Recently, I came across an important update from the official website of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It revealed that the Gao Fu team from the Beijing Institute of Biological Sciences and the Institute of Microbiology has made significant progress in understanding how the H7N9 avian flu virus infects humans. This breakthrough not only sheds light on the mechanisms behind H7N9's infection but also offers critical insights into its potential for human-to-human transmission. These findings are essential for re-evaluating the current H7N9 outbreak and developing more effective prevention and control strategies. The research was published online in the prestigious journal Science on September 5.
The H7N9 outbreak earlier this year was caused by a novel reassortant virus first identified in Shanghai and Anhui. Led by Gao Fu’s team, researchers from the Beijing Institute of Biological Sciences, the Institute of Microbiology, and the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention focused on the two strains that were initially reported during the outbreak. Their goal was to uncover the underlying reasons behind the virus’s ability to infect humans.
Shi Yi, the first author of the paper and an associate researcher at the Beijing Institute of Biological Sciences, explained that the Anhui strain was a dominant pandemic strain during the influenza season, while the Shanghai strain was found in only one case. Both strains showed distinct genetic sequences. The study discovered that the Anhui strain can bind to both avian and human receptors, whereas the Shanghai strain primarily targets avian receptors. This difference suggests that the Anhui strain may have a higher potential for spreading among humans.
According to Shi Yi, scientists currently believe that the H7N9 virus has limited human-to-human transmission. However, the researchers speculate that because the virus still strongly binds to avian receptors, it tends to attach to mucin proteins in the human respiratory tract, which limits its spread. Li Lanjuan, director of the State Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated that these findings help explain the epidemiological characteristics observed during the H7N9 outbreak.
Researchers emphasize the need for continued monitoring of H7N9 mutations. Some variants may lose their strong binding to avian receptors while retaining the ability to bind to human receptors, potentially leading to a global influenza pandemic. As such, maintaining strong surveillance and early detection systems is crucial in preventing future outbreaks.
This new research highlights the importance of ongoing scientific investigation into emerging viral threats. By understanding how viruses like H7N9 adapt and evolve, we can better prepare for and respond to future public health challenges.
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