Articles tagged with Viral Infections
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A meta-analysis by ophthalmologists from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center indicates that LASIK surgery has a lower risk of infection compared to contact lens wear. The study found that after one year of daily soft-contact lens wear, there were fewer microbial keratitis cases than after LASIK, approximately two fewer ca...
A new study found that 99% of children aged six to 11 with hepatitis C achieved undetectable levels of HCV-RNA 12 weeks after treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of a direct-acting antiviral regimen. The oral therapy was well-tolerated and did not cause serious adverse events.
The updated EASL guidelines provide new definitions of disease phases to guide clinicians on treatment indications. The guidelines also expanded indications for initiating treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission and offer clear cut recommendations for special patient populations. The main goal of therapy is to improve surviva...
A worldwide analysis of over 3,000 patients reveals that those with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are nearly 12 times more likely to be referred at an advanced stage than early. Early liver disease was defined as liver disease without evidence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
A DAA treatment combination, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir with or without voxilaprevir, shows significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for patients with HCV and cirrhosis. The overall cure rate is 94% for patients with and without cirrhosis.
A retrospective review of a UK national HCV database found that over one-third of young people with childhood acquired HCV develop serious long-term liver disease. The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent long-term liver damage.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created lysibodies, human-germ hybrid molecules that target specific carbohydrate molecules on bacterial cell surfaces, helping the immune system fight off microbial pathogens. The approach shows promise for treating life-threatening infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Researchers developed SHERLOCK, a CRISPR-Cas system that detects viral and bacterial pathogens with high sensitivity, enabling rapid diagnosis. The system's high sensitivity and low cost make it suitable for various applications, including cancer mutation detection.
A 2015 NIH study analyzed daily gene activation in an Ebola patient and found a marked decline in antiviral responses before virus clearance from white blood cells. The study showed host responses shifted toward cellular and organ repair, coinciding with clinical improvement.
Researchers analyzed a patient's progression through Ebola virus disease and recovery to identify distinct phases of physiological responses. The study also characterized serum from healthy volunteers receiving the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, identifying six markers that predict adverse reactions.
Scientists have gained insight into the NS5 protein of Zika virus, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. The study reveals its structure and function, as well as comparisons with other related viruses, which will aid in the search for compounds to halt virus reproduction.
Researchers have developed a transgenic mouse that can help identify new influenza virus strains with the potential to cause a global pandemic. The mouse expresses human MxA protein, which is thought to target influenza A viruses, and has shown resistance to avian but susceptibility to human flu viruses.
A new study links common reovirus infection with the development of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by an improper immune response to gluten. Reovirus-induced immune responses can lead to the loss of oral tolerance to gluten, setting the stage for celiac disease.
Researchers discovered that viral infections can break oral tolerance to dietary antigens, leading to celiac disease. The study highlights the previously unexplored connection between viral infection and immune responses in mice.
Scientists have successfully treated guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys with a monoclonal antibody to cure Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment, MR191-N, provided up to 100% protection when administered within 5 days of infection, offering new hope for preventing and treating filovirus outbreaks.
A new study reports that one human monoclonal antibody therapy, MR191-N, protected nonhuman primates from the lethal effects of both Marburg and Ravn viruses. The treatment showed success in clearing the viruses and preventing death in infected animals.
A successful antibody treatment protected nonhuman primates against the deadly Marburg and Ravn viruses even when given five days after becoming infected. Monoclonal antibodies show promise in providing protection during advanced stages of disease with highly dangerous viruses.
Researchers found that pre-existing immunity to dengue and West Nile viruses can cause increased risk of severe Zika virus infection. High concentrations of antibodies from these infections offered protection, while lower concentrations led to enhanced morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found that a large number of CMV's genes help it evade the immune system by destroying proteins produced during infection. This discovery could lead to novel treatments or a cure for this virus.
Researchers have discovered biological evidence of atypical chronic fatigue syndrome, a complex and debilitating disease. The study found lower levels of certain immune molecules in individuals with atypical ME/CFS compared to those with classical symptoms.
