Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
Michigan State University has secured a $1 million USAID grant to build a mosquito factory in Yucatan, Mexico, to combat the Zika virus. The project aims to use Wolbachia bacteria to reduce mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.
Gene therapy for liver disease is advancing with the help of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, offering new therapeutic possibilities. The article discusses preclinical and clinical studies that have led to a better understanding of immune responses to AAV gene therapy.
A newly discovered virus infecting the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats could help scientists track its spread. The variation in the viral genome provides clues about how the disease is moving, enabling researchers to better understand its epidemiology.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a shortened five-day antimicrobial treatment regimen for middle ear infections in young children is less effective than the standard 10-day regimen. The study also failed to show a significant reduction in antibiotic resistance threat.
Researchers at TSRI reveal precisely how popular flu treatment Arbidol works, stopping the virus from entering host cells. The study's findings could guide the development of future broad-spectrum therapeutics against influenza virus.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in protein NOD1 increases susceptibility to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Studies with human cells and mice showed decreased CMV replication when NOD1 was activated, suggesting a key role in controlling the virus.
Scientists found that female mice are more susceptible to vaginal Zika virus infection during a specific stage of their reproductive cycle. The study suggests that sex hormones play a role in allowing the virus to establish itself in the reproductive tract and spread beyond it.
Researchers confirm live Zika virus infects reproductive tract, replicates and causes disease in mouse models. Hormonal injection timing affects vulnerability to infection, with diestrus-infected mice showing no signs of disease despite viral persistence.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a novel chikungunya vaccine using an insect-specific virus that doesn't affect humans. The new vaccine elicits strong immune defenses and protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Zika-linked abnormalities in human fetuses are more common and severe than initially thought. Out of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women, 46% resulted in birth defects or fetal death, with microcephaly being only one of several complications.
Researchers have identified two neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus that exclusively target the virus, demonstrating high specificity and protecting mice from infection. These antibodies, Z23 and Z3L1, block infection by targeting the virus' envelope protein, offering potential hope for preventative and treatment approaches.
Researchers analyzed genetic sequences of the virus and found specific mutations that occurred as it crossed the Pacific Ocean, suggesting new hypotheses for its association with microcephaly and GBS. The analysis also revealed potential relationships between viral infection and severe symptoms in adults and infants.
Researchers developed algorithms to track Ebola epidemic spread, revealing that most infected individuals stayed within their districts. The study's findings suggest using this method could inform effective control measures for new emerging epidemics.
A genetic variant in the CXCL16 gene determines whether stallions become long-term carriers of equine arteritis virus. The study found that a specific allele codes for a protein that acts as an entry receptor for the virus, leading to persistence in carrier state.
Current knowledge on EVD in great apes highlights the link between ape outbreaks and human transmission through bushmeat consumption. Vaccination of wild apes could reduce both human and animal risk but feasibility is questionable due to elusive ape habitats.
A team of researchers has found a long-sought-after mechanism in human cells that creates immunity to influenza A virus, which could help treat diseases caused by viruses. The discovery builds on over 20 years of research and demonstrates the antiviral function of RNAi in humans against distinct RNA viruses.
Researchers at Harvard University and Novartis have discovered that Zika virus can infect neural progenitor cells by grabbing onto a specific protein called AXL on the cell surface. This finding contradicts previous studies suggesting that targeting the AXL protein alone could defend against the virus.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a platform that analyzes clinical samples to diagnose infection by 416 viruses found in tropical regions. The tool is designed for reference laboratories and can detect pathogens with the potential to cause epidemics in humans.
The first licensed vaccine for the potentially life-threatening dengue virus is predicted to be most cost-effective and effective in reducing the burden of dengue disease in moderate-to-high impacted regions. Routine vaccination could reduce hospital rates by up to 25% in these areas.
Researchers found that myocarditis is affecting both children and adults worldwide, with men being twice as likely as women to develop severe reactions. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term heart damage, and new investigational therapies are soon to be tested.
