There is worldwide concern over the possibility of a new influenza pandemic originating from the highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses. Yoichiro Kamiyama, from Life Science Research Laboratories, Fujifilm Corporation in Japan, and colleagues, have demonstrated that functional air filters impregnated with ostrich antibodies against the hemagglutinin of the H5N1 virus protect chickens from death by H5N1 transmission.
The researchers report in Virology Journal on their development of a convenient method for the mass-production of antibodies by using ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs. The researchers say they strongly believe that the ostrich egg may be an excellent antibody source for industrial and medical purposes, and that their study results suggest that the use of ostrich antibody-impregnated filters might be a powerful way to prevent the transmission of H5N1.
Reference: Kamiyama Y, Adachi K, Handharyani E, et al. Protection from avian influenza H5N1 virus infection with antibody-impregnated filters. Virology Journal 2011, 8:54 doi:10.1186/1743-422X-8-54
The Critical Role of Clean Hospitals in Infection Control: Why You Should Join the Initiative
October 3rd 2024Clean Hospitals promotes global healthcare environmental hygiene, reducing infections and antimicrobial resistance. Join the movement to improve patient safety and staff protection through Clean Hospitals Day.
Health Care Linens: An Underrecognized Risk in Infection Prevention and Control
October 2nd 2024Health care linens are critical yet overlooked infection risks. Ensure proactive management by auditing laundering processes to prevent contamination and safeguard patient health across care settings. Read this article by Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC.
Meet Infection Control Today's Editorial Advisory Board Member: Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
September 30th 2024Meet the experts shaping infection prevention: Infection Control Today's Editorial Board members share insights, experiences, and cutting-edge strategies to enhance health care safety and quality. Meet Rebecca Leach, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC.