Bird flu causes Alzheimer's-like brain damage, study says
Tests on mice infected with H5N1 virus show lasting damage to nerve cells, including the brain
It is an especially destructive virus in people, causing widespread organ damage. Unlike most influenza viruses, it is neurotropic, meaning it can infect nerve cells, including cells in the brain.
There is no evidence the current pandemic strain of H1N1 swine flu affects the brain, although it can cause multiple organ failure.
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