Two studies on the 2026 Bundibugyo virus outbreak highlight new approaches to rapid diagnostics and vaccine preparedness. Diagnostic tests can be evaluated rapidly during an outbreak, and the 2026 virus may offer some cross-protection with existing Ebola vaccines.
A clinical case study demonstrates that heterovirulence, a simultaneous presence of subpopulations with different levels of virulence, can lead to the emergence of increasingly virulent subpopulations. This process can occur in seemingly harmless reservoirs, such as urinary tract infections, and contribute to the spread of infection wi...
Researchers found that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines effectively protected Schistosoma-infected mice against SARS-CoV-2, with strong spike-specific antibody responses and CD4 T-cell immunity. The findings suggest that chronic helminth infection does not necessarily compromise vaccine-induced protection.
The DZIF-supported project PROTON aims to develop innovative agents against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial pathogen responsible for severe lung infections. The active agent, a pathoblocker, targets the toxin that destroys lung tissue and immune cells, reducing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed a promising single-dose malaria treatment called SPAP, which targets the malaria parasite through multiple mechanisms. The four-drug combination therapy has shown significant promise in improving malaria treatment and could be a major advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.
A drug already in clinical trials for hepatitis C has been found to also prevent hepatitis E virus replication, offering new hope for a treatment option. The discovery was made using a library of nucleotide/nucleoside analogues and preclinical models.
Phyton Biotech has successfully transferred the manufacturing process for Corallopyronin A (CorA), a novel anti-infective agent with potent activity against filarial infections and bacterial infections. The technology transfer marks an important milestone in the Company's specialty GMP fermentation capabilities.
The partnership aims to develop next-generation mRNA vaccines with enhanced stability and targeted delivery, providing broader protection against emerging pathogens. This collaboration combines Ethris' mRNA technology platforms with DZIF's vaccine research expertise to accelerate the development of variant-ready vaccines.
A new MERS vaccine candidate has shown a stable and functional immune response in humans that persists for at least two years after a booster vaccination. The study demonstrates that such durable immunity can be achieved through targeted booster vaccinations, providing an important step toward an effective MERS vaccine.
The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.
Researchers have identified three distinct immunotypes in EPTB patients, revealing new insights into disease mechanisms. Additionally, gene expression-based biomarkers have been developed to reliably diagnose both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
A rare Seoul virus infection was reported in a German woman after visiting a private pet rat breeding facility. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of the virus in several rats from the facility, highlighting the need for better screening and hygiene practices.
A research team led by Dr. Marina Lusic identified RNA:DNA hybrids as molecular signposts for the virus, providing new therapeutic approaches for controlling HIV reservoirs. Removing Aquarius enzyme significantly decreases integration rate and shifts to R-loop-poor regions.
A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.
Researchers developed a new analysis method for CoVerage that predicts SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern (VOCs) with a lead time of almost three months. The tool analyzes genomic data to identify antigenic changes in the virus, enabling early detection and characterization of VOCs.
A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.
The European Vaccines Hub for Pandemic Readiness (EVH) is a pan-European center that integrates excellence in vaccine research, human monoclonal antibody development, clinical trials, and scalable manufacturing. EVH aims to drive innovation and ensure strategic autonomy in vaccine R&D and manufacturing.
A study in Tanzania found that eliminating worm infections, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The research, conducted between 2007 and 2019, showed a significant decrease in HIV incidence among people cured of the worm infection, compared to those who remained infected or never had the infection.
A recent study reveals critical vulnerabilities in global testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with socioeconomic disparities playing a significant role. The findings underscore the need for increased diagnostic capacity, equitable access to healthcare, and sustained international cooperation.
Researchers developed novel antibiotic BTZ-043 to target drug-resistant tuberculosis. The study showed that BTZ-043 effectively penetrates TB lesions and accumulates there in high concentrations, making it a promising treatment option for TB patients.
A new retrospective study found that nearly half of patients with fever of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa had a detectable pathogen, including bacterial strains and hemorrhagic fever viruses. The study highlights the need for strengthened laboratory capacity to improve diagnosis and treatment.
EBViously aims to prevent infectious mononucleosis and secondary diseases such as ME/CFS, while also protecting against certain types of cancer. The company's innovative vaccine candidate uses virus-like particles derived from EBV to trigger a targeted immune response.
The updated recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals to deliver better care and move closer to ending the HIV epidemic. The guidelines emphasize tailored antiretroviral therapy, effective HIV prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis, and comprehensive care for people living with HIV.
A phase Ib clinical trial has shown that the MVA-MERS-S vaccine candidate is safe and effective in healthy individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine was tested in a placebo-controlled study with no serious vaccine-related side effects, indicating promising results.
The study analyzed over 1.8 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to track virus variant spread and evolution. The introduction of free rapid antigen tests, mask regulations, and movement restrictions led to a significant decline in new variants entering Germany.
