Study finds that current antiviral drugs fail to combat severe H5N1 infections from contaminated cow's milk
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 18, 2025 3 hours, 51 minutes ago
Medical News: The H5N1 avian influenza virus has been a significant concern for global health authorities due to its potential to infect humans and cause severe illness. Traditionally associated with poultry, recent developments have shown that this virus has crossed species barriers, infecting dairy cows and, consequently, humans who are in close contact with these animals or consume their products. This shift has raised alarms about the effectiveness of existing antiviral treatments against such infections.
Study finds that current antiviral drugs fail to combat severe H5N1 infections from contaminated cow's milk
Research Institutions and Study Overview
In light of these developments, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, have conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of current antiviral drugs against severe H5N1 infections originating from contaminated cow's milk. This
Medical News report delves into their findings, which have significant implications for public health strategies.
Evaluating Antiviral Effectiveness
The researchers focused on two FDA-approved antiviral drugs: oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza). Using a mouse model, they assessed how these drugs performed against the H5N1 virus introduced through different exposure routes - specifically, the eye, nose, and mouth. These routes were chosen to mimic real-world scenarios where individuals might come into contact with the virus, such as through splashes of contaminated milk or inhalation of aerosolized particles.
Key Findings: Route of Infection Matters
The study revealed that the route of infection significantly impacts the effectiveness of antiviral treatments:
-Oral Exposure (Mimicking Consumption of Contaminated Milk): Mice infected orally experienced the most severe infections. The virus spread beyond the lungs to the brain and bloodstream. Neither oseltamivir nor baloxavir effectively controlled the virus in these cases, leading to poor survival outcomes.
-Ocular Exposure (Virus Entering Through the Eye): This route is particularly relevant for dairy farm workers who might get splashes of contaminated milk in their eyes. Baloxavir treatment resulted in a 100% survival rate in these cases, whereas oseltamivir only achieved a 25% survival rate. This suggests that baloxavir is more effective for infections acquired through ocular exposure.
-Nasal Exposure (Inhalation of Aerosolized Particles): Both antivirals improved survival rates when the virus was introduced nasally. Baloxavir led to a 75% survival rate, while oseltamivir resulted in a 50% survival rate. However, despite these improvements, the virus still managed to reach the brain, indicating that neither drug could completely prevent severe disease progression.
Implications for Public H
ealth
These findings highlight several critical points:
-Limited Efficacy of Current Antivirals: The reduced effectiveness of oseltamivir and baloxavir against severe H5N1 infections, especially those acquired through oral consumption of contaminated products, raises concerns about relying solely on these medications for treatment.
-Importance of Infection Route: The route through which the virus enters the body plays a crucial role in determining disease severity and treatment outcomes. This underscores the need for tailored preventive measures based on specific exposure risks.
-Preventive Measures Over Treatment: Given the challenges in treating severe infections, emphasis should be placed on preventive strategies. These include avoiding the consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk and implementing stringent safety protocols for dairy farm workers, such as using protective gear to minimize exposure.
Conclusions and Future Directions
The study conducted by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provides valuable insights into the complexities of treating H5N1 infections originating from contaminated cow's milk. The findings suggest that current antiviral drugs may not be sufficient to combat severe cases, particularly when the virus is ingested orally. This highlights the urgent need for developing more effective treatments and vaccines tailored to these new transmission dynamics.
In the interim, public health policies should prioritize preventive measures to reduce infection risks. This includes educating the public about the dangers of consuming raw dairy products and ensuring that individuals working in high-risk environments, such as dairy farms, have access to appropriate protective equipment and training.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nature Microbiology.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-01961-5
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/canadian-researchers-discover-new-h5n1-bird-flu-strains-resistant-to-oseltamivir-tamiflu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/an-update-on-approved-and-innovative-therapeutic-approaches-to-combatting-influenza-viruses
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-h5n1-strains-emerging-in-cows-possess-new-mutation-na-t438i-associated-with-reduced-susceptibility-to-neuraminidase-inhibitors
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
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