The TWiVodrome considers the intestinal tract as an alternative infection route for MERS coronavirus, and how reduced accumulation of defective viral RNAs might lead to severe influenza.

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler

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Links for this episode

• HaHa influenza virus (mBio)
• MERS coronavirus intestinal transmission (Sci Adv)
• Simulated gastric and intestinal fluids
• Stomacher
• Defective genomes and severe influenza (PLoS Path)
• Image credit
• Letters read on TWiV 481

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Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees.

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