The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in at least 55 countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. This often fatal disease is of pressing concern because it can be transmitted from birds to humans, although such transmissions have been rare so far. Unfortunately, according to a Roundtable article in the November 2006 BioScience, the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), critical information about incidence of the disease in wild birds--even the species of the infected bird--is often recorded inaccurately or not recorded at all. The deficiencies in data collection, the authors write, "can lead to unwarranted assumptions and conclusions that in turn affect public perceptions, practical control and management measures, and the disposition of resources."
Bird flu is typically studied by veterinarians and virologists. The article's authors, Mai Yasue, Chris J. Feare, Leon Bennun, and Wolfgang Fiedler, made use of the Aiwatch (avian influenza watch) e-mail forum to gather information for their article from sources worldwide. They describe several instances in which the species of an infected wild bird was incorrectly or inadequately recorded--sometimes just as "wild duck," for example--and others in which the bird's sex and age were misidentified. Likewise, reported details of the location and time of discovery of an infected bird often lack specificity, yet they are crucial for a good understanding of the virus's spread. Information about capture and sampling methods and other species in the vicinity of an infected bird has also often been inadequately described. The authors end their article with a plea for greater involvement by ornithologists and ecologists in H5N1 research and monitoring.
BioScience publishes commentary and peer-reviewed articles covering a wide range of biological fields, with a focus on "Organisms from Molecules to the Environment." The journal has been published since 1964. AIBS is an umbrella organization for professional scientific societies and organizations that are involved with biology. It represents some 200 member societies and organizations with a combined membership of about 250,000.
The complete list of research articles in the November issue of BioScience is as follows:
From Lilliput to Brobdingnag: Extending Models of Mycorrhizal Function across Scales. Nancy Collins Johnson and colleagues
Threats to Endangered Species in Canada. Oscar Venter, Nathalie N. Brodeur, Leah Nemiroff, Brenna Belland, Ivan J. Dolinsek, and James W. A.Grant
How Many Animals Do We Want to Save? The Many Ways of Setting Population Target Levels for Conservation. Eric W. Sanderson
The Epidemiology of H5N1 Avian Influenza in Wild Birds: Why We Need Better Ecological Data. Mai Yasue, Chris J. Feare, Leon Bennun, and Wolfgang Fiedler
Science and Economics in the Management of an Invasive Species. Porter Hoagland and Di Jin
Contact: Donna Royston
American Institute of Biological Sciences
понедельник, 20 июня 2011 г.
воскресенье, 19 июня 2011 г.
Bird Flu Has Infected 186 People Of Which 105 Have Died
Since 2003 186 people have become infected with bird flu (avian flu), specifically, the H5N1 virus strain. 105 of them have died. Here is a list of the countries:
Azerbajan
Cases - 7
Deaths - 5
Cambodia
Cases - 5
Deaths - 5
China
Cases - 16
Deaths - 11
Indonesia
Cases - 29
Deaths - 22
Iraq
Cases - 2
Deaths - 2
Thailand
Cases - 22
Deaths - 14
Turkey
Cases - 12
Deaths - 4
Vietnam
Cases - 93
Deaths - 42
Total
Cases - 186
Deaths - 105
A recent study may explain why so few humans have become infected, when compared to birds. The H5N1 virus needs to get deep down into the lungs in order to make the human ill. For a human to become infected he/she needs to be in constant contact with sick birds so that a cluster of viruses can build up. Even when a human does get ill, the infection is so deep within the lungs that hardly any viruses are expelled when the patient coughs - making it much harder to infect other humans.
Hundreds of millions of birds have died of H5N1 infection since 2003.
Written by:
Azerbajan
Cases - 7
Deaths - 5
Cambodia
Cases - 5
Deaths - 5
China
Cases - 16
Deaths - 11
Indonesia
Cases - 29
Deaths - 22
Iraq
Cases - 2
Deaths - 2
Thailand
Cases - 22
Deaths - 14
Turkey
Cases - 12
Deaths - 4
Vietnam
Cases - 93
Deaths - 42
Total
Cases - 186
Deaths - 105
A recent study may explain why so few humans have become infected, when compared to birds. The H5N1 virus needs to get deep down into the lungs in order to make the human ill. For a human to become infected he/she needs to be in constant contact with sick birds so that a cluster of viruses can build up. Even when a human does get ill, the infection is so deep within the lungs that hardly any viruses are expelled when the patient coughs - making it much harder to infect other humans.
Hundreds of millions of birds have died of H5N1 infection since 2003.
Written by:
суббота, 18 июня 2011 г.
Avian Influenza In Poultry On Premises In East Of England
The Health Protection Agency continues to work closely with local and national veterinary colleagues following the announcement yesterday by the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that avian influenza had been found in poultry on two premises in the East of England.
Defra has today confirmed that the avian influenza virus present there is H6N1. The H6 virus type has been isolated in domestic poultry and wild birds in Europe over the last few years.
The finding has not affected the HPA's precautionary advice in this incident. We have advised that staff should use high levels of personal protective equipment to protect them from infection.
The Agency is monitoring the health of those exposed to the poultry and there continues to be no reports of any flu-like illness in this group, who have also been offered seasonal influenza vaccine, as a further precaution. GPs in Norfolk and Suffolk are also being made aware of the investigation, for information.
Avian influenza, or 'bird flu', is a contagious disease of birds caused by viruses that normally only infects wild birds and, rarely, other species including domestic poultry. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
Dr Joe Kearney, Regional Director of the HPA in the East of England said: "The current level of risk to humans from avian flu is extremely low, and today's news from Defra does not change that. To date there has been no evidence that current avian influenza viruses have adapted to spread easily in humans."
Notes
There have been no cases linked to the consumption of properly cooked meat and eggs; for further guidance go to: food.uk
Further information on avian influenza can be found at the HPA website.
Further information on avian flu in poultry is available on the DEFRA website: defra.uk.
Health Protection Agency
Defra has today confirmed that the avian influenza virus present there is H6N1. The H6 virus type has been isolated in domestic poultry and wild birds in Europe over the last few years.
The finding has not affected the HPA's precautionary advice in this incident. We have advised that staff should use high levels of personal protective equipment to protect them from infection.
The Agency is monitoring the health of those exposed to the poultry and there continues to be no reports of any flu-like illness in this group, who have also been offered seasonal influenza vaccine, as a further precaution. GPs in Norfolk and Suffolk are also being made aware of the investigation, for information.
Avian influenza, or 'bird flu', is a contagious disease of birds caused by viruses that normally only infects wild birds and, rarely, other species including domestic poultry. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
Dr Joe Kearney, Regional Director of the HPA in the East of England said: "The current level of risk to humans from avian flu is extremely low, and today's news from Defra does not change that. To date there has been no evidence that current avian influenza viruses have adapted to spread easily in humans."
Notes
There have been no cases linked to the consumption of properly cooked meat and eggs; for further guidance go to: food.uk
Further information on avian influenza can be found at the HPA website.
Further information on avian flu in poultry is available on the DEFRA website: defra.uk.
Health Protection Agency
пятница, 17 июня 2011 г.
GlaxoSmithKline's New Generation Flu Vaccine Shows A Significant Increase In Seroprotection Rate In The Over 65 Population
New data released today demonstrate significantly better immune responses in the age range 65 and above when vaccinated with GSK's new generation (adjuvanted) seasonal flu vaccine compared to a traditional seasonal flu vaccine. These new data are highly important, since the disease burden and death toll is highest among the elderly in each flu season. The data, presented at the Influenza Vaccines for the World (IVW) 2006 Congress, showed the seroprotection rate (90.5%) achieved by the new adjuvanted vaccine in the elderly to be more than 25% higher than that reported in the age matched comparator group. Moreover, it greatly exceeds the European licensing requirement for seroprotection, which requires at least 60% seroconversion independent of age (CHMP criterion). Encouraged by these excellent results, GSK has started a Phase III registration trial for the vaccine with 3500 patients across three countries in Europe* and in the US.
The candidate vaccine uses a proprietary novel adjuvant system to enhance the immune response in the older population resulting in similar levels of immune responses typically observed in young adults.
Lead investigator Dr Isabel Leroux-Roels from the Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Hospital said: "The immune response of the elderly can be significantly lower than in younger adults leaving them particularly vulnerable to the more serious complications of flu. There is a real need to strengthen the immune response of the population of 65 years and above. This can be achieved by combining antigen components of annual flu vaccine with GSK's novel adjuvant system."
Dr Philippe Monteyne, Head of Global Vaccine Development, GSK Biologicals said:
"These data highlight how GSK's new adjuvant system can be effectively used to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses. Our new vaccine increased the immune response in the elderly to levels comparable to that observed for traditional seasonal flu vaccine in younger adults. This promising new vaccine will build on our strong existing flu franchise."
High immune response with adjuvanted vaccines
Two hundred and seventy five people were involved in the trial which ran from Q3 2005 to Q2 2006 in Belgium. In the 65+ age range the adjuvanted vaccine elicited higher levels of antibodies (humoral response) compared to non adjuvanted traditional seasonal flu vaccine in the same population. It was also found to induce a higher cellular immune response to influenza in the elderly compared to the traditional vaccine. The vaccine was well tolerated throughout the study period and showed a safety profile which is comparable to the standard seasonal flu vaccine.
Phase III studies
In the wake of the encouraging results from this trial, a new multinational Phase III programme involving 3500 participants has recently commenced that sets out to confirm the findings from today's data. This pivotal Phase III immunogenicity trial will take place in three countries in Europe* as well as in the US. The results, expected in 2007 will form a significant part of the data package for file submission.
