Scientists at heart of genomic sequencing
08 May 2009
Scientists at the MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) have been collaborating with scientists in Israel, Portugal and the UK in the past week to gain a better understanding of the genetic characteristics of the swine-like human influenza A (H1N1) viruses responsible for outbreaks in Europe.
NIMR, which houses the World Influenza Centre, one of the five World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza, started receiving and working on samples of the novel H1N1 virus last week.
The H1N1 strain, which combines genes from human, swine and avian influenza viruses has a novel complex genetic make-up, according to scientists.
Dr Alan Hay, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre at NIMR, said: “We are continuing to work on comparing the genomic sequences of the H1N1 virus in samples from patients in various countries to determine the diversity of the viruses and to detect any changes which may reveal how the virus might adapt as it continues to spread more widely.
“As a WHO Collaborating Centre we receive clinical specimens and isolated viruses for antigenic and genetic analysis, the result of which form the basis for WHO recommendations on the composition of vaccines used annually in countries all over the world.
“We will constantly monitor and analyse samples of the H1N1 virus for changes in the virus structure and share the information with our collaborating partners at the Health Protection Agency in the UK and at public health laboratories in other countries, as well as the WHO.
“Our collaborations with the WHO and the HPA are essential to gain an understanding of the changing characteristics of the H1N1 virus in relation to its epidemiology and impact.”
Dr John McCauley, influenza virologist at NIMR said: “So far there are no unexpected changes between the samples. Although we are seeing some degree of diversity, it is of little significance.
“We know that viruses can mutate rapidly and possibly become resistant to antivirals so we are eager to receive more samples and continually monitor any changes in the H1N1 strain.”
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Notes:
• The Medical Research Council established the World Influenza Centre (WIC) at NIMR, following the introduction of influenza vaccine in the 1940s, and after the World Health Organization (WHO) had just been formed. Today the WIC is one of five WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza which, together with some 120 National Influenza Centres across the globe, comprise the WHO Global Surveillance Network.