Biologists observed the emergence of two distinct virus species within a month-long experiment, leveraging a harmless human virus and two types of bacteria with varying receptors. This rapid process, known as speciation, was previously challenging to study due to its slow pace.
Researchers at Kobe University developed a new method to predict congenital CMV infection in fetuses using non-invasive tests. The most effective methods are ultrasound and PCR tests for uterine cervical secretion, which can accurately identify affected infants and enable early antiviral treatment.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered how the human antibody C10 prevents Zika infection by locking proteins into place, preventing viral DNA entry. Disrupting fusion with C10 may be more effective than targeting docking in preventing Zika infection.
Researchers found that tree shrews have a natural immunity to HBV, with cytokine interferon-gamma playing a key role in the activation of hepatic natural killer cells. The study also revealed the importance of extracellular vesicles in regulating innate immune responses to HBV infection.
A pioneering study of invertebrates has uncovered 1445 viruses, including several new families, revealing people have only scratched the surface of the world of viruses. The research, led by Professor Edward Holmes, suggests these viruses have been associated with invertebrates for potentially billions of years.
A team of scientists has developed a mouse model that closely mimics fetal brain abnormalities caused by the Zika virus, revealing abnormal blood vessel formation and a leaky blood-brain barrier. This finding highlights the need to understand all the effects of Zika infection if successful therapies are to be developed.
Three new studies provide insight into the effects of Zika virus on congenital brain damage in babies and adults with neurological disorders. The research highlights common CT brain findings, including decreased brain volume and calcifications, as well as MRI findings such as orbital injuries and anatomical changes in brain tissue.
Norovirus can shed for months or years, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and triggers other gut problems like IBS and IBD. Researchers discuss strategies to slow down the virus, including new vaccine approaches.
A randomized clinical trial found that long-term collaborative care and occupational therapy did not slow functional decline in persons with Alzheimer disease. The study suggests that new assistive devices, home modifications, and technologies are needed to support patients and families at home.
Researchers at UTMB have created a Zika virus replicon system that strips the virus of its infectious genes, reducing safety risks. This tool will aid in vaccine development and understanding viral replication and mutations.
Researchers found high viral infectivity rates for dengue serotypes 2 and 3 compared to strain 1. The study also showed antibodies contribute to disease severity during secondary dengue infections.
Researchers found GALV retrovirus was likely transmitted to gibbons from rodents by medical researchers working on human diseases, causing a serious outbreak in the 1960s and 1970s. No evidence of ongoing infection or threat found in current captive gibbon populations.
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that can be used to study the Zika virus and its effects on the body. The model, which employs mice with functioning immune systems, has been shown to develop symptoms of neurological disease after infection, providing valuable insights into potential treatments.
A study by CU Anschutz found that high doses of vitamin D reduce acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older nursing home residents. The findings suggest a 40% reduction in ARI among those taking higher doses of vitamin D.
Researchers at UT Austin report that conventional flu vaccines may not be effective, and a new class of antibodies could protect against multiple strains. The study discovered a new approach to identifying and quantifying antibodies in human blood, allowing for more precise understanding of vaccine efficacy.
A Stanford-led study identified 14 individuals in Sierra Leone who had Ebola antibodies but no symptoms, contradicting previous assumptions about the disease's severity. The research suggests that 25% of Ebola infections were minimally symptomatic, and public health efforts may not have been effective in containing the virus.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...
Research finds that the Zika virus can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces for up to eight hours, especially when associated with blood. However, commonly used disinfectants such as isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium/alcohol are effective in killing the virus in a short period.
Scientists have found that mosquitoes can carry both Zika and chikungunya viruses simultaneously, potentially infecting humans with both diseases in a single bite. The study suggests that co-infection with chikungunya may inhibit infection of Zika virus in mosquitoes, impacting the epidemiology of two mosquito-borne viruses.
A DNA-based Zika vaccine generated robust antigen-specific antibody and T cell immune responses that protected against infection, brain damage, and death. The vaccine was also neuroprotective, preventing the disease from spreading to the brain in animal models.