GSK, a leader in flu treatment and preparedness
GSK has an active research and development programme targeted at both seasonal and pandemic influenza and has recently committed over $2 billion to expand capacity for manufacturing flu vaccine and its anti-viral influenza treatment Relenza® (zanamivir for inhalation). In North America, GSK acquired a major influenza vaccine manufacturer, ID Biomedical Corporation in 2005.
GSK is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies. GSK is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: gsk.
The Phase III trial will be carried out in Belgium, Germany, Norway and the US.
GlaxoSmithKline
gsk
The candidate vaccine uses a proprietary novel adjuvant system to enhance the immune response in the older population resulting in similar levels of immune responses typically observed in young adults.
Lead investigator Dr Isabel Leroux-Roels from the Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Hospital said: "The immune response of the elderly can be significantly lower than in younger adults leaving them particularly vulnerable to the more serious complications of flu. There is a real need to strengthen the immune response of the population of 65 years and above. This can be achieved by combining antigen components of annual flu vaccine with GSK's novel adjuvant system."
Dr Philippe Monteyne, Head of Global Vaccine Development, GSK Biologicals said:
"These data highlight how GSK's new adjuvant system can be effectively used to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses. Our new vaccine increased the immune response in the elderly to levels comparable to that observed for traditional seasonal flu vaccine in younger adults. This promising new vaccine will build on our strong existing flu franchise."
High immune response with adjuvanted vaccines
Two hundred and seventy five people were involved in the trial which ran from Q3 2005 to Q2 2006 in Belgium. In the 65+ age range the adjuvanted vaccine elicited higher levels of antibodies (humoral response) compared to non adjuvanted traditional seasonal flu vaccine in the same population. It was also found to induce a higher cellular immune response to influenza in the elderly compared to the traditional vaccine. The vaccine was well tolerated throughout the study period and showed a safety profile which is comparable to the standard seasonal flu vaccine.
Phase III studies
In the wake of the encouraging results from this trial, a new multinational Phase III programme involving 3500 participants has recently commenced that sets out to confirm the findings from today's data. This pivotal Phase III immunogenicity trial will take place in three countries in Europe* as well as in the US. The results, expected in 2007 will form a significant part of the data package for file submission.
GSK, a leader in flu treatment and preparedness
GSK has an active research and development programme targeted at both seasonal and pandemic influenza and has recently committed over $2 billion to expand capacity for manufacturing flu vaccine and its anti-viral influenza treatment Relenza® (zanamivir for inhalation). In North America, GSK acquired a major influenza vaccine manufacturer, ID Biomedical Corporation in 2005.
GSK is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care companies. GSK is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: gsk.
The Phase III trial will be carried out in Belgium, Germany, Norway and the US.
GlaxoSmithKline
gsk
четверг, 16 июня 2011 г.
Bird flu in Greece, Agriculture Ministry Confirms - Dead birds found in Croatia
According to the Greek Agriculture Ministry, a turkey in a Greek island was infected with a strain of the bird flu virus in the Island of Oinouses. Samples have been sent to a lab in the UK to identify the strain of virus. Officials say they know it is of the H5 strain, but don't know yet whether it is the H5N1. The most lethal one is the H5N1 strain that was found in Turkey and Romania last week.
Some dead birds have been found in Croatia. The EU has ordered that urgent tests be carried out.
In Romania, authorities have been culling thousands of birds. The area immediately surrounding where the infected birds were found has been placed in quarantine.
As birds migrate from Russia to North Africa they pass through eastern Europe and Turkey.
No imports of poultry from Romania and Turkey are now allowed into the European Union. The EU says it will take 'drastic measures' if it has to.
Written by:
Editor:
Some dead birds have been found in Croatia. The EU has ordered that urgent tests be carried out.
In Romania, authorities have been culling thousands of birds. The area immediately surrounding where the infected birds were found has been placed in quarantine.
As birds migrate from Russia to North Africa they pass through eastern Europe and Turkey.
No imports of poultry from Romania and Turkey are now allowed into the European Union. The EU says it will take 'drastic measures' if it has to.
Written by:
Editor:
среда, 15 июня 2011 г.
Cleveland Clinic Recognizes New Strategies For Creating Vaccines For Avian Flu As A Top Ten Medical Innovation For 2009
Novavax, Inc.
(Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that its strategy for treating avian flu
through genetically-engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) was ranked as a
Top Ten Innovation at Cleveland Clinic 6th Annual Medical Innovation
Summit.
Novavax, Inc. believes its vaccine initiatives have the potential to
impact millions of people affected by infectious diseases each year by
creating novel vaccines that can be produced in a cost effective and timely
manner within the same scalable manufacturing platform worldwide.
VLPs are recombinant structures that mimic the size and shape of a
virus but lack genetic material and are therefore incapable of replication.
Because they resemble actual infectious particles presenting proteins in
the same conformation as on the wild-type virus, they are able to induce
potent immune responses. Novavax's VLP vaccine may be differentiated from
other influenza vaccines in several ways. First, it includes three viral
proteins (incorporated in the vaccine as three separate VLPs) important for
inducing a broad immune response including two surface proteins,
hemmaglutinin ("HA") and neuraminidase ("NA"), and a core matrix protein,
M1. The HA protein induces antibody that neutralizes or blocks the growth
of the virus; NA induces antibodies that prevent cell-to-cell transmission
of virus down the respiratory tract, potentially reducing the severity of
influenza disease; and cell mediated immune responses to M1 may lead to
destruction of cells already infected. Further, the vaccine is made in cell
culture rather than eggs, which permits an exact genetic match to the flu
strains causing illness since there is no requirement for adapting the
vaccine to grow in eggs.
"We are proud to have our technology recognized by the Cleveland Clinic
as one of the top ten medical innovations of 2009," said Dr. Rahul Singhvi,
President and CEO of Novavax. "VLPs represent a very promising approach to
preventing the spread of influenza as we recently demonstrated with the
announcement of favorable results in a Phase IIa human clinical trial of
our VLP based pandemic influenza vaccine.
Novavax's Novel Manufacturing Approach
Novavax's manufacturing process makes it possible to potentially
produce and distribute a vaccine matched to a pandemic strain in time to
interrupt and/or halt a pandemic. Novavax's influenza VLPs are produced in
insect cell culture, utilizing a manufacturing process that consists
entirely of disposable, ready-to-use equipment. Current yields are 7 to 10
times higher than that of traditional egg-based or mammalian cell culture
manufacturing. Because the Novavax process involves recombinant technology
and does not require a live influenza virus, vaccine can be manufactured
within 10 to 12 weeks of identification of a pandemic strain, approximately
half the time required to manufacture egg-based vaccines. This new
manufacturing approach permits rapid commissioning at a fraction of the
cost of traditional, egg-based manufacturing facilities. VLP-based vaccines
may represent an effective and affordable component of a pandemic solution
for countries that do not currently have in-border pandemic vaccine
production.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company, creating novel
vaccines to address a broad range of infectious diseases worldwide using
advanced proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology. The Company
produces these VLP based, potent, recombinant vaccines utilizing new, and
efficient manufacturing approaches. Additional information about Novavax is
available at novavax and in the Company's various filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward Looking Statement
Statements herein relating to future development results and
performance, conditions or strategies and other matters, including
expectations regarding product and clinical developments, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act. Novavax cautions that these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties,
which change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or
historical experience include risks relating to the early stage of
Novavax's product candidates under development; current results may not be
predictive of future pandemic results, results of our seasonal influenza
vaccine or any other vaccine that we may develop; further testing is
required before regulatory approval can be applied for and the FDA may not
approve a vaccine even if further trial results are similar to those
disclosed previously by the company; uncertainties relating to clinical
trials, including possible delays in initiating or completing the trials
and safety and efficacy results; dependence on the efforts of third
parties; competition for clinical resources and patient enrollment from
drug candidates in development by other companies with greater resources
and visibility; and risks that we may lack the financial resources and
access to capital to fund our operations including further clinical trials.
Further information on the factors and risks that could affect Novavax's
business, financial conditions and results of operations, is contained in
Novavax's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which
are available at sec. These forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date of this press release, and Novavax assumes no duty to
update forward-looking statements.
Novavax, Inc.
novavax
(Nasdaq: NVAX) announced that its strategy for treating avian flu
through genetically-engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) was ranked as a
Top Ten Innovation at Cleveland Clinic 6th Annual Medical Innovation
Summit.
Novavax, Inc. believes its vaccine initiatives have the potential to
impact millions of people affected by infectious diseases each year by
creating novel vaccines that can be produced in a cost effective and timely
manner within the same scalable manufacturing platform worldwide.
VLPs are recombinant structures that mimic the size and shape of a
virus but lack genetic material and are therefore incapable of replication.
Because they resemble actual infectious particles presenting proteins in
the same conformation as on the wild-type virus, they are able to induce
potent immune responses. Novavax's VLP vaccine may be differentiated from
other influenza vaccines in several ways. First, it includes three viral
proteins (incorporated in the vaccine as three separate VLPs) important for
inducing a broad immune response including two surface proteins,
hemmaglutinin ("HA") and neuraminidase ("NA"), and a core matrix protein,
M1. The HA protein induces antibody that neutralizes or blocks the growth
of the virus; NA induces antibodies that prevent cell-to-cell transmission
of virus down the respiratory tract, potentially reducing the severity of
influenza disease; and cell mediated immune responses to M1 may lead to
destruction of cells already infected. Further, the vaccine is made in cell
culture rather than eggs, which permits an exact genetic match to the flu
strains causing illness since there is no requirement for adapting the
vaccine to grow in eggs.
"We are proud to have our technology recognized by the Cleveland Clinic
as one of the top ten medical innovations of 2009," said Dr. Rahul Singhvi,
President and CEO of Novavax. "VLPs represent a very promising approach to
preventing the spread of influenza as we recently demonstrated with the
announcement of favorable results in a Phase IIa human clinical trial of
our VLP based pandemic influenza vaccine.
