Articles tagged with Viral Infections
The percentage of liver transplants performed due to HCV infection has more than halved since the introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs. Post-transplant survival rates among those with HCV infection are now similar to those with HBV infection, reaching an all-time high.
A large-scale study in Punjab, India found that mass treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection using decentralized care and generic DAAs resulted in high cure rates among almost 20,000 individuals. The study validated the efficacy and safety of this approach, with over 90% of patients achieving sustained virological response.
Researchers have identified tuft cells as the primary target of norovirus infection, a discovery that could pave the way for new treatments. The study found that administering immune signaling proteins IL-4 and IL-25 increased viral transmission and abundance in mice.
The HEPAHEALTH Project Report reveals a significant increase in liver disease mortality in Europe and Central Asia, driven by high alcohol consumption and obesity rates. The report emphasizes the need for effective prevention strategies to mitigate this growing health concern.
Researchers found that hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections can be fatal in immunocompromised individuals and are linked to blood-borne transmission, highlighting the importance of HEV RNA screening of all blood products destined for transplant or immunosuppressed patients. The studies also show that HEV infection has been increasing ste...
Researchers found norovirus infects tuft cells, which multiply virus quickly and set off severe infections. Targeting these cells with a vaccine or drug may prevent or treat norovirus infections.
Two real-world studies from Italy and Germany report high rates of viral suppression and favourable safety profiles for glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective across a range of different patient types, with over 98% achieving sustained virological response.
Researchers develop SyMAPS technique to study self-assembling virus shells, which can be used for disease detection, drug delivery and vaccinations. The technique allows testing of nearly 2,600 versions of the protein, providing insight into how mutations change the scaffolding.
Alcoholic liver disease has become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the US, surpassing hepatitis C infection, according to two studies. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is also on the rise, ranking second as a cause of liver transplantation due to chronic liver disease.
A novel point-of-care Hepatitis C assay has been developed to diagnose chronic cases in asymptomatic patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The assay detects HCV RNA reliably, faster than existing methods, and can be used at the point of care, reducing the need for centralized laboratories.
Researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that viral infections can affect nutrient turnover, health, and disease in bacteria commonly found in the environment. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to improve environmental preservation and human health, potentially leading to new ways to ...
Researchers developed a genetic screening tool that identified two key genes, SLC35A1 and CIC, that enable the influenza virus to infect human lung cells. The study found that modifying these genes can make cells resistant to the flu, which could lead to new antiviral drug targets.
Researchers have developed a new animal model using cynomolgus macaques to study the progression and interactions of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever with the immune system. The study aims to develop treatments and vaccines for the disease, which is fatal in nearly one in three cases.
Researchers argue that targeting neuraminidase, the 'N' protein, could substantially decrease infection rates and reduce disease severity for those infected with the influenza virus. The current anti-flu vaccines concentrate on hemagglutinin, leaving a big hole in immunity.
A new study reveals that many viruses infecting humans today have ancient evolutionary histories dating back to the first vertebrates, with discoveries made in fish and reptiles. The research, a collaboration between several institutions, found 214 novel RNA viruses in healthy animals, including relatives of Ebola and influenza viruses.
Researchers report successful cataract surgeries in 34 Ebola survivors, improving visual acuities from Hand Motions to 20/30 levels. The study provides evidence for safe elective eye surgery in Ebola survivors at risk of uveitis and vision impairment.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discovered a new aspect of the flu virus and its interaction with antibodies in the lungs. They found that IgA antibodies can protect against infections through two different ways.
Researchers at Yale University developed a novel RNA-based therapy to target West Nile virus, delivered through the nose. The therapy reduced the virus in the brain and allowed the immune system to destroy it, resulting in a 90% survival rate among treated mice. The treatment also provided long-term protection against future exposure.
Researchers discovered a new path of evolution that enables viruses to quickly adapt to their environment and infect new host targets. This phenomenon could lead to new insights into preventing the emergence of new diseases.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered a common pattern of immune response among monkeys exposed to Ebola virus, occurring four days before the onset of fever. This finding suggests a possible biomarker for early diagnosis and could lead to better quarantine and control of outbreaks.
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.
Researchers at Georgia State University identified a chemical compound that effectively inhibits the replication of the Ebola virus and several other viruses. The study found benzoquinoline to be a potent antiviral agent with activity against multiple viruses, including Marburg virus and Zika virus.
A study found that antibiotic use can increase the risk of severe West Nile disease in mice by weakening their immune response. The research suggests that antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, making it harder for the body to fight off viral infections.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that high doses of antiviral drug favipiravir extended survival in non-human primates infected with Ebola virus. The drug was shown to inhibit viral replication in a drug concentration-dependent manner, with animals treated at higher doses surviving longer than those treated at lower doses.
A recent study found that less than 13% of individuals born between 1945 and 1965 have undergone HCV screening. The researchers also noted a significant disparity in HCV screening rates among different ethnic groups, with Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks receiving lower rates of screening.
Researchers have discovered that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) differentiates human hematopoietic progenitor cells into a long-lived, immunosuppressive monocyte subset for viral latency. This unique cell population is identified through specific surface proteins and can evade the T-cell immune response.
A study at UNICAMP in Brazil has identified genetic factors associated with the severity of acute viral bronchiolitis, a leading cause of hospitalization in infants worldwide. The researchers found links between specific genes and viruses that can cause the disease, which could lead to personalized treatment.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people who have had flu or pneumonia are six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days following infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination against these two infections in preventing cardiovascular complications.
Researchers present a modified small-molecule drug that targets the RNA polymerase subunit of the influenza virus, reducing its ability to replicate and spread. The compound could potentially eliminate the virus or slow down its reproduction, offering a new treatment option for patients with flu.
A new bioinformatics analysis method has been developed to study viral infections, revealing over 500 different proteins and peptides, including 200 previously unknown to science. This discovery improves the identification of translation events and opens up new possibilities to understand the effects of viral infections on the organism.
A recent study found that pregnant women infected with Zika virus experienced a significantly lower rate of congenital neurological abnormalities than initially thought. The study, which monitored over 2,000 women, revealed a 12.7% risk of complications when infected during the first trimester.
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 at UC Santa Cruz have identified a promising route for designing an effective vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The study focused on the RSV G glycoprotein and found that protective antibodies target specific sites on the protein, which can induce an immune response.
A new study using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors found that ZMapp antibodies administered to mice resulted in 100% protection against Ebola infection. The study also compared different doses and routes of administration, with the best results achieved using a single rAAV-delivered antibody.
Scientists from NIAID exposed research mice to brain samples from three people who died from a familial prion disease. Two mutations, Y226X and G131V, were found to be transmissible to mice. The finding highlights the hardiness of prion infectivity and potential risks associated with prion transmission.
Researchers from NIAID highlight the potential of monoclonal antibodies in treating and preventing emerging infectious diseases. These therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, such as the Ebola outbreak, and may offer a more targeted approach to infection prevention and treatment.
High-ranking mothers' cubs have lower CDV infection probability and reduced mortality, while high-ranking adults are more likely to be infected but experience similar mortality rates. The study highlights the impact of social status on immune processes and disease transmission in a wildlife population.
A Kaiser Permanente study found no association between multiple vaccines and non-vaccine targeted infections in infants. The research examined 193 children with non-vaccine targeted infections and 751 control group children, concluding that vaccination does not damage the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have made a breakthrough in combating Ebola with an innovative antibody delivery method. The approach delivers monoclonal antibodies through a viral vector, bypassing the need for a natural immune response, offering 100-per-cent protection against Ebola infection in mice.
Researchers develop novel cell culture strategy to investigate early stages of HPV infection, revealing key genetic information about viral life cycle. The approach enables high infection rates in keratinocytes, allowing for the study of HPV's role in cancer development.
Wolbachia blocks viral replication in mosquito cells by degrading viral RNA, with XRN1 playing a key role. The bacterium's ability to prevent disease transmission depends on the virus's replication rate.
Scientists have discovered that the CRISPR-Cas9 protein can also cut RNA, expanding its potential uses in gene editing and virus detection. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases and improved food and energy crops.
A large-scale study of French volunteers found significant immune variation among individuals due to differences in sex and age, as well as genetic variations. These findings shed new light on potential causes of diseases such as pollen allergy and lupus erythematosus.
Research found that flu strains H3N2 and H7N7 caused memory impairments and structural changes in the hippocampus of mice. The infections also activated brain immune cells and altered gene expression, suggesting a potential threat to healthy brain function.
Researchers found that bats have a dampened STING-interferon pathway, allowing them to maintain a balance with viruses without triggering an immune reaction. This defense strategy is thought to have evolved as part of bat biology, including their ability to fly and host a large viral reservoir.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection causes death of glioblastoma cells, a common and aggressive type of brain tumor. The study suggests that genetically modifying Zika virus to produce the digoxin molecule could be an alternative treatment for glioblastoma.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that four viruses can produce insulin-like hormones that bind to human insulin receptors and stimulate cellular signaling. This finding opens up a new field of study in microbial endocrinology, potentially revealing biological mechanisms behind diabetes, autoimmune disease, and cancer.
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.
A new multiplex test can detect six of eight tick-borne pathogens including Lyme disease simultaneously in a single blood test, offering improved diagnostic accuracy. The test's potential for early detection and treatment is expected to improve patient outcomes for those infected with tick-borne diseases.
Researchers will collect data from survivors of viral outbreaks to understand how some people fight off the disease. The goal is to inform vaccine design, develop new diagnostics, and prevent future outbreaks.
A special issue of Human Gene Therapy highlights Chinese research advancements in gene and cell therapy, including novel viral and nonviral vectors for gene delivery. The articles explore innovative applications of CRISPR technology in various disease areas.
Researchers at the German Primate Center have improved DNA transfer in gene therapy by modifying viruses to produce a protein called CD9, which increases exosome production and virus efficiency. This results in an 80% infection rate, making gene therapies more efficient.
Researchers discover ebselen alleviates testicular symptoms and prevents sexual Zika transmission in mice. The antioxidant treatment also shows promise in preventing the virus's spread among humans.
Scientists at Imperial College London have developed an organ-on-chip technology to study the interaction of pathogens with artificial human organs. They tested the artificial liver's response to hepatitis B virus infection, revealing intricate mechanisms of immune evasion that could be exploited for future drug development.
A new clinical trial aims to determine if low procalcitonin levels indicate a viral lower respiratory tract infection that won't improve with antibiotic treatment. The study will enroll patients with suspected LRTIs and low PCT blood levels, and test whether they respond differently to azithromycin or placebo.
A study found that Ebola virus infects reproductive organs of macaques, suggesting similar infection in humans. The virus can persist in female reproductive tissues and may reach seminal fluid in men.
Researchers found subtle changes in fetal brains infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, which can lead to significant learning problems and mental health disorders. The study suggests that children infected with the virus at a young age may also be at risk of brain damage.
Researchers found that genes in neural progenitor cells of affected babies were more active or less active in key signaling pathways, contributing to the development of congenital Zika syndrome. The study used twins and induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the virus's effects in vitro.
Researchers found genetic clues to distinct susceptibility to virus infection in congenital Zika syndrome, using Brazilian twin babies with different outcomes. The study revealed a single gene cannot explain the cases of CZS development nor brain resistance to Zika virus.
Platelets have been found to act as the immune system's first responders when a virus, bacterium, or allergen enters the bloodstream. They release serotonin, which triggers an inflammatory response in mice with antigen-antibody complexes, leading to septic or anaphylactic shock.