In Article <CwFxpF.F1H at ncifcrf.gov>, tobin at fcs260c.ncifcrf.gov (Greg Tobin)
wrote:
>After reading this post, I understood why the author wishes to remain
>anonymous! Talk about a dangerous idea!
>>For those that missed the post in question, the author wants to crate
>a recombinant virus (RSV?) that will immunize females against sperm
>proteins. Supposedly, their immune systems would then neutralize sperm
>and prevent fertilization. The virus would be spread by aerosol and effect
>would be evident within one generation.
>>Problems:
>1. Although over-population is a real problem, underpopulation could
> also hurt the global society.
>2. Virus would need to constantly replicate to induce enough sperm-
> specific IgA in the vaginal canal.
>3. The pupetrators would have a great deal of control over where the
> infection starts, etc. and who would first be immunized against
> the vector.
>4. Immunization against the vector would defeat the purpose. This would
> be done in developed countries within a few years of discovering
> the crime. Thus this is a formula for reducing the population of
> the _developing_ world only. If this is reprehensible, then here
> is another problem!
>>>4.
>2.
>--
>Greg Tobin, Ph.D. tobin at lcms-1.ncifcrf.gov>LCMS
>PO Box B
>Frederick, MD 21702
This is exactly what they want to do in Australia to curb the rabbit
population!!!!!!!! Thankfully the myxoma virus does not infect humans!!
Cheers,
Chris
Chris Upton
Biochemistry & Microbiology
University of Victoria
PO Box 3055, Victoria
BC, Canada V8W 3P6
(604)721-6507
(604)721-8855 fax