Novavax's Novel Manufacturing Approach
Novavax's manufacturing process makes it possible to potentially
produce and distribute a vaccine matched to a pandemic strain in time to
interrupt and/or halt a pandemic. Novavax's influenza VLPs are produced in
insect cell culture, utilizing a manufacturing process that consists
entirely of disposable, ready-to-use equipment. Current yields are 7 to 10
times higher than that of traditional egg-based or mammalian cell culture
manufacturing. Because the Novavax process involves recombinant technology
and does not require a live influenza virus, vaccine can be manufactured
within 10 to 12 weeks of identification of a pandemic strain, approximately
half the time required to manufacture egg-based vaccines. This new
manufacturing approach permits rapid commissioning at a fraction of the
cost of traditional, egg-based manufacturing facilities. VLP-based vaccines
may represent an effective and affordable component of a pandemic solution
for countries that do not currently have in-border pandemic vaccine
production.
About Novavax
Novavax, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company, creating novel
vaccines to address a broad range of infectious diseases worldwide using
advanced proprietary virus-like particle (VLP) technology. The Company
produces these VLP based, potent, recombinant vaccines utilizing new, and
efficient manufacturing approaches. Additional information about Novavax is
available at novavax and in the Company's various filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Forward Looking Statement
Statements herein relating to future development results and
performance, conditions or strategies and other matters, including
expectations regarding product and clinical developments, are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act. Novavax cautions that these forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties,
which change over time. Factors that may cause actual results to differ
materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or
historical experience include risks relating to the early stage of
Novavax's product candidates under development; current results may not be
predictive of future pandemic results, results of our seasonal influenza
vaccine or any other vaccine that we may develop; further testing is
required before regulatory approval can be applied for and the FDA may not
approve a vaccine even if further trial results are similar to those
disclosed previously by the company; uncertainties relating to clinical
trials, including possible delays in initiating or completing the trials
and safety and efficacy results; dependence on the efforts of third
parties; competition for clinical resources and patient enrollment from
drug candidates in development by other companies with greater resources
and visibility; and risks that we may lack the financial resources and
access to capital to fund our operations including further clinical trials.
Further information on the factors and risks that could affect Novavax's
business, financial conditions and results of operations, is contained in
Novavax's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which
are available at sec. These forward-looking statements speak
only as of the date of this press release, and Novavax assumes no duty to
update forward-looking statements.
Novavax, Inc.
novavax
вторник, 14 июня 2011 г.
Influenza Virus In Norway Resistant Against Oseltamivir (Tamiflu(R))
Influenza activity in Norway is still low, but is expected to increase in the coming weeks. Thirty-eight of 58 studied influenza viruses (66 %) are resistant against the anti-flu drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is asking physicians who are treating patients for influenza to be aware of this when deciding on medicinal treatment.
The dominant influenza virus this winter, A(H1N1) gives milder symptoms than A(H3N2) which dominated last winter. Influenza vaccination is recommended for people in the high risk-groups as they can become seriously ill with the virus. Anti-influenza medicines are intended mainly for patients who have become seriously ill with influenza and for those with underlying illnesses.
NIPH collects influenza viruses from the whole country for closer inspection. Some of these viruses are forwarded to the WHO collaboration centre in London for further study and resistance tests. The dominant virus this season - in Norway and the rest of Europe - is influenza A (H1N1) Solomon Islands. Thirty-eight out of 58 A(H1N1) viruses from different patients and from different parts of the country in the period November- January have shown a mutation that indicates high-grade resistance against oseltamivir. The virus is sensitive to other anti-influenza medicines. This year's virus is expected to produce milder symptoms than normal.
Characterisation of some of the A (H1N1) virus stems in Norway show resemblance to those in the vaccine. This good match means that the vaccine will be effective against this year's dominant virus. Now it is important that those who want to be vaccinated do so before the main influenza outbreak strikes.
Norway takes part in international collaboration to monitor and advise on infectious diseases through the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), the influenza monitoring network EISS and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
View drug information on Tamiflu capsule.
The dominant influenza virus this winter, A(H1N1) gives milder symptoms than A(H3N2) which dominated last winter. Influenza vaccination is recommended for people in the high risk-groups as they can become seriously ill with the virus. Anti-influenza medicines are intended mainly for patients who have become seriously ill with influenza and for those with underlying illnesses.
NIPH collects influenza viruses from the whole country for closer inspection. Some of these viruses are forwarded to the WHO collaboration centre in London for further study and resistance tests. The dominant virus this season - in Norway and the rest of Europe - is influenza A (H1N1) Solomon Islands. Thirty-eight out of 58 A(H1N1) viruses from different patients and from different parts of the country in the period November- January have shown a mutation that indicates high-grade resistance against oseltamivir. The virus is sensitive to other anti-influenza medicines. This year's virus is expected to produce milder symptoms than normal.
Characterisation of some of the A (H1N1) virus stems in Norway show resemblance to those in the vaccine. This good match means that the vaccine will be effective against this year's dominant virus. Now it is important that those who want to be vaccinated do so before the main influenza outbreak strikes.
Norway takes part in international collaboration to monitor and advise on infectious diseases through the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, (ECDC), the influenza monitoring network EISS and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
View drug information on Tamiflu capsule.
понедельник, 13 июня 2011 г.
Eleventh Human Bird Flu Case In China Confirmed
Authorities in China have confirmed that a 26 year old female farmer has bird flu, the H5N1 virus strain (the more virulent one). This brings to eleven the number of human cases confirmed in China.
The woman is from the south-eastern province of Fujian. She became ill on January 10th and was hospitalized with pneumonia. She is still in hospital and is said to be an a 'stable condition'.
There have been no recent poultry outbreaks in the region where the woman lives.
So far, of the eleven human cases in China, seven patients have died. They (all human infection cases) came from the provinces of:
-- Anhui
-- Fujian
-- Guangxi
-- Jiangxi
-- Hunan
-- Liaoning
-- Sichuan
As sporadic cases continue to surface, this indicates that the virus is still circulating among birds in some parts of the country.
There have been 32 poultry outbreaks since May 2005, say agricultural authorities. Most of these took place during October-November 2005.
Since the beginning of this year there have been three reported poultry outbreaks in China:
-- Sichuan Province (3 January)
-- Guizhou Province (10 January)
-- Shanxi Province (8 February)
Human cases started in November, 2005.
Written by:
The woman is from the south-eastern province of Fujian. She became ill on January 10th and was hospitalized with pneumonia. She is still in hospital and is said to be an a 'stable condition'.
There have been no recent poultry outbreaks in the region where the woman lives.
So far, of the eleven human cases in China, seven patients have died. They (all human infection cases) came from the provinces of:
-- Anhui
-- Fujian
-- Guangxi
-- Jiangxi
-- Hunan
-- Liaoning
-- Sichuan
As sporadic cases continue to surface, this indicates that the virus is still circulating among birds in some parts of the country.
There have been 32 poultry outbreaks since May 2005, say agricultural authorities. Most of these took place during October-November 2005.
Since the beginning of this year there have been three reported poultry outbreaks in China:
-- Sichuan Province (3 January)
-- Guizhou Province (10 January)
-- Shanxi Province (8 February)
Human cases started in November, 2005.
Written by:
воскресенье, 12 июня 2011 г.
Cell Barrier Shows Why Bird Flu Not So Easily Spread Among Humans
Although more than 100 people have been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, mostly from close contact with infected poultry, the fact that the virus does not spread easily from its pioneering human hosts to other humans has been a biomedical puzzle.
Now, a study of cells in the human respiratory tract reveals a simple anatomical difference in the cells of the system that makes it difficult for the virus to jump from human to human.
The finding, reported (March, 2006) in the journal Nature, is important because it demonstrates a requisite characteristic for the virus to equip itself to easily infect humans, the key development required for the virus to assume pandemic proportions.
The new report, by a research group led by University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka, describes experiments using tissue from humans that showed that only cells deep within the respiratory system have the surface molecule or receptor that is the key that permits the avian flu virus to enter a cell.
Flu viruses, like many other types of viruses, require access to the cells of their hosts to effectively reproduce. If they cannot enter a cell, they are unable to make infectious particles that infect other cells -- or other hosts.
"Our findings provide a rational explanation for why H5N1 viruses rarely infect and spread from human to human, although they can replicate efficiently in the lungs," the authors of the study write in the Nature report.
By looking at human tissues, Kawaoka's group noted that the cells in the upper portions of the respiratory system lacked the surface receptors that enable avian H5N1 virus to dock with the cell. Receptors are molecules on the surface of cells that act like a lock. A virus with a complementary binding molecule -- the key -- can use the surface receptor to gain access to the cell. Once inside, it can multiply and infect other cells.
"Deep in the respiratory system, (cell) receptors for avian viruses, including avian H5N1 viruses, are present," explains Kawaoka, who also holds an appointment at the University of Tokyo. "But these receptors are rare in the upper portion of the respiratory system. For the viruses to be transmitted efficiently, they have to multiply in the upper portion of the respiratory system so that they can be transmitted by coughing and sneezing."
The upshot of the new finding, says Kawaoka, a professor of pathobiological sciences at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary
Medicine, is that existing strains of bird flu must undergo key genetic changes to become the type of flu pathogen most feared by biomedical scientists.
"No one knows whether the virus will evolve into a pandemic strain, but flu viruses constantly change," Kawaoka says. "Certainly, multiple mutations need to be accumulated for the H5N1 virus to become a pandemic strain."
