Scientists discover how H7N9 can infect human

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 8, 2013
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Chinese scientists have discovered that a type of H7N9 can bind with a human receptor — explaining how the virus can infect human beings.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences focused on how H7N9 infected human beings, examining the two earliest reported virus types — known as isolates.

These were SH-H7N9, discovered in Shanghai, and AH-H7N9, found in Anhui Province.

Researchers evaluated the viral hemagglutinin receptor binding properties of the two isolates. A receptor is a protein molecule to which a substance can bind. A virus has to combine with a receptor in order to infect the host.

Researchers found that SH-H7N9 binds with the avian receptor analog, whereas the AH-H7N9 binds with avian and human receptor analogs.

Researchers warned the H7N9 virus must be closely monitored for mutation.

H7N9 bird flu has killed 45 people on the Chinese mainland since late March.

The research was published online recently by “Science” journal.

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