The Aquatic Animal Virus Proves Dangerous to Human Health 0 11

A rare eye disease may be linked to a virus previously found only in aquatic animals. This conclusion was reached by scientists whose work was published in the journal Nature Microbiology (NM).

The disease in question is an inflammatory eye condition with increased intraocular pressure, one of the causes of vision deterioration. In 70 patients, researchers found traces of the CMNV virus in eye tissues, which is widespread among fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, participants exhibited an immune response to the virus, indicating a past infection.

Further analysis showed that the risk of the disease was higher in individuals who frequently handled raw seafood or processed aquatic animals without protection. Such situations occurred in more than 70 percent of cases. In experiments, scientists also demonstrated that the virus can infect mammalian cells, increase intraocular pressure, and cause damage to eye tissues.

The authors emphasize that this is a detected correlation, not definitive proof of the disease's cause. Nevertheless, the results indicate the possibility of virus transmission from aquatic animals to humans and highlight the importance of hygiene and protective measures when handling raw fish and seafood.