Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers found that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus to their eggs and offspring. This discovery highlights the importance of using larvicides to curb the spread of the virus. The study suggests that controlling adult mosquitoes may not be enough to eliminate the virus.
A recent study by FAU researchers found that up to 56% of e-mail recipients and 40% of Facebook users clicked on links from unknown senders, primarily driven by curiosity about the content or sender's identity. The experiment revealed that participants' awareness of security risks was often lower than their actual clicking behavior.
The International Cytokine and Interferon Society has awarded Carl Nathan, John O'Shea, and Jan Vilcek for their outstanding contributions to cytokine and interferon research, leading to clinical benefits for thousands of patients. The award recognizes achievements in basic or applied fields, highlighting the critical role of interfero...
Scientists screened 6,000 existing compounds for their effectiveness against Zika virus infections and identified two classes of promising drugs: neuroprotective and antiviral agents. Three drugs showed robust results, but further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy in humans.
Researchers have reported a new neurological complication of Zika virus infection, specifically sensory polyneuropathy, in a Honduran patient. The study highlights the potential for Zika virus to cause acute infectious sensory polyneuropathy, which began during the acute infectious phase.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully grown human noroviruses in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells by adding bile to the cultures. This breakthrough allows researchers to explore and develop procedures to prevent and treat infection, as well as better understand norovirus biology.
A new device developed by MIT and Connecticut Children's Medical Center could significantly improve doctors' ability to accurately diagnose ear infections. The shortwave infrared instrument can penetrate deeper into the tissues of the ear than existing otoscopes, revealing buildups of fluid behind the eardrum more clearly.
A study published in Cell found that Zika virus can replicate in the vaginal tissue of pregnant mice several days after infection, potentially leading to dire consequences for reproduction. The researchers also detected Zika virus in the fetal brains of infected mice, associated with fetal weight loss.
Researchers successfully cultured norovirus in human intestinal cells, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines against this debilitating virus. The study, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind norovirus infection.
A recent study published in Radiology documents brain abnormalities associated with congenital Zika infection, revealing significant reductions in brain tissue volume and enlarged ventricles. The research team analyzed pre- and post-natal images of fetuses and newborns in 45 confirmed and presumed cases of Zika virus.
Research suggests that genetic influences on asthma are more pronounced when exposed to early life environmental factors, such as viral respiratory infections. Children with a specific variant of the PAI-1 gene and a history of severe lower respiratory tract infections have an increased risk of developing asthma.
A baby born with Zika infection remained infected for two months and one week after birth, showing delayed psychomotor development and spastic hemiplegia. The virus may have been sexually transmitted, as the father also showed symptoms before his wife.
A Yale team discovered that Zika virus diverts a key protein necessary for neural cell division, causing microcephaly. Researchers found an FDA-approved drug, Sofosbuvir, may prevent Zika virus infection of neural stem cells and keep phospho-TBK1 involved in cell division.
Scientists have discovered a new class of small molecule compounds that can block the Ebola virus's ability to break out of cells and infect new ones. The compounds target an interaction between the virus and host cells, inhibiting viral egress without being toxic to human cells.
Scientists have identified two genes that are switched on only when a child is suffering from a bacterial infection. A rapid test based on these genes has been developed to diagnose bacterial infections, which could help combat antibiotic resistance and save lives.
Two studies explore the use of genetic tests to identify bacterial infections in children with fever. Researchers identified specific host genes that distinguish bacterial from viral infections, and found that these signatures can be used to diagnose bacterial infections. The study has potential for a clinically applicable test using c...
The study found that nearly all babies with confirmed and presumed Zika infections had ventriculomegaly, gray and white matter volume loss, and cortical migrational abnormalities. Imaging exams also revealed intracranial calcifications and reduced tissue volume in the brain.
Researchers at UTMB have protected nonhuman primates against Ebola Sudan four days after infection using a siRNA-based treatment. The treatment was effective even when animals showed signs of disease and had detectable levels of the virus in their blood.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch have successfully treated rhesus macaques infected with Sudan ebolavirus using an RNA-based therapeutic called siRNA, administered via a lipid nanoparticle platform. The treatment was effective in preventing replication of the virus and improving survival rates.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified the protein CD300lf that norovirus uses to infect cells. By expressing this protein on human cells, researchers can study noroviral pathogenesis and search for treatments in people.
