H1N1 virus witnesses small genetic mutation
Indian Express: The influenza ‘A’ H1N1 virus isolated from the throat swab samples of two infected patients at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) has shown a small genetic mutation.
Speaking to TOI on Wednesday, NIV director A C Mishra said that the clinical severity of the mutation was yet to be analysed. Asked whether the virus has turned deadlier, he reiterated, “It is premature to comment on the severity of the virus. Further study of the antigenic variations of the virus is required. The significance of this point mutation is yet to be understood.”
The NIV shared the mutation of the virus with experts of the World Health Organisation (WHO) via video-conferencing on Tuesday.
“It is a small genetic mutation, which was detected in the haemagglutinin (HA) region of the virus’ gene. We are studying the antigenic drift of the virus now, which will give us a clear picture of the nature of the virus,” said Mishra.
The mutation of the virus is similar to what is being seen in a few European countries and is happening almost simultaneously too, Mishra said. Elaborating the mutation phenomenon, consulting microbiologist and immunologist Siddharth Dalvi said, “A mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence or composition of a particular gene.
The simplest mutation is called a point mutation as there is a change in a single nucleotide in the entire gene. However, such apparently minor changes may result in drastic changes in the resulting protein molecule. For example, it may lead to drug resistance or change in virulence.”
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