 |
|
Scientists learn why the flu may turn deadly
May 05, 2009New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that the influenza virus 'paralyzes' the immune system
As the swine flu continues its global spread, researchers from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have discovered important clues about why influenza is more severe in some people than it is in others. In their research study published online in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology (http://www.jleukbio.org), the scientists show that the influenza virus can actually paralyze the immune systems of otherwise healthy individuals, leading to severe secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. Furthermore, this immunological paralysis can be long-lived, which is important to know when developing treatment strategies to combat the virus.
According to Kathleen Sullivan, M.D., Ph.D., the senior researcher involved in the study and Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, "We have a very limited understanding of why some people who get influenza simply have a bad cold and other people become very sick and even die. The results of this study give us a much better sense of the mechanisms underlying bacterial infections arising on top of the viral infection."
Sullivan and colleagues recruited pediatric patients with severe influenza and examined the level of cytokines, which serve as the first line initiators of immune response, in the blood plasma. Although they found elevated levels of cytokines, they also found a decreased response of toll-like receptors, which activate immune cell responses as a result of invading microbes. This suggests that the diminished response of these receptors may be responsible for the paralysis of the immune system, leading to secondary bacterial infections. The influenza patients were compared with patients with moderate influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and a control group of healthy individuals. The immune paralysis appeared to be specifically a result of influenza infection and was not seen in patients with respiratory syncytial virus. This process might explain why one quarter of children who die from influenza, die from a bacterial infection occurring on top of the virus.
"Despite major medical advances since the devastating flu outbreak of 1918 and 1919, influenza virus infection remains a very serious threat," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, "and the current swine flu outbreak is a grim reminder of this fact. The work by Dr. Sullivan and colleagues brings us a step closer to understanding exactly what goes wrong in some people who get the flu, so, ultimately, physicians can develop more effective treatment strategies."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Sullivan and colleagues recruited pediatric patients with severe influenza and examined the level of cytokines, which serve as the first line initiators of immune response, in the blood plasma. Although they found elevated levels of cytokines, they also found a decreased response of toll-like receptors, which activate immune cell responses as a result of invading microbes. This suggests that the diminished response of these receptors may be responsible for the paralysis of the immune system, leading to secondary bacterial infections. The influenza patients were compared with patients with moderate influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and a control group of healthy individuals. The immune paralysis appeared to be specifically a result of influenza infection and was not seen in patients with respiratory syncytial virus. This process might explain why one quarter of children who die from influenza, die from a bacterial infection occurring on top of the virus.
"Despite major medical advances since the devastating flu outbreak of 1918 and 1919, influenza virus infection remains a very serious threat," said John Wherry, Ph.D., Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, "and the current swine flu outbreak is a grim reminder of this fact. The work by Dr. Sullivan and colleagues brings us a step closer to understanding exactly what goes wrong in some people who get the flu, so, ultimately, physicians can develop more effective treatment strategies."
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Swine Flu Current Events and Swine Flu News RSSPoll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it
A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.
Sneezing in times of a flu pandemic
The swine flu (H1N1) pandemic has received extensive media coverage this year. The World Health Organization, in addition to providing frequent updates about cases of infection and death tolls, recommends hyper vigilance in daily hygiene such as frequent hand washing or sneezing into the crook of our arms.
Pandemic flu vaccine campaigns may be undermined by coincidental medical events
The effectiveness of pandemic flu vaccination campaigns - like that now underway for H1N1 - could be undermined by the public incorrectly associating coincidental and unrelated health events with the vaccines.
TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test
The Phoenix-based non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) announced today that, along with a business collaborator, it will submit a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of a new test to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus.
Swine flu vaccine must be free and safe for high uptake
Almost half of adults surveyed in Summer 2009 in Hong Kong (45%) say they would take up free swine flu vaccination.
Triple-Combo Drug Shows Promise Against Antiviral-Resistant Swine Flu, UAB Researcher Says
An experimental drug cocktail that includes three prescriptions now widely available offers the best hope in developing a single agent to treat drug-resistant H1N1 swine flu, says a virology researcher in the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?
This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the "Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease," a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics-with all its associated tools and techniques-can provide insights into our understanding of emerging infectious disease.
Important new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation
Each year 3-5 million people have severe cases and 250-500,000 die from complications of seasonal influenza world-wide. This year, the novel 2009 H1N1 (nH1N1) influenza, previously called swine flu, has reached pandemic status.
