Japanese researchers at Nagasaki University have produced a vaccine against the West Nile virus, applying techniques used for a Japanese encephalitis vaccine. Koichi Morita and other researchers at the university found that the harmful pathogens of the West Nile virus are similar to those of Japanese encephalitis, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Friday. Clinical tests on the new vaccine are expected shortly to determine its safety and effectiveness. Successful tests on animals have already been conducted. The pathogens of West Nile and Japanese encephalitis are classified in the same group, and about 80 percent of their amino acids are the same, the paper reported. “Mosquitoes that can carry the virus are all over Asia, and we want to quickly get preparations underway,” Morita said. © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

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