Two common respiratory infections have for the first time been found fusing together into a 'hybrid virus' capable of evading the immune system.
Researchers deliberately infected human lung cells with RSV and influenza A - and instead of fighting each other, the viruses morphed into a new virus pathogen.
It's hoped the findings can explain why some people can develop worse diseases, like pnuemonia, when infected with two viruses at the same time.
Professor Pablo Murcia, who supervised the research, spoke to Māni Dunlop.
