Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
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.
Scientists have discovered two new strains of the HTLV-4 virus in hunters bitten by gorillas in Gabon, supporting the notion that gorillas are a major source of infectious agents. The findings suggest that gorilla bites can lead to chronic persistence of the virus in humans.
Researchers tested serum antibodies from Ebola survivors and found substantial cross-reactivity with other filoviruses, suggesting long-lived immunity. The study's results indicate that antibody responses extend beyond the primary virus, imparting at least partial immunity to other filoviral infections.
A new study suggests that a protein deficiency in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) disrupts cellular endocytosis, leading to muscle weakness. Interestingly, a mild version of this defect may also confer resistance to infections in carriers of the disease.
A team of scientists developed a system that forecasts dengue fever outbreaks by analyzing citizens' calling behavior on public-health hotlines. The system achieved high accuracy in predicting disease cases and locations two to three weeks ahead.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a diagnostic test that can distinguish between bacterial and viral infections using just seven human genes. The seven-gene test is more accurate, cheaper, and faster than earlier tests, with the potential to reduce antibiotic misuse and save healthcare systems money.
Researchers found that viral hepatitis is now a leading cause of death and disability globally, killing at least 1.45 million people annually, surpassing TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. The disease burden is more evenly divided between high- and low-income countries.
A recent study reveals that bacteriophage PAK_P3 degrades bacterial RNAs and scavenges pyrimidine nucleotides to replicate. This finding highlights the prominent role of RNA metabolism in phage infection, offering a new understanding of phage therapy's potential.
A new study found that reducing antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections does not increase the risk of serious bacterial complications. However, it also suggