Understanding how bird flu viruses become highly dangerous
Official title: Unravelling highly pathogenic influenza virus emergence
Funded at Erasmus Medical Center · NIH-10896206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bird viruses can change and become more dangerous, which is important for keeping both birds and people safe from illness, and it aims to help us understand and stop future outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Erasmus Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $473,525 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177487-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include poultry farmers, veterinarians, and wildlife conservationists who are directly impacted by avian influenza.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in poultry farming or wildlife management may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), which pose significant threats to poultry, wildlife, and human health. The study focuses on how low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) can evolve into HPAIVs through genetic changes during replication. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind this transition, researchers aim to predict and prevent future outbreaks. The research involves analyzing viral genome changes and their effects on disease severity in different bird species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and control strategies for avian influenza outbreaks, protecting both animal and human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral evolution and emergence, but the specific mechanisms of HPAIV emergence remain an area of ongoing investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Erasmus Medical Center
Rotterdam, Netherlands Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richard, Mathilde — Erasmus Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Richard, Mathilde
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.