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NIH-funded researchers share early results of lassa fever vaccine in phase 1 clinical trial

In a phase 1 clinical trial, researchers found the LASSARAB vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing strong immune responses against Lassa fever and rabies. The vaccine demonstrated robust neutralizing antibody levels against the rabies virus, exceeding WHO's established threshold for protection.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2026

Study reveals how chills develop and support the body's defense against infection

A recent rat study identified the neural mechanism underlying chills, a cold sensation that supports the body's response to infection. The findings suggest that prostaglandin E₂ boosts cold signals from the lateral parabrachial nucleus to the central nucleus of the amygdala, triggering chills and promoting warmth-seeking behavior.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

UMass Amherst tick researchers identify new strain of rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans

Researchers at UMass Amherst's New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases have identified a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans. The discovery in Maine suggests rabbit ticks could be a zoonotic vector for serious infections, contradicting the usual dog tick vector.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·DateApr 24, 2025

Researchers’ study show advancements in GP38 contributions to CCHFV and monoclonal antibody therapies

Researchers have made significant discoveries about the role of GP38 in viral infections and pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a target for vaccines and medical countermeasures. Non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies have shown protective efficacy against lethal challenge, reducing circulating GP38 and vascular leak.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025

“Overlooked” scrub typhus may affect 1 in 10 in rural India, and be a leading cause of hospitalisations for fever

A study of over 32,000 people in rural India found scrub typhus infection affects up to 10% annually, leading to hospitalisations due to severe fever symptoms. The researchers highlight the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and community awareness to reduce unnecessary hospitalisations and fatal cases.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2025

New study sheds light on the causes of fevers of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa

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.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Fever drives enhanced activity, mitochondrial damage in immune cells

Researchers found that fever temperatures increase helper T cell metabolism, proliferation and inflammatory activity, while causing mitochondrial stress, DNA damage and cell death in a specific subset of Th1 cells. These findings may explain how chronic inflammation contributes to cancer development and suggest a fundamental way cells ...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024

Finnish Vole fever spreading further south

A new study has discovered that bank voles in southern Sweden carry a virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans, spreading the disease further south than previously known. The virus strain is closely related to strains from Finland and Karelia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

Features of bloodstream infection among immunocompromised oncology patients presenting to the emergency department with fever

The study found a 5.7% blood culture positive rate among eligible Hem-Onc patients, with 56% having an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500 µL at presentation. Gram-positive organisms were the most common isolates, highlighting the diversity of bloodstream infection causes in this patient population.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalOncology Advances·DateMay 23, 2024

Choosing over the counter drugs for COVID 19? It’s complicated

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University suggest that selecting an OTC medication for mild COVID-19 symptoms should be based on the entire benefit-to-risk profile of the patient. They caution against using traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen due to their similar but greater side effect profiles compared to aspirin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 19, 2024

Major typhoid fever surveillance study in sub-Saharan Africa indicates need for the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines in endemic countries

A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the depths of intensive care medicine

A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 12, 2024

Movement sensors can detect disease in wild boar

Accelerometer sensors can detect sickness behavior in wild boar, allowing for early detection of African Swine Fever. The study found that infected boars were 10-20% less active daily than healthy ones, making this technology a potential tool for disease control and prevention.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

For children with fever, the proportion taken for treatment across Africa, Asia and Latin America has increased significantly in the last 30 years from 61% to 71%, but "significant gaps" in access to healthcare remain

The proportion of children with fever treated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America has risen significantly from 61% to 71% over the past 30 years. Despite this increase, significant gaps in access to healthcare persist.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 23, 2023

AI model proactively predicts if a COVID-19 test might be positive or not

Researchers developed an accurate predictive model to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative test outcomes. The study found that symptom features, such as fever and difficulty breathing, play a significant role in predicting test results, with molecular tests yielding lower positive rates due to their dependence on viral load.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSmart Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2022

Long COVID patients and those with other illnesses experience similar, negative lingering effects during the pandemic

Research suggests that long COVID patients share similar lingering negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being with individuals who have other illnesses. The study found moderate-to-severe residual symptoms in 40% of COVID-positive participants and 54% of those who tested negative.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

Discovery of antibody structure could lead to treatment for Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus

A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

The brain cells needed for fever

Researchers at Linköping University identified the brain cells necessary for a fever reaction in mice, finding that prostaglandin production in these cells is both necessary and sufficient for triggering a fever response. This breakthrough sheds light on the body's defense mechanism against infection and inflammation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

New study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado, and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than documented by CDC

A new study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than previously documented by the CDC. The study leverages citizen science data, revealing a critical need for increased tick surveillance and preventative measures against ticks.

SourceBay Area Lyme Foundation·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children’s receives $8 million grant to fund rheumatic heart fever research

A collaborative network led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has received an $8 million grant to identify and validate biomarkers for acute rheumatic fever. This will enable the development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic test, crucial for diagnosing rheumatic heart disease, which is caused by a slow but progress...

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

Scientists at the University of Malaga inquire into the biogeography of yellow fever transmission

Researchers at the University of Malaga study the global risk of yellow fever transmission to humans, finding high zoonotic potential in southeastern Brazil and western Amazon basin. The team proposes prioritizing vaccination efforts in regions with favorable conditions for virus presence and mosquito vectors.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022