzed the difference of viruses based on their appearance. Thus, in position 41 of the protein M1, located in the outer layer of the virus, it has been proven that the presence of the baline instead of it, confers an elongated appearance.

This small difference seems to influence how to fold the protein. On the other hand, filamentous viruses seem to have a greater pathogenic capacity. Perhaps in this way, cell membranes are easier to pass through or help bond them. However, the results of these studies will serve to obtain more effective flu vaccines.