Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A study of 193 countries finds that armed conflict leads to more measles cases, even a year after fighting ends. Socioeconomic decline is the strongest connection between conflict and measles, as it erodes health foundations and population vulnerability.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
The new vaccine adjuvant induces a strong mucosal immune response in the GI tract, which is crucial for eradicating polio. The researchers achieved a 20-fold increase in antibodies needed for mucosal immunity compared to the existing injectable polio vaccine.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that 'cross-reactive' T cells can recognize multiple species of paramyxovirus, including measles and Nipah viruses. This broad protection is essential in combating emerging diseases with unknown viral strains.
Chikungunya virus persists in macrophages, causing long-term joint inflammation and relapsing arthralgia. Researchers use advanced techniques to map gene activity and profile individual cells, finding a 'sanctuary' where the virus replicates.
A 2021 dog daycare outbreak in LA County revealed critical gaps in vaccinations and animal-to-human transmission. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can cause severe illness in dogs and flu-like symptoms in humans.
A Mayo Clinic study analyzed records of 571 adults with ME/CFS and found that family medicine physicians often prescribed common pain-relievers and sleep aids before specialist consultation. The study suggests that these medications may be underutilized for treating core symptoms of ME/CFS, such as fatigue and brain fog.
A new study by the University of Turku found that long COVID patients experience increased brain activity in mood and emotion regions, rather than widespread brain inflammation. The study suggests that treatments targeting stress and emotional regulation may be more effective for patients with prolonged symptoms.
A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.
A linseed oil-derived polyol compound has been patented by FIU researchers, exhibiting potential to inhibit a broad spectrum of viral and bacterial infections. The compound's low cost, biodegradability, and industrial scalability make it an attractive option for global health challenges.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 can infect resting immune cells by temporarily 'unlocking' the nuclear pore complex, allowing its genetic material to enter the host's DNA. This finding challenges a long-standing dogma and has significant implications for understanding the latent reservoir and developing new treatments.
Researchers used high-frequency ultrasound waves to eliminate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 by causing structural changes that led to inactivation. The technique uses acoustic resonance, which differs from cavitation, a process used for decontamination.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that the US missed four out of seven measles elimination status indicators, with most at risk. The latest outbreak has spread continuously for over a year and affected 45 states since January 2025.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel reveals that the immune system fights lifelong viral infections acquired at birth, with partial success. The body gradually produces antibodies to reduce virus amounts, supported by T helper cells, but the response remains limited.
Brief delays in hepatitis B vaccine initiation result in substantial increases in virus infections, adverse health outcomes, and healthcare expenses. Economic evaluations reveal the significant financial burden of such delays on individuals and society.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a promising new vaccine approach against highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) that demonstrates strong efficacy in both mice and dairy cattle. The vaccine platform protects against multiple H5N1 strains and generates immunity in both the bloodstream and respiratory tract.
Researchers found memory cells in nasal tissue can reactivate to fight influenza, reducing viral replication and protection against more severe illness. These immune cells can be used to develop better nasal vaccines.
Researchers at Umeå University have identified NUP98 and NUP153 as key host factors in orthoflavivirus infection, which replicates in the cytosol of human cells. The proteins play a crucial role in viral replication and protein production, and their interaction with viral RNA regulates structural and non-structural protein ratios.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.
Dr. James Earnest's research focuses on how the immune system responds to mosquito-borne viruses, aiming to create better preventative measures for dengue and Zika infections. He is collaborating with institutions in Mexico and Uganda to study immune responses over time, shedding light on effective memory B cells and antibodies.
Researchers at Kyoto University have detailed the structure of Borna disease virus 1's nucleoprotein-RNA complex, revealing a distinct binding mode and incremental model of viral replication. The study provides a molecular framework for targeting viral RNA synthesis and assembly.
Persistent inequalities remain a major barrier to achieving universal protection against life-threatening infections. The study found that PCV booster retention has dropped in England since the schedule change, disproportionately affecting children in more deprived areas.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
A new study suggests that autoantibodies from Long COVID patients can induce persistent pain-like symptoms in mice, providing evidence for a potential causal role of autoantibodies in the condition. The research also highlights distinct biological subgroups and offers hope for targeted antibody-based therapies.
Researchers discovered a new layer of defense in the lungs, where specialized immune cells coordinate a local response to viral infections. The study found that these cells produce a protein called HIF-1α, which activates neighboring immune cells to mount a coordinated defense.
A new study found that over 155,000 US deaths between March 2020 and December 2021 were not officially recorded as COVID-19 deaths, highlighting critical gaps in the death investigation system. These unrecognized deaths disproportionately affected certain populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections can prime the lungs for cancer development, according to new research. Vaccination, however, largely prevents these changes, suggesting a reduced risk of lung cancer.
