Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists reveals that Zika virus transmission is unlikely through casual contact like kissing or sharing utensils. The study found that the virus can survive in bodily fluids for extended periods but remains inactive in saliva, which may play a role in preventing infection.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.
Research at the University of Cincinnati reveals that stimuli inducing lung cell division increase the spread of influenza to the alveoli, making these cells a vulnerable target. Interventions preventing alveolar cell division reduce mortality in animal models, offering potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for influenza pn...
Researchers found standard maternal screening methods can overlook cases of congenital CMV infection in up to 70% of women. A more comprehensive approach, including PCR tests on all newborns, is needed for early detection and treatment.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a new animal model for hepatitis C using a virus closely related to the human disease, allowing for study of disease progression and immune system response. This breakthrough could accelerate hepatitis C vaccine development and lead to the eradication of the disease.
A new antibody-based assay developed by researchers at UC Berkeley and Humabs BioMed has shown very high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing Zika virus infections from those caused by similar viruses. The test is simple, cost-effective, and can be used to detect both recent and past Zika virus infections.
Researchers have found that Ebola virus can persist in specific areas of the body, including the eye, brain, and testes, even after symptoms resolve. This knowledge holds promise for developing medical products to counter the disease in humans.
A study found that 21.4% of infants born to mothers with confirmed Zika virus infection had sight-threatening eye abnormalities, including optic nerve and retinal issues. Screening eye exams are recommended regardless of CNS abnormalities or timing of maternal infection during pregnancy.
A recent study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil found that prior dengue infection does not intensify Zika disease severity. The research involved 65 individuals who contracted Zika virus during the 2016 epidemic, and analyzed their viral loads, finding no significant difference between those with prior dengue exposure and those without.
A new study shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. Two vaccines provided substantial protection against Zika infection, reducing viral genetic material in fetuses and placentas.
Two experimental vaccines demonstrate protection against Zika-related congenital damage in mice, preventing placental damage and fetal demise. Researchers observed significant reduction of Zika virus RNA in maternal, placental, and fetal tissues among vaccinated mice.
Researchers developed a human lung tissue model to study pneumonia and found that viral pathogens inhibit the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. A new drug-based treatment was tested, which inhibits tyrosine kinase-2, restoring the immune system's ability to combat bacterial pathogens.
Researchers studied the relationship between an African forest bat, a novel virus, and a parasite, identifying all three as potentially new species. The study found that the parasite plays a crucial role in transmitting the virus, with the fly serving as a 'chauffeur' to help the virus spread.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a Zika vaccine that can protect the developing fetus against infection and birth defects during pregnancy. The study showed that two different potential vaccines could prevent the Zika virus from infecting the fetus.
Tulane University has received a $12 million grant to test a promising drug treatment for Lassa fever and develop a vaccine against the deadly disease. The vaccine targets a recently discovered key antibody target on the surface of the virus, which can block it from infecting host cells.
Between 2005 and 2015, the number of confirmed HEV cases increased from 514 to 5,617, a ten-fold rise. Most infections were locally-acquired, with men and people over 50 being most affected.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine effectively blocks viral transmission to the fetus, protecting it from Zika infection. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that suppressing autophagy promotes Zika virus survival and infection in the placenta.
A new study suggests that certain viruses in the intestines may affect a person's chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. Children with less diverse gut viral communities are more likely to generate self-destructive antibodies, while those carrying a specific circovirus group are less likely to develop the disease.
More than 115,000 children under five die annually from RSV complications, with half occurring outside hospitals in developing countries. Researchers call for affordable treatments and vaccines as a priority to combat the virus.
A recent study by Duke University researchers demonstrates a vaccine approach that appears to protect fetuses from congenital CMV infection. The findings, published in JCI Insight, suggest potent antibodies can prevent viral transmission and severe disease in developing fetuses.
Researchers developed a new technique to analyze influenza virus infections in cells and lung tissue, visualizing the delivery of viral genome segments. This approach revealed that productive cell co-infections only occur when both viruses enter the same cell within two hours.
