Common Cold Virus Originated in Birds
The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is probably the second most prevalent cause of lower respiratory distress in young children. It is related to the synctial virus, measles, mumps and para- influenza viruses. It goes without saying what the symptoms are for these illnesses for any practicing physician. How many runny noses, coughs and sore throats do you have to see to recognize a cold?
“The HMPV was first discovered in 2001, but studies have shown that the virus has been circulating in humans for at least 50 years” said Professor Dr. Ron Fouchier from ErasmusMC in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.” “HMPV is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C (AMPV-C), which infects birds. Because of the similarity, scientists have suggested that HMPV emerged from a bird virus that crossed the species barrier to infect humans.”
MPVs have extraordinarily high evolutionary abilities – similar to those of influenza, hepatitis C and SARS. By understanding the emergence and evolution of these viruses, scientists are hoping to develop ways of monitoring and predicting the emergence of new pathogenic viruses.
“We investigated the evolutionary history of metapneumovirus using genetic information available for numerous strains of HMPV and AMPV-C circulating in humans and birds,” said Professor Dr. Fouchier. “We calculated that the moment of divergence between HMPV and AMPV-C occurred approximately 200 years ago. Therefore, HMPV probably originates from an AMPV-C like virus that crossed the species barrier to infect humans around that time.”
“Besides the evolutionary history of metapneumovirus, we are also investigating the mutation rates and the selection pressures of these viruses. An understanding of how viruses evolve and how they adapt to new hosts and their immune systems is important if we are to prepare for new, potentially pandemic diseases.”
About the author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
