Scientists have seen the influenza A virus and the respiratory syncytial
virus meld into a new virus.
While studies on viral rivalry already exist, this new discovery presents
an intriguing case of one virus co-opting another for its own purposes.
According to virologist and senior author Pablo Murcia’s interview with The
Guardian, “this form of the hybrid virus has never been described before.”
The virus in question is a novel pathogen that results from the fusion of
two unrelated viruses, complete with the genomes and surface proteins.
Under a microscope, the gecko’s foot-shaped hybrid virus comprises
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A.
virus meld into a new virus.
While studies on viral rivalry already exist, this new discovery presents
an intriguing case of one virus co-opting another for its own purposes.
According to virologist and senior author Pablo Murcia’s interview with The
Guardian, “this form of the hybrid virus has never been described before.”
The virus in question is a novel pathogen that results from the fusion of
two unrelated viruses, complete with the genomes and surface proteins.
Under a microscope, the gecko’s foot-shaped hybrid virus comprises
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A.