A Phase 2/2b clinical trial has begun testing an experimental DNA vaccine designed to protect against disease caused by Zika infection. The vaccine aims to gain more safety and immune response data and determine if it can effectively prevent disease caused by natural Zika infection.
The University of Miami is conducting a multi-site study to evaluate the safety, effective dosage and prevention capabilities of the NIH's experimental DNA-based vaccine. Researchers will recruit individuals from Miami-Dade County and compare the rates of confirmed cases of Zika in vaccinated and placebo groups.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied Zika virus-infected cells using light and electron microscopy, revealing dramatic changes in cell architecture. These findings support the development of new therapeutics targeting both Zika and related viruses like Dengue.
Researchers at NUS identified weak spots on the surface of the dengue virus that can be targeted with therapies and vaccines, providing a promising avenue for treating the disease.
Researchers discovered that microbes activate CRISPR systems early on in viral infections, capturing snippets of viral DNA to create a powerful defense. This early response enables microbes to recognize and attack subsequent viral infections more effectively.
During the West African Ebola crisis, bushmeat consumption decreased overall, but remained constant for wealthier households. Knowledge about Ebola risks reduced consumption among households that knew the risks.
Researchers have developed effective Zika virus nucleic acid amplification technology assays to screen donated blood supplies. The methods demonstrated excellent sensitivities and were substantially more sensitive than most other laboratory-developed and diagnostic Zika virus assays.
Saint Louis University researchers identified high-risk areas for Zika transmission in the US, including the Mississippi delta, southern states, and California. The study projected up to 41.7 million people at risk of contracting the virus, with pregnant women being the highest at-risk group.
Researchers at UC Riverside have determined the crystal structure of the Zika virus NS5 protein, enabling a better understanding of its replication mechanism. The discovery provides a strong basis for developing potential inhibitors against ZIKV infection.
A recent study by Indiana University researchers has mapped a key protein of the Zika virus, enabling the analysis of existing drugs and compounds that can disrupt its spread. The study's findings offer hope for finding effective treatments against the disease, which causes birth defects and neurological disorders in infants and adults.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics describes the physical and neurologic characteristics of congenital Zika syndrome in 83 Brazilian children. The findings show that microcephaly, joint immobility, and brain abnormalities are common features, with some cases having milder symptoms.
Researchers found that most dengue virus infections occur within neighborhoods and are transmitted by the same family of mosquitoes. The study suggests that large urban centers can spread dengue diversity, which can be dispersed to other areas.
Researchers found that inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 activation can silence Ebola virus-infected macrophages, a potential treatment option. The study also suggests this approach could work for other hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Tom Hobman's lab has been awarded $500,000 to investigate how the Zika virus changes host cells during infection and develop antiviral therapies. The team aims to understand the virus's persistence in the body and potentially block it to prevent transmission.
New research examines the impact of Ebola virus proteins packaged in exosomes on the immune system, impairing its ability to fight off the infection. The study highlights the potential for exosomal VP40 to have a substantial impact on Ebola virus disease.
A Georgia State University researcher has received a five-year grant to develop a new drug targeting the Ebola virus. The goal is to find compounds that block the growth of Ebola virus by inhibiting its viral machinery.
A new strain of ranivirus is causing mass mortality in amphibian populations in Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal. The virus also affects fish and reptiles, complicating the situation and requiring urgent optimization of conservation strategies.
A recent study found that pre-existing immunity to dengue virus modulates the magnitude and breadth of the immune system's T cell response to Zika. This shape the subsequent CD8+ T cell response to Zika in mice, with implications for vaccine development.
A novel vaccine developed by scientists at NIAID protected cattle from respiratory syncytial virus infection, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies and protection against viral replication. The vaccine's pre-F protein construct showed promise in a model that may be applied to human RSV vaccine development.
