A Balanced Assessment that Counters a Potentially Misleading Headline re: H5N1 Mutations

Studies are difficult to place in context - this commentary from Spain is helpful!

Recently, we saw a research article discussing: A single mutation in bovine influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin switches specificity to human receptors | Science

Today a FluTrackers post brought a great deal more clarity to the exact meaning of the title of this paper: H5N1: No, we are not one mutation away from a flu pandemic

As the authors of the cited explanatory paper (in translated Spanish) state: The aforementioned study is actually an in vitro experimental assay, not the characterization of a specific isolate of the H5N1 virus circulating in nature. The work consisted of introducing mutations into a specific site of the HA protein of the H5N1 virus and evaluating how they bind to the human-type receptor using different laboratory techniques.

The researchers were referring to a specific protein structure mutation, while many of us may have had the impression that the paper concluded that a single nucleotide mutation was identified that led to greater transmission.

The cited paper goes on to nicely describe where we collectively sit with H5N1 2.3.4.4b mammalian adaptations across the world, and that we have not yet confirmed mutations necessary for easy 2,6 sialic acid viral attachments paving the way for more widespread human and even wider mammalian spread. However, the gains this clade has already made in partial adaptations make intense ongoing surveillance critical.

I have nothing more to add to the excellent commentary. I simply wanted you all as interested readers to gain another perspective from well-informed commentators. I’ll do my best to keep pointing out useful information as I expropriate it from more original sources like the FluTrackers gang (always with appropriate credit given, I hope!)

John