Institute finds virus behind flu outbreaks

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute for Medical Research has isolated the influenza virus that caused outbreaks in Malaysia in 2004 and last year.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the isolation of the influenza B strain, named B/Malaysia/2505/2004, would pave the way to create the 2006/2007 influenza vaccine.
“The World Health Organisation has recognised the institute's work, which will be used for the new vaccine for the rest of the world,” he told reporters during his visit to the research centre here yesterday.
Dr Chua was earlier briefed on issues covering infectious disease; allergy and immunisation; environmental and health research; and global information hub on integrated medicine by institute director Ng Kok Han and research officials.
Infectious Diseases Research Centre director Dr Nor Shahidah Khairullah said the isolated virus was sent to the WHO global laboratory in Australia, which carried out genetic analysis and found it to be unique from that of the rest of the world.
“It is a breakthrough because we managed to isolate a virus which is different, and the rest of the world is using it in a vaccine formulation.
“This shows that Malaysia has the capacity and expertise to contribute to the world's epidemiology of influenza. It shows that our infrastructure for research and development in terms of surveillance for diagnostic testing for virology is very good.”
She said the isolated virus had been distributed to vaccine manufacturers, including Glaxo SmithKline and Sanofi Aventis, which would produce vaccines to be sold worldwide.
Nor Shahidah said there would be two formulations of the vaccine, which would be available in April or May and in October.
She said influenza B was not as severe as influenza A but could cause death in young children, older persons and those suffering from other illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and heart problems.
The symptoms of influenza B include fever, headache, sore throat, aches and pain.
Earlier, Dr Chua said the ministry was looking at the possibility of turning the IMR into a statutory body to improve its efficiency.
“We are talking to consultants on the pros and cons of it,” he said, adding that a report on the proposal would be ready within six months.
The IMR, established in 1900, has a staff of 548.