Ostrich Antibodies Could Help Ward Off H5N1 Influenza Virus

Article

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

Recent Videos
Pathogen Playbook Presenter: Sharon Ward-Fore, BS, MS, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC
Mark Wiencek, PhD
Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos, DrPH, CIC, AL-CIP, FAPIC
The CDC’s updated hospital respiratory reporting requirement has added new layers of responsibility for infection preventionists. Karen Jones, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, clinical program manager at Wolters Kluwer, breaks down what it means and how IPs can adapt.
Studying for the CIC using a digital tablet and computer (Adobe Stock 335828989 by NIKCOA)
Infection Control Today's Conversations with the HSPA President, Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, SME, DSMD, CRMST
Infection Control Today's Conversations with the HSPA President, Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, SME, DSMD, CRMST
Cheron Rojo, BS, FCS, CHL,  CER, CFER, CRCST
Matthias Tschoerner, Dr Sc
Standardizing Cleaning and Disinfection
Related Content