Articles tagged with Fever
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.
A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.
A case of tick-borne relapsing fever was reported in Sonora, Mexico, where the disease gets little attention. The patient's symptoms improved with doxycycline treatment, and spirochetes were detected in her blood, supporting the identification of an endemic focus for the disease.
Research from University of Maryland suggests climate change is driving an increase in seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, with areas experiencing earlier springs having a 14% higher prevalence of the condition. This is due to a longer season for tree pollen and simultaneous blooms of multiple tree species.
A new study found that diagnostic uncertainty in febrile children results in increased observation times, inpatient admissions, and precautionary use of antibiotics. The development of rapid diagnostic tests could significantly reduce financial burden on the NHS and avoid unnecessary distress to children and parents.
Researchers found that fever enhances T lymphocyte trafficking through heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90)-induced α4 integrin activation and signaling in T cells. Fever increased Hsp90 expression, promoting α4 integrin-mediated T cell adhesion and transmigration.
Research in mice reveals how fever boosts the ability of immune cells to reach infections by altering surface proteins. Fever-induced heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) promotes lymphocyte adhesion and transmigration through α4 integrin activation.
Researchers developed genetically modified pigs resistant to classical swine fever virus using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference. These tansgenic pigs can effectively limit CSFV replication and reduce disease severity, with stable transmission to offspring.
The UFZ model suggests that managing isolated outbreaks of African swine fever requires swift action, including the removal of 20% of dead wild boars to control virus spread. The model also recommends establishing a central core zone and buffer zone to prevent further spread, highlighting the importance of fast response times.
A new study has found that Rift Valley fever virus can cause high rates of stillbirth in pregnant rats and human tissue, with the virus evading the mother-child barrier more efficiently than other vertically transmitted viruses. The research aims to develop vaccines to prevent the virus from causing miscarriage and birth defects.
A recent study predicts ragweed will expand its range northward due to climate change, reaching areas including New York and Vermont. The plant's distribution is expected to surge in the eastern US by the 2050s before declining slightly in the following decades.
A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.
Researchers have developed a novel vaccine that protects against both Lassa fever and rabies, with promising results in preclinical testing. The vaccine, called LASSARAB, uses a weakened rabies virus vector to elicit an immune response against both viruses.
Researchers at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute are studying African swine fever to prevent a potential US outbreak. The virus has already spread throughout Asia and Eastern Europe, threatening the global swine industry.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered that medical providers in central North Carolina frequently neglect to test for Ehrlichia when treating tick-borne infections. The study found nearly 80% of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but only one-third were tested for Ehrlichia. This dis...
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a human skeleton in Scandinavia to determine the genomic blueprint of the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia recurrentis. The study found that the ancient strain had fewer genes for antigenic variation and retained a regulatory gene, suggesting reductive evolution.
A study by Takeo Nakanishi at Kanazawa University found that fever is regulated by prostaglandin E2 and OATP2A1 transporters, suggesting these as potential therapeutic targets for treating fever-related conditions.
Scientists compared two genetic sequencing methods to identify viruses behind illnesses in Tanzania. VirCapSeq-VERT proved more efficient than unbiased high-throughput sequencing, detecting Dengue virus and other pathogens with similar accuracy. The study's findings support the use of VirCapSeq-VERT as a cost-effective method for monit...
Research suggests an inverse relationship between fever and cancer incidence, potentially linked to enhanced gamma/delta T cell activity. This mechanistic hypothesis proposes that repeated exposure to fever boosts the ability of these T cells to detect cellular abnormalities and destroy malignant cells.
Researchers identified specific water areas and air temperatures that can permanently eliminate mosquito populations and reduce Rift Valley fever transmission. Understanding these ecological controls is crucial for informing policy makers and developing effective disease management strategies.
A large international study has identified 41 genes that increase the risk of developing hay fever, including 20 new to science. The study found a significant overlap between risk genes for hay fever and autoimmune diseases, suggesting a common underlying mechanism.
