Bird Flu Center

Researchers at the Hokkaido University and Shiga University of Medical Science, in Japan, are preparing to start a six-month study on a vaccine which is believed will be effective against the highly pathogenic H5N1 form of the bird flu virus. Its effectiveness will be tested through the inoculation of the virus in groups of both vaccinated and unvaccinated monkeys. The study is expected to bring clarification on certain aspects concerning the strain’s infection mechanism and lead the way for a universal human vaccine. One professor at Shiga University says that although the effects of the virus on mice and chickens is known, it is not yet clear what exactly happens to infected monkeys. As these animals have immune system cells very similar to those of humans, it is hoped that the study will be of use in developing prevention measures against a possible infection to human beings.