Major swine flu outbreak at US Air Force Academy, unique opportunity to study virus behavior
With the 2009 influenza season upon us, characterization of the epidemiology and duration of shedding for the nH1N1 virus is critical. Investigators from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Consult Service capitalized on a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights about the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus, including shedding patterns, during a recent large-scale swine flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Earlier flu viruses provided some immunity to current H1N1 influenza, study shows
University of California, Davis, researchers studying the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, formerly referred to as "swine flu," have identified a group of immunologically important sites on the virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses that have been circulating for years.
More Swine Flu Current Events and Swine Flu News Articles
 |
H1N1 and Swine Influenza (Flu) Protection Kit w/ N95 Masks - Meets CDC Guidelines for H1N1 and Swine Flu by JIB EDP Protect against all Influenza's (Flu) Help protect yourself and your family with this Flu Defense Kit. The masks contained in the kit are N95 rated and meet guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services for influenza (flu) protection. In addition to this kit, you MUST: Stay informed. - Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. - Take everyday actions to stay healthy. -Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. - Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. - Stay home... |
 |
Global Time Bomb: Surviving the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic and Other Global Health Threats by John M. Dorrance (Editor) How might a global flu pandemic affect you and your family? How can you avoid it, and what will you do if someone in your household contracts it? Here you will learn how to identify, prevent, and treat H1N1 swine flu. Information for individuals, caregivers, as well as medical professionals is provided in this complete guide. In addition to swine flu facts, information on other potential global health threats is included. |
 |
N95 Health Mask Gerson 20 Masks by Gerson The Gerson® 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator is a unique product. First developed for use in industrial settings with its special filtering material proven to protect in non-oil areas. Along with its smooth inner lining ensures worker comfort in high heat and humidity. But the Gerson 1730 also meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. This is one unique product that serves two purposes. Respiratory protection for your doctors, nurses, healthcare providers and for your maintenance personnel. |
 |
Swine Flu: What You Need to Know (2009) by A. M. Dumar (Author) The Swine Flu: What You Need to Know is the first book covering the 2009 outbreak of the Swine Flu. It contains an easy-to-understand history and pandemics in general and the Swine Flu in particular, as well as information on signs, symptions, diagnosis, and treatment. Special sections cover how to protect children and what supplies should be kept in your house, in case the pandemic shuts down work and shopping. |
 |
GIANT Microbes Plush Doll Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1) by Giant Microbes This little piggy had swine flu, this little piggy had none. Giant Microbes are stuffed 'animals' that look like tiny microbesonly a million times actual size! Each 5-to-7 inch doll is accompanied by an image of the real microbe it represents, as well as information about the microbe. They make great learning tools for parents and educators, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor! |
 |
Surgical Molded Face Duramask 1890 - 50ct Box (White Mask) by DuraMask INDICATIONS:Molded Face Masks:Molded face masks are manufactured of soft, cool, comfortable materials.Fiberglass free .Fluid resistant.Flared soft edges to fit all facial contours .Adjustable aluminum nose piece .Dual head straps for tight facial seal .La |
 |
The Swine Flu Affair: Decision-making on a Slippery Disease by Richard E. Neustadt (Author), Harvey V. Fineberg (Author) The Swine Flu Affair contains a reconstruction of the events leading up to and surrounding the swine flu immunization program, which has been gathered by combining press accounts, hearings, official files, and interviews with participants. This study will be of value to all who are interested in the process by which large decisions are made. |
|
Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt (Mens Large, White) by Bewild Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. This is the shirt that is GUARANTEED to keep people away from you! With all the media hype over Swine Flu millions of people are running scared in fear of an epidemic. Now you too can be a "carrier" with this awesome Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. It has a mad little piggy on it and it assures you will be left alone in public, and if people have a sense of humor they are sure to crack a smile. This shirt is perfect to wear to school and work. You are sure to be as happy as a pig in shit in this awesome graphic tee! | |
 |
Kimberly-Clark- N95 Surgical Partical Filter Mask, 50ct (Swine Flu Prevention) by Kimberly Clark |
 |
Surviving The Swine Flu: Revised Second Edition by Dr. Gary L. Vincent Ph.D. (Author) The H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic is upon us! "Surviving The Swine Flu" takes a thorough and comprehensive look at the Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009, its origins, and the history of influenza. This REVISED SECOND EDITION contains over 30% newer content to keep up with the breaking news! Written by Dr. Gary L. Vincent, this book examines over a hundred reports to help you decide truth from fiction, and what you can do about it. You will learn: - what a pandemic is - what similar events have occurred in the past - several treatment methods that exist today - maintenance steps to keep you healthy - nutraceuticals and their role to combat this problem Complete with illustrations, "Surviving The Swine Flu" is a handy and convenient reference guide to assist you in preventing and... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |