Chinese researchers have reportedly discovered a new strain of the H1N1 swine influenza virus that has the potential to become a pandemic.
According to the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, pigs are the intermediate hosts for the generation of pandemic influenza virus.
"Systematic surveillance of influenza viruses in pigs is a key measure for prewarning the emergence of the next pandemic influenza," said study authors from the China Agricultural University in Beijing.
Researchers have said the new strain of swine flu is a descendant of the H1N1 virus, with properties similar to the European avian-like (EA) H1N1 virus that had caused the 2009 pandemic in Mexico (pdm09).
They identified a reassortant EA H1N1 virus possessing pdm/09 and triple-reassortant (TR)- derived internal genes, termed as G4 genotype, which has become predominant in swine populations since 2016.
Similar to pdm/09 virus, G4 viruses have all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus.
Of concern is that swine workers show elevated seroprevalence for G4 virus.
Moreover, low antigenic cross-reactivity of human influenza vaccine strains with G4 reassortant EA H1N1 virus indicates that preexisting population immunity does not provide protection against G4 viruses.
The study revealed that swine workers or people working with farm animals and handling meat have shown evidence for this virus in their bloodstream.
The surveillance showed that 10.4 per cent of swine workers were positive for G4 virus, especially for participants from 18 years to 35 years old, who had 20.5 per cent seropositive rates, indicating that the predominant G4 virus has acquired increased human infectivity.
Such infectivity greatly enhances the opportunity for virus adaptation in humans and raises concerns for the possible generation of pandemic viruses, the study authors wrote.
"Controlling the prevailing G4 viruses in pigs and close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented," they added.
The development comes as the world is still struggling to contain the COVID-19 pandemic that originated in China's Wuhan city last December.
As of Tuesday, the virus has infected a total of 10,302,867 people globally, while the death toll stood at 505,518.
HM Amit Shah urges Kashmiri delegations not to vote for dynastic parties
The Home Minister met delegations of the Pahari community, Sikh community and Gujjar/Bakarwals, and also had detailed discussions about party affairs with local BJP leaders.
UN raises India's 2024 growth rate to 6.9 pc; remains world's fastest-growing large economy
Indian economy's growth rate projection for this year has been raised by 0.7 per cent to 6.9 per cent from the forecast made in January by the UN and it retains its position as the world's fastest-growing large economy.
Delhi Police file FIR in Swati Maliwal ‘assault’ case, name CM Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar
After recording the statement of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, Delhi Police on Thursday lodged an FIR in connection with the alleged assault on her at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence on Monday.
TRIPURA: LoP seeks Centre’s intervention over cutting cost of exorbitant air fare between Agartala-Kolkata
The Leader of Opposition and the opposition CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury on Thursday expressed his concern over the exorbitant air fare between the Agartala-Kolkata route and sought the intervention of the Centre to cut the cost.
BJP will win 32 out of 42 seats in West Bengal: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday ruled out the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc’s claim of downfall of the BJP in Lok Sabha election and said that BJP’s win crossing the 400 seats in this Lok Sabha election is certain.
CM orders strict action, three jail officials suspended
The state government has suspended three officials of the Central Correctional Home in Bishalgarh of Sepahijala District after their dereliction of duty in connection with the incident of a prisoner escape on May 14.
Missing minor boy’s decomposed body recovered
In a grim turn of events, a decomposed body of Mangaldhan Chakma (17), who had been missing for four days, was discovered hanging in the garden behind JB School, Chailengta Fishery Para.
State initiates appointments of officials for CAA implementation committees
The Tripura government has initiated the process of appointing officials for the constitution of the State Level Empowered Committee and District Level Committee for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).