Researchers at Rockefeller University and La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology found that Zika virus can infect adult brain cells, specifically neural progenitor cells, leading to cell death and reduced neuron generation. This may have implications for cognitive decline and conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers investigate prenatal infections and their link to developmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. A five-year NIH grant supports studies on the effects of early-life immune responses and sex differences in brain vulnerability.
Researchers found that Zika virus productively infects primary human placenta-specific macrophages, with 10-15% of placental macrophages infected. The study suggests that placental macrophages may play a role in maternal-fetal Zika transmission and warrants further investigation.
A Yale study reveals how the Zika virus crosses the maternal-fetal barrier, affecting infant brain development. Researchers found that specific placenta cells are susceptible to infection, potentially leading to fetal brain damage.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that polymers can selectively target dying cells, halting chronic inflammation in lupus while enhancing flu immunity. The approach shows promise for treating a range of inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at the DOE JGI have discovered over 125,000 viral genomes infecting microbes, increasing the number of known microbial phyla by a factor of 16. The study provides a unique resource for viral sequence information and has implications for understanding global cycles and energy challenges.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that people infected with Ebola virus were 20% more likely to survive if they were co-infected with malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites. The survival difference was evident even after controlling for Ebola viral load and age.
A Swedish study of over 2 million children found that those born in spring had a higher risk of developing coeliac disease, especially before age 2. The risk was also higher among girls and in the south of the country where sunlight is more intense, suggesting possible links to viral infections and vitamin D.
Activated B cells play a crucial role in the formation of immune memory, with some cells persisting for months after initial exposure. The study reveals that while plasmablasts dominate early responses to infections or vaccinations, activated B cells take center stage later on.
Researchers have discovered that secondary infection with MRSA often kills influenza patients due to altered antibacterial response of white blood cells. The flu virus can cause extensive lung damage by suppressing the ability of macrophages and neutrophils to kill bacteria, leading to lethal inflammation.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified the protein trigger ZBP1, which specifically recognizes the influenza virus and triggers infected cells to commit suicide. This discovery offers hope for developing drugs to protect against the virus's lethal complication of pneumonia.
Plant scientists found that the cucumber mosaic virus alters gene expression in tomato plants, changing their scent to attract bumblebees. This indirect manipulation may help the virus spread pollen of susceptible plants, benefiting both the plant and the virus.
Researchers found that bumblebees are attracted to CMV-infected tomato and Arabidopsis plants, leading to increased seed production. Buzz pollination, a process where bees vibrate flowers to release pollen, enhances fertilization rates in infected plants.
Researchers found that naturally infected chimpanzees developed antibodies able to neutralize multiple AAV serotypes, a hurdle for gene therapy. The study provides insights into the immune response to natural AAV infection and its implications for gene delivery strategies.
Researchers at Australian National University predict that a warmer climate could lead to a decrease in dengue transmission in certain regions, such as northeast Australia. This finding is relevant to other mosquito-borne viruses like Zika, and highlights the need for continued monitoring of global health impacts.
Researchers have developed a new model to study the phenomenon of secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by S. aureus and influenza A virus. The model, which simulates the natural pathogenesis of infection, reveals that viral infection induces bacteria to disseminate to the lungs.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a high-resolution view of how the ZMapp experimental therapy targets Ebola virus. The study revealed detailed images of the protein structures, providing new clues to improve the effectiveness of the antibodies in the treatment.
Researchers found that cardinals act as 'supersuppressors' by drawing infected mosquitoes away from robins, reducing the risk of human infections with West Nile virus in Atlanta. The study suggests that preserving and enhancing old growth forests may also help prevent disease transmission.
Three different investigational Zika virus vaccine platforms protect against infection and induce immune responses in rhesus macaques. The results suggest that each approach holds promise for designing an effective Zika vaccine.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and ability to generate an immune system response in participants. The investigational DNA vaccine aims to prevent Zika virus infection, which can cause serious birth defects.
Researchers found that increasing mobility through a popular place can reduce outbreak severity, unlike reducing flow which would increase susceptibility to infection. The team proposes strategies to control the flow of people to minimize risk while maintaining high occupancy.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a machine learning tool to diagnose childhood pneumonia more accurately and cost-effectively. The tool uses data from basic equipment such as pulse oximeters, thermometers, and stethoscopes, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to existing guidelines.
A recent study published in mBio found that obese mice who received influenza vaccines with and without adjuvants were not protected against the flu. Despite increased antibody responses, obese mice succumbed to infection due to a combination of factors, including increased viral load and severe disease severity.
Researchers developed a rapid 5-minute test to detect C-reactive protein, reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections. The study showed significant reductions in antibiotic use among adults and children with viral infections.
A new study by NIH and its collaborators reveals that vaccination against one strain of Zika virus may be sufficient to provide protection against other genetically diverse strains. The research found that neutralizing antibodies produced in response to infection with one strain can also protect against infections caused by other strai...
Researchers at NIH identified six Zika virus antibodies that recognize a particular Zika protein, the envelope or E protein. Two of these antibodies also protect mice from Zika infection, offering potential for prophylactic treatment approaches for pregnant women at risk of Zika virus infection.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified six antibodies capable of protecting against Zika virus infection in mice, providing crucial information on how these antibodies interact with the virus. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine, diagnostic tests, and potentially new therapies for Zika-related diseases.
Researchers have identified specific antibodies that protect against Zika infection in mice, targeting a region of the virus similar to other flaviviruses like Dengue and West Nile. These findings aim to optimize current vaccine strategies and develop new antibody-based therapeutics.
A new study examines Zika virus' effect on neuronal cells and its link to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers highlight the need for further research on mechanisms underlying neurological complications and diagnostic criteria for microcephaly.
Researchers estimate that up to 90 million infections could result from the initial stages of the spread of Zika in Latin America and the Caribbean. The team's projections suggest Brazil is expected to have the largest total number of infections due to its size and suitability for transmission.
According to a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, travelers to Brazil during the 2016 Olympics are at low risk of contracting or spreading Zika virus. The World Health Organization advised that non-pregnant travelers can safely attend events while taking precautions.
Researchers project up to 93 million people at risk of Zika infection, including 1.6 million childbearing women, due to herd immunity. The projections highlight the potential scale of the epidemic and emphasize the importance of addressing it before it spreads too far.
Researchers found direct evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit Zika virus, helping control efforts. The study identified Zika virus in several samples of A. aegypti but not in other mosquito species.
Researchers developed functionalized surfaces with tailored wetting characteristics that reduce or eliminate Influenza A virus infectivity. The study provides insights into the role of surface wettability on viral transmission.
A team of researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley identified duramycin as an effective blocker of Zika virus infection in human cells. The study reveals two potential routes for the virus to reach the fetus and shows that duramycin can prevent birth defects associated with microcephaly.
The dengue virus protein NS1 disrupts the innermost layer of blood vessels, making them more permeable and causing leakage. This disruption leads to fluid accumulation in the lung, a major symptom of severe dengue disease.
Researchers reviewing Zika's history highlight the need for better understanding of global spread and sustainable control strategies. Most people infected with Zika show no symptoms or minor ones like rashes, but prevention methods like mosquito spraying are crucial.
A new study from Imperial College London predicts that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will burn itself out within two to three years due to herd immunity. The team's analysis also concludes that large-scale transmission is unlikely to restart for at least another ten years.
A recent model-based study suggests that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will likely peak within three years, with subsequent herd immunity preventing future outbreaks. The authors also emphasize the importance of targeted mosquito control measures, which may actually hinder herd immunity.
Researchers tag NYC rats with RFID microchips to study their daily activity and potential for transmitting disease. Initial results show distinct personalities and sex differences in rat behavior, offering a new insight into these elusive city dwellers.