malnutrition selects for virulence?

[Mike Poidinger]

On 17 Apr 96 14:32:29 GMT, dak at apldbio.com (Dave Knorr) wrote:

>I just read a blurb in our local paper
                         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hmm.  Sorry, but I cannot find this obviously highly regarded
international peer reviewed science journal in my library. Before
discussings its scientific merit, perhaps we should ascertain the
context of the article and its veracity?

> that malnurished individuals are
>breeding grounds for more virulent forms of viruses.  That viral strains
>infecting these individuals can have higher mutation rates and thus form
>strains with altered (greater?) virulence.  What is the mechanism for
>this?  Compromised immune response leading to some variants not being
>suppressed?
>
>Dave Knorr


Mike

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Dr Mike Poidinger        Animal Welfare, NOT Animal Rights
Microbiology, UQ       
Australia                'Reality' is the only word in the english language
mikep at biosci.uq.oz.au    that should always be used in quotes
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