A new mouse model reveals Zika virus can replicate for extended periods in the vagina, leading to brain infection and growth restriction. Researchers also investigate potential blocking methods using the interferon pathway.
A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.
Scientists have identified a new multicomponent virus called Guaico Culex virus (GCXV) that can infect animals but not mammals. The discovery highlights the diversity of host ranges among viruses and underscores the need for continued research to better prepare for emerging diseases.
Scientists have discovered a new class of small molecule compounds that can block the Ebola virus's ability to break out of cells and infect new ones. The compounds target an interaction between the virus and host cells, inhibiting viral egress without being toxic to human cells.
Researchers at UTMB have protected nonhuman primates against Ebola Sudan four days after infection using a siRNA-based treatment. The treatment was effective even when animals showed signs of disease and had detectable levels of the virus in their blood.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people infected with Ebola virus were 20% more likely to survive if they were co-infected with malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. The survival difference was evident even after controlling for Ebola viral load and age.
Activated B cells play a crucial role in the formation of immune memory, with some cells persisting for months after initial exposure. The study reveals that while plasmablasts dominate early responses to infections or vaccinations, activated B cells take center stage later on.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a high-resolution view of how the ZMapp experimental therapy targets Ebola virus. The study revealed detailed images of the protein structures, providing new clues to improve the effectiveness of the antibodies in the treatment.
A new virus, largemouth bass reovirus, has been discovered in association with a 2015 fish kill in Pine Lake, Wisconsin. The virus is a distant relative of known pathogens and makes the species a key suspect in fish mortality.
The Ebola epidemic led to a significant decline in child and maternal health in Liberia, with a 30% reduction in facility-based deliveries. The study found that fear of Ebola transmission in healthcare facilities was the primary factor contributing to this decline.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that maternal health services in rural Liberia suffered a significant impact during the Ebola epidemic, with facility-based deliveries decreasing by approximately 8%. The researchers noted that fear of transmission in health facilities was a major factor contributing to this decline.
A new study by NIH and its collaborators reveals that vaccination against one strain of Zika virus may be sufficient to provide protection against other genetically diverse strains. The research found that neutralizing antibodies produced in response to infection with one strain can also protect against infections caused by other strai...
Researchers have identified a modified human protein essential for Ebola virus replication, offering new targets for therapeutic development.
A team of researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley identified duramycin as an effective blocker of Zika virus infection in human cells. The study reveals two potential routes for the virus to reach the fetus and shows that duramycin can prevent birth defects associated with microcephaly.
A team of scientists has developed a model that can predict which bat species are most likely to transmit Ebola and other filoviruses. The study highlights new potential hosts and geographic hotspots worthy of surveillance, with the AI algorithm identifying potential carriers in Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
Ecologists have identified 21 bat species that are likeliest to harbor Ebola and other filoviruses, primarily found in Southeast Asia and Central and South America. The study suggests targeted disease surveillance efforts in these regions to prevent future outbreaks.
Scientists have discovered two new strains of the HTLV-4 virus in hunters bitten by gorillas in Gabon, supporting the notion that gorillas are a major source of infectious agents. The findings suggest that gorilla bites can lead to chronic persistence of the virus in humans.
Researchers tested serum antibodies from Ebola survivors and found substantial cross-reactivity with other filoviruses, suggesting long-lived immunity. The study's results indicate that antibody responses extend beyond the primary virus, imparting at least partial immunity to other filoviral infections.
The PREVAIL IV trial is a six-month study enrolling 60-120 EVD survivors with evidence of Ebola virus RNA in their semen. Participants will receive either investigational drug GS-5734 or a placebo to see if it can eliminate the viral RNA from semen.
Researchers at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute are studying the relationship between Zika virus and mosquitoes to develop better controlling methods. They aim to target specific species of mosquitoes that transmit the virus, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are widely distributed in the U.S.
New research detects Zika virus in brain and placental tissue of deceased babies and spontaneously aborted foetuses, providing early insight into the effect of Zika virus infection on foetuses. The study highlights a potential link between Zika virus infection during the first trimester of pregnancy and severe birth defects.
The 1976 Ebola outbreak highlighted the importance of rapid clinical recognition, international notification, and specimen provision. Researchers recommend strengthened preparation, detection, response, control mechanisms, and international cooperation to manage future outbreaks promptly.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that can efficiently neutralize both dengue and Zika viruses, sharing identical binding sites on their viral envelopes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single vaccine offering protection against both diseases.
A study from Imperial College London found that previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. The research suggests that the Zika virus uses the body's own defences as a 'Trojan horse', allowing it to enter human cells undetected and replicate rapidly.
University of Chicago scientists developed a computer model of HIV that gives real insight into how the virus matures and becomes infective. The model reveals critical proteins inside the bud are cut into bits by the enzyme HIV protease, which can be targeted by anti-viral drugs.
A UCL-led team of researchers has developed a model that predicts outbreaks of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and Zika based on environmental changes. The model forecasts the number of people affected by Lassa fever to double from 195,125 to 406,725 by 2070 due to climate change and population growth.
