Scientists have successfully decoded the genome of the 1918 flu virus from a preserved specimen in Switzerland, revealing early adaptations that enabled human infection. The study, led by Verena Schünemann, reconstructs the first Swiss genome of the 1918 influenza virus, providing new insights into how the virus adapted in Europe at the start of the pandemic.
The researchers used a more than 100-year-old virus taken from an autopsy specimen and compared it with previously published genomes from Germany and North America. They found that the Swiss strain already carried three key adaptations to humans, including increased resistance to antiviral components and improved ability to bind to human cells.
This study highlights the importance of understanding how viruses evolve and adapt during pandemics. By analyzing past viral epidemics, scientists can develop models for future outbreaks and better prepare for emerging health threats.
The researchers’ new method for recovering ancient RNA fragments will enable further genome reconstructions and verification of authenticity. Medical collections remain underutilized resources, providing valuable archives for reconstructing ancient virus genomes.
The results of this study will be crucial in tackling future pandemics, and the interdisciplinary approach used by the researchers provides a strong foundation for evidence-based calculations.
Reference: “An ancient influenza genome from Switzerland allows deeper insights into host adaptation during the 1918 flu pandemic in Europe” by Christian Urban et al., BMC Biology.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-decode-1918-flu-virus-genome-from-century-old-tissue