It is not unusual for two respiratory viruses to infect a human at the same time. Until now, researchers have not been able to clearly explain how co-infections occur and how pathogens react in an organism. A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow has now found the first clue to the mechanism behind it. Accordingly, the two viruses fuse with each other and even bypass the immune system, which can worsen the course of the disease.

Researchers discover hybrid virus of influenza and RSV

Respiratory viruses all target one area of ​​the body. So they are also in a kind of community.” We need to understand how these transitions relate to each other to get a more complete picture of the biology of each. virus to receive”, quote”GuardiansStudy leader Dr Joan Haney. To understand this process, they infected lung cells with influenza virus A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Scientists said in the study published in the journal Nature Microbiology that the two viruses are linked together.

Hybrid virus said to fuel deadly lung infection

Professor Pablo Murcia, who led the study, said: ‘This type of hybrid virus has never been described before. “These are viruses from two completely different families that bind to the genome and the proteins external to both viruses. This is a new type of viral agent.” What is also surprising about the connection is that the hybrid virus was able to enter neighboring cells and even release antibodies against the influenza virus. For this, the RSV protein was used, which infects other lung cells.

This can potentially increase the risk of developing serious viral pneumonia, Dr. Stephen Griffin Dr. Virologist Stephen Griffin of the University of Leeds. In the worst case, this lung infection can be fatal. In general, the influenza virus does not penetrate deeply and is more likely to affect the nose, throat or trachea. However, RSV penetrates deeper into the lung tissue. According to Griffin, however, more research is needed to prove that hybrid viruses can cause serious diseases. The research team now wants to find out whether not only influenza and RSV, but other virus combinations can also form hybrids. “My guess is that’s the case. And I think the same thing happens with animals. [Viren] is the case. This is just the beginning of a long journey that will hopefully bring very interesting discoveries,” Murcia said.

Read also: Is transmission possible in humans? Ebola-like virus discovered in monkeys

obey News.de already Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest And youtube, Here you will find the latest news, latest videos and direct line to the editors.

boss/news.de