The Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (BioMMED) of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine on the LSU Baton Rouge campus administers the LSU-Tulane Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. BioMMED personnel have been involved over the past five years in screening various natural compounds and methodologies for ability to treat various diseases including skin lesions caused by herpesviruses, West Nile virus infections, influenza and other important infectious pathogens.

BioMMED has tested the antiviral and antibacterial properties of a variety of compounds produced by different companies worldwide. Of particular interest for the current swine influenza infection is that BioMMED personnel have shown in experiments with mice that certain compounds extracted from blue-green algae can boost resistance to influenza H1N1 infection. Other readily available chemicals and natural plant-derived compounds have potent activity for neutralizing free influenza virus from contaminated surfaces. Interestingly, exposure of blood to ultraviolet radiation was shown by BioMMED experiments to prevent massive infiltration of lymphocytes into the lungs of mice infected with influenza virus effectively preventing lung damage and the onset of acute upper respiratory disease. BioMMED is currently working to evaluate a number of natural compounds for their ability to inactivate influenza virus. “There is increasing resistance to currently available drugs. New, non-toxic drugs and methodologies are needed to combat influenza and other lethal pathogens” Dr. Gus Kousoulas, BioMMED Director says. In the meantime, Dr. Kousoulas suggests lots of rest, drinking lots of water and avoiding contact with people having flu-like symptoms. “Staying home if you have the flu is the best thing that you can do for yourself and your community”.

A clinical rounds lecture on Influenza, given at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Gus Kousoulas, is available here: Clinical Rounds Lecture-Influenza Virus.

More information about the current outbreak of Swine Influenza (Flu) can be found at:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention website
or
World Health Organization website.

Also, for a Q&A of "Swine Influenza and You", visit the CDC website.

Last Updated Monday, June 29 2009 @ 11:05 AM CDT|69,549 Hits