A research team has identified DDX3, a protein involved in RNA metabolism, as a key factor promoting arenavirus multiplication. The study may pave the way to new therapeutic treatments for arenaviruses and hemorrhagic fever, which currently have no effective treatment.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that a parent-focused booklet on childhood fever reduced antibiotic prescribing rates by 11% when used. The study involved 25,355 children and showed that the booklet was effective in promoting self-management strategies and reducing the need for medication.
A review of 16 studies reveals a strong association between fast food intake and an increased risk of asthma, wheeze, and other allergic diseases. Hamburger consumption was found to be most prominently associated with these conditions in a dose-dependent manner, regardless of income level.
A recent study found the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks collected from migrating birds in the Mediterranean basin. The discovery suggests that birds may contribute to the spread of the virus to new geographical areas. Continuing surveillance is essential to understand the ecology of the virus and prevent its potential spread.
Scientists have identified a common site on both viruses that renders them defenseless to the same antibodies, paving the way for broad-spectrum therapies. The findings provide molecular proof of an anecdotal observation and could lead to the development of a universal vaccine against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Historians have long been puzzled by Saladin's sudden death in 1193, but expert Stephen J. Gluckman has shed new light on the mystery. Typhoid fever is believed to be the most likely culprit, a bacterial disease common in the region at the time.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a new tool that enables clinicians to quickly diagnose patient samples and track epidemics using CRISPR-based SHERLOCK. The platform can detect viruses directly in bodily fluids, eliminating the need for lab equipment and trained personnel.
Two cluster-randomized trials in Africa found that conditional day 3 follow-up for children with uncomplicated fever is non-inferior to universal follow-up, allowing caregivers to return only when symptoms persist. The studies suggest that current WHO guidance may be reconsidered and could lead to more efficient use of resources.
Scientists identified potential biomarkers in nonhuman primates exposed to Ebola virus that appeared up to four days before fever onset. These markers could predict disease development prior to other host-based indications of infection.
African swine fever virus may survive in feed ingredients, posing a significant risk to the U.S. swine industry. Researchers are working to understand this risk and develop mitigation tools to prevent the virus from being introduced through feed.
A new study found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, with the incidence being 5.33 per 1000 person-years. The risk of stroke is as high as 2.49 times in the first 2 months following infection.
Researchers found the Asian tiger mosquito vanished from Palmyra Atoll following rat eradication, as humans became the sole host for mosquitoes to feed on. The study highlights a potential new approach to combatting mosquito-borne diseases by eradicating key hosts.
A chamber design separates airborne influenza particles by size, revealing that ferrets transmit the virus via particles ranging from 15 μm to 1.5 μm before fever onset and after infection. This study provides insights into the efficient transmission ranges for influenza in ferrets.
Researchers found that de-identified smart thermometer data was highly correlated with traditional public health surveillance systems, improving flu forecasting by up to four weeks. The data also revealed age-group specific incidence and estimated the duration of fevers during flu season.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute and Harvard University use ancient DNA analysis to uncover the possible cause of a devastating epidemic in Oaxaca, Mexico. The study found evidence of Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C, a pathogen that causes enteric fever, in skeletons of victims of the cocoliztli epidemic.
Researchers found high rates of tick-borne disease exposure among Mongolian herders and livestock, particularly in the northern provinces. The study highlights the importance of investigating human-livestock-environment interactions to identify risk factors for disease transmission.
A meta-analysis found rebound hyperthermia to be associated with significantly worse neurologic outcomes and mortality in survivors of cardiac arrest. The study emphasizes the potential detrimental effects of fever on neurological recovery during rewarming phase.
Researchers found that maternal fever increases the risk of heart defects and facial deformities, with fever itself interfering with heart and jaw development. Acetaminophen may help reduce this risk if taken judiciously during pregnancy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that fever in early pregnancy can cause heart and facial birth defects, but using a fever reducer like acetaminophen may help prevent these defects. The study used zebrafish and chicken embryos to demonstrate the impact of fever on development.
A Tel Aviv University study found that intrapartum fever, which occurs during labor, is associated with higher rates of operative vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections. Women with positive bacterial cultures had a increased risk of neonatal complications compared to those with negative cultures.
