Flu :: Experimental flu vaccine appears promising in early tests

An influenza vaccine produced with the use of insect cells appeared safe and produced an immunogenic response in healthy adults, suggesting promise as an alternative to using embryonated eggs for the development of influenza vaccine, according to a preliminary study in the April 11 issue of JAMA.

Health Care :: 3M Health Care’ early detection of key microbes to prevent infection

3M Health Care announced the launch of a new Medical Diagnostics business unit that will focus on developing and commercializing rapid diagnostic product solutions for the detection of key infectious pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other treatment-resistant microbes.

Avian Flu :: UCI scientists reconstruct migration of avian flu virus

UC Irvine researchers have combined genetic and geographic data of the H5N1 avian flu virus to reconstruct its history over the past decade. They found that multiple strains of the virus originated in the Chinese province of Guangdong, and they identified many of the migration routes through which the strains spread regionally and internationally.

Flu :: Review of 1918 pandemic flu studies offers more questions than answers

Scientists and public health officials, wary that the H5N1 avian influenza virus could trigger an influenza pandemic, have looked to past pandemics, including the 1918 “Spanish Flu,” for insight into pandemic planning.