Research on avian influenza in humans

A virologist from the University of Ottawa begins a research project to better understand the. For example, transmission of the avian influenza virus in humans. Consequently, For this, he requests the participation of 100 agricultural workers in Quebec and Ontario.

Professor Marc-André Langlois of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa directs this research project in order. Therefore, to better understand the Virus of the Avian Influenza H5N1. Nevertheless, The detection of this virus has been very publicized in recent years. Moreover, especially last year with the multiplication of cases of infections in dairy cattle in the United States.

Virologist, Marc-André Langlois has a research history on viruses. Nevertheless, Before the pandemic. For example, he worked on the virus responsible for AIDS, then, during the pandemic, on the SARS-COV-2 responsible for the COVID-19.

The propagation of the H5N1 avian influenza virus among dairy cattle last year led it to. Meanwhile, apply for a grant to study this virus. Meanwhile, “When we see a virus infecting animals from different species. Similarly, for us, virologists, it is an alert signal that the virus is evolving,” he explains.

“The virus is trying to find new animal tanks to be able to spread. For example, And that’s what sounded the alarm with virologists. We just got out of a pandemic. We don’t want another one. And this virus has the potential to be a pandemic virus, but we are research avian influenza humans not returned there. The virus does not have the potential for transmission from human to human. This is why it is an ideal moment to study the virus. »»

During the last 15 to 20 years, there have been around 900 infections in humans. “Some strains of these H5N1 viruses have the capacity to cause the mortality of 50% of infected people. Additionally, ” said the researcher.

For the strain having infected dairy cows, around 10% of infected humans died. “So it is a very very dangerous virus when it jumps into humans,” says the virologist.

However, very little research has been carried out to understand the transmission of the virus in humans. Dr. Langlois explains that there was one in the United States. but on veterinarians, not on workers who are most exposed to the virus.

According to the researcher, people working directly with poultry have possibly already exposed research avian influenza humans to the virus without knowing it.

Study

The researcher therefore wishes to recruit 100 agricultural workers who will voluntarily agree to participate in the project for 10 months. Every two months. participants will have to take a sample of dried blood and saliva that they will return to the laboratory. Videos explain how to take the samples.

All the equipment is provided and the return boxes are already preceded and pre -raw. In exchange, participants receive a gift card from the St-Hubert or Swiss chalet restaurant chain.

The blood sample is taken using a drop of blood at the end of your finger. such as the blood sugar test for diabetics. The drop will be placed on a box provided for this.

This blood sample will allow. by the analysis of antibodies, to assess whether the person has already been exposed to the H5N1 virus.

The saliva sample will research avian influenza humans detect whether the person has the active virus in the airways. Marc-André Langlois explains that, just like for COVID, the person can have the active virus without demonstrating symptoms.

If the person declares in their form that they have symptoms of respiratory infection. several pathogens will be detected to check the source of the infection. If the test is positive at the H5N1. the team will check, using the antibodies present in the blood sample if the antibodies have the capacity to effectively fight the virus.

Participants will receive the results of analyzes as the project progresses. A final report is scheduled for the end of 10 months.

Marc-André Langlois explains that some agricultural producers have already told him that they refused to participate because in the. event of a positive test for the saliva sample-for the active virus-researchers are required to declare it to Health Canada. Aviary influenza is research avian influenza humans a compulsory declaration disease.

However, he underlines the importance of this research project for the best understanding of the virus. He wonders if workers who have already been exposed to the virus have greater potential to demonstrate better protection. in the event of a more severe virus infection.

Anyone interested in participating in the project. or simply curious to know more, can follow this link to the research project. Researchers have until September 24 to recruit the 100 participants.

This study is financed by the Research Center on preparation for pandemics and health emergencies of Canada’s health research institutes (IRSC)

To read on the same subject:
The avian influenza among cattle will not disappear
Understanding avian influenza among dairy cattle