Avian Flu Virus (Asian Bird Flu)

   This conceptual animation is of the virus responsible for causing the "flu" in birds. This particular virus (Avian Influenza; an orthomyxovirus) has received a great deal of attention in the news recently due to the outbreaks of bird flu in Asia.

   The characteristics of this class of virus are spike-like opects that coat the virus surface. These "spikes" are proteins responsible for the fusion of the virus with the cellular membranes of the target host. The pink strands on the interior of the virus represent the genetic material of this virus (RNA). It's the RNA that is transmitted to the host cell in order for successful infection to occur.

PRESS NOTICE: High resolution animations are available in both Quicktime and Windows Media format (right click and choose "Save as...". Other formats can be made available upon request.