Researchers deciphered the molecular structure of bulevirtide in complex with HBV/HDV receptor NTCP, revealing a unique 'plug' that inhibits virus entry. The study also sheds light on evolutionary adaptation of HBVs to host species and provides insights for developing smaller, more effective active agents.
Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed effective antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major challenge in healthcare systems worldwide. These monoclonal antibodies target the pathogen's type III secretion system and show promise as a highly potent treatment option for acute and chronic infections.
A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of VIR-3434 in preventing viral dissemination and reducing viral particles in a mouse model for HBV/HDV coinfection. The monoclonal antibody neutralises all known genotypes of HBV and HDV, providing a potential new option for treating chronic hepatitis B and D.
Researchers investigated how gut bacteria respond to repeated antibiotic disruptions, finding that they evolve antibiotic-resistant variants and adapt through slowing of cell growth. The study reveals the complex response of the microbiome to antibiotics, including ecological effects and induction of prophages.
Researchers developed HIV-1-infection models in human microglia cell cultures to investigate the insertion of the HIV-1 genome. They discovered a correlation between a cellular chromatin factor and the sleeping virus phenotype, linking viral integration to topologically associated domains.
A 53-year-old man has been cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant, marking the third person to achieve this. The patient's genome contained a mutation in the CCR5 gene, making it impossible for most HIV viruses to enter his CD4+ T-lymphocytes.
A new set of guidelines has been established to quantify hepatitis B virus DNA in infected liver cells, crucial for preclinical and clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies. The standards were developed based on a study that identified the importance of sample type-tailored methods for accurate measurement.
Researchers have clarified relationships between numerous Enterobacter species and optimised resistance testing. Using genome-based taxonomic studies, they found that Enterobacter xiangfangensis accounted for 68.7% of all detected isolates worldwide.
A study found that severe COVID-19 is associated with endothelial dysfunction, strong inflammatory processes, and a dysfunctional immune system. The researchers discovered seven plasma proteins linked to severe disease, which are also involved in the regeneration of the endothelial barrier during recovery.
Researchers have characterized broadly neutralizing antibodies against the hepatitis C virus, identifying key genetic determinants of broad neutralization. These findings offer a promising basis for developing an effective vaccine against HCV.
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become the dominant virus form in Benin, West Africa, with over 60% of cases linked to the variant. Vaccination campaigns are crucial to combat the spread, as only 1% of the population is vaccinated.
Researchers identify beneficial bacteria like Klebsiella oxytoca that can combat hospital germs like K. pneumoniae. The study found that co-infection with these 'good' bacteria reduces susceptibility to infections and promotes a quicker recovery after antibiotic therapy.
Scientists detect early resistances to new antibiotic combination in Germany, limiting its potential as a treatment option for carbapenem-resistant pathogens. The study highlights the importance of genome-based surveillance for early detection of new resistance developments and emerging pathogens.
The urgent demand for new antimicrobial agents is threatened by a lack of investment in research. Scientists propose concepts for sustainably bridging the gap between pure research and industrial implementation to create new, effective antibiotics.
Researchers find that administering sodium acetate enhances the body's immune response to staphylococcal infections, improving outcomes in mouse models of sepsis. Acetate activates the GPR43 receptor on neutrophils, triggering a targeted and effective immune response.
A new gene cluster in Staphylococcus epidermidis enables the bacteria to produce structures that allow them to attach to human cells and form a persistent infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments or vaccinations against methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
A live vaccine consisting of infectious Plasmodium falciparum parasites has been shown to be highly effective in preventing malaria, with only three immunizations required. The vaccine induces a strong immune response that can recognize both the injected parasites and subsequent liver stage antigens.
Researchers developed a genetic material-based catalogue to predict antibiotic resistance in MDR-TB, enabling accelerated treatment development. The study found that 99% of predicted drug combinations were effective in traditional microbiological testing.
Researchers identified a new hepatitis B virus in donkeys and zebras that causes prolonged infections, potentially leading to better understanding of chronic hepatitis B and development of new therapies.
A new biomarker has been identified that can determine individual treatment duration for tuberculosis patients, reducing the need for prolonged therapy. The biomarker is based on an RNA signature from 22 genes and was developed using patient cohorts from Germany and Romania.
Researchers have developed a combination therapy that can potentially heal hepatitis B by shutting down the viral genome in infected liver cells. The treatment targets the HBx protein, which protects the genetic material from being silenced, allowing for sustained shutdown of the virus.
A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.
A new, evidence-based guideline has been created to treat patients with NTM lung disease. The guidelines, developed by experts from leading international societies, provide thirty-one recommendations for the treatment of patients suffering from NTM pathogens.
Researchers have isolated highly potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies that could provide protection against COVID-19 for several weeks. These near-germline antibodies show promise for use in prevention and treatment, including post-exposure prophylaxis to stop local outbreaks.
After allogeneic stem cell transplantation, a critical window of vulnerability exists for re-infection with HIV. New T-cell responses to HIV proteins from donor cells develop after this time, indicating a weak point that may explain incomplete removal of the virus.