Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that very premature babies carry anti-viral antibodies transferred from the mother, suggesting a previously underappreciated source of protection. The analysis also revealed that the protection offered by these antibodies lasts different durations depending on the virus.
A case study by North Carolina State University researchers reveals that an adolescent diagnosed with rapid onset schizophrenia was actually infected with Bartonella henselae, leading to full recovery after treatment. The discovery suggests a potential link between bacterial infections and mental disorders.
A new NIH study found that meningitis can alter the composition of immune cells in the brain's lining, replacing them with cells from outside the meninges and affecting their ability to respond to future infections. The research suggests that infections in the brain can have long-lasting effects on the immune system.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that the composition of a child's nose microbiome is altered in cases of respiratory infections compared to healthy peers. This difference can predict disease severity, hospital stay duration, and likelihood of recovery without antibiotics.
New research from the University of Notre Dame discovers that extracellular vesicles from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells can activate an immune response against the disease. This approach, when combined with antibiotics, shows promise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
A large-scale study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that antiviral therapy significantly improves survival rates for kidney transplant recipients infected with hepatitis B or C. The study analyzed records of over 30,000 patients and confirmed that antiviral therapy should be systematically offered to these patients.
A study published in Vaccine found that introducing Hepatitis B vaccination in preadolescents led to a significant decline in the disease incidence rate from 2.5 per 100,000 people in 1991 to 1.2 per 100,000 people in 2014.
A new study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that farmed Atlantic salmon's respiratory systems function normally even when carrying large loads of the piscine orthoreovirus. The research, conducted at the University of British Columbia, suggests that infected fish do not experience significant harm to their physiology.
Researchers have found that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but still cause an infection, contradicting a long-held model. The study, published in eLife, used fluorescent probes to detect viral segments in individual cells and found that distinct segments are often found in different cells.
Researchers analyzed sentinel chickens to detect Eastern equine encephalitis virus, finding its presence year-round in the Florida Panhandle. A new hand-washing product, SuperTowel, shows potential to limit disease spread in humanitarian crises. The global 'pandemic' of fake medicines kills over 250,000 children annually.
A Yale team isolated antibodies from mice bitten by mosquitoes and found a protein, AgBR1, that exacerbates Zika infection. Blocking this protein with an antiserum reduced Zika virus levels and provided partial protection in infected mice.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a drug candidate for EBV-associated cancers, inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical models. Pharmacological inhibition of EBNA1 had profound effects on gene expression, decreasing EBV DNA copy number and suppressing tumor-promoting pathways.
A new study reveals that a diet rich in birds is the key factor driving influenza A virus exposure in wild African mammals. Herbivores showed low prevalence and diversity, while carnivores had the highest diversity and prevalence.
A study published in PLOS Medicine has confirmed and quantified the association between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in Brazil. The research found that women infected with Zika virus early in pregnancy were almost 17 times more likely to have a child with microcephaly.
Researchers from Imperial College London tracked 613,377 babies up to age 5, finding those admitted for bronchiolitis had a fivefold risk of subsequent asthma and respiratory admissions. Breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, and environmental factors contribute to the increased risk.
Scientists have identified a novel infection route for influenza A viruses, utilizing MHC class II proteins to infect human and animal cells. This discovery raises questions about the risk of spill-over infections to other species and the evolutionary genesis of influenza viruses.
A team of researchers has systematically tracked protein interactions that strengthen the body's defense against viruses. The study identifies 104 interferon-stimulated genes and 1401 proteins that bind to them, revealing varied immune response strategies.
Researchers analyzed blood samples collected between March 2016 and June 2017, identifying 40 samples positive for Chikungunya virus. The study suggests the virus may have circulated as early as 2012 and was likely imported from Central Africa.
Researchers have identified a novel messenger protein that rapidly alarms neighboring cells, enabling a swift response against bacterial and viral infections. This discovery holds promise for understanding and treating infectious diseases, including autoimmune conditions such as Lupus.
Researchers have discovered that bat influenza viruses can infect humans and livestock by using the MHC-II molecule to enter host cells. This finding suggests that these viruses have the potential to cause zoonotic transmission, leading to serious illnesses and deaths.
