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Dairy Worker in Nevada Infected by Bird Flu Strain Affecting Cows

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Identification of Rare PB2-D701N Mutation⁣ from a Patient with Severe … Sequence ⁤analysis of ‌the‌ other three human isolates containing PB2-D701N mutation indicated‍ that their HA protein‌ was ​the human protein ⁣present among circulating A … Human influenza A ‌H5N1 virus related to a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.Lancet 351 472-477. 10.1016/S0140-6736(97)11212- …

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URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376584/

Transmission of Influenza Virus in a Mammalian Host Is Increased by PB2 … Again, sequencing of the PB2 gene of one transmitted​ virus indicated that both the K627E and D701N mutations were retained. Thus, the amino acid change PB2 D701N favors the transmission of an⁣ H5N1 virus in a mammalian host and this mutation fully compensates for the lack of a lysine at position 627 in terms of transmission by the contact route.

URL: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1000252

PB2⁢ Mutations D701N and S714R⁣ Promote Adaptation of an Influenza H5N1 … ⁤Mutation D701N has been ‌observed in the PB2 protein of about 7%‍ of human H5N1 isolates, including⁤ strain A/Thailand/1(Kan-1)/04 (Kan-1 virus) .There is also evidence that this ⁢mutation contributes to the pathogenicity of H5N1 viruses in mice (19, 22).In the NLS region of‌ PB2 where D701N‌ is located, mutations have also been observed at……known to help the bird-adapted virus replicate in mammals more efficiently (PB2 D701N). To‍ date, this mutation has not been seen in D1.1 strains spreading in wild birds nor has it been seen in the⁢ B3.13 genotype circulating in dairy cows. Though, it⁣ was seen before in a 2023 human case in Chile. The CDC said it has‍ confirmed that ⁢the strain of D1.1 infecting ⁤the person ‍in Nevada also contains ‍the PB2 D701N mutation.

The USDA and CDC both reported that no other concerning mutations were found, including one that⁤ has been consistently identified in the B3.13 strain in cows. The CDC said it does not expect any changes to how ⁢the virus will interact with human ⁤immune responses or to antivirals.

Most importantly, to date, there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission, which would mark a perilous turn for⁢ the virus’s ability to spark an outbreak. For all these reasons, the CDC considers the risk to ‍the⁤ public low, though people​ with exposure to poultry, dairy cows, and birds are at higher risk and should take precautions.

To date, 967 herds across 16 ​states have been infected with H5N1 bird flu, and nearly 158‌ million commercial birds have been affected since 2022.


Expert Interview: The PB2-D701N Mutation in Influenza Virus ⁢Transmission

In the face of ongoing ⁢concerns‍ about avian influenza, especially the H5N1 ‍strain, scientists are⁢ investigating specific mutations that may impact viral⁣ transmission and⁤ pathogenicity.⁤ One mutation, PB2-D701N, has gained significant attention. ⁤in this interview, Dr. Emily Hart, a leading virologist and influenza ​expert,​ discusses the implications of this mutation with Senior Editor John Thompson ‌from World Today News.

Introduction to PB2-D701N mutation

John Thompson⁤ (JT): Dr. Hart, can you start by ⁤explaining what the ‍PB2-D701N mutation is and why it is‌ significant in the context‌ of influenza viruses?

Dr.Emily Hart (EH): Certainly, John.The PB2-D701N⁣ mutation refers to ​a ⁤specific change in the PB2 protein of the influenza virus, where the amino acid aspartic acid (D) is replaced​ by asparagine (N) at position ‌701. This mutation is significant because it has been observed⁤ to enhance the virus’s ability to transmit among mammals. Initial studies demonstrated that this change helps the influenza virus adapt‌ to ⁤its mammalian host, facilitating easier spread between hosts.

Transmission Enhancement in Mammalian Hosts

JT: How‌ does the PB2-D701N mutation ‌influence the ‌transmission of ⁤the influenza virus in ‍mammals?

EH: Research indicates that the PB2-D701N mutation enhances the transmission of H5N1 viruses in mammalian ⁤hosts. It effectively compensates for the⁣ lack of another crucial mutation, K627E, in terms of transmission.This means ⁣that even without ⁣the lysine at​ position 627,the virus⁤ can still transmit efficiently,making it ⁣a notable adaptation for mammalian hosts.

Pathogenicity and Adaptive Mechanisms

JT: How does this mutation ​relate to⁢ the pathogenicity of⁣ influenza viruses, especially in ‌human‌ cases?

EH: The PB2-D701N mutation ⁣has​ been observed in approximately 7% of ⁢human H5N1 isolates and⁣ is known to contribute to​ the virus’s pathogenicity in mice. This mutation occurs in the nuclear localization⁣ signal (NLS) region of the PB2 protein, facilitating more efficient replication in mammalian cells. Its presence in the⁣ Kan-1 virus strain and recent human cases also underscores its relevance‍ as⁣ an adaptive mechanism in human infections.

Recent Findings and‍ Implications

JT: There​ have been recent reports of the PB2-D701N mutation​ in human cases, including one in Nevada. What do these findings ⁤imply?

EH: ⁤ The recent revelation⁢ of the PB2-D701N mutation in a ⁤human case in Nevada is notable for several reasons.Firstly, it underscores the virus’s ongoing adaptation to human hosts.Secondly,while the mutation itself does not appear to alter the virus’s interaction⁢ with human immune responses or antivirals,it highlights the need for continued vigilance. Fortunately, ​there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, even though individuals ​with poultry⁣ exposure remain at ​higher risk.

Conclusion

JT: What are the ‌main takeaways from our ⁤discussion,‌ and what⁣ advice would you⁤ give to the public regarding avian ⁣influenza?

EH: The main takeaway is‌ that the PB2-D701N ​mutation contributes to the influenza​ virus’s adaptability and transmissibility in mammalian hosts. While it poses a concern, the lack of human-to-human transmission so ​far ‍keeps the public risk relatively low. ⁣Though, individuals exposed to poultry, ‌dairy cows, and wild birds should take precautions, and the public should remain informed about ongoing developments.⁢ Continued surveillance and research are crucial to understanding ⁢and mitigating the impact of avian influenza.

over 967​ herds ​across 16 states have been infected⁤ with ⁤H5N1 bird flu, affecting nearly⁢ 158 million commercial birds ⁤since 2022.

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