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Comments: 7 Last by Erika Villanueba on Nov 29, 2011, 11:24pm
If I had to pick any one pathogen to call my "favorite", it would be the influenza virus. In truth, it picked me. It's a passion of my boss/mentor, so naturally much of my work and study has revolved around various influenza viruses. Zoonotic influenza research is the primary focus of his applied laboratory in which I work. Our "niche" is occupational animal exposures as risk factors for zoonotic influenza infections. From the countless grant proposals, manuscripts, and undergrad lecturing, to a key component of my dissertation, I've developed quite an interest in this virus and even consider it as a career focus after graduating.
This first post of the blog series will cover the basics of influenza A viruses and their pandemic potential. Later I'll go into the epidemiology of influenza viruses, but this first post serves as a starting point. A word of caution: I'm not a virologist, so I've kept things simple. Now let's jump right in...
Influenza virus basics. There are three species, or types, of influenza viruses (A, B, and C). Humans can be infected with all types, but influenza A is the most virulent. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoirs for most influenza A viruses, but through various modes of transmission . . .
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I just came to this site from Kyle Lewis Amoeba Awareness Foundation site where I read about Kyle. I am not involved in Science or . . .Read More
Very nice post for an actual problem. this is great. I ilke you style of writing!) I think if you would be at scholl you could to Read More
The information that you provided is very interesting. I researched the H5N1 Virus for a research paper that I did and I found that there have been a few cases where people have only came close to . . .Read More
Great blog! I became super fascinated with this amoebic parasite ever since I took a Parasitology course 2-3 years ago and then last year (senior undergrad) when I did a mock research proposol stud. . .Read More
I can't believe that our most beloved pet dog can cause us health problems. I also have a dog and I always hug her, cuddle with her and even go to sleep while she's at my side. This post made me aw. . .Read More