A Rutgers study found that doctors who schedule flu shots for patients are three times more likely to get vaccinated. Patients are more receptive when their physicians take a proactive stance, increasing vaccination rates.
Researchers discovered a molecular signaling receptor, type I Interferon receptor (IFNAR), that fuels production of pro-inflammatory cytokines during secondary inflammatory challenge, inducing preterm birth. Testing in mouse models and human tissues found that genetic deletion or inhibition of IFNAR prevents preterm birth.
A small case report suggests that Zika-linked birth defects may only be 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to cardiovascular complications. Eight of nine patients developed dangerous arrhythmias and six experienced heart failure, with symptoms manifesting on average 10 days after initial complaints.
A study published in the Public Library of Science Pathogens found that Zika virus targets neuronal, lymph, joint, muscle and genital/urinary/reproductive tissues, persisting for at least 35 days. The research provides insights into the growth and distribution of the virus in human tissues.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown virus affecting parasitoid wasp species, reducing female offspring and extending lifespan. The discovery has implications for understanding viral transmission in insects.
Researchers studied 19 virus families and found that cross-species transmission has played a central role in their evolution. Co-divergence is relatively rare compared to cross-species jumps.
A recent study found that only a small percentage of baby boomers have been tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, despite the availability of treatments. The study suggests that increased awareness and innovative strategies, such as state-mandated testing, are needed to improve HCV testing rates among this demographic.
A mouse study found that suppressed immunity during pregnancy creates a window of opportunity for the H1N1 influenza virus to infect and mutate into more virulent strains. The researchers believe that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe flu infections due to their dampened immune system.
A new study found that Zika virus was as commonly confirmed as dengue in Canadian travellers returning from the Americas and Caribbean, but more severe. The study revealed 10% of cases with severe complications, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital infection.
Researchers have discovered a unique protein in the Orsay virus, a nematode worm virus, that plays a crucial role in binding to cells and infecting them. The protein's molecular structure has potential antiviral applications, and its study could guide bioengineers in developing synthetic variations of the virus to target parasitic worms.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating the collection of viruses, known as the virome, in white-footed mice and black-legged ticks to better predict infectious disease outbreaks in humans. The team aims to identify new infectious viruses in these animals before they spill over into humans.
A new article published online by JAMA Dermatology estimates the global burden of skin disease, with dermatitis and acne vulgaris ranking among top causes. Skin diseases accounted for 1.79% of the global burden of disease in 2013, equivalent to 41.6 million DALYS.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology ranks the top 10 most disabling skin diseases globally, with dermatitis and acne at the top. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact of non-cancer skin conditions on global health.
Researchers found Zika virus alters host cell cytoskeletal architecture to build replication factories, potentially targeting with existing chemotherapy drugs. This study suggests a new approach to treating Zika-related disorders like microcephaly and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of African swine fever virus enzyme AsfvPolX, revealing a unique binding pocket and high error rate. This could lead to the development of targeted treatments by blocking the binding pocket with drugs.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a genetic link between Ifitm3 and the immune system's inflammatory response. The study found that individuals with a specific gene variant may experience an overactive immune response to viral infections, making anti-inflammatory drugs a potential treatment option.
A combination of two cancer drugs has been found to inhibit both dengue and Ebola virus infections in mice, with efficacy also shown against West Nile and Zika viruses. The study identified a molecular mechanism by which the drugs disrupt RNA viruses' genetic material.
A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have identified specific genes that make Wolbachia, a parasitic bacterium, effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika. The 'super-Wolbachia' gene can be used to genetically engineer insects to spread the bacteria more rapidly.
Researchers developed a forecasting model to predict WNV outbreaks, generating accurate forecasts for mosquito infection rates and human cases up to nine weeks prior. This method could give public health officials more time to plan for mosquito control efforts, potentially reducing the number of cases and deaths.
Scientists have produced gene-edited pigs with a modified CD163 gene, showing complete resistance to infection with both major subtypes of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus. The change is introduced using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and should not affect their ability to fight off other infections.