In an attempt to learn what evolutionary steps are required for the H5N1 bird flu virus to mutate into a pandemic strain, scientists around the world have been working to create new laboratory strains and testing them for biological fitness and virulence.
Last September, one of the best known researchers in the world - Ron Fouchier of Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam - revealed at a scientific conference that he’d managed to turn H5N1 into a virulent, and easily transmissible (among ferrets, anyway) pathogen.
(You can read about this work in Katherine Harmon’s Sci-Am article and in a follow up to this story in New Scientist: Five Easy Mutations.)
While still unpublished, there are growing concerns over the wisdom of conducting research like this, and its eventual publication. Some fear that this knowledge could be used by bioterrorists to engineer a bio-weapon (see NPR: Bio-Terrorism Concerns Over Bird Flu Research).
On Thursday Robert Roos of CIDRAP wrote on this issue in:
H5N1 transmission experiment stirs concern
Robert RoosNews Editor
Nov 17, 2011 (CIDRAP News) – A national biosecurity board that monitors "dual use" research is apparently worried about an as-yet-published study in which a mutant form of H5N1 avian influenza virus was found to be easily transmissible in ferrets, which are considered good models for flu in humans.
(Continue . . .)
This morning Helen Branswell of the Canadian Press brings us a detailed look at this growing controversy. Follow the link to read the article in its entirety.
Highly recommended.
Debate rages over new bird flu research; some argue it's not safe to publish
November 19, 2011 - 08:05
Helen Branswell, The Canadian Press
TORONTO - New bird flu research that shows that the dangerous virus can mutate to become easily transmissible among ferrets — and perhaps humans — has embroiled the scientific community in a difficult debate.
(Continue . . . )
A Brief Personal Note:
I've been called away on a family medical emergency and do not expect to be back at my desk until late Monday (21st) or early Tuesday (22nd). In the meantime, please avail yourself to the links to bloggers, newsgathers, and flu forums in my sidebar for the latest on flu and emerging infectious diseases.
