The viral polymerase mediates adaptation of an avian influenza virus to a mammalian host.

Mammalian influenza viruses are descendants of avian strains that crossed the species barrier and underwent further adaptation. Since 1997 in southeast Asia, H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been causing severe, even fatal disease in humans. Although no lineages of this subtype have been established until now, such repeated events may initiate a new pandemic. As a model of species transmission, we used the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus SC35 (H7N7), which is low-pathogenic for mice, and its lethal mouse-adapted descendant SC35M. Specific mutations in SC35M polymerase considerably increase its activity in mammalian cells, correlating with high virulence in mice. Some of these mutations are prevalent in chicken and mammalian isolates, especially in the highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses from southeast Asia. These activity-enhancing mutations of the viral polymerase complex demonstrate convergent evolution in nature and, therefore, may be a prerequisite for adaptation to a new host paving the way for new pandemic viruses.

Profile of an abortion counselor.

PIP: The definition of who an abortion counselor is and what their training should be is very unclear. In 1973, 350 questionnaires were sent to 60 institutions in the San Francisco Bay Area that provided health care to women with the purpose of clarifying the definition of an abortion counselor. From this study emerged a profile of 100 people in the San Francisco Bay Area who are currently delivering family planning and abortion counseling services. The results are on the basis of 110 completed questionnaires from planned parenthood centers, abortion clinics, and family planning clinics. Results showed that 1) the counselors were similar to their clients in that they, too, were sexually active and of childbearing age, and 1/5 of them had had abortio ns themselves which was a factor in motivating them to enter the field of abortion counseling in the first place; 2) there was a wide variation in the educational and experiential backgrounds of the counselors; 3) 1/3 of the respondents were volunteers; and 4) 47% had completed a training course by Planned Parenthood/World Population. Initial training as well as on the job training was considered to be important by the counselors. During the day, they were occupied were interviewing, group and individual counseling, telephone counseling, and clerical work. They mostly dealt with their patients on a personal, informal level. Counselors complained of crowded conditions, lack of sufficient personnel, and poor follow-up. The author concludes that there is yet to be a definition of who an abortion counselor is, and asserts that if quality care is to be provided, established standards and quality training is needed.^ieng