Scientists have identified a gene that prevents humans from becoming infected by the vast majority of bird flu viruses, a discovery they say will help reduce the risk of pandemics in the future 🔎 BawdenTom reports
Known as BTN3A3, the gene is present in all humans and can be found in the lungs and upper respiratory tract, where flu viruses replicate.
Following this discovery, the hope is that wild birds and poultry could be routinely tested for BTN3A3-resistant viruses to help determine whether they have human pandemic potential, so that strict steps may be taken to contain the virus, such as extra large culls of infected birds or potentially isolating humans that come into contact with them.
“Control measures against emerging avian flu viruses can be tailored specifically against those that are BTN3A3-resistant, in addition to other genetic traits known to be important for transmission,” she said.
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