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Scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans

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Summary
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88% Informative

A single mutation in the H5N1 virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus' ability to attach to human cells.

The flu virus attaches to its host via a protein called hemagglutinin that binds to glycan receptors on the surfaces of host cells.

Previous cases in which avian viruses adapted to infect and transmit between humans required multiple mutations.

Researchers stress that even a single mutation that changes how H5N1 binds to human cells shouldn't be overlooked.

There's no immediate cause for alarm, but the findings highlight the need for proactive surveillance of evolution.

"Continuing to track genetic changes as they happen will give us an edge," says Wilson .

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93

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96

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Article tone

formal

Language

English

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66

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long-living

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