A new study found that exposure to influenza viruses during childhood gives people partial protection for life. The study's findings suggest that birth year may largely determine a person's risk for serious illness in an influenza pandemic, with certain age groups more susceptible to different strains of the flu.
A new study reveals that an individual's birth year plays a crucial role in determining their susceptibility to specific flu strains. The research found that people born before and after 1968 have reduced risk of severe disease from novel strains within the same group.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that predators can catalyze the rise and fall of chlorovirus populations by exposing algae to viruses. The research suggests that the structure of food webs in an ecosystem may influence viral propagation, with a potential game-changer for virology.
A recent study published in Crop Science journal has found enhanced wheat curl mite control in genes, leading to the development of a new screening protocol. The research team identified the genetic markers responsible for resistance to the wheat curl mite and its associated diseases, such as wheat streak mosaic virus.
A team of scientists, led by prof. Savvas Savvides, used integrative structural biology to study how GIF, a protein secreted by the Orf virus, inactivates key cytokines of the host immune system. The research reveals unique strategies that viruses use to counter antiviral responses and highlights great potential for innovative therapies.
Researchers have identified a human antibody that prevents Zika virus infection in pregnant mice and protects adult mice. The antibody also prevented damage to the placenta and fetuses, suggesting it may be used to prevent Zika-related birth defects.
A human antibody that neutralizes Zika virus has been shown to reduce levels of the virus in placental and fetal tissues and decrease fetal disease in a mouse model of Zika infection. The findings suggest that this antibody could be developed to protect pregnant women and others from Zika-related complications.
Researchers found mutations in Ebola virus that increased its ability to infect human cells, potentially contributing to the outbreak's spread. The mutations did not affect the virus's ability to infect other mammalian species, including fruit bats.
A new study co-led by TSRI scientists suggests that Ebola virus gained a genetic mutation, GP-A82V, which helps it better target human cells. This mutation emerged early in the epidemic and caused about 90% of infections during the recent outbreak.
A new study suggests that Zika infection can cause testicular damage, leading to reduced fertility and low testosterone levels in male mice. The virus targets Sertoli cells, which are essential for maintaining the barrier between the bloodstream and the testes.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection can severely damage the testes of male mice, causing shrinkage and reduced sperm count. The study suggests that this may have important implications for human males infected with the virus, highlighting the need for further research on reproductive health.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
Antibodies from Ebola survivors can strongly neutralize the virus and protect mice from a lethal challenge. The study found these protective antibodies using a new technology called Immune Repertoire Capture°0niversity.
Researchers found that the key viral protein used in candidate HCV vaccines is surprisingly flexible, elicit a wide variety of antibodies that cannot block viral infection. This flexibility may be why current vaccines have been ineffective in preventing HCV infection.
Researchers discovered that cytomegalovirus (CMV) hijacks the molecular machinery in human cells to survive and replicate, relying on the human protein CPEB1. Suppressing CPEB1 levels during CMV infection reverses harmful cellular changes and reduces viral production tenfold.
A new human immunodeficiency has been discovered due to a faulty RASGRP1 gene, affecting T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer cells. The study identified a potential treatment using the drug lenalidomide, which reversed some effects of the mutation.
A recent study by Emory Vaccine Center-India collaboration reveals insights into CD8 T cells' role in fighting dengue virus infection. The research shows that these immune cells expand massively but keep cytokine production under control, retaining the ability to kill virus-infected cells.
Researchers found that Zika virus disrupts fetal brain development by interfering with human neural progenitor cells, leading to microcephaly. They also identified specific small RNAs from the virus that could impact brain development and lead to microcephaly in mice.
A recent study reveals that archaic and modern humans co-diverged with a common HPV16 strain, which was then transmitted through sexual contact with Neanderthals. This ancient 'hanky panky' may have influenced the spread of STIs, explaining regional diversity in HPV16 strains.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection provides excellent protection against reinfection, offering potential relief from future epidemics. The study also revealed the virus remains in some tissues for an extended period, but clears from blood plasma and urine within 10 days.