The finding suggests that scientists and public health agencies worldwide may have more time to prepare for an eventual pandemic of avian influenza. Periodically, animal forms of influenza such as bird flu evolve to become highly contagious human pathogens.
Most scientists agree a pandemic of avian influenza will occur at some time. The worst-case scenario would be a form of influenza similar to the strain of 1918 that killed between 30 million and 50 million people globally. The new work may also help scientists keep track of evolving strains of influenza and provide earlier warning of potential pandemics. For the H5N1 strain of flu virus to evolve to a pathogen easily transmissible from one human to another, changes need to occur in the virus' hemagglutinin surface protein -- a molecule embedded in the virus membrane -- to recognize human receptors, Kawaoka says.
"Mutations in the hemagglutinin for avian H5N1 viruses to recognize human receptors are needed for the virus to become a pandemic strain," Kawaoka explains.
Viruses isolated from humans infected with avian flu can thus be monitored in a way to provide more advance warning of a potential pandemic.
"Identification of H5N1 viruses with the ability to recognize human receptors would bring us one step closer to a pandemic strain," says Kawaoka. "Recognition of human receptors can serve as molecular markers for the pandemic potential of the isolates."
The new study was conducted in collaboration with Kyoko Shinya and Shinya Yamada of the University of Tokyo; Masahito Ebina of the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer; Masao Ono of Tohoku University; and Noriyuki Kasai of the Institute for Animal Experimentation in Japan.
Terry Devitt, (608) 262-8282, trdevittwisc
Contact: Yoshihiro Kawaoka
kawaokaysvm.vetmed.wisc
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Now, a study of cells in the human respiratory tract reveals a simple anatomical difference in the cells of the system that makes it difficult for the virus to jump from human to human.
The finding, reported (March, 2006) in the journal Nature, is important because it demonstrates a requisite characteristic for the virus to equip itself to easily infect humans, the key development required for the virus to assume pandemic proportions.
The new report, by a research group led by University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka, describes experiments using tissue from humans that showed that only cells deep within the respiratory system have the surface molecule or receptor that is the key that permits the avian flu virus to enter a cell.
Flu viruses, like many other types of viruses, require access to the cells of their hosts to effectively reproduce. If they cannot enter a cell, they are unable to make infectious particles that infect other cells -- or other hosts.
"Our findings provide a rational explanation for why H5N1 viruses rarely infect and spread from human to human, although they can replicate efficiently in the lungs," the authors of the study write in the Nature report.
By looking at human tissues, Kawaoka's group noted that the cells in the upper portions of the respiratory system lacked the surface receptors that enable avian H5N1 virus to dock with the cell. Receptors are molecules on the surface of cells that act like a lock. A virus with a complementary binding molecule -- the key -- can use the surface receptor to gain access to the cell. Once inside, it can multiply and infect other cells.
"Deep in the respiratory system, (cell) receptors for avian viruses, including avian H5N1 viruses, are present," explains Kawaoka, who also holds an appointment at the University of Tokyo. "But these receptors are rare in the upper portion of the respiratory system. For the viruses to be transmitted efficiently, they have to multiply in the upper portion of the respiratory system so that they can be transmitted by coughing and sneezing."
The upshot of the new finding, says Kawaoka, a professor of pathobiological sciences at the UW-Madison School of Veterinary
Medicine, is that existing strains of bird flu must undergo key genetic changes to become the type of flu pathogen most feared by biomedical scientists.
"No one knows whether the virus will evolve into a pandemic strain, but flu viruses constantly change," Kawaoka says. "Certainly, multiple mutations need to be accumulated for the H5N1 virus to become a pandemic strain."
The finding suggests that scientists and public health agencies worldwide may have more time to prepare for an eventual pandemic of avian influenza. Periodically, animal forms of influenza such as bird flu evolve to become highly contagious human pathogens.
Most scientists agree a pandemic of avian influenza will occur at some time. The worst-case scenario would be a form of influenza similar to the strain of 1918 that killed between 30 million and 50 million people globally. The new work may also help scientists keep track of evolving strains of influenza and provide earlier warning of potential pandemics. For the H5N1 strain of flu virus to evolve to a pathogen easily transmissible from one human to another, changes need to occur in the virus' hemagglutinin surface protein -- a molecule embedded in the virus membrane -- to recognize human receptors, Kawaoka says.
"Mutations in the hemagglutinin for avian H5N1 viruses to recognize human receptors are needed for the virus to become a pandemic strain," Kawaoka explains.
Viruses isolated from humans infected with avian flu can thus be monitored in a way to provide more advance warning of a potential pandemic.
"Identification of H5N1 viruses with the ability to recognize human receptors would bring us one step closer to a pandemic strain," says Kawaoka. "Recognition of human receptors can serve as molecular markers for the pandemic potential of the isolates."
The new study was conducted in collaboration with Kyoko Shinya and Shinya Yamada of the University of Tokyo; Masahito Ebina of the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer; Masao Ono of Tohoku University; and Noriyuki Kasai of the Institute for Animal Experimentation in Japan.
Terry Devitt, (608) 262-8282, trdevittwisc
Contact: Yoshihiro Kawaoka
kawaokaysvm.vetmed.wisc
University of Wisconsin-Madison
суббота, 11 июня 2011 г.
Bird flu hits Japan
Bird flu, which is highly contagious and has been rapidly spreading in parts of Asia, has arrived in Japan, say officials.
6,000 chickens died in the western prefecture of Yamaguchi (in a farm). Officials have confirmed that these chickens died of avian influenza (bird flu).
Japanese officials say that it is the first case since 1997. Bird flu can be deadly to humans (the last human death in Japan was 1925).
According to officials, this bird flu is of the H5 virus strain. They also said that all chickens in the area (of Yamaguchi) will be slaughtered (and incinerated) and eggs from the region will be stopped (from sale).
The countries most badly affected by this current bird flu are Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea (recently) and now Japan.
6,000 chickens died in the western prefecture of Yamaguchi (in a farm). Officials have confirmed that these chickens died of avian influenza (bird flu).
Japanese officials say that it is the first case since 1997. Bird flu can be deadly to humans (the last human death in Japan was 1925).
According to officials, this bird flu is of the H5 virus strain. They also said that all chickens in the area (of Yamaguchi) will be slaughtered (and incinerated) and eggs from the region will be stopped (from sale).
The countries most badly affected by this current bird flu are Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea (recently) and now Japan.
пятница, 10 июня 2011 г.
Bird flu outbreak spreads in Thailand, under control in Vietnam and China
Officials say the latest bird flu (avian flu) outbreak is spreading in Thailand and is under control in China and Vietnam.
In Thailand the situation is worrying authorities as 15 of the country's 76 provinces have cases of infection.
There are suspected cases of the more dangerous strain of bird flu, H5N1 awaiting lab results in China. This more dangerous strain killed several Thai and Vietnamese humans during another outbreak earlier on this year.
The Thai stock market has taken a 1% fall as a direct result of the current outbreak. Thailand is one of the largest chicken exporters in the world. The present and recent outbreaks of bird flu are 'devastating' the industry.
Fortunately, this outbreak has seen no cases of humans getting ill.
Authorities in China and Vietnam say there have been no new cases of bird flu over the last few days - this could mean that it is now under control in those countries.
In Thailand the situation is worrying authorities as 15 of the country's 76 provinces have cases of infection.
There are suspected cases of the more dangerous strain of bird flu, H5N1 awaiting lab results in China. This more dangerous strain killed several Thai and Vietnamese humans during another outbreak earlier on this year.
The Thai stock market has taken a 1% fall as a direct result of the current outbreak. Thailand is one of the largest chicken exporters in the world. The present and recent outbreaks of bird flu are 'devastating' the industry.
Fortunately, this outbreak has seen no cases of humans getting ill.
Authorities in China and Vietnam say there have been no new cases of bird flu over the last few days - this could mean that it is now under control in those countries.
четверг, 9 июня 2011 г.
H7 Bird Flu Increasing Potential To Infect And Spread Among Humans Reports CDC
A type of avian flu that is common in birds and rarely caught by humans, the North American Avian H7 influenza virus, is acquiring transmission properties similar to human influenza, according to a new study by US researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based in
Atlanta.
The study is the work of lead author and CDC researcher Dr Jessica Belser, and colleagues, and is published in the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Most cases of avian flu in humans come from contact with infected birds or objects they have contaminated. But viruses are constantly changing,
which is why scientists are always tracking them. Belser said she and her co-investigators found that some strains of North American avian influenza
A H7 virus have developed characteristics that could increase their potential to infect humans, and also spread amongst them.
Avian H7 viruses from both Eurasia and North America have caused outbreaks in poultry since 2002, wrote the researchers, and have been known to
infect humans in outbreaks in the The Netherlands, British Columbia, and the United Kingdom.
Most H7 infections in humans end up as self-limiting conjunctivitis, and spread among humans is very rare.
Influenza viruses infect humans by attaching themselves to sugar molecules that dock onto receptors on the surfaces of cells in the human body's
respiratory tract. The ability of a virus to do this varies from virus to virus. The ones that do it well are the ones that are most likely to spread from
human to human, for example through cough or sneeze droplets.
Belser and her co-researchers used glycan microarray technology to investigate the receptor-binding preference of Eurasian and North American
lineage H7 influenza viruses and their ability to spread in birds and also in ferrets, which, like mice, have similar inflluenza transmission properties to
humans.
The results showed that:
Highly pathogenic H7N7 viruses from The Netherlands in 2003 kept the classic avian receptor-binding preference and were not readily
transmissible in ferrets, as has been observed for highly pathogenic H5N1.
But H7N3 viruses isolated from Canada in 2004, and H7N2 isolated in 2002-2003 from the northeastern United States, showed a binding
preference for the receptor linkages found prominently on human tracheal epithelial cells.
