-Caveat Lector- "Using reverse-transcription PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the scientists identify the virus as a West Nile virus (WNV) virtually identical to a West Nile virus that was found in an outbreak in Israel in 1998. It is also very similar to a virus found in Egypt, they report. ... These similarities suggest a Middle Eastern origin for the New York outbreak." ================================================================== http://unisci.com/stories/19994/1203994.htm Complete Genome Of West Nile Virus Identified Dr. Ian Lipkin of the University of California at Irvine and his colleagues have identified 100 percent of the genome of the West Nile virus that caused the encephalitis outbreak in New York in August of this year. The report appears in this week's Lancet. This study marks the first time any scientist has cloned a viral genome in the human brain, using a technique which may help identify causes of encephalitis in other outbreaks. Using reverse-transcription PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the scientists identify the virus as a West Nile virus (WNV) virtually identical to a West Nile virus that was found in an outbreak in Israel in 1998. It is also very similar to a virus found in Egypt, they report. These similarities suggest a Middle Eastern origin for the New York outbreak. The West Nile virus is among the Flaviviridae, which also include human pathogens such as yellow fever, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis. Normally, WNV infections are mild, but they can result in encephalitis and in death. WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes, but birds can carry it. The virus is now known to have been responsible for bird deaths in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The Lancet article notes that WNV infection was not recognized in the Americas until August of this year, although there were reports of WNV epidemics in Israel, France, South Africa and Romania. Noting the existence of two international airports in the New York City area where WNV was prevalent, the article suggests that potential routes for introduction of the virus into the Eastern United States include importation of infected birds, mosquitoes and viremic human beings. Co-authors include Lipkin, Xi-Yu Jie, Thomas Brieze, Ingo Jordan, Andrew Rambadt, Hen Chang Chi, John S. Mackenzie, Roy A. Hall and Jacqui Scharret. [Contact: Andrew M. Porterfield <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>] 03-Dec-1999 ======================= Robert F. Tatman Computer Help Desk Desktop & LAN Services Systems Department Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] 215.854.2729 215.854.2788 The contents of this message represent the opinion only of the writer, and may not be construed to indicate the endorsement of Knight-Ridder, Inc.; Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc.; The Philadelphia Inquirer; or the Philadelphia Daily News. "Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity." DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