A new pestivirus, LINDA virus, has been discovered in Austrian pigs, causing severe shaking and damage to the brain and spinal cord. The virus is distantly related to classical swine fever and its discovery highlights the need for further research into its prevalence and potential impact on pig breeding.
Researchers found that water birds, particularly mallards, develop significant immunity and resistance to other variants of the low-pathogenic influenza A virus after infection. This means they can partially protect themselves against future infections, including virulent strains like H5N1 or H5N8.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered clues to how respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes disease. The study reveals that a specific protein, NS1, interferes with the body's ability to fight off RSV, potentially leading to new targets for vaccine or treatment development.
A new study found that only 4.5% of hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease received palliative care consultations. The rate of referrals increased from 0.97% in 2006 to 7.1% in 2012, but still remains low due to socioeconomic and ethnic barriers.
A new study by Michigan Medicine finds that 60% of patients with acute conjunctivitis are prescribed antibiotic eye drops despite antibiotics rarely being necessary. The study also highlights the socioeconomic factors driving this trend and the potential negative consequences of overprescription.
The EASL Editorial raises concerns about the Cochrane Review's conclusions on Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), citing a lack of understanding of the disease and its long natural history. Recent studies have shown improvement in quality of life with DAA therapy, highlighting the need for more comprehensive ...
Researchers at UTEP have been awarded a patent for a potential vaccine against Chagas disease, a life-threatening tropical illness. The vaccine, which has shown promising results in non-human primates, could provide a much-needed solution to the growing number of people infected with the disease.
Researchers identified a novel molecular pathway involving p300, C/EBPα, and microRNA-203 that helps maintain normal skin cell proliferation. HPV8's E6 protein disrupts this pathway in EV patients, potentially paving the way for skin cancer.
Researchers identified naturally infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with Chikungunya virus genotype ECSA in Brazil. The finding highlights the need for expanded surveillance to prevent new outbreaks and expose other countries at risk.
Researchers have identified a novel endemic area for Borna disease in Upper Austria, with high concentrations of Bornaviruses found in shrews and horses. Genetic analysis reveals the strain is distinct from neighboring regions, shedding light on the virus's spread.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to understand maize lethal necrosis, a devastating plant disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that rotating crops and controlling insects can provide effective disease control, but limited control is achievable by resource-poor farmers.
Researchers used mathematical modelling to understand new ways of combating maize lethal necrosis, an emerging disease affecting food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that a combination of crop rotation, clean seed, and insect control is the best way to prevent loss of maize crop.
Researchers are studying the clinical outcomes of children infected with Zika virus after birth to examine long-term brain development. Neurodevelopmental testing will be conducted to identify changes in children infected with Zika virus.
A daily low dose of valnoctamide reduces CMV infection in newborn mice and suppresses replication in the brain, normalizing neurological development. The treatment also attenuates neurobehavioral dysfunctions and brain abnormalities associated with CMV infection.
Researchers found that artificial viruses can infect brain cells and surrounding tissues beyond the injection site, influencing the immune response. The study's findings could improve the selection of suitable viral 'gene transporters' for custom therapies, offering a glimmer of hope for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study reveals that nearly all Indonesian children in urban areas are infected with the dengue virus by childhood. The researchers found that 69.4% of children tested positive for dengue antibodies, with infection rates increasing from 33.8% of 1-4 year olds to 89.0% of 15-18 year olds.
Researchers identify unique cytokine markers for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Nephropatia Epidemica (NE), highlighting key differences in immune response between the two diseases. The study's findings suggest that 'cytokine storm' plays a crucial role in disease presentation.
Research reveals mast cells can contribute to severe dengue disease by increasing vasculature permeability, providing insights into pathogenesis and potential treatments. Mast cell activation mechanisms also affect local immune responses during dengue transmission.
Complement component C3 is produced by microglia in the brain within days of viral infection, suggesting a localized immune response. This finding adds to understanding of how increased expression of immunologic factors contributes to neuroinflammation and seizures following viral infection.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified how NS5A inhibitors block Hepatitis C virus replication, revealing a difference in the speed of decline depending on the strain of HCV. This understanding may lead to more effective therapies against a broader range of viruses.