A low pathogenic H7N2 virus isolated from a man in New York in 2003, A/NY/107/03, replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets
and was capable of direct contact transmission in this species.
The authors concluded that:
"H7 influenza viruses from the North American lineage have acquired sialic acid-binding properties that more closely resemble those of human
influenza viruses and have the potential to spread to naГЇve animals."
In other words, in terms of its ability to gain a foothold in the upper respiratory tract and therefore spread to uninfected humans, the H7 bird flu virus
has changed to a form that more closely resembles the human flu virus itself.
Belser said that:
"The results of this study underscore the importance of continued influenza virus surveillance."
Although the H7 viruses are rarely dangerous to humans, studies like this are important because what happens in one strain can shed light on what happens in another strain. Experts believe it is only a matter of time before the much deadlier bird fllu virus, the H5N1, mutates into a human to human form.
"Contemporary North American influenza H7 viruses possess human receptor specificity: Implications for virus transmissibility."
Jessica A. Belser, Ola Blixt, Li-Mei Chen, Claudia Pappas, Taronna R. Maines, Neal Van Hoeven, Ruben Donis, Julia Busch, Ryan McBride, James
C. Paulson, Jacqueline M. Katz, and Terrence M. Tumpey.
PNAS, 2008 105: 7558-7563.
Published online on May 27, 2008.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0801259105
Click here for Abstract.
Source: CDC, PNAS.
Written by: Catharine Paddock, PhD
Atlanta.
The study is the work of lead author and CDC researcher Dr Jessica Belser, and colleagues, and is published in the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Most cases of avian flu in humans come from contact with infected birds or objects they have contaminated. But viruses are constantly changing,
which is why scientists are always tracking them. Belser said she and her co-investigators found that some strains of North American avian influenza
A H7 virus have developed characteristics that could increase their potential to infect humans, and also spread amongst them.
Avian H7 viruses from both Eurasia and North America have caused outbreaks in poultry since 2002, wrote the researchers, and have been known to
infect humans in outbreaks in the The Netherlands, British Columbia, and the United Kingdom.
Most H7 infections in humans end up as self-limiting conjunctivitis, and spread among humans is very rare.
Influenza viruses infect humans by attaching themselves to sugar molecules that dock onto receptors on the surfaces of cells in the human body's
respiratory tract. The ability of a virus to do this varies from virus to virus. The ones that do it well are the ones that are most likely to spread from
human to human, for example through cough or sneeze droplets.
Belser and her co-researchers used glycan microarray technology to investigate the receptor-binding preference of Eurasian and North American
lineage H7 influenza viruses and their ability to spread in birds and also in ferrets, which, like mice, have similar inflluenza transmission properties to
humans.
The results showed that:
Highly pathogenic H7N7 viruses from The Netherlands in 2003 kept the classic avian receptor-binding preference and were not readily
transmissible in ferrets, as has been observed for highly pathogenic H5N1.
But H7N3 viruses isolated from Canada in 2004, and H7N2 isolated in 2002-2003 from the northeastern United States, showed a binding
preference for the receptor linkages found prominently on human tracheal epithelial cells.
A low pathogenic H7N2 virus isolated from a man in New York in 2003, A/NY/107/03, replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets
and was capable of direct contact transmission in this species.
The authors concluded that:
"H7 influenza viruses from the North American lineage have acquired sialic acid-binding properties that more closely resemble those of human
influenza viruses and have the potential to spread to naГЇve animals."
In other words, in terms of its ability to gain a foothold in the upper respiratory tract and therefore spread to uninfected humans, the H7 bird flu virus
has changed to a form that more closely resembles the human flu virus itself.
Belser said that:
"The results of this study underscore the importance of continued influenza virus surveillance."
Although the H7 viruses are rarely dangerous to humans, studies like this are important because what happens in one strain can shed light on what happens in another strain. Experts believe it is only a matter of time before the much deadlier bird fllu virus, the H5N1, mutates into a human to human form.
"Contemporary North American influenza H7 viruses possess human receptor specificity: Implications for virus transmissibility."
Jessica A. Belser, Ola Blixt, Li-Mei Chen, Claudia Pappas, Taronna R. Maines, Neal Van Hoeven, Ruben Donis, Julia Busch, Ryan McBride, James
C. Paulson, Jacqueline M. Katz, and Terrence M. Tumpey.
PNAS, 2008 105: 7558-7563.
Published online on May 27, 2008.
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0801259105
Click here for Abstract.
Source: CDC, PNAS.
Written by: Catharine Paddock, PhD
среда, 8 июня 2011 г.
Defra's Message On Avian Influenza
The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued a bulletin online in which it reiterates how infectious avian influenza (bird flu) is for birds and how badly it can affect commercial, wild and pet birds.
Defra added that the detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus strain near Lyon, France, raises the probability that it will surface in the UK.
Defra is asking all keepers of any types of birds to maintain a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. Everyone who keeps poultry or other domestic birds should remain vigilant for signs of the disease.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said:
"Early detection and slaughter of infected birds and dangerous contacts, and the imposition of movement controls around infected premises provide the most effective method of achieving this. We have eradicated previous outbreaks of avian influenza successfully in domestic birds using this method.
New information for organic poultry producers, on what happens if poultry are confined indoors to comply with official veterinary requirements, has been issued by Defra. Click Here (PDF).
More Avian Influenza Pages on Defra Web Site
Written by:
Defra added that the detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus strain near Lyon, France, raises the probability that it will surface in the UK.
Defra is asking all keepers of any types of birds to maintain a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. Everyone who keeps poultry or other domestic birds should remain vigilant for signs of the disease.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said:
"Early detection and slaughter of infected birds and dangerous contacts, and the imposition of movement controls around infected premises provide the most effective method of achieving this. We have eradicated previous outbreaks of avian influenza successfully in domestic birds using this method.
New information for organic poultry producers, on what happens if poultry are confined indoors to comply with official veterinary requirements, has been issued by Defra. Click Here (PDF).
More Avian Influenza Pages on Defra Web Site
Written by:
вторник, 7 июня 2011 г.
Indonesia Confirms 31st Human Case Of Bird Flu Infection
Indonesian authorities have confirmed the country's 31st human case of H5N1 bird flu infection. The patient worked in a poultry farm in West Java, which had had a bird flu outbreak before he started work there.
The man has made a full recovery. The Ministry of Health says he first developed bird flu like symptoms on the 20th March.
Of the 31 confirmed human cases of bird flu in Indonesia, 23 have died.
Bird Flu = Avian Flu
H5N1 is a bird flu virus strain. The most dangerous one for humans (the one everyone is worried about)
Written by:
The man has made a full recovery. The Ministry of Health says he first developed bird flu like symptoms on the 20th March.
Of the 31 confirmed human cases of bird flu in Indonesia, 23 have died.
Bird Flu = Avian Flu
H5N1 is a bird flu virus strain. The most dangerous one for humans (the one everyone is worried about)
Written by:
понедельник, 6 июня 2011 г.
Kaiser Permanente Research Reaffirms Safety Of Flu Vaccine For Young Children
Parents wondering if they should get
their young children immunized against influenza now have new information
to make an informed decision and protect their kids from the flu.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Colorado's Clinical Research Unit and a
pediatrician at Denver Health studying the safety of the flu vaccine in
young children have found the flu shot to be safe for children aged six to
23 months. The study is published in the October 25, 2006, issue of JAMA,
the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study looked at more than 69,000 immunizations for more than 45,000
children, the largest number of children ever studied for flu vaccine
safety. The records are part of a large database that links records at
eight major health plans in the United States, including Kaiser Permanente
Colorado. This Vaccine Safety Datalink is a powerful tool that allowed
researchers to review any reason why a child saw a doctor up to six weeks
after getting their shot and look for possible side effects. The study
found very few instances that required medical attention, none of which
were serious and significantly associated with the vaccine.
"We are very excited about these findings. Knowing that the influenza
vaccine is safe for children between the ages of six months and 23 months
is reassuring for both parents and pediatricians," said Simon Hambidge,
M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator for the study, and a pediatrician at
Denver Health. "As a researcher, it's reassuring to have such a large body
of evidence to reaffirm the safety of the vaccine and eliminate the shot
itself as a cause for why kids are getting sick. We also encourage parents
to make sure that their children receive all their regularly scheduled
immunizations along with the influenza vaccine so that they will be
protected from many serious illnesses."
Influenza is a leading vaccine-preventable cause of illness and death
in the United States. Children aged six - 23 months get hospitalized when
they are sick with the flu at rates as high as adults over the age of 65.
Two years ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommended flu shots for this age group. This year, the CDC expanded its
recommendation for children up to five years old. The best way to protect
children from getting sick is to have them receive the flu vaccine.
For more on the study, listen to Dr. Hambidge via podcast at
ckp.kp/newsroom/co.
This study is one of more than 100 research projects conducted every
year by the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Clinical Research Unit. The Clinical
Research Unit develops, conducts and translates high-quality research into
practice and works to promote evidence-based practices and
service-oriented, cost-effective medical care. The health plans that
participate in the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink include: Kaiser Permanente
Colorado, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Kaiser Permanente Southern
California, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Group Health Cooperative, Health
Partners and Marshfield. Harvard Pilgrim is the eighth site, but did not
participate in this project.
Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health plan and the largest private
health care provider in Colorado. Kaiser Permanente cares for more than
475,000 members in the Denver/Boulder and Colorado Springs areas. Kaiser
Permanente physicians and care teams focus on prevention as well as curing
disease, all in an effort to help patients live well and thrive. ckp.kp/newsroom/co
For more information on Kaiser Permanente Research, go to:
blog.kaiser-permanente/research/
Kaiser Permanente
kaiserpermanente/
their young children immunized against influenza now have new information
to make an informed decision and protect their kids from the flu.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Colorado's Clinical Research Unit and a
pediatrician at Denver Health studying the safety of the flu vaccine in
young children have found the flu shot to be safe for children aged six to
23 months. The study is published in the October 25, 2006, issue of JAMA,
the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study looked at more than 69,000 immunizations for more than 45,000
children, the largest number of children ever studied for flu vaccine
safety. The records are part of a large database that links records at
eight major health plans in the United States, including Kaiser Permanente
Colorado. This Vaccine Safety Datalink is a powerful tool that allowed
researchers to review any reason why a child saw a doctor up to six weeks
after getting their shot and look for possible side effects. The study
found very few instances that required medical attention, none of which
were serious and significantly associated with the vaccine.
"We are very excited about these findings. Knowing that the influenza
vaccine is safe for children between the ages of six months and 23 months
is reassuring for both parents and pediatricians," said Simon Hambidge,
M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator for the study, and a pediatrician at
Denver Health. "As a researcher, it's reassuring to have such a large body
of evidence to reaffirm the safety of the vaccine and eliminate the shot
itself as a cause for why kids are getting sick. We also encourage parents
to make sure that their children receive all their regularly scheduled
immunizations along with the influenza vaccine so that they will be
protected from many serious illnesses."
Influenza is a leading vaccine-preventable cause of illness and death
in the United States. Children aged six - 23 months get hospitalized when
they are sick with the flu at rates as high as adults over the age of 65.
Two years ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommended flu shots for this age group. This year, the CDC expanded its
recommendation for children up to five years old. The best way to protect
children from getting sick is to have them receive the flu vaccine.
For more on the study, listen to Dr. Hambidge via podcast at
ckp.kp/newsroom/co.
This study is one of more than 100 research projects conducted every
year by the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Clinical Research Unit. The Clinical
Research Unit develops, conducts and translates high-quality research into
practice and works to promote evidence-based practices and
service-oriented, cost-effective medical care. The health plans that
participate in the CDC's Vaccine Safety Datalink include: Kaiser Permanente
Colorado, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Kaiser Permanente Southern
California, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Group Health Cooperative, Health
Partners and Marshfield. Harvard Pilgrim is the eighth site, but did not
participate in this project.
Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health plan and the largest private
health care provider in Colorado. Kaiser Permanente cares for more than
475,000 members in the Denver/Boulder and Colorado Springs areas. Kaiser
Permanente physicians and care teams focus on prevention as well as curing
disease, all in an effort to help patients live well and thrive. ckp.kp/newsroom/co
For more information on Kaiser Permanente Research, go to:
blog.kaiser-permanente/research/
Kaiser Permanente
kaiserpermanente/
воскресенье, 5 июня 2011 г.
Poorer Countries Could Struggle To Implement New International Health Regulations
Poorer countries could struggle to implement the new International Health Regulations (IHR) about to be brought into force, says an Editorial in this week's edition of The Lancet.
The aim of IHR, which goes live on June 15, is to prevent national public health emergencies from spreading internationally.
Countries are obliged to nominate a national focal point to communicate detailed public-health information to the World Health Organisation, including case definitions, number of cases and deaths and conditions affecting the spread of the disease. WHO would then decide if the threat was of international concern, and declare an emergency if necessary, as well as recommending containment measures and co-ordinating an international response.
The Editorial expresses concern that many developing countries do not have the core capacity to meet the demands of IHR, whilst others face political challenges - citing Taiwan as an example.
It says: "China fears that granting Taiwan WHO membership will be a step towards recognition of Taiwan as an independent state. But the greater fear should be the possibility that a public health emergency in Taiwan could rapidly spread throughout Asia and the around the world. For the IHR to work, no territory, whether Taiwan or the Occupied Palestinian Territory - can be excluded from the global surveillance system, especially in light of the threat posed by avian influenza."
The Editorial adds that to ensure global health security, countries not only have to protect the wellbeing of their own populations but also those of fellow nations. The international community has agreed a deadline of 2016 by which all WHO member states should be able to full implement the regulations.
It concludes: "Whether the technical, financial, and political barriers to this goal can be overcome by then remains to be seen. And whether global health threats, such as an avian influenza pandemic, will be neutralised is yet another disturbing uncertainty."
Contact: Lancet Press Office
Lancet
The aim of IHR, which goes live on June 15, is to prevent national public health emergencies from spreading internationally.
Countries are obliged to nominate a national focal point to communicate detailed public-health information to the World Health Organisation, including case definitions, number of cases and deaths and conditions affecting the spread of the disease. WHO would then decide if the threat was of international concern, and declare an emergency if necessary, as well as recommending containment measures and co-ordinating an international response.
The Editorial expresses concern that many developing countries do not have the core capacity to meet the demands of IHR, whilst others face political challenges - citing Taiwan as an example.
It says: "China fears that granting Taiwan WHO membership will be a step towards recognition of Taiwan as an independent state. But the greater fear should be the possibility that a public health emergency in Taiwan could rapidly spread throughout Asia and the around the world. For the IHR to work, no territory, whether Taiwan or the Occupied Palestinian Territory - can be excluded from the global surveillance system, especially in light of the threat posed by avian influenza."
The Editorial adds that to ensure global health security, countries not only have to protect the wellbeing of their own populations but also those of fellow nations. The international community has agreed a deadline of 2016 by which all WHO member states should be able to full implement the regulations.
It concludes: "Whether the technical, financial, and political barriers to this goal can be overcome by then remains to be seen. And whether global health threats, such as an avian influenza pandemic, will be neutralised is yet another disturbing uncertainty."
Contact: Lancet Press Office
Lancet
суббота, 4 июня 2011 г.
Japan bans Canadian poultry
A second, more virulent strain of avian flu (bird flu) has been found in British Columbia, Canada. As a result, the Japanese Agriculture Ministry has said that it is banning all poultry imports from Canada.
Only a few days ago the Japanese had just lifted a ban on Canadian poultry imports. This ban had been imposed in February.
Japan had banned all bird imports from many Asian countries. In Asia millions of birds have died of Avian Flu and 22 people have died.
Last Friday Japan had allowed imports to resume from Canada, with the exception of poultry from British Columbia.
After being told by the Canadian Government that a more virulent strain emerged in British Columbia the Japanese government decided to reintroduce the ban.
This new ban will last at least 90 days.
Less than 1% of Japan's chicken imports come from Canada.
Japan has its own bird flu problems. More than 200,000 birds have died or been culled in Japan since January, when the bird flu outbreak started in Japan.
Only a few days ago the Japanese had just lifted a ban on Canadian poultry imports. This ban had been imposed in February.
Japan had banned all bird imports from many Asian countries. In Asia millions of birds have died of Avian Flu and 22 people have died.
Last Friday Japan had allowed imports to resume from Canada, with the exception of poultry from British Columbia.
After being told by the Canadian Government that a more virulent strain emerged in British Columbia the Japanese government decided to reintroduce the ban.
This new ban will last at least 90 days.
Less than 1% of Japan's chicken imports come from Canada.
Japan has its own bird flu problems. More than 200,000 birds have died or been culled in Japan since January, when the bird flu outbreak started in Japan.
пятница, 3 июня 2011 г.
New Data For GlaxoSmithKline's Pre-pandemic H5N1 Influenza Vaccine, Prepandrix™, Show Administration Flexibility For Pandemic Planning
Results from two new clinical studies announced at the Third European Influenza Conference (ESWI) demonstrate that Prepandrix™, GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, confers broad cross-clade immunity that is maintained when the second dose is given many months after the first dose, and even if the second dose is formulated from a different H5N1 strain. Greater administration flexibility, adaptable to local pre-pandemic vaccination policies, could potentially reduce the impact on vital healthcare resources during the first intensive months of a pandemic.
"When indeed H5N1 would be at the basis of the next influenza pandemic, it is critical that a pre-pandemic H5N1 influenza vaccine provides broad and persistent immunity, also against drifted H5N1 strains." said Professor Albert Osterhaus, Head Department of Virology, Institute of Virology Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam. "GSK's pre-pandemic influenza vaccine has repeatedly demonstrated and now confirmed that this level of immunity can be maintained when the second dose is given many months after the first, even with a different H5N1 strain."
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that the world is now closer to another influenza pandemic than at any time since the last one in 1968,1 with the virus currently threatening to trigger a pandemic (H5N1) having a potential reported case fatality rate above 60%.2 The WHO has highlighted that vaccines are the most important intervention for preventing influenza and reducing its health consequences during a pandemic1.
A pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is the only vaccine which can be produced in advance and stockpiled today, allowing immediate availability in the event of a WHO declared pandemic. In contrast, a pandemic influenza vaccine can only go into production once the exact pandemic influenza strain is determined and declared, with the first doses being available a minimum of four months after the onset of a pandemic.2
The pre-pandemic influenza vaccine concept is based on using a currently circulating avian influenza virus likely to cause a pandemic, such as H5N1, to make a vaccine with the ability to raise immune protection against potential drift H5N1 strains. With experts citing immunisation with stockpiled pre-pandemic influenza vaccine as the most effective strategy for protecting entire populations,3,4 GSK's pre-pandemic vaccine will play a critical role in pandemic preparedness planning.
"These new data show that GSK's pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, is highly adaptable to local pandemic policies. Stockpiling of H5N1 vaccine and use of this vaccine is anticipated to provide the ability to offer protection to vaccinated individuals as well as to slow down the spread of the disease. New developments such as this make it vital for governments to continually evaluate their pandemic preparedness plans," said Jean StГ©phenne, President and General Manager GSK Biologicals. "We are actively working with governments and other organisations across the world to ensure the most effective pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is available to help protect against an influenza pandemic."
