Science cracks killer bug's code

Scientists and other medical and health proffesionals have finnally deciphered the complete DNA sequence of the deadly bacterium of Legionnaires' disease.

The research and painstaking examination of the genetic code has taken four years and was lead by Minchen Chien of Columbia University in New York, as well as several other Institutes in America, France and Israel.

The breakthrough, reported by an international research team in Science magazine, could speed up the search for new vaccines and treatments.

It has already highlighted genes that may account for Legionella's extraordinary resistance to man-made disinfectants and its ability to survive in a variety of hosts.

The researchers also identified previously unknown regions of the genome that could be involved in the bug's virulence.

I was keeping tabs on this research through New Scientist and other resources available through local websites etc. Its amazing what they have discovered and hopefully now they can begin to crack down on creating a cure or even a type of Antibiotic to treat this lethal disease.

Since Legionnaires is a sporus bacterium it is classes as highly virulent and contagious due to the ways it can be transmitted, etc..through airvents..showers, even someone sneezing on you can pass the disease.

Well done to those involved.

Science cracks killer bug's code

related links

Medical Notes : Legionnaires disease

Science Magazine

CDC : Legionellosis and Pontiac Fever











[edit on 29-9-2004 by Gryffen]