Researchers found elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children with islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that these viruses may spread from the gut into the pancreas and trigger autoimmune responses.
A Monash University study reveals how helper T cells aid memory T cells in optimal functioning and generate a robust response against infection. The research sheds light on the mechanisms behind immunological memory and its potential applications in creating new vaccines and treatments for diseases.
A new study found that genetic diversity is key to helping frogs survive the deadly Ranavirus disease. The research showed that a specific combination of immune genes can help tadpoles limit the severity of the virus. This finding has implications for frog species in Florida, which are threatened by the disease.
A small study published in The BMJ found a link between enterovirus infections and later coeliac disease in genetically susceptible children. Enterovirus was significantly more frequent in stool samples collected before development of coeliac disease antibodies, suggesting it may be the trigger for the disease.
Researchers found that packaging signals on the bird flu RNA genomes are incompatible with H3N2 viruses, limiting reassortment. However, low-level transmission of reassorted viruses was detected, particularly with H5N8 strains.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that having HPV in the hand does not increase the risk of transmitting HPV to a sexual partner. Most HPV detected in the hands likely came from a person's own genital HPV infection.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to understand the progression of the disease and potential treatments. The study identified a critical role for choline and microvesicles in the virus's progression, with survivors showing higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and healthy individuals having lower PS...
Researchers at Mount Sinai found that dengue virus infection can enhance the severity of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, leading to increased placental damage, fetal growth restriction, and fetal resorption. This mechanism may explain the high rate of microcephaly and birth defects observed in recent Zika outbreaks.
A novel synthetic DNA vaccine targeting the Mayaro virus envelope protein provides complete protection from disease in preclinical studies. The vaccine induces potent protective and virus-specific immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies and cellular responses.
Researchers found that prior dengue virus immunity reduces risk of Zika infection and severity of symptoms in a Brazilian favela study. Nearly 73% of community residents were infected with ZIKV during the outbreak.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School researchers has identified a key player in the early fight against dengue virus infection: an interaction between two types of immune cells. The discovery sheds light on how the immune system recognizes viruses and could lead to the development of better vaccines for this and similar diseases.
Researchers sequenced avian influenza viruses from wild birds in Mongolia and found that they replicate in horse respiratory tracts without causing tissue damage. The study suggests that equine infections by avian viruses are more common than thought, with the failure to acquire key genetic changes being the main barrier to disease eme...
Researchers have developed a novel DNA vaccine capable of inducing protective immunity against the Mayaro virus, which causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The vaccine demonstrated complete protection from death and clinical signs of infection in a mouse model, offering a promising solution for combating this emerging infectious disease.
A study led by the Brazilian Ministry of Health found that dengue immunity can protect against Zika infection in human populations. In a cohort of 1,453 residents, those with dengue antibodies had a 9% reduction in risk of Zika infection for each doubling of antibody titers.
A new study from Yale University confirms that people with antibodies to dengue virus were less likely to become infected with Zika during the 2015 outbreak. This finding highlights the importance of dengue immunity in preventing Zika transmission and potentially reducing outbreaks in tropical regions.
Immunology researchers at the Babraham Institute discovered how lung tissue is remodelled to support an immune response to influenza, producing antibodies with cross-protection against multiple strains. The findings may lead to more robust seasonal influenza vaccination and new therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Research in mice at the University of Tokyo found that heat waves can reduce the body's immune response to flu. However, providing supplemental nutrition before and after infection can help restore normal immune function. The study suggests that food insecurity may weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness.
Researchers have discovered the structure of a virus that infects bacteria thriving in 160-degree hot springs, which could enhance targeted drug delivery and lead to breakthroughs in DNA sequencing technology.
High ambient temperatures reduce food intake, body weight, and immune response in mice infected with viral pathogens like the flu virus and Zika virus. Nutritional supplementation may enhance immune responses to emerging infectious diseases in tropical or developing countries.
A new computational method called CATCH enables scientists to design molecular probes that can capture genetic material of various microbes, including viruses. This approach has been successfully tested in detecting low-abundance viruses like Zika, improving the detection of viral content in clinical samples.
Researchers have developed a new optofluidic chip-based test to detect Zika virus, which can identify the stage of infection and guide treatment. The technology has the potential to pinpoint recent infections and predict disease progression.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to test two experimental Ebola vaccines, ChAd3-EBO-Z and MVA-BN-Filo, for their safety and ability to produce an immune response. The trial aims to enroll up to 60 healthy volunteers between 18-45 years of age.
A comprehensive package of interventions could avert 15.1 million new hepatitis C infections and 1.5 million cirrhosis and liver cancer deaths globally by 2030. Implementing comprehensive blood safety and infection control measures was estimated to reduce the number of new infections in 2030 by 58%.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that CD4+ T cells are essential for local control of viral infection and can confer protection against lethal doses of the Zika virus. The findings support the development of vaccines targeting this cell type, which may be safe and effective against infection in multiple contexts.
Researchers found genetic material and antibodies from the virus in a Greater Long-fingered bat in Liberia's Nimba District. The discovery adds to evidence suggesting bats serve as natural wildlife reservoirs for Ebola and other related viruses, shedding light on how outbreaks occur.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have confirmed cases of RHDV2 in UK hares, contributing to a decline of over 80% in brown hare populations due to agricultural changes. The expanding dataset will help map reported mortalities over time and identify primary causes of the die-off.
A recent study found that needle and syringe programs are a cost-effective way to prevent hepatitis C (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, estimated that these programs would save millions of pounds in infection treatment costs in the UK. In addition to re...
A 15-year study found a significant increase in US liver transplants for alcohol-associated liver disease, but with lower five-year survival rates compared to other liver conditions. The study suggests changing attitudes towards sobriety length may be driving this trend.
Researchers found that prior and recent dengue virus infection was associated with protection from symptomatic Zika virus infection in a pediatric cohort. However, previous exposure did not affect the rate of total Zika virus infection. The study suggests that prior dengue virus immunity might cross-protect against symptomatic Zika.
Researchers found that prior dengue exposure protects children from symptomatic Zika disease in the Americas. Children with a prior dengue infection were 38% less likely to develop symptomatic Zika than those without prior exposure. This suggests an immunological interaction between dengue and Zika viruses.
A new study found that prior dengue virus infection in children may be protective against symptomatic Zika virus infection. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, involved over 3,000 children aged 2-14 years and showed that those with a history of dengue infection had a lower risk of being symptomatic when infected with Zika.
A team of researchers at Texas Biomed has identified the interaction between an Ebola virus protein and a human cell protein that may be crucial to understanding the virus's life cycle. By studying this interaction in human cells using live virus, the scientists hope to develop potential drug targets to stop the disease.
Bronchiolitis, a common viral lung infection, is often treated with antibiotics in US emergency rooms, contradicting evidence-based guidelines. The study found that 25% of children under 2 years old with bronchiolitis received antibiotics between 2007 and 2015.
Scientists warn of increased bluetongue risk in the UK due to climate change, with larger outbreaks predicted under warmer conditions. Existing control measures can still prevent largest outbreaks, but ongoing vigilance is crucial.
Researchers sequenced the European gypsy moth genome, revealing its largest moth or butterfly genome ever recorded. The study provides insights into the insect's immune system and potential bioinsecticides to protect forests and orchards from destruction.
Researchers studied dengue virus fusion peptide structures, revealing a hydrophobic region and polar 'collar' crucial for cell membrane fusion. This review aims to expand knowledge on the mechanism of virus infection, potentially leading to new inhibition methods.
Scientists have developed a combination of monoclonal antibodies that protect animals from all three Ebola viruses, known to cause human disease. The experimental treatment, called MBP134, has shown broad protective efficacy in both animal models and large animal models.
The Madariaga virus has been identified in eight children in Haiti, with symptoms resembling dengue fever infection. Researchers suggest the virus was introduced to Haiti from Panama between 2012 and 2015, raising concerns about its potential spread to other Caribbean or North American regions.
Researchers found that lethal disease can occur without viral replication in EHEC-infected mice. The study suggests potential novel treatments for EHEC and life-threatening kidney complications in children.
A study found that NPY enhances pulmonary inflammation and viral replication in severe influenza virus infection, leading to poorer outcomes. Deletion of NPY improved survival rates and reduced disease pathology in infected mice.