Professor Robert Kuchta of the University of Colorado at Boulder chemistry and biochemistry department can talk about the genetic makeup of flu strains, mutations, and the swift evaluation and identification of specific flu strains.
Kuchta and former CU-Boulder Professor Kathy Rowlen developed and licensed a commercial technology in 2006 through the University of Colorado to determine the genetic signature of specific influenza strains within hours, which could prove useful in helping health officials stem potential flu pandemics. He said the technology could easily be reconfigured to identify and track the swine flu, which has spread from Mexico into the United States and other countries.
While Kuchta said it is fortunate that the current swine flu outbreak comes at the end of the traditional flu season, it may be too late to develop a specific vaccine to combat swine flu if it breaks out again next fall. Two looming issues relating to a potential pandemic from the swine flu are the still-undetermined toxicity of the strain and the lack of immunity to swine flu by the global population.
Kuchta can be reached at 303-492-7027 or Robert.Kuchta@colorado.edu. Or contact Jim Scott in the CU-Boulder Office of Media Relations and News Services at 303-492-3114 or jim.scott@colorado.edu.