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NewsDecode | Health & Biotechnology | Mains Paper 3: Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Health
From UPSC Perspective:
Key focus areas:
Mains level: Public Health; Emerging viral threats; Global health security; Biotechnology and response mechanisms.
Prelims focus: Basic facts on H5N1, genetic reassortment, virus mutations, global health responses.
Why in the News?
Cambodia has recently detected a novel reassortant strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This strain, resulting from genetic mixing, has raised concerns globally due to its potential for increased infectivity and adaptability. Health authorities are advocating for enhanced surveillance and monitoring to mitigate any potential threat to human health.
Understanding H5N1 and Reassortment
H5N1 Virus: Commonly known as avian influenza, this virus predominantly affects birds but can occasionally infect humans with a high mortality rate.
Reassortment: This process occurs when two or more influenza viruses combine genetic material, potentially creating new strains. Such genetic reassortments can increase a virus's ability to infect humans and enhance transmissibility.
Details of the New Reassortant Virus
Cambodia’s Findings: The detected novel H5N1 reassortant in Cambodia has combined gene segments from other avian influenza strains, raising concerns over its potential for adaptation to humans.
Human Health Implications: Although current transmission to humans is minimal, genetic reassortment poses risks of the virus gaining transmissibility among humans, necessitating close monitoring.
Implications of Emerging Viral Strains
Pandemic Potential: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the criticality of monitoring zoonotic viruses. Similar animal-origin viruses with zoonotic potential, like H5N1, pose a risk of large-scale outbreaks.
Containment Challenges: Influenza viruses are known for high mutation rates, making them particularly challenging to predict and contain.
Surveillance and Research Imperative: Effective containment requires laboratory research, genome sequencing, and robust field surveillance to detect changes in viral genetics and transmission potential.
Global Health Preparedness and India’s Role
Enhanced Surveillance: India, alongside global partners, needs to strengthen its zoonotic disease surveillance network to detect and contain potential viral threats.
Biotechnology and R&D Investment: Emphasis on biotechnology research for vaccines, antiviral drugs, and rapid diagnostics is crucial for preparedness against novel pathogens.
Laboratory Capacity Building: Increasing biosafety levels and advanced diagnostic laboratories in India will be essential to study emerging viruses and prepare for any future public health threat.
Way Forward
International Collaboration: Strengthening collaboration for information sharing, funding, and research will help manage risks from emerging viral threats.
Vaccine Development: Prioritising broad-spectrum vaccines and antiviral development for influenza-like viruses can enhance preparedness for potential outbreaks.
Public Awareness and Preparedness: Public education on zoonotic diseases and encouraging preventive practices is vital to reducing transmission risks.
Mains PYQ:
Q. Discuss the importance of global health surveillance in managing the spread of zoonotic diseases in the context of emerging viral threats. (UPSC IAS 2020)
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