Los virus de la gripe aviar resisten la fiebre, el arma humana para combatir la enfermedad

Los virus de la gripe aviar resisten la fiebre, el arma humana para combatir la enfermedad An international study has identified an avian gene that enables bird flu viruses to replicate even at human fever temperatures, which normally inhibit human flu viruses. This gene, found in past human flu pandemics, allows avian viruses to resist fever’s effects, posing a significant threat due to gene exchange between human and avian flu strains. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for pandemic preparedness, particularly concerning H5N1.

• Bird flu viruses can replicate at temperatures above human fever levels.
• An identified avian gene allows these viruses to resist human fever.
• This gene was present in human flu pandemics of 1957 and 1968.
• Human flu viruses typically infect the upper respiratory tract (33°C), while avian viruses thrive in lower temperatures (40-42°C).
• Fever can stop human flu virus replication but is less effective against avian strains.
• The PB1 gene is crucial for viral replication and determines temperature sensitivity.
• Gene exchange between human and avian viruses is a continuous threat.
• Monitoring avian flu strains is vital to anticipate outbreaks and identify virulent ones.
• Understanding avian flu’s virulence in humans is critical for pandemic surveillance, especially regarding H5N1.
• Research into treating fever with antipyretics suggests it may not always be beneficial and could promote influenza A transmission.