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