New research suggests that sexual transmission of Ebola could have a major impact on the dynamics of the disease. The study found that even small and short outbreaks with sexual transmission were larger and longer-lasting than those without it.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is developing a training program to equip health care and public safety workers with the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves and their communities from potential exposure to contaminated materials or infected individuals. The program, funded by the National Institute of Environmenta...
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has launched a three-year, $9 million training program to educate approximately 35,000 first responders and hazardous waste workers on infectious disease safety. The program aims to minimize the spread of disease to others while protecting these workers from exposure.
Researchers found that Zika virus can infect human placental macrophages, known as Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels. This infection may allow the virus to cross the placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation, posing a risk to fetal development.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are working to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus, using their experience with West Nile virus. They aim to identify specific parts of the virus that can be targeted by the immune system, and have received $230,000 in NIH funding for their research.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to rapidly detect single viruses in urine, including Ebola, Zika, and HIV. The technique is highly selective and can be used with urine straight from a person or animal, unlike other methods that require higher concentrations or purification.
A new PLOS Medicine article highlights the need for strengthened national health systems, consolidated global emergency response activities, and enhanced research and development to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The study's authors emphasize that system-wide accountability and continuous oversight are crucia...
Researchers identified Zika virus protein NS5 as a promising target for vaccines, inhibiting human interferon responses by blocking STAT2 protein. The study found altered or removed NS5 could trigger the human immune system to attack the virus, making it a potential vaccine candidate.
A study published in Virus Evolution found that unconventional transmission routes like semen and breast milk contributed to the tail-end of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. The research used real-time sequencing of Ebola virus genomes to track the source of infection for some final cases.
Researchers have identified an experimental antiviral drug that slows down Zika virus development in mice. The study suggests the drug may provide protection against Zika-induced symptoms and microcephaly in pregnant women.
Researchers genetically engineered a Zika virus infectious cDNA clone, enabling rapid vaccine development and exploration of the virus's evolution and transmission. The study unlocks insights into why the Zika virus causes severe diseases and epidemics.
Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.
The Brazilian Zika virus strain causes significant damage to mouse fetuses, leading to cell death and impaired growth. In vitro experiments confirm the virus's lethal effects on human nervous system cells, mirroring the development of congenital malformations like microcephaly.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a novel, inexpensive method for detecting the Zika virus that could help slow its spread. The system uses a simple modular workflow comprising three steps: amplification, detection, and strain identification.
A phase I trial of the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine in Africa and Europe has shown promising results, with antibodies detectable after six months. The vaccine stimulates a strong immune response and appears to control virus replication.
Genomic analysis of Ebola virus samples from Liberia in June 2015 indicates a re-emergence of a persistently infected source, highlighting the risk of disease flare-ups even after an outbreak is declared over. The study's findings suggest that the virus replicates at a lower rate during persistent infections.
A handheld instrument has been developed to detect the Ebola virus quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster treatment and real-time monitoring of viral loads. The device can process four samples simultaneously and produces results in under 37 minutes, significantly reducing the testing time required by conventional methods.
Researchers have developed zinc-oxide nanoparticles that can prevent the herpes simplex virus from entering cells and stimulate natural immunity to develop. The particles, called ZOTEN, work by attracting the virus and allowing immune cells to process it.
New research confirms Zika virus was present in Haiti and possibly earlier, contradicting early theories on its spread in the Americas. The discovery sheds light on the virus's history and suggests a more complex spread than initially thought.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the structure of a common virus's biological machinery, revealing important traits in Lassa virus. The research provides valuable insights into how to defend against its deadly cousin, Lassa fever, and may lead to the development of new treatments.
A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.
An immunization regimen using two Ebola vaccine candidates was found to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing an immune response in healthy adult volunteers. The study's results suggest that the vaccines could provide durable protection against Ebola, which is essential for areas with intermittent outbreaks.
A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.
Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.
Researchers have identified a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in Ebola survivors, including vision complications and joint pain. The study's findings highlight the need for improved treatment options for those affected by post-Ebola syndrome.
Researchers tested Zika virus in human neural stem cells to understand its effects on developing brains. The study found that the virus preferentially killed brain cells, reducing growth by 40% in a brain organoid model.
A Kansas State University study finds a naturally occurring mutation in the myxoma virus weakens it and allows rabbits to resist infection. The researchers hope this discovery will aid in understanding pathogen evolution and predicting which viruses pose threats to humans.
Researchers have established a mouse model that mimics aspects of Zika virus infection in humans, allowing for the testing of vaccines and therapeutics. The model shows high levels of the virus in the brain, spinal cord, and testes of male mice, supporting clinical data on sexual transmission.
A team of NIH doctors detailed a severe case of Ebola virus disease involving the central nervous system. Despite multi-organ failure, the patient survived with intensive supportive care, highlighting near complete recovery is possible with such care alone.
Researchers have determined the near-atomic level map of Zika virus, showing a notable difference in one key surface protein compared to other flaviviruses like dengue. This structure may provide clues for understanding how Zika enters human cells and suggest ways to combat the virus with drugs or vaccines.
Researchers found genetic material from the Zika virus can be detected in pregnant women months after infection, indicating potential fetal brain damage. The study also isolated infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue and discovered new mutations that may be linked to the virus's impact on the fetus.