Return to TB & Outbreaks Alert Section
Study findings from University of Michigan broaden understanding of bird flu
April 28th, 2008
2008 APR 28 -- "The second annual Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Conference, which took place in February 2007 in Arlington, Virginia, focused on recent progress in basic and clinical research regarding preparedness for outbreaks of influenza. Sporadic outbreaks of avian influenza A in Asia and the Middle East remind us that the threat of another influenza pandemic remains real," scientists in the United States report. "Although the exact mechanisms underlying avian influenza A human pathogenicity remain unclear, preclinical studies in animal models provide insights into the mechanisms of avian influenza A virus infection and transmission from bird to human and, rarely, from human to human. With regard to prevention, developmental studies of adjuvant-supplemented vaccines indicate promising immunogenicity and cross-reactivity. The pipeline of new antiviral agents in development is also increasing, including a new neuraminidase inhibitor and agents aimed at completely new targets. Global strategic planning efforts focus on assuring sufficient stocks of vaccines and antiviral agents, as well as timely nonpharmacological interventions to potentially delay or contain spread of an outbreak," wrote A.S. Monto and colleagues, University of Michigan. The researchers concluded: "These initiatives will also help control outbreaks of seasonal influenza." Monto and colleagues published their study in Clinical Infectious Diseases (Seasonal and pandemic influenza: A 2007 update on challenges and solutions. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2008;46(7):1024-1031). For more information, contact A.S. Monto, University of Michigan, School Public Health, Dept. of Epidemiology, 109 Observ St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases is: University Chicago Press, 1427 E 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637-2954, USA. Keywords: United States, Ann Arbor, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Bird Flu, Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Research, Clinical Trials, Immunization, Pre-Trials Research, Viral, Virus, University of Michigan. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
Return to TB & Outbreaks Alert Section
|
