Articles tagged with Avian Influenza
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered specific sugar molecules that bind to the respiratory tract, allowing influenza viruses like H5N1 to infect humans. This knowledge could lead to the development of novel anti-influenza drugs to prevent human infection.
A study found that at least 17 white-tailed sea eagles died from avian influenza virus H5N8 in Northern Germany during the winter of 2016/2017. The analysis revealed that the virus was highly aggressive and caused a lethal inflammation of the brain, with no evidence of lead poisoning as a cause.
A novel reassortant AIV, influenza A(H7N4), has been identified in a backyard poultry setting, leading to severe human infection. The virus originated from wild bird AIVs and was low pathogenic to avian species, susceptible to antivirals and binding to avian-like α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.
Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.
Researchers have developed a transgenic mouse that can help identify new influenza virus strains with the potential to cause a global pandemic. The mouse expresses human MxA protein, which is thought to target influenza A viruses, and has shown resistance to avian but susceptibility to human flu viruses.
H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.
A new study suggests that an avian influenza virus vaccine can trigger broad and durable protection against multiple flu strains, offering a promising path toward a universal flu vaccine. The research identifies unique epitopes on the virus and highlights the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in providing protection.
Kansas State University researchers developed a vaccine protecting against multiple US avian influenza strains, including H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8. The NDV-H5Nx vaccine can be administered through water or embryonated eggs, offering a potential solution for mass vaccination of poultry.
Research confirms that certain vaccines can lead to the survival of more virulent virus strains, increasing risk to unvaccinated populations. This has significant implications for food-chain security and human health.
Researchers developed vaccines for H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza strains using a recombinant virus approach, protecting chickens against both strains. This method may lead to rapid vaccine development for emerging strains and new influenza vaccines for pigs, sheep, and other livestock.
The USGS has detected a novel, mixed-origin HPAI H5N1 avian flu virus in a green-winged teal in Washington State, differing from the well-known Asian H5N1 HPAI virus. The population-level impact of this virus on free-living wild bird species is currently unknown.
Researchers propose an incentive-based method to balance hospital capacity and patient choice during a pandemic, aiming for high efficiency and patient satisfaction. By using numerical modeling, they show that the patient choice of hospitals can match the desired resource utilization by the central health authority.
A team of researchers has identified eight genes from influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks that possess genetic similarities to the 1918 pandemic flu virus. The new study shows that these gene pools have the potential to cause a severe pandemic in the future if combined with other viral components.
A study published in mBio found an unusual avian influenza virus in Adçie penguins from Antarctica, which is distinct from other circulating flu viruses. The virus was detected in adult and chick samples, and its genetic material showed high similarity to North American avian lineage viruses from the 1960s-80s.
Quail and chickens are likely sources of infection for the H7N9 influenza virus, according to a study published in the Journal of Virology. The research found that quail efficiently transmitted the virus, while other poultry species were resistant or did not become infected.
Novel emerging pathogens often have significant impacts on human health, with RNA viruses being a major cause of these infections. Early detection and response are crucial for effective disease containment or mitigation, using tools like bio-surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and Next Gen sequencing.
A new study tracks the spread of an H5N1 variant in Egypt using phylogeography, a technique that combines viral sequence data and geographical information. The study aims to enhance efforts by public health officials to identify viral outbreaks, limit their spread, and inform the public of risks.
New research conducted at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute shows promise in fighting the deadly H7N9 influenza virus. The study reveals that Alferon N can inhibit the replication of wild type and Tamiflu-resistant H7N9 virus strains, providing a potential treatment option.
The H7N9 influenza virus is poorly adapted for sustained human-to-human transmission, suggesting a low risk of pandemic. The study's findings indicate that the current form of the virus would need significant mutations to become transmissible between humans.
Closure of live poultry markets (LPMs) in four Chinese cities reduced daily human H7N9 infections by over 97%, according to new research. The study confirms LPM closure as a highly effective intervention to prevent human disease and protect public health.
Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus has been found to attach moderately or abundantly to the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This pattern suggests that the emerging H7N9 virus may transmit efficiently in humans and cause severe pneumonia.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus infecting humans. Domestic ducks and chickens played distinct roles in its genesis, with strains exchanging genes that led to outbreaks among chickens and human infections.
The H7N9 avian flu strain has a tendency to become established in bird, horse, and swine populations, leading to repeated spillover into humans. The virus's unusual characteristics, such as its ability to mutate and infect conjunctival cells, make it a cause for heightened concern.
Researchers evaluated past H7 subtype influenza viruses among mammals and birds, comparing them to other avian influenza viruses. While none have caused a human pandemic since 1918, some adapted to infect horses, raising concerns about potential adaptation to humans.
Researchers found that seniors' saliva contains more efficient germ-fighting proteins that bind to influenza, helping them fight off the disease. The study's findings may provide useful information for understanding age-related diseases and developing prevention strategies.
Researchers have sequenced the duck genome and conducted transcriptomic studies to understand the interactive mechanisms between the host and influenza viruses. The study identified novel genes not present in other birds and found alterations in gene expression patterns in response to avian influenza viruses.
Researchers infected ferrets and pigs with the human-derived H7N9 virus, showing that both species can be infected and transmit the virus. While transmission was more efficient in ferrets, the study highlights potential public health implications of the avian virus.
A new computational technique allows predicting infectious avian influenza strains based on protein sequences and physicochemical characteristics. The 'A2H' system has successfully validated its predictions against known strains of bird flu and those that are infectious to people.
Genetic analysis reveals potential origins of novel avian influenza A H7N9 virus, suggesting at least four possible evolutionary paths. The virus has evolved into two distinct lineages, with unknown intermediate hosts implicated, highlighting the need for global surveillance and close monitoring of domestic-poultry-to-person transmission.
A new vaccine has proven highly effective against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, when tested in mice and ferrets. The vaccine uses an attenuated version of the H9 virus with an added H5 gene, slowing viral replication and reducing the risk of successful reassortment.
Researchers found that pigs in southern China were infected with three strains of avian influenza viruses, including H3, H4, H5, and H6 subtypes. The study suggests that pigs can serve as mixing vessels for genetic reassortment that could lead to pandemics.
Global experts weigh in on the H5N1 moratorium, discussing biosafety concerns, dual-use research of concern, and the importance of lifting the ban. Public health experts assess the probability of accidental release from laboratories with advanced security.
Researchers found that climate change could disrupt the interactions between ruddy turnstone shorebirds and horseshoe crabs at Delaware Bay, leading to increased avian influenza infection rates. This could drive up the infection rate in resident ducks, potentially spreading novel subtypes among North American wild bird populations.
A novel avian influenza virus has infected and killed harbor seals in New England, with the majority being infants under 6 months old. The research, published in mBio, reveals that the virus descended from an avian strain circulating in North American waterfowl since 2002.
The Singapore-developed H5N1 diagnostic kit can detect all known strains of the virus in a single test within hours. This allows for rapid diagnosis and effective infection control intervention.
Researchers have restructured their virus-tracking software to allow for modular development and integration with other applications. The new implementation enables public health scientists to update maps on the evolution and spread of pathogens, facilitating better deployment of resources to protect citizens and forces in the field.
A DNA vaccine regimen primed with H5N1 influenza followed by a booster dose of traditional influenza vaccine showed improved immune response and protected levels of antibodies, targeting the virus's stem region. This strategy could help prepare for future pandemics by reducing traditional vaccine manufacturing capacity.
Chinese researchers have found that oral chicken interferon-alpha can significantly reduce influenza virus levels when given either preventively or therapeutically. This could be a convenient and inexpensive method for protecting neighboring uninfected birds from infection.
