East and South East Asia- Incubators for Influenza Virus
posted in Latest News |
Southeast Asia and East Asia are incubators for influenza viruses, particularly their new strains, which spread to all parts of the world. Two new studies indicate that the virus spreads through cities, such as Bangkok and Hong Kong as well as to other countries.
Colin Russell, University of Cambridge, U.K., as author of the study, claims that for more than 60 years, worldwide migration of the influenza viruses has been more of a mystery.
The new research observations will help scientists to predict the evolution of the common influenza virus, A (H3N2), which could help in the improvement of flu vaccines.
The research team analyzed 13,000 samples of influenza A (H3N2) virus , which had been collected all over six continents, covering a period from 2002 to 2007. The findings appeared in the April 2008 issue of Science.
New strains of the virus initially appeared in Southeast Asia and East Asia. It then proceeded to Europe as well as North America after a period of nine to six months. Several months later, the virus appeared in South America. The reason why South America was the last to be infected is because people travel less to that continent from South East Asia and East Asia.
The researchers claim that once the virus strains leave the place, where they originated, they rarely return to that place. They also feel that South East Asia and East Asia are popular breeding spots for these viruses, because they are densely populated and well connected to cities within the region.