Study Results from ESWI
AS03 adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine allows highly flexible prime-boost vaccination strategy
The phase II, open, randomised study (in adults aged 18-60 years) evaluated the impact on the reactogenicity and immunogenicity when the second dose is administered between 21 days and up to six months after the first dose using GSK's adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine. A single booster dose of Prepandrix was administered six months after primary vaccination with either one or two dose(s) of the same adjuvanted vaccine. The results show that two vaccination doses, whether given 21 days or six months apart, elicit a comparable immune response against the vaccine strain. This confirms that the timing of administration with the second dose can be flexible and undertaken up to six months after first immunisation while maintaining the quality of the immune response. This highlights the robustness of the immunity achieved with the adjuvanted vaccine.
AS03 adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine: single dose primary vaccination with clade 1 vaccine strain leads to strong immune responsiveness to clade 2 strain booster vaccination
The phase II, open, randomised study (in adults aged 18-60 years) evaluated the cross-clade* immunity with a two dose vaccination schedule using GSK's adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 influenza vaccine. A single booster dose of the pre-pandemic influenza vaccine containing a clade 2.1 strain (drifted* H5N1 strain) was administered six months after primary vaccination with either one or two dose(s) of the pre-pandemic vaccine containing a clade 1 strain (Prepandrix). The clinical trial results show that a single dose primary vaccination with a clade 1 vaccine strain leads to strong immune responsiveness to the clade 2 strain booster vaccination. In addition, re-vaccination provides rapid and notable cross-clade immune responses against both strains.
A clade is the name given to groups of viral variants that are closely related from an evolutionary standpoint
Drift strains are the result of small, gradual changes in the genetic material that occur through point mutations (which are random and unpredictable) resulting in alterations to the main surface proteins, haemagglutinin, and neuraminidase
About GSK's Adjuvanted Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
GSK's H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is the first and only pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to be granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission (in 30 European states).The vaccine is an H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, designed to be given before or at the onset of a declared influenza pandemic to prevent influenza caused by the H5N1 virus type (avian influenza or 'bird flu'). GSK's vaccine is formulated with a novel proprietary adjuvant system, which is designed to achieve a high immune response at a low dose of antigen, and to be long-lasting and active against a broad range of H5N1 strains.
GSK is the world leader in pandemic influenza product development as it is the only company to operate a flexible portfolio of licensed pandemic products, including the pre-pandemic influenza vaccine (Prepandrix), a pandemic influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) and an influenza antiviral (Relenza®).
GlaxoSmithKline Supporting Pandemic Preparedness Plans
GSK has previously announced its intention to donate 50 million doses of its H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to the WHO in support of its stockpile initiative. The intended donation would help establish a much needed stockpile of pre-pandemic vaccines that can be distributed to the world's poorest countries at short notice by the WHO. Delivered over a three-year period, it would provide enough doses of vaccine for 25 million people at two injections per person. GSK supports this proactive strategy of worldwide stockpiling of H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine which may be able to save millions of lives by protecting some of the most vulnerable populations in the world at the outbreak of a pandemic.
GSK has already signed contracts with the US and several European countries, such as Switzerland and Finland, for the supply of its pre-pandemic vaccine and bulk antigen.
Prepandrix™, Pandemrix™ andRelenza® are trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information, visit GlaxoSmithKline at gsk.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK Bio) one of the world's leading vaccine manufacturers, is headquartered in Rixensart, Belgium, where the majority of GSK's activities in the field of vaccine research, development and production are conducted. GSK Bio employs more than 1,500 scientists, who are devoted to discovering new vaccines and developing more cost-effective and convenient combination products to prevent infections that cause serious medical problems worldwide. In 2007, GSK Bio distributed more than 1.1 billion doses of vaccines to 169 countries in both the developed and the developing world an average of 3 million doses a day. Of those vaccine doses, more than one in every ten doses delivered were combination vaccines intended to prevent up to six diseases in one vaccine.
Prepandrix™, Pandemrix™ andRelenza® are trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
References
1. WHO. Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response. Report by the Secretariat. EB115/44. 20 January 2005. (Accessed Aug 08)
2. Osterhaus Albert. Pre- or post-pandemic influenza vaccine? Editorial. Vaccine 2007; 25: 4983-4984.
3. Gambotto A, Barratt-Boyes SM, de Jong MD, Neumann G, Kawaoka Y. Human infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus. Lancet 2008; 371; 1464 - 75
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2007.
GlaxoSmithKline
gsk
View drug information on Relenza.
"When indeed H5N1 would be at the basis of the next influenza pandemic, it is critical that a pre-pandemic H5N1 influenza vaccine provides broad and persistent immunity, also against drifted H5N1 strains." said Professor Albert Osterhaus, Head Department of Virology, Institute of Virology Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam. "GSK's pre-pandemic influenza vaccine has repeatedly demonstrated and now confirmed that this level of immunity can be maintained when the second dose is given many months after the first, even with a different H5N1 strain."
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that the world is now closer to another influenza pandemic than at any time since the last one in 1968,1 with the virus currently threatening to trigger a pandemic (H5N1) having a potential reported case fatality rate above 60%.2 The WHO has highlighted that vaccines are the most important intervention for preventing influenza and reducing its health consequences during a pandemic1.
A pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is the only vaccine which can be produced in advance and stockpiled today, allowing immediate availability in the event of a WHO declared pandemic. In contrast, a pandemic influenza vaccine can only go into production once the exact pandemic influenza strain is determined and declared, with the first doses being available a minimum of four months after the onset of a pandemic.2
The pre-pandemic influenza vaccine concept is based on using a currently circulating avian influenza virus likely to cause a pandemic, such as H5N1, to make a vaccine with the ability to raise immune protection against potential drift H5N1 strains. With experts citing immunisation with stockpiled pre-pandemic influenza vaccine as the most effective strategy for protecting entire populations,3,4 GSK's pre-pandemic vaccine will play a critical role in pandemic preparedness planning.
"These new data show that GSK's pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, is highly adaptable to local pandemic policies. Stockpiling of H5N1 vaccine and use of this vaccine is anticipated to provide the ability to offer protection to vaccinated individuals as well as to slow down the spread of the disease. New developments such as this make it vital for governments to continually evaluate their pandemic preparedness plans," said Jean StГ©phenne, President and General Manager GSK Biologicals. "We are actively working with governments and other organisations across the world to ensure the most effective pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is available to help protect against an influenza pandemic."
Study Results from ESWI
AS03 adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine allows highly flexible prime-boost vaccination strategy
The phase II, open, randomised study (in adults aged 18-60 years) evaluated the impact on the reactogenicity and immunogenicity when the second dose is administered between 21 days and up to six months after the first dose using GSK's adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine. A single booster dose of Prepandrix was administered six months after primary vaccination with either one or two dose(s) of the same adjuvanted vaccine. The results show that two vaccination doses, whether given 21 days or six months apart, elicit a comparable immune response against the vaccine strain. This confirms that the timing of administration with the second dose can be flexible and undertaken up to six months after first immunisation while maintaining the quality of the immune response. This highlights the robustness of the immunity achieved with the adjuvanted vaccine.
AS03 adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine: single dose primary vaccination with clade 1 vaccine strain leads to strong immune responsiveness to clade 2 strain booster vaccination
The phase II, open, randomised study (in adults aged 18-60 years) evaluated the cross-clade* immunity with a two dose vaccination schedule using GSK's adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 influenza vaccine. A single booster dose of the pre-pandemic influenza vaccine containing a clade 2.1 strain (drifted* H5N1 strain) was administered six months after primary vaccination with either one or two dose(s) of the pre-pandemic vaccine containing a clade 1 strain (Prepandrix). The clinical trial results show that a single dose primary vaccination with a clade 1 vaccine strain leads to strong immune responsiveness to the clade 2 strain booster vaccination. In addition, re-vaccination provides rapid and notable cross-clade immune responses against both strains.
A clade is the name given to groups of viral variants that are closely related from an evolutionary standpoint
Drift strains are the result of small, gradual changes in the genetic material that occur through point mutations (which are random and unpredictable) resulting in alterations to the main surface proteins, haemagglutinin, and neuraminidase
About GSK's Adjuvanted Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine
GSK's H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine is the first and only pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to be granted marketing authorisation by the European Commission (in 30 European states).The vaccine is an H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, designed to be given before or at the onset of a declared influenza pandemic to prevent influenza caused by the H5N1 virus type (avian influenza or 'bird flu'). GSK's vaccine is formulated with a novel proprietary adjuvant system, which is designed to achieve a high immune response at a low dose of antigen, and to be long-lasting and active against a broad range of H5N1 strains.
GSK is the world leader in pandemic influenza product development as it is the only company to operate a flexible portfolio of licensed pandemic products, including the pre-pandemic influenza vaccine (Prepandrix), a pandemic influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) and an influenza antiviral (Relenza®).
GlaxoSmithKline Supporting Pandemic Preparedness Plans
GSK has previously announced its intention to donate 50 million doses of its H5N1 adjuvanted pre-pandemic influenza vaccine to the WHO in support of its stockpile initiative. The intended donation would help establish a much needed stockpile of pre-pandemic vaccines that can be distributed to the world's poorest countries at short notice by the WHO. Delivered over a three-year period, it would provide enough doses of vaccine for 25 million people at two injections per person. GSK supports this proactive strategy of worldwide stockpiling of H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine which may be able to save millions of lives by protecting some of the most vulnerable populations in the world at the outbreak of a pandemic.
GSK has already signed contracts with the US and several European countries, such as Switzerland and Finland, for the supply of its pre-pandemic vaccine and bulk antigen.
