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'Flu trap' could stop spread of infection, scientists say

Researchers from the University of Manchester have developed a new way of trapping the flu virus, to prevent its spread, they say

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A new way to trap flu could stop the spread of infection, scientists hope
A new way to trap flu could stop the spread of infection, scientists hope Credit: Photo: PA

A "flu trap" that captures viruses could help prevent the spread of infection, scientists claim.

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a fabric coating for masks and air filters that isolates the viral particles responsible for influenza.

The technology mimics carbohydrate structures on the surfaces of cells lining respiratory airways and the oesophagus, or food pipe.

Paracetamol had no success reducing fever or other symptoms like aches and pains
Scientists believe the breakthrough could help limit the spread of viruses

The team found a way to anchor sugary glycoproteins first to carbon cloth and then cheaper materials such as cotton.

The molecules were able to capture and trap more than 99 per cent of the flu viruses that came into contact with them.

Dr Ian Rowles, from the University of Manchester, said: "Our research does indeed show that this technology can slow the spread of flu viruses. We hope that eventually we'll be able tackle all pathogens by using this technology. So watch this space."

Paul Hope, director of the biotec company Virustatic that is seeking to commercialise the idea, said: "It's a whole new preventative approach to disease and if implemented could be transformative."

"We're now at the stage where we're looking for strategic partners to take this technology forwards in terms of developing new products."

The scientists aim to develop the technology further to capture other potentially deadly viruses such as those responsible for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

Last year there were hopes that a single vaccine that immunises against all types of influenza has come closer to being a reality, after scientists in Australia and China discovered how the body's immunity cells remember flu viruses.

By studying patients infected with a deadly bird flu virus in China in 2013, scientists from the University of Melbourne and Fudan University in Shanghai discovered how the body's "army of hitmen" T-cells memorise specific flu strains and destroy them.

Influenza virus
One of the many variants of flu

And a UK study found nearly half of Britons are immune to the symptoms of flu.

Scientists said the discovery raised hopes that a vaccine could be created which harnesses their natural protection to fight pandemics.

The four year study by University College London and Oxford University found that 43 per cent of people will not come down with fever, coughs, headaches or fatigue even if they become infected with the virus.