Wednesday, November 25, 2009

H5N1


There are 16 types of flu virus, depending upon the Hemagglutinen structure
... and H1, H2 and H3 are "human" viruses.

H5 is (normally) a bird virus, but can attack pigs
... and it may mutate!

The structure of the virus is also influenced by Neuraminidase protein.
It's the H - N combination that identifies the virus:


Now, China (which has had the deadlier H5N1 virus for some time) fears the worst:
"Inside China, H5N1 has been existing for some time, so if there is really a reassortment between H1N1 and H5N1, it will be a disaster"

 

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