A Canadian laboratory said its breakthrough discovery of the genetic sequence behind the deadly SARS virus could help develop an effective vaccine.
The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre in British Columbia said the genetic blueprint could also help develop a reliable diagnostic test for severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, the respiratory virus that has killed 128 people and infected nearly 3 200 around the world.
"This will allow people who design specific antivirals, of which I admit there aren't that many out there, but they have the basic information they need to design those and test to see if they work," said Caroline Astell, projects leader at the Genome Science Centre.
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"In the longer term, they could develop a sub-unit vaccine that might protect everyone."
Calling the discovery, announced on Saturday, a huge step forward in the fight to control the spread of SARS, the researchers said the results could eventually help scientists understand why the virus is so deadly.
The SARS virus has killed 13 people in Canada, which is the only country outside Asia where people have died from the disease.
Across Canada, 283 probable or suspected cases have been reported.
The scientists in British Columbia posted the information at www.bcgsc.bc.ca
Sars can lead to severe pneumonia. About four percent of those infected die.
The condition of the Pretoria businessman who is feared to have contracted SARS has improved.
Netcare spokesperson Mande Toubkin said the man was still on a ventilator in the intensive care unit in the Pretoria East Hospital, but that there was a general improvement in his condition. The 62-year-old man was admitted to hospital last week. - Staff Reporter
- This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Argus on April 14, 2003
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