Researchers at UC are studying tick populations to develop strategies for preventing tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. The study focuses on the distribution of four species in southwest Ohio, their ability to withstand winters, and the diseases they carry.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a treatment for Lassa fever that provides 100% protection against the deadly virus in nonhuman primates, even when administered up to eight days after exposure. The treatment uses monoclonal antibodies and has been shown to be well-tolerated.
The University of Arizona Health Sciences has received a $4.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a live vaccine for Valley fever. Scientists aim to test the vaccine in dogs, with potential next steps including human evaluation and approval.
The risk of dying from rheumatic heart disease has dropped globally over the last 25 years, but progress is uneven, particularly in the world's poorest countries. An estimated 347,500 deaths occurred in 1990 and 319,400 in 2015, with a 48% decrease in death rates.
The Oropouche virus is a serious public health risk for Brazil, spreading to major cities after being confined to villages in the Amazon. The virus causes acute fever and may lead to meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
Researchers from the University of Basel have identified messenger substances that trigger excessive inflammatory responses in infected mice, leading to circulatory failure. Blocking these substances with existing medications may help prevent fatal outcomes in viral hemorrhagic fevers.
African swine fever is a devastating disease with a mortality rate of over 90% that affects pig populations worldwide. Researchers studied live-pig trade in Georgia to identify patterns and high-risk villages where education and outreach activities can be targeted.
A study found that fever during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, increases autism spectrum disorder risk by 40 percent. The risk is further elevated for children of mothers who experienced three or more fevers after the twelfth week of pregnancy.
A team led by Kathryn Hastie and Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute has solved the structure of Lassa virus's surface glycoprotein, a key step in developing a vaccine. The breakthrough provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine, which could help combat the deadly arenavirus family.
Researchers have identified a key feature of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare genetic condition, by finding untethered proteins in the cells of children with the disease. This discovery could help fast-track diagnosis and provide new insights into the disease process.
Research suggests that online health information can compromise the parent-doctor relationship, leading to delayed treatment. Parents who view conflicting symptoms may question their doctor's diagnosis and seek a second opinion, highlighting the importance of discussing concerns with patients.
A new vaccine called Zoonoses Barrier Vaccine (ZBV) aims to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic zoonotic diseases. The vaccine targets deadly pathogens in animal species and has shown promise in preventing devastating diseases such as Lassa haemorrhagic fever, SARS, MERS, plaque, Rift Valley Fever Virus and Q Fever.
The newly launched GeoHealth journal by AGU and Wiley focuses on the growing connection between Earth sciences and human health. Researchers are discussing impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with human health and disease. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on environmental and health issues.
A new study published in JAMA found that a three-year course of treatment with immunotherapy using grass pollen extract can effectively reduce severe hay fever symptoms for several years, but a two-year course is not enough. The research bolsters previous findings that more time is needed to achieve lasting benefits.
A global partnership, CEPI, aims to create vaccines for emerging infectious diseases with a $460m initial investment from governments and foundations. The Coalition will target MERS-CoV, Lassa, and Nipah viruses, as well as Ebola and Zika, to develop safe and effective vaccines that can be deployed rapidly to contain outbreaks.
Researchers found that a small group of brain cells controls sleep and regulates core body temperature, which explains why people don't feel jet-lagged when they have a fever. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind circadian rhythms and their role in regulating bodily processes.
A Rift Valley fever outbreak has been reported in Niger, with 64 human cases and 23 deaths confirmed. Umeå University's Osama Ahmed Hassan joined a UN expert mission to develop action plans to curb the spread of the disease. The mission aimed to implement short-, mid- and long-term strategies to prevent further outbreaks.
A Washington State University study found that vaccinating cattle for East Coast fever increases household wealth and income, leading to more food and education. Fewer cattle deaths also enable families to send their daughters to secondary school.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine introduce a checklist-style protocol to minimize unnecessary blood culture draws in hospitalized children with fevers. The guideline resulted in an almost 50% decrease in unnecessary blood draws without compromising sepsis diagnosis.