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Study shows link between influenza virus and fever

A study by University of Bonn researchers has found a link between the influenza virus and fever, revealing that the immune system's RIG-I protein plays a key role in triggering high temperatures. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating severe viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 16, 2009

NASA study predicted outbreak of deadly virus

A NASA study successfully predicted the 2006-2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in northeast Africa using a blend of climate measurements and satellite data. The prediction gave public health officials up to six weeks' notice, allowing them to implement disease mitigation measures and lessen human impact.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2009

How to treat fevers in African children up for debate

Two experts disagree on whether all African children with fever should be treated presumptively with antimalarial drugs. Blaise Genton and colleagues argue that declining malarial transmission rates support changing the policy, while Mike English and colleagues claim there is not enough evidence to abandon presumptive treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 5, 2009

Scientists discover new arenavirus associated with hemorrhagic fever

A newly discovered arenavirus, Chapare virus, has been identified in a fatal hemorrhagic fever case in rural Bolivia. The virus produces clinical hemorrhagic symptoms similar to those associated with other New World arenaviruses, but genetically it is distinct from Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabia viruses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 2008

Wellmune WGP supplementation alleviates

Research conducted by Miami Research Associates found that Wellmune WGP supplementation reduced the incidence of medically verified fever in healthy subjects. Additionally, the study showed significant improvements in physical energy and emotional well-being, with no need for work or school absences due to cold-like symptoms.

Vaccine for Ebola virus

Researchers have successfully tested Ebola vaccines in primates, triggering a cell-mediated response and producing effective protection. The candidates are now set to be tested on humans for the first time, offering hope for controlling outbreaks and protecting healthcare workers.

Chikungunya virus and maternal infection; and more

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that Chikungunya virus-infected mothers rarely harm infants early in pregnancy but can cause severe problems, including brain injury, in babies born near the time of delivery. Researchers recommend clinicians monitor babies exposed to chikungunya around delivery for supportive treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 17, 2008

Lower transmission increases dengue deaths

Researchers found that lower transmission rates increase dengue deaths by reducing the development of immunity to new strains during a critical cross-immunity period. This allows the virus to gain entry into cells and cause more severe infections.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2008

Study identifies source of fever

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered the key site in the brain where a hormone called prostaglandin E2 causes fever responses during infections. This discovery sheds light on the adaptive function of fever in protecting the body from illness, including increased sensitivity to pain and achiness.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 5, 2007

New study may show how to forestall a fatal, virus-caused immune-system meltdown

Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a way to identify the biochemical profile of an inappropriate immune response to viral infection. The study uses a protein-scanning chip and computer database to examine over 1,200 protein interactions in guinea pigs infected with two different strains of Pichinde virus.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 14, 2007

Tulane researcher reports on origin of deadly fever outbreak

A Tulane University study suggests that bats may have been responsible for the origin of the deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research identified multiple genetic variants of the virus, indicating repeated introductions from a primary reservoir rather than person-to-person spread.

SourceTulane University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 13, 2006

Rates of eczema and hay fever may be in decline

The study suggests that eczema and hay fever prevalence has plateaued or declined in recent years, while hospital admissions for these conditions have stabilized. Systemic allergies, including anaphylaxis, food allergy, and urticaria, have shown a significant increase in rates over the past few decades.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalThorax·DateAug 30, 2006

Mailman School of Public Health researchers develop diagnostic test for pathogens

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health have developed a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic test for pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. The new test, known as MassTag PCR, can simultaneously identify multiple agents and reduce the time needed for differential diagnosis.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 16, 2006

Hit-and-run injury to the brain

Researchers tracked individuals infected with EBV, RRV, or Q fever and found post-infective fatigue syndrome lasting six months or longer. The study suggests that brain damage during acute infection phase may be responsible for chronic fatigue symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 1, 2006

Over-the-counter decongestant equals prescription drug in relieving hay fever symptoms

A University of Chicago study found that daily doses of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride were as effective as montelukast sodium in relieving hay fever symptoms without additional side effects. Pseudoephedrine was slightly more effective in reducing congestion and had a lower risk of sleep problems compared to montelukast.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2006

Scientists show that tick-borne flaviviruses use a novel mechanism to evade host defenses

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism used by tick-borne flaviviruses to counteract the natural ability of interferon to combat the virus. The study found that NS5 protein blocks immune defenses, preventing the immune system from stopping the spread of the virus and helping the body recover from infection.

A promising candidate for a Lassa fever vaccine

A promising new vaccine candidate has shown protection against Lassa fever in macaque monkeys, offering hope for a potential vaccine. The vaccine's effectiveness and safety will need to be further assessed in larger studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 27, 2005