Texas Biomed researching vaccines and treatments for highly pathogenic avian influenza
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) are studying potential vaccines, antivirals and antibodies against highly pathogenic avian influenza, including H5N1 strains that closely mirror the one recently detected in cows, chickens and one person in Texas. This is only the second human case of H5N1 bird flu to be reported in the United States, which officials said was contracted through contact with dairy cows. The influenza subtype primarily infects wild birds and poultry, but has also spilled over into a variety of mammals. This is the first time the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus has been detected in cattle. „Thankfully, the risk of the current H5N1 case becoming widespread among people remains low,“ said Larry Schlesinger, M.D., Texas Biomed President and CEO. „But viruses adapt and evolve – especially influenza viruses – which is why it is so critical to be studying them and…
