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Nature 447, 12-13 (3 May 2007) | doi:10.1038/447012b; Published online 2 May 2007

Rapid sequencer puts virus in the frame for deaths

Heidi Ledford

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But researchers warn speed needs to be matched with certainty.

The discovery of a virus that may have killed three transplant recipients in Australia could mark a dramatic acceleration in the speed at which new pathogens can be identified. But it raises concerns that the ease with which such suspects can now be found could lead to researchers overlooking the need to firmly establish them as the cause of the disease in question.