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Three Genes Made 1918 Flu So Deadly

They cause pneumonia by letting virus into lungs

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 30, 2008 2:58 PM CST

(Newser) – Researchers have pinpointed the reason the flu pandemic of 1918 was “the most devastating outbreak of infectious disease in human history,” Reuters reports. The key is a combination of three genes that allowed the virus to enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. Typically, the flu affects only the upper respiratory tract. The scientists made their discovery by mixing strains of the 1918 flu with modern ones.

The 1918 flu killed about 50 million people, or 2.5% of victims, compared with less than 1% for most seasonal flu outbreaks; many of those who died showed signs of pneumonia. The scientists, based in Wisconsin and Japan, say their research could help in the development of flu medication and provide insight into how modern flu strains could turn
more threatening.


Masked doctors and nurses treat flu patients lying on cots and in outdoor tents at a hospital camp during the influenza epidemic of 1918.
Masked doctors and nurses treat flu patients lying on cots and in outdoor tents at a hospital camp during the influenza epidemic of 1918.   (Getty Images)
People crowd the steps of the Holy Cross Church in Fresno, California, and pray to ward off the influenza virus during the epidemic of 1918.
People crowd the steps of the Holy Cross Church in Fresno, California, and pray to ward off the influenza virus during the epidemic of 1918.   (Getty Images)
Women from the Department of War take 15-minute walks to breathe in fresh air every morning and night to ward off the influenza virus during World War I, c. 1918.
Women from the Department of War take 15-minute walks to breathe in fresh air every morning and night to ward off the influenza virus during World War I, c. 1918.   (Getty Images)
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Abstract of the journal article
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

This season's most common flu strain is resistant to Tamiflu
Associated Press

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