The Hindu : 'SARS` Virus mutating rapidly'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 04, 2003

International

International

'SARS` Virus mutating rapidly'

Hong Kong May 3. The SARS virus was compared to a ``murderer changing his fingerprints'' by scientists in Hong Kong who say it is mutating rapidly.

The mutations mean there are already two strains of the virus active in Hong Kong and more may emerge which could render any developments in treatment ineffective. In findings published today, researchers at the Chinese University in Hong Kong said they had come to these conclusions after tracking the virus and its development since it first emerged in March.

The Associate Dean, Dennis Lo, said every new generation of virus was slightly different than its predecessor. ``In a way this rapid evolution is like that of a murderer trying to change his fingerprints or appearance to avoid detection,'' Prof. Lo said on radio station RTHK.

``Most viruses mutate. The questions is whether it will mutate into a more virulent virus or into a tamer one.'' — DPA

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