Sars gene discovery to speed vaccine, researchers say

8.45am

TORONTO - A Canadian breakthrough discovery of the genetic sequence behind the deadly SARS virus could help develop an effective vaccine, one of the project leaders said today.

The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre in British Columbia said the genetic blueprint could also help develop a reliable diagnostic test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or Sars, the respiratory virus that has killed 128 people and infected nearly 3200 around the world.

"This will allow people who design specific antivirals, of which I admit there aren't that many out there, but they have the basic information they need to design those and test to see if they work," said Caroline Astell, projects leader at the Genome Science Centre.

"In the longer term, they could develop a sub-unit vaccine that might protect everyone."

Calling the discovery announced on Saturday a huge step forward in the fight to control the spread of Sars, the researchers said the results could eventually help scientists understand why the Sars virus is so deadly.

The Sars virus has killed 13 people in Canada, which is the only country outside Asia where people have died from the disease. Across Canada, 283 probable or suspect cases have been reported.

The virus, which originated in southern China in November, hit Hong Kong in March and has been spread around the world by air travellers.

The scientists in British Columbia, which normally focus on cancer-related research, posted the information on their website to help researchers around the world study the virus.

Sars can lead to severe pneumonia and health officials say they are still not sure exactly how the virus spreads, although close contact with an infected person appears to be the main method of transmission. About four per cent of those infected die.

- REUTERS