A small mutation to the H1N1 swine flu virus could cause it to spread between people more easily, according to a new report published in the journal Public Library of Science One.
Researchers at MIT were able to greatly increase transmission rates of the virus by manipulating just a small part of its genetic code.
Much as the virus would mutate naturally when coming into contact with the human immune system, they made a minor change to the DNA responsible for coding hemagglutinin (HA), a protein which helps the virus bind to its host.
This artificially-mutated strain was then tested on ferrets, who have a respiratory system similar to humans. The researchers found that, with this small change, the virus was now much more easily transmitted through the airborne route, no longer requiring direct contact between infected individuals.
"If you look at the history, it takes a very small change to these viruses to have a dramatic effect," said lead author Dr. Ram Sasisekharan.
These findings should help the World Health Organization, which monitors for signs of pandemic, flag this more dangerous strain should it start to appear outside of the lab.