Monday, April 6, 2015

Genetic mutation helps explain why, in rare cases, flu can kill



Most of us are capable of recovering from the flu with fluids and proper rest. For some children though, catching the influenza virus is much more severe and can require hospital time. In these rare cases its possible a genetic mutation is to blame. This mutation prevents individuals from producing a protein, interferon, that helps fight off the virus. The findings from this research suggest that one could treat severe cases of the flu with interferon as it is available commercially.  
            In this article, a young girl developed acute respiratory distress syndrome after catching the flu and had to be hospitalized. Years after and recovered, the girl had her genome sequenced in order to search for any mutations that could explain this vulnerability to the influenza virus. Researchers found that the girl inherited two differently mutated copies of the gene IRF7, which encodes a protein that amplifies the production of interferon, a critical part to the body’s response to viral infections. Although she remains susceptible to severe reactions to new influenza viruses, annual vaccination against the seasonal flu has prevented the occurrence of severe symptoms.

            This research shows how an individual’s genes can affect the severity of the influenza virus. It also shows the importance of the annual flu vaccine as it could help prevent susceptible individuals from contracting a potentially dangerous virus. 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/291576.php

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27252-french-toddler-nearly-killed-by-flu-had-gene-mutation.html#.VSMHn_nF-So

No comments:

Post a Comment