Researchers developed an anti-PD-1 antibody that blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, reinvigorating antivirus immune response and decreasing BLV counts. The new treatment could be effective against various intractable infectious diseases in cows.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to detecting dengue infection using PET-FDG imaging, which tracks glucose uptake and predicts disease progression. This non-invasive method has the potential to transform the assessment of new treatments in clinical trials.
Researchers discuss routes of Zika virus transmission and its effects on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and microcephaly. Therapeutic approaches aimed at blocking Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus are also presented.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a $7.7 million federal grant to develop three-dimensional human brain models called organoids for studying West Nile and Zika virus infections. The study aims to understand the differences between these two neurotropic viruses, which have distinct disease effects in humans.
A 10-year Lassa virus research project has yielded structural and functional details of a key viral surface protein, which could help advance development of Lassa vaccines. The study provides the first detailed view of the Lassa glycoprotein precursor complex bound to a human neutralizing antibody.
Researchers found that Zika virus hijacks Musashi-1 protein to replicate in and kill neural stem cells, leading to microcephaly. The study suggests that MSI1 is essential for normal brain development and its presence increases the vulnerability of these cells to Zika infection.
Researchers discover zinc's anti-inflammatory effects in treating liver disease, inhibiting IFN-λ3 protein that causes tissue damage. Serum zinc levels are genetically linked to chronic hepatitis C progression.
Researchers use a live imaging system to track and monitor influenza virus infection in immunized mice, providing insights into the effectiveness of candidate vaccines and treatments. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional methods, enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression.
Research in npj Parkinson’s Disease suggests a link between influenza virus infection and the development of Parkinson’s disease. Mice infected with H1N1 influenza were more susceptible to chemical toxins that trigger Parkinson’s symptoms, but vaccination or antiviral medications mitigated this effect.
Researchers found Zika-infected monkey fetuses showed unusual inflammation in the eyes, retina, and optic nerves, suggesting a wider threat in human pregnancies than previously thought. The study used animal models to study the progression of infection and associated health problems, opening doors for studying other infections and pote...
Researchers analyzed Zika genome to understand future pandemic prevention and found that transmission began in Florida at least four times. Travel from the Caribbean Islands significantly contributed to cases of Zika reaching Miami.
A study by a multi-national research team, including scientists from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, explains how Zika virus entered the US and how it might re-enter the country. They used near real-time genomic sequencing to create a family tree showing the virus's spread through space and time.
Researchers analyzed 174 Zika virus genomes from patient and mosquito samples to reconstruct the virus's spread across South and Central America. The study suggests that Zika was circulating in Brazil around February 2014, months before local cases were detected.
Researchers found that Ebola virus binds directly to white blood cells, causing their death and disrupting the immune system. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Ebola infection and may lead to the development of targeted therapies for Ebola virus disease.
Cases of human Powassan virus infection are rising in the US, particularly in northeastern and midwestern states. The virus is transmitted by Ixodes ticks and can cause fatal neuroinvasive disease and long-term neurological effects.
A recent $540,000 NASA grant will fund a team of researchers at Portland State University to study the nature of a hybrid virus discovered by Ken Stedman in a hot spring. The study aims to shed light on the evolutionary history of viruses and their ability to adapt and infect hosts.
Scientists identified two human antibodies that neutralize multiple ebolavirus species, offering potential treatments for people infected with Ebola virus or related viruses. These broadly protective antibodies could provide a basis for therapeutic pan-ebolavirus antibody treatments and vaccines.
Scientists have identified two natural human antibodies that can neutralize all five known ebolaviruses, offering a breakthrough in the fight against these deadly viruses. The antibodies work by interfering with the virus's ability to infect cells, preventing it from multiplying and causing disease.
Researchers found that RIPK3 acts as part of the brain's anti-viral inflammation response, placing an order for chemokines to attract infection-fighting white blood cells. This approach restricts viral pathogenesis without directly stopping virus reproduction within brain cells.