Prepandrix™, Pandemrix™ andRelenza® are trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information, visit GlaxoSmithKline at gsk.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK Bio) one of the world's leading vaccine manufacturers, is headquartered in Rixensart, Belgium, where the majority of GSK's activities in the field of vaccine research, development and production are conducted. GSK Bio employs more than 1,500 scientists, who are devoted to discovering new vaccines and developing more cost-effective and convenient combination products to prevent infections that cause serious medical problems worldwide. In 2007, GSK Bio distributed more than 1.1 billion doses of vaccines to 169 countries in both the developed and the developing world an average of 3 million doses a day. Of those vaccine doses, more than one in every ten doses delivered were combination vaccines intended to prevent up to six diseases in one vaccine.
Prepandrix™, Pandemrix™ andRelenza® are trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
References
1. WHO. Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response. Report by the Secretariat. EB115/44. 20 January 2005. (Accessed Aug 08)
2. Osterhaus Albert. Pre- or post-pandemic influenza vaccine? Editorial. Vaccine 2007; 25: 4983-4984.
3. Gambotto A, Barratt-Boyes SM, de Jong MD, Neumann G, Kawaoka Y. Human infection with highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus. Lancet 2008; 371; 1464 - 75
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2007.
GlaxoSmithKline
gsk
View drug information on Relenza.
четверг, 2 июня 2011 г.
New method to speed bird flu vaccine production, University of Wisconsin-Madison
In the event of an influenza pandemic, the world's vaccine manufacturers will be in a race against time to forestall calamity. But now, thanks to a new technique to more efficiently produce the disarmed viruses that are the seed stock for making flu vaccine in large quantities, life-saving inoculations may be available more readily than before. The work is especially important as governments worldwide prepare for a predicted pandemic of avian influenza.
Writing this week (Oct. 31, 2005) in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS), a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo report a new way to generate genetically altered influenza virus. The lab-made virus - whose genes are manipulated to disarm its virulent nature - can be seeded into chicken eggs to generate the vaccine used in inoculations, which prepare the human immune system to recognize and defeat the wild viruses that spread among humans in an epidemic or pandemic.
In their report, a team led by UW-Madison virologists Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Gabriele Neumann, describes an improved "reverse genetics" technique that makes it easier to make a seed virus in monkey kidney cells, which, like tiny factories, churn out millions of copies of the disarmed virus to be used to make vaccines.
In nature, viruses commandeer a cell's reproductive machinery to make new virus particles, which go on to infect other cells and make yet more virus particles. Vaccine makers use a monkey kidney cell line to make non-virulent viruses that serve as the raw material for vaccines. The technique reported by the Wisconsin team improves upon a previous reverse genetics method (developed by Kawaoka's group in 1999) by significantly reducing the number of plasmid vectors required to ferry viral genes into the monkey kidney cells used to produce the virus particles to make vaccines. "Compared to other types of cells, which are not approved for vaccine production, it is not always easy to introduce plasmids into the monkey kidney cells, which are approved for such use," says Kawaoka, an influenza expert and a professor of pathobiological sciences in UW-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine. Monkey kidney cells are used routinely for generation of seed strains for vaccine production because they are not known to carry any unknown infectious agents and do not cause tumors.
According to Kawaoka, "application of the new system may be especially advantageous in situations of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses."
When a new strain of highly virulent influenza emerges to infect humans, vaccine makers must tailor their vaccines to match it because, genetically, the virus is always different. The process is a race against time and can take months depending on how quickly new strains are identified, genetically disarmed and subsequently generated in the lab for use to make vaccines in large quantities. The new technique promises to ensure ready generation of seed strains for the production of vaccines required to blunt the spread of influenza. In the event of an outbreak of especially virulent strains of influenza, such as the H5N1 or "bird flu" viruses now being monitored by scientists, any efficiency in the manufacture of vaccines will be important.
The method devised by Kawaoka and his colleagues reduces the number of plasmids required to introduce viral genes into the monkey kidney cell lines used to mass produce the deactivated virus for use in vaccine manufacture. "By reducing the number of plasmids, we increase the efficiency of virus production," Kawaoka explains.
In addition to Kawaoka, the new PNAS report was authored by Neumann of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Ken Fujii of the University of Tokyo's Institute of Medical Sciences, and Yoichiro Kino of Japan's Chemo-Sero Therapeutic Research Institute. The work was funded by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Ministries of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and by the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology.
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
kawaokayvetmed.wisc
University of Wisconsin-Madison
wisc
Writing this week (Oct. 31, 2005) in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (PNAS), a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo report a new way to generate genetically altered influenza virus. The lab-made virus - whose genes are manipulated to disarm its virulent nature - can be seeded into chicken eggs to generate the vaccine used in inoculations, which prepare the human immune system to recognize and defeat the wild viruses that spread among humans in an epidemic or pandemic.
In their report, a team led by UW-Madison virologists Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Gabriele Neumann, describes an improved "reverse genetics" technique that makes it easier to make a seed virus in monkey kidney cells, which, like tiny factories, churn out millions of copies of the disarmed virus to be used to make vaccines.
In nature, viruses commandeer a cell's reproductive machinery to make new virus particles, which go on to infect other cells and make yet more virus particles. Vaccine makers use a monkey kidney cell line to make non-virulent viruses that serve as the raw material for vaccines. The technique reported by the Wisconsin team improves upon a previous reverse genetics method (developed by Kawaoka's group in 1999) by significantly reducing the number of plasmid vectors required to ferry viral genes into the monkey kidney cells used to produce the virus particles to make vaccines. "Compared to other types of cells, which are not approved for vaccine production, it is not always easy to introduce plasmids into the monkey kidney cells, which are approved for such use," says Kawaoka, an influenza expert and a professor of pathobiological sciences in UW-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine. Monkey kidney cells are used routinely for generation of seed strains for vaccine production because they are not known to carry any unknown infectious agents and do not cause tumors.
According to Kawaoka, "application of the new system may be especially advantageous in situations of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses."
When a new strain of highly virulent influenza emerges to infect humans, vaccine makers must tailor their vaccines to match it because, genetically, the virus is always different. The process is a race against time and can take months depending on how quickly new strains are identified, genetically disarmed and subsequently generated in the lab for use to make vaccines in large quantities. The new technique promises to ensure ready generation of seed strains for the production of vaccines required to blunt the spread of influenza. In the event of an outbreak of especially virulent strains of influenza, such as the H5N1 or "bird flu" viruses now being monitored by scientists, any efficiency in the manufacture of vaccines will be important.
The method devised by Kawaoka and his colleagues reduces the number of plasmids required to introduce viral genes into the monkey kidney cell lines used to mass produce the deactivated virus for use in vaccine manufacture. "By reducing the number of plasmids, we increase the efficiency of virus production," Kawaoka explains.
In addition to Kawaoka, the new PNAS report was authored by Neumann of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Ken Fujii of the University of Tokyo's Institute of Medical Sciences, and Yoichiro Kino of Japan's Chemo-Sero Therapeutic Research Institute. The work was funded by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Ministries of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and by the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology.
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
kawaokayvetmed.wisc
University of Wisconsin-Madison
wisc
среда, 1 июня 2011 г.
People Falling Ill Near To Chickens With Bird Flu, Nigeria
Two people have fallen ill with flu-like symptoms near the Sambawa Farms, Kaduna, where chickens are infected with the lethal H5N1 Bird Flu virus strain. Nigerian authorities say they are trying to establish whether these two people have been infected with the bird flu virus.
A few days bird flu infection among chickens was confirmed in northen Nigeria, in the state of Kaduna. A couple of days later it spilled into bordering states.
Information given out by Nigerian authorities as to exactly how many people may have bird flu like symptoms is patchy. Some say there are two people, while others say there are 'a few' suspected cases.
An rumour that a human case of bird flu was found in the south of Nigeria. There is no confirmation on whether this is true.
At the moment the procedure for confirming bird flu infection is as follows:
1. A sample is taken.
2. It is sent to a lab in Nigeria.
3. If it tests negative, that is the end of it.
4. It it tests positive, it is then sent abroad for confirmation.
Bird flu has made its way from Viet Nam, in south east Asia, across the world to Nigeria, in west Africa. Africa is a vast continent. If the virus spills over into Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the poorest regions in the world with a population of 600 million people, it will be extremely difficult to monitor. Local health experts say it would be virtually impossible to ask people in Sub Saharan Africa, many of whom are facing starvation, to surrender their chickens for culling.
People in Europe are concerned about the coming of Spring, when birds migrate from Africa to Europe (and parts of Asia).
Written by:
A few days bird flu infection among chickens was confirmed in northen Nigeria, in the state of Kaduna. A couple of days later it spilled into bordering states.
Information given out by Nigerian authorities as to exactly how many people may have bird flu like symptoms is patchy. Some say there are two people, while others say there are 'a few' suspected cases.
An rumour that a human case of bird flu was found in the south of Nigeria. There is no confirmation on whether this is true.
At the moment the procedure for confirming bird flu infection is as follows:
1. A sample is taken.
2. It is sent to a lab in Nigeria.
3. If it tests negative, that is the end of it.
4. It it tests positive, it is then sent abroad for confirmation.
Bird flu has made its way from Viet Nam, in south east Asia, across the world to Nigeria, in west Africa. Africa is a vast continent. If the virus spills over into Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the poorest regions in the world with a population of 600 million people, it will be extremely difficult to monitor. Local health experts say it would be virtually impossible to ask people in Sub Saharan Africa, many of whom are facing starvation, to surrender their chickens for culling.
People in Europe are concerned about the coming of Spring, when birds migrate from Africa to Europe (and parts of Asia).
Written by:
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