Coronaviruses modify cellular machinery to produce viral proteins and spread rapidly. A study found that infection causes stress-induced changes in tRNAs, allowing coronaviruses to speed up protein production without generating new machinery. The modification of tRNAs is a promising candidate for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
A new Tulane University study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus is no longer detectable. This finding helps explain why long COVID often includes neurological symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.
A study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure in US adults. The research used machine learning models to analyze data from over three million patients, revealing a 2.3-times higher risk of acute kidney injury compared to influenza.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has certified its first class of critical care advanced practice providers with the CCAPP designation. This achievement recognizes their dedication to high-quality patient care and their role in supporting multidisciplinary critical care teams. The CCAPP certification is designed to vali...
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent EBV from infecting immune cells. The study highlights one of the antibodies that successfully blocked infection in mice with human immune systems.
A new study by Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel and colleagues found that children with sleep apnea are twice as likely to contract the flu or COVID-19. The researchers suggest prioritizing annual vaccinations for these children to prevent severe respiratory complications.
According to the latest ECDC report, 7,655 measles cases were reported across 30 countries in 2025, with eight fatalities. This represents a significant decrease from 35,000 cases in 2024 but is still almost double the number of cases in 2023.
A recent study found significant changes in post-COVID respiratory infections among children, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae experiencing a surge after restrictions were lifted. The study also revealed strong interactions between pathogens, including negative correlations and pathogen interference.
Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus disease have been reported in West Bengal, India, with a very low risk for European travelers. Indian authorities have implemented prevention and control measures, and several countries in the region have initiated precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
A study in Japan found that wastewater surveillance can uncover the true scale of COVID-19 spread by detecting high viral loads in sewage despite reduced clinical testing. This approach offers an objective view of community-wide infection levels, unaffected by changes in testing policies or public behavior.
A recent study by a UCLA-led team reveals that leftover COVID-19 viral fragments can selectively accumulate on and penetrate star-shaped surfaces of dendritic cells and T cells, killing these immune cells. In contrast, the omicron variant's smaller fragments have little effect on these cells.
A Texas A&M University study has identified a mouse strain that responds to a viral infection in a way similar to humans with ALS. The researchers found that the initial viral infection triggers lasting damage to the spinal cord and its nerves and muscles, even after the virus is cleared.
A new clinical study identifies localized reactivation of human cytomegalovirus inside the femoral head as a potential cause of osteonecrosis. The findings suggest that antiviral prevention strategies may be effective in blocking disease progression.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has made significant advancements in cancer care through its collaborative efforts between clinicians and scientists. These breakthroughs include an immune-targeting vaccine that shows promise in intercepting cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome, a novel immunotherapy that demonstrate...
Researchers developed engineered bispecific nanobodies that bind viruses to mucus, preventing infection. The approach was effective in preclinical models of multiple respiratory viruses, offering immediate, localized protection.
A cohort study of over 300 adults found that 58% of those diagnosed with mpox during the 2022 outbreak still experienced lingering physical effects, including appearance-related changes and anorectal or urinary problems. The study provides context on the enduring physical and psychosocial effects of mpox.
Scientists found that mosquitoes in the Atlantic Forest prefer feeding on humans due to convenience as biodiversity dwindles. This preference increases the risk of pathogen transmission and highlights the need for targeted surveillance and prevention actions.
Researchers identify a concrete biological mechanism that triggers MS, focusing on B cells and Epstein-Barr virus. This understanding may help guide future strategies to prevent or treat MS.
A new study by the University of Tennessee shows that virus infection of cyanobacteria releases nutrients, fueling microbial growth and contributing to enhanced oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest a direct link between viral activity and ecosystem functioning below the surface.
Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.
The meeting report highlights the emerging importance of infection-driven senescence in understanding chronic diseases, including respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that senescent cells contribute to persistent inflammation and reduced healing, particularly in older adults during chronic infections.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new CRISPR system that can precisely target transfer RNA in invading pathogens, which could lead to the development of a single diagnostic test for COVID, influenza, and RSV. This discovery enables the detection and targeting of specific pathogens without damaging host cells.
Researchers detected Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) in five patients in Bangladesh with symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection. The study highlights the importance of broad-spectrum surveillance programs to identify and mitigate public health risks from emerging bat-borne viruses.
Composite copper oxides La₂CuO₄ and Y₂Cu₂O₅ demonstrate exceptionally high antiviral activity against non-enveloped viruses, outperforming individual constituent oxides. The oxides' cation-rich surfaces enhance electrostatic adsorption of viruses, leading to protein inactivation and viral neutralization.
Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.
A new nanoparticle vaccine strategy has been developed to protect against multiple filovirus strains, including Ebola. The vaccine candidates display filovirus surface proteins on engineered nanoparticles, helping the immune system recognize and respond to the virus.
Researchers developed a genetic method to produce dark males and pale females, making it easier to sort sex in mosquito control. The approach uses CRISPR gene editing to create an engineered sex-linked trait that enables fast and accurate sex separation without complex equipment.