And they proved it in miceThe Ohio State University study found that the malfunctioning and scarring of the heart seen in some flu patients is caused by direct infection of heart cells with the flu. techlife/” class=”PfUsGslq” title=”Scientists have discovered a new effect of influenza on the heart” alt=”Scientists have discovered a new effect of influenza on the heart” Scientists have discovered a new effect of influenza on the heart />
Research the group had already seen influenza virus particles in the heart cells of infected mice in previous work, but could not say with certainty that their presence in the heart caused heart damage. When researchers infected mice with a genetically modified influenza virus that could not replicate in heart cells, the mice developed classic symptoms of inflammatory influenza, but without heart complications.
“This proves that direct infection of the heart causes these complications. Now we need to find out what direct infection does: does it kill heart cells? Does it have long term effects? Do repeated infections lead to heart complications that build up over time? We have a lot of questions to answer,” said the authors of the study. cannot be equated with a doctor's prescription. Before making a decision, consult with a specialist.