At this time, on hearing the name of the virus, only one name comes into everyone's mind of SARS-CoV-2 virus. But there are also other viruses affecting the respiratory system, such as Influenza A (IAV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSC), which cause large numbers of deaths each year. There is no vaccine or effective treatment for any of these viruses except influenza and SARS-CoV2.
A recent study at the University of Glasgow explains what happens when more than one virus attacks you at once and what we should do to prevent them. This condition is called 'co-infections. Research shows that more than one virus can be the cause in 30 percent of cases of infection. This means that at some point two different viruses are infecting the cells of our nose or lungs. When these different viruses mix within the same cell, a new form of the virus appears and it is called 'antigenic shift'.
In a study, Cells were made infected with IAV and RSV. The researchers found that some human lung cells were infected with both viruses and viruses that emerged from the cell had characteristics of both viruses. Some of the new forms had the proteins of both viruses on their surface, while some even had the same genes for both.
The study of microbes is of utmost importance to the development of vaccines and treatments. But first and foremost safety is important. Here, it is also important to mention that the researchers did not do any genetic engineering in this study, but through models, they understood what is happening in the real world and also in a safe environment in the laboratory.
I request to the scholars, please do not try yourself without the supervision of an expert.
