Avian Flu H5N1 is mutating

28/Sep/2006: The H5N1 strain of avian flu, which has killed nearly 150 people worldwide, has started to show signs of mutation that could make this virus resistant to anti-viral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and other vaccines that will be developed in future, according to a WHO scientist. Mike Perdue, a team leader with the WHO’s influenza program said that this strain is splitting in to genetically different groups, which will make it hard for the scientists to develop vaccines to fight this disease.

Scientists are confident of developing a vaccine for the H5N1 strain in future, but fear that they may require new vaccines every year, if the H5N1 begins to mutate more rapidly like the seasonal flu viruses. Perdue said that the H5N1 strain is genetically variable and vaccines developed today against this virus may not hold good tomorrow.

The H5N1 strain has already showing resistance against the two most effective anti-viral drugs, the Tamiflu and Amantadine drugs, with surveillance and clinical studies confirming it. Many scientists believe that these drugs will not be effective against the H5N1 strain in future.

If the H5N1 strain mutates and acquires the ability to transmit from humans to humans like the common flu, the resulting pandemic could shatter the world’s economy, killing millions of people around the world.
K Siva

Further Reading
http://www.vaccine-info.com/