A growing livestock industry is fueling animal epidemics that threaten food security in developing countries, where people rely on farm animals for their families' survival. The lack of veterinary capacity to track and control outbreaks poses a significant risk to human health, particularly in Africa and Asia.
The study found that H5N1 survives longer at cooler temperatures and low humidity, persisting up to two weeks. The virus also thrives on certain surfaces like glass and steel, potentially surviving for up to two months.
Researchers have discovered a monoclonal antibody that is effective against multiple strains of influenza, including Avian H5N1, seasonal H1N1, and the 2009 Swine H1N1 influenza. The antibody targets a conserved region of the viral coat protein, providing broad-spectrum protection against various flu strains.
The new edition of Infectious Diseases provides comprehensive guidance on overcoming the latest clinical infectious disease challenges, including updates on H1N1 and avian influenza viruses. The book's editorial team offers regular content updates, case studies, and an interactive disease outbreak map.
Researchers found that preen oil gland secretions support a natural mechanism for AIV concentration, facilitating virus diffusion in nature. This discovery has important implications for avian influenza virus surveillance and prevention strategies.
A PLOS Medicine article examines the challenges of increasing global access to influenza vaccines, citing disagreements between developed and developing countries as a major obstacle. The author calls for further research on ways to address these issues through collective action.
Researchers found that individuals vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine produce antibodies targeting H5 HA, protecting mice from pandemic H1N1 and several H5N1 viruses. However, more work is needed to determine antibody levels and vaccination effectiveness against different influenza virus subtypes.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers examines the potential influence that business connections between broiler chicken growers may have on the transmission of avian influenza, H5N1. The study found company affiliation to be the greatest driver of farm-to-farm disease transmission risk.
Researchers found that CS-8958 resulted in higher survival rates and lower virus levels than oseltamivir in mouse models. The novel compound also protected mice from lethal H5N1 infection when given before or after exposure to the virus.
Researchers found a single dose of CS-8958 administered two hours after infection resulted in higher survival rates and lower virus levels compared to standard oseltamivir treatment. The compound also protected mice against lethal H5N1 infection when given seven days before infection.
USGS scientists identify Northern Pintail birds with genetic variations closely related to Eurasian influenza viruses, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts. The study proposes refining priority species lists based on genetic analysis to reduce time and effort in surveillance sampling.
A new compound, T-705, has been found to be effective and safe against H5N1 virus, a highly pathogenic bird flu virus, even three days after infection. The compound works by targeting the viral polymerase enzyme, making it a promising front-line drug for treating influenza.
Rice University scientists win grant to investigate flu virus's complex replication process and develop more effective antiviral drugs. The research will focus on understanding the assembly of viral RNA segments into a viable package, which is crucial for the virus to reproduce.
Researchers found molecular sites on the 2009 H1N1 virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses, explaining why older adults may have some immunity to the new virus. This immunity may be due to cell-mediated responses triggered by cytotoxic T-cells.
Researchers found that viral polymerase is a key target for preventing systemic flu in humans. The study discovered that avian influenza adapted to infect mice caused severe illness and death due to suppression of the immune system.
Researchers created a first-ever model that takes into account both direct and indirect transmission of avian influenza viruses among birds. The model reveals that environmental transmission can trigger outbreaks, even when no infected birds are present.
Recent research on H5N1 avian influenza virus reveals its mechanisms, epidemiology, and transmission dynamics. Understanding the host-virus interaction is crucial for developing effective control measures.
Research suggests that avian influenza viruses struggle to grow and spread in the human nose due to its cooler temperature, making it less likely to cause respiratory illness. The study also found that mutated viruses with proteins from avian influenza viruses are unlikely to thrive at human nose temperatures.
The InDevR FluChip has been shown to detect and distinguish swine-origin H1N1 from human influenza viruses with high accuracy. The assay's robust performance is attributed to its targeted M-gene sequence, which codes for the virus' matrix proteins.
A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.