Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A research lab at the University of Kansas is analyzing human immune responses to develop an effective vaccine or drug therapy against Epstein-Barr Virus. By studying B cells, researchers aim to understand why some people are protected from EBV-associated diseases while others suffer from health issues.
Generic hepatitis C drugs available in India offer significant cost savings by increasing life expectancy by more than eight years and reducing lifetime health care costs by over $1,300 per person. The payback period for the upfront costs of DAA drugs is under 5 years for advanced-stage patients.
Researchers successfully synthesized Zika virus from a viral sequence detected in infected tissue, allowing them to induce microcephaly in pregnant mice and study its transmission by mosquitoes. This breakthrough helps advance research into the mysterious emergence of Zika virus, which causes devastating foetal brain infections.
A new study found that responders to the West African Ebola epidemic showed little evidence of infection, with 99% showing no signs. Despite reported near-miss exposures and symptoms, many respondents were not tested for Ebola virus at the time, highlighting the need for standardized protocols.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that undiagnosed Ebola virus infection was probably very rare among international healthcare workers deployed during the 2013-2015 outbreak. Despite asymptomatic cases occurring, no evidence of missed infections was found, but 'near miss' exposure incidents were common, putting frontline wor...
The Osaka University research group has created a safe and easy-to-use self-donning surgical gown called 'Selfgown.' This innovative gown minimizes environmental infections from splashes when removing gloves, reducing the risk of transmission to others.
A new compound has been discovered that can inhibit the spread of the Zika virus, a significant step towards developing a treatment for its neurological complications. The compound blocks viral propagation in human cells and mice, offering promise as a starting point for an even more potent drug.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that immune reactions to viruses can disrupt brain connections, leading to learning problems. The research team identified CX3CR1highLY6Clow monocytes as the key players in this process, releasing inflammatory signaling protein TNFα which blocks nerve cell connection formation.
A human protein called valosin containing protein (VCP) is crucial for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication. Reducing VCP expression in infected cells significantly reduced viral replication.
Ransomware attacks on hospitals have increased fourfold from 2015 to 2016, with the amount of money paid to hackers rising to $1bn. Hospitals can take steps to prevent these attacks by implementing digital hygiene measures and frequent backups to protect their data.
Researchers at City College of New York and TechnoVax have successfully developed a vaccine against the Zika virus using a novel virus-like particle (VLP) technology. The VLP formulations were found to be highly effective in eliciting protective antibodies while being well-tolerated and safe.
A Queen's-led European research project, INBIONET, has made huge strides in tackling antibiotic resistance and its impact on global health. The study found that various pathogens share a common anti-immune strategy, potentially leading to the development of new drugs to treat different types of infections.
A computational model developed by Northeastern researchers uses Twitter data to project the spread of seasonal flu in real time, accurately forecasting the disease's evolution up to six weeks in advance. The model incorporates key parameters such as incubation period, immunization rate and viral strains present.
A Taiwanese study found that statin use was linked to a decreased risk of decompensation in cirrhotic patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis. Statin use showed a favorable outcome and may benefit patients with other causes of cirrhosis as well.
A research team identified a mechanism by which influenza A viruses hijack cellular machinery to replicate, including the RNA exosome. This process is linked to congenital defects and neurodegeneration in people with rare mutations. The study offers future insight into common brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
The study reveals that a single antibody can block an envelope protein's function, enabling the scientists to mathematically model the amount of antibodies needed to neutralize HIV-1. The findings could aid research into nAb-based vaccines and treatments, which have proven complex to develop.
Research on 48 fetuses exposed to Zika found that three had abnormal fetal MRIs, including heterotopia, parietal encephalocele, and thin corpus callosum. The vast majority of fetuses had normal MRI results, but long-term neurological outcomes remain uncertain.
Reducing interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) levels makes cells highly susceptible to Zika virus infection. Blocking the viral entry pathway may prevent devastating effects of Zika virus during pregnancy.
A research team at Rockefeller University has identified a potent new weapon against the Zika virus: Z004, an antibody that neutralizes the virus and could be used to create a vaccine. The discovery was made by analyzing blood samples from people who had been infected with the virus.
Researchers estimate Zika's economic burden in the US, ranging from $183 million to over $1.2 billion depending on infection rates. The virus can lead to serious health issues like Guillain-Barré Syndrome and birth defects.
Researchers have developed a new class of CRISPR enzymes that can detect specific sequences of RNA, including those from viruses. These enzymes, variants of Cas13a, target different RNA nucleotides, allowing for simultaneous viral diagnostics and potentially expanding the range of diseases they can detect.
A new detection test for Zika virus distinguishes between African and Asian strains, improving tracking efforts. The low-cost LAMP test is faster than current gold-standard methods, with minimal processing requirements.
A computational analysis led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers estimates that even a mild Zika outbreak in the US could result in $183 million in medical costs and productivity losses. A more severe outbreak could cost over $1 billion, with increased risks of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A team of researchers from Duke University found that Epstein-Barr virus manipulates B-cell reproduction and apoptosis resistance to establish latency. This unique mechanism allows the virus to persist well inside the immune system, increasing cancer risk in immunocompromised individuals.
A novel compound called AV-C triggers a cell's innate antiviral system, inhibiting replication of Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses. Researchers discovered the compound through high-throughput screening, which shows potential as an antiviral immunotherapy.
The study found that Zika virus can persist in cerebrospinal fluid, lymph nodes, and colorectal tissue of infected rhesus monkeys for up to 42 days and 72 days respectively. The virus persistence may contribute to neurological issues associated with Zika infection in humans.
A blood test can predict which children are at risk of developing dengue shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication. Daily platelet counts and changes in platelet levels over time help identify patients who are most likely to develop the condition.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in low-risk adults due to lack of direct evidence on benefits and harms. The guideline aims to focus healthcare resources on individuals at elevated risk, where treatment is proven to be beneficial.
A study of 1350 cirrhotic patients found that statin use reduced the risk of liver decompensation in a dose-dependent manner. Statins may provide benefits to patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis, improving survival rates.
Researchers discovered a protein cocktail in urine that can distinguish between viral infection and organ rejection. The new test may enable early detection of transplant failure, improving outcomes for patients.
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.