Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge are launching a new clinical trial for a trivalent vaccine targeting Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses. The vaccine builds on nearly two decades of research and aims to predict future outbreaks by studying natural animal reservoirs.
Scientists have discovered a connection between an antiviral protein and the maintenance of gut microbiota equilibrium. The study found that altering the gut microbiota led to increased intestinal permeability and severity of allergic skin reactions.
Researchers at UNC will investigate the epidemiology of Zika virus in pregnancy and its effects on infant neurodevelopment. The team will follow infants exposed to Zika in Nicaragua and test new diagnostic protocols to understand the virus's impact.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about the influenza virus, finding that its replication rate differs significantly between various cell types. The study reveals that certain cells are protected from severe infection, while others remain vulnerable to viral damage.
Researchers found that patients with low arginine levels had lower blood platelet counts and impaired immune function. Supplementing arginine in SFTS patients increased platelet production and cleared the virus faster, providing hope for potential treatment targeting this amino acid.
Researchers have successfully deployed a Zika virus vaccine to target and kill human glioblastoma brain cancer stem cells in mice, offering a potential new treatment option. The vaccine demonstrated effectiveness in delaying tumor development and prolonging survival time in mouse models.
A new test for viral infections can reduce hospital admissions by up to 25% and unnecessary antibiotics by 50%, according to new research. The quick and easy test, launched at a UK hospital in 2018, uses point-of-care respiratory viral testing (POCT) technology.
A new study found that CD4+T cells play a crucial role in protecting against Zika-induced neurological symptoms. Mice lacking these immune cells showed more severe symptoms and increased mortality, highlighting the need for vaccines that elicit robust CD4+T cell responses.
LumaCyte's Radiance instrument offers rapid analysis of viral vaccines, speeding up development and production. This label-free method provides real-time monitoring of viral infectivity, reducing the time required to obtain an answer from 72 hours to just 5-10 minutes.
A viral protein, W protein, targets critical human cell function to suppress immune responses and promote fatal disease. The findings suggest potential strategies for developing therapies to block the interaction between the viral protein and host proteins.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified rare antibodies that can bind to the Ebola virus and stop infection, potentially leading to a universal therapy. The new research reveals how these antibodies work by targeting a conserved region of the viral fusion loop.
A new study published in mSphere found that FMDV carriers can transmit the virus to naïve animals under controlled conditions. The findings impact global foot-and-mouth disease management and highlight the need for better vaccines to prevent carrier states.
Researchers have discovered how the biophysical properties of rotavirus particles account for their functions, which could lead to novel antiviral strategies. The study provides a detailed understanding of the interactions between protein shells, enabling the development of new treatments against infection.
Researchers have developed a method to separate infected and uninfected cells, revealing how Zika virus manipulates the human immune system by suppressing gene production in macrophage cells. This approach provides a more accurate account of Zika's effect on macrophages and shows that the virus uses two methods to stop their function.
Researchers at the Salk Institute and University of Florida used cryo-electron microscopy to image an AAV2 virus with improved resolution. The study reveals key changes in the viral portal that enable it to be less infectious, potentially informing gene therapy applications for various diseases.
A review of published studies suggests a positive relationship between hand, foot, and mouth disease and temperature and humidity. Global warming may impact HFMD transmission throughout the year, with potential consequences for public health.
A recent study reveals that Zika virus proteins bind to cellular proteins essential for neural development, leading to brain damage and microcephaly. The research identifies specific viral factors responsible for the condition, offering new insights into the virus's mechanism of action.
A novel reassortant AIV, influenza A(H7N4), has been identified in a backyard poultry setting, leading to severe human infection. The virus originated from wild bird AIVs and was low pathogenic to avian species, susceptible to antivirals and binding to avian-like α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors.
Research has shed light on the mechanism of sexual transmission of Marburg virus, identifying persistent infection in seminiferous tubules and specialized cells called Sertoli cells. The study suggests that targeting immunosuppressive regulatory T cells may help clear Marburg virus from the testes, preventing sexual transmission.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully cloned grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3, a breakthrough that could lead to new strategies controlling the disease. The discovery opens the door for experiments and treatments to protect valuable vineyards from the devastating disease.
Researchers identify key host-virus protein interactions that enable Zika to evade immune signaling and proliferate. The study provides insight into the viral life cycle and potential targets for antiviral drugs.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in protecting infants from severe flu complications by promoting lung cell repair. This immune response differs from adults and may provide a new target for therapies to ease flu symptoms in infants.
A new model accurately predicts patterns of mosquito-borne Ross River virus epidemics, highlighting the importance of temperature in predicting disease transmission. The study suggests that warmer temperatures may increase transmission in some regions and decrease it in others due to climate change.
The discovery of the Bombali virus in Sierra Leone's bats marks a significant breakthrough for the PREDICT project, which aims to find viruses before they spillover into humans. The finding suggests that bats are likely hosts of ebolaviruses and underscores the importance of understanding their role in preventing Ebola outbreaks.
A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that two types of human antibodies synergize to inhibit different steps of Ebola virus infection. Antibody cocktails combining complementary antiviral effects are proposed as a potential treatment strategy.
Researchers at Imperial College London identified the cause of enterovirus outbreaks as linked to birth rates. The model predicts subsequent outbreaks, allowing for vaccine design and anticipation of outbreak impact.
Researchers found JE virus infection rates similar in rural and peri-urban pigs in Cambodia, with potential implications for vaccination strategies. The study's findings suggest that JE virus circulation is intense in both settings, highlighting the need for updated recommendations.
Researchers discovered that a weaker immune response activation triggers the replacement of one dengue virus lineage by another, despite lower multiplication rates. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development and understanding viral interactions with the human population.
A recent study found that when phytoplankton is infected with a virus, it releases large amounts of chalky particles into the air, affecting cloud properties and Earth's energy balance. The research suggests that these emissions play a significant role in shaping atmospheric conditions.
Researchers found a new approach to stop Ebola virus by disabling its infection machinery and boosting the immune system. Nine antibodies that protect mice without neutralizing in test tubes were identified, offering hope for therapeutic cocktails.
Researchers have identified the geographical origins and global spread of HBV genotypes D and A, which originated in the Middle East and North Africa. The study reveals differences in their dissemination patterns, influenced by prehistoric and recent human migrations.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a unique vaccine that employs an uncommon two-pronged approach to fighting the Zika virus. The single-dose vaccine proved effective in triggering an immune response that prevented later infection by Zika virus.
Researchers have identified key stages in the process of endogenization, by which host genomes defend against invading retroviruses. The study found that recombination between viral sequences and host genomic elements can incapacitate new viral sequences, making them less harmful.
A clinical trial at Penn Medicine has successfully cured 20 patients of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving kidney transplants from infected donors who were treated with an antiviral therapy. The results show that the quality and function of the transplanted kidneys are similar to those from non-HCV infected donors.
Researchers propose a new epidemiologic triad model emphasizing the role of vectors in disease transmission, highlighting the need for increased vector surveillance and community education. The new approach aims to reduce unnecessary pesticide use and promote cost-effective management methods.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that obesity may play a role in how the flu spreads. Obese adults infected with flu shed the virus for a longer time than non-obese adults, potentially increasing the opportunity for transmission to others.
A multi-year study of Nicaraguan households found that obesity extends the duration of influenza A virus shedding from infected adults by approximately 1.5 days, compared to non-obese adults. Chronic inflammation caused by obesity and increasing age are implicated as reasons for extended viral shedding.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that dengue immunity provides cross-protection against Zika virus in mouse models. The research shows that cytotoxic T cells mobilized by dengue infection can combat the devastating effects of Zika infection on fetal brain development.
Researchers found that people with the rare disease have genetic mutations in CIB1, EVER1, or EVER2, which compromises their immune response to ß-HPVs. The study revealed that ß-HPVs can replicate and cause skin lesions and cancer when this defense mechanism is disrupted.
Researchers have found a possible active substance against the hepatitis E virus in naturally occurring silvestrol, which inhibits pathogen replication in cell cultures and mice. Silvestrol is formed by mahogany plants and has been shown to be effective against the virus in both lab tests and animal models.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new real-time strategy for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, finding that local targeted methods are the most effective in halting disease spread. The approach prioritizes surveillance and vaccination to quickly control outbreaks, even with minimal information.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have isolated two potent monoclonal antibodies that efficiently neutralized the Zaire, Sudan, and Bundibugyo ebolaviruses. These antibodies also showed protection against infection in animal models, offering a promising lead for the development of injectable antibody treatments.
A large-scale study of chikungunya and dengue outbreaks over 50 years revealed that population density and neighboring outbreak countries are key risk factors for new outbreaks. The research suggests focusing resources on densely populated areas near existing outbreaks to mitigate the spread of these mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers discovered altered intestinal phage communities in mice with colitis, which overlapped with healthy human phages, suggesting a potential role in IBD. The study also found specific phages linked to disease-causing bacteria, highlighting the need for further investigation into viral contributions to inflammatory diseases.
A flare-up of an Ebola infection in a woman who had survived the disease a year earlier has highlighted the need for continued surveillance and strengthened health systems. The virus was detected in her family members, including her husband and sons, through genetic analysis.
A new Scripps Research study found that nearly all Ebola survivors had killer T cells responding to the nucleoprotein, while only a minority responded to the glycoprotein. This discovery suggests a more effective vaccine strategy by targeting both proteins.
A new study in Academic Emergency Medicine found that emergency department testing for HCV increased monthly screenings by 6,000 percent. The program successfully diagnosed and treated 292 active infections, with 155 cases falling outside the CDC's birth cohort for high-risk individuals.
Research reveals phages work together to overcome CRISPR-Cas, a key breakthrough for improving phage therapy to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. The study shows that a high number of viral particles can overwhelm bacterial defenses, leading to the establishment of an infection in bacterial populations.
A University of Montana researcher found that species diversity can have both a dilution effect and an amplification effect on disease transmission. In areas with more diverse rodent communities, hantavirus prevalence among deer mice decreases, but as rodent species diversity increases, infection spreads faster
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that males recover more quickly from influenza infections because they produce more of the key lung-healing protein, amphiregulin. The research found that females have slower tissue-repair during recovery due to relatively low production of amphiregulin.
Scientists have discovered a set of powerful broadly neutralizing antibodies in the blood of Ebola survivors, providing substantial protection against disease caused by three Ebola virus species. The researchers hope that these antibodies will serve as promising candidates for further development as therapeutic molecules.
A recent study found that only 2% of trials assessing the safety or efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics adequately reported key safety components. The researchers concluded that the lack of safety data makes it challenging to accurately determine their safety profile and make informed decisions for patients.
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.
Researchers have identified a human protein, DDX3, that is exploited by arenaviruses to promote viral growth and evade the immune system. This discovery suggests DDX3 could serve as a potential target for new anti-arenavirus strategies.
Dr. Christopher Basler and his team will study Reston ebolavirus (Reston virus), a virus that resembles Ebola but does not cause disease in humans. They aim to better understand the virus's mechanisms of replication, animal disease severity, and potential ways to reduce its deadly effects.
Two biological control agents, myxoma and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses, have been found to work together to control feral rabbit populations in Australia. The study used data from the largest wild rabbit study in the world to show that both viruses are effective when acting together.
Researchers identified phosphatidylethanoloamine as a potent anti-inflammatory lipid found in Francisella tularensis bacteria, which can impair host immune response. Synthetic versions of the lipid also showed therapeutic potential against dengue fever virus.
Researchers found that Zika virus has a unique ability to ferry the virus throughout the body using macrophage cells, allowing it to bypass natural barriers. This discovery could lead to the development of effective countermeasures to protect people from the virus's devastating effects.
A team of researchers has identified a complex interaction between three cell types that work together to recruit protective NK cells in the lymph node after a viral infection. This collaboration enables the body to mount an effective response against certain viruses, such as mousepox.