Singapore: It is a relief to the patients, suffering from H7N9, a virus that causes lethal respiratory failure and other serious diseases.

A human blood protein has been found to be associated with the H7N9 fatality rate, according to a study published in Nature Communications by the Chinese scientists. The study involved measuring blood plasma levels of angiotensin II. This molecule was found to be higher in H7N9 patients and could be instrumental in predicting their physical deterioration.

"Angiotensin II is a blood pressure regulator, and patients with higher levels of Angiotensin II tend to carry higher loads of the virus" observed, Mr Li Lanjuan, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and a specialist in H7N9 prevention. The angiotensin II levels peak up in the second week of infection, and with patients having mild infection the levels tend to drop. The study is believed to provide a new perspective to the H7N9 pathology.