Washington D.C., [USA], March 22 (ANI): Researchers discovered that commonly utilized flu antivirals does not function effectively against the H5N1 avian influenza virus in cows' milk.
Current antiviral medications might not work well against this particular H5N1 avian influenza strain, and preventive actions like refraining from consuming unpasteurized milk and minimizing contact for those working with dairy could be the best methods to safeguard against infection.
As the H5N1 avian influenza As the outbreak persists in the United States, researchers are striving to gain deeper insights into the virus’s potential risks to public health.
The virus has been detected in the milk of dairy cattle and has led to infections among farm employees, which has prompted researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to investigate possible treatment options.
The findings indicated that within a preclinical model, two drugs approved by the FDA were shown to be effective as flu antivirals Generally, these treatments were unsuccessful in addressing severe H5N1 infections. Moreover, the study revealed that the method of infection—whether via the eyes, nose, or mouth—heavily influences how effective a treatment will be.
The research was published today in Nature Microbiology.
"The data we have indicates that treating individuals seriously affected by this particular bovine H5N1 avian influenza strain may prove quite challenging," stated corresponding author Richard Webby, PhD, from the St. Jude Department of Host-Microbe Interactions.
Alternatively, lowering the infection risk by avoiding unpasteurized milk consumption and decreasing exposure of dairy farm employees might be the most effective strategies.
Although H5N1 infections in humans are uncommon, over 60 individuals have contracted the virus from dairy-related exposures during the present outbreak.
A number of individuals contracted the infection via contact with raw cow's milk containing contaminants, including dairy employees who got sick from splashes or airborne particles entering their nasal passages or eyes.
Considering the hazards to human health, researchers employed a mouse model to assess the efficacy of various antiviral drugs against the virus under three distinct modes of exposure.
"Overall, baloxavir [Xofluza] led to a more significant decrease in viral load compared to oseltamivir [Tamiflu]; however, their effectiveness wasn’t consistent in every case," stated Jeremy Jones, PhD, the lead author from the St. Jude Department of Host-Microbe Interactions.
The study focused on infection pathways involving the eyes, mouth, and nose, as these are typically the primary avenues for viral transmission. Infections resulting from consuming raw contaminated cow’s milk via the oral route proved to be both severe and challenging to manage.
On the contrary, the findings indicated that baloxavir effectively managed infections affecting the eyes. This outcome holds particular significance since the ocular route seems to be the typical infection pathway for individuals who have direct contact with dairy cattle. (ANI)
0 Comments