Cases of swine flu (influenza A- H1N1 virus) continue to be recorded on a daily basis. So far, 2o countries have officially reported 985 cases influenza A- H1N1 virus infection. The research started at the World Influenza Centre , Mill Hill, will be vital for understanding the structure of the virus, its origin, transmission and its potential to cause illness. Analysis done so far suggests that H1N1 is a mild strain compared to H5N1 avian flu strain. The initial indications are largely guesswork from the available genetic sequence of the virus and comparing that to what is known from the research wok on other influenza viruses. The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge will soon begin the gene sequencing of the virus and will also be monitoring any mutations or changes how virulent it is. More biological analysis is necessary to have a proper understanding about the potential H1N1 virus. Scientists have played down the concerns that the milder H1N1 virus could combine with H5N1 to form a "supervirus". Avian flu strain, H5N1 has been around for a decade without combining with normal seasonal flu virus. But scientists do agree that it is difficult to predict new pandemic strains.
BioMed Central has compiled a collection of recently published research articles, commentaries, reviews and editorials relating to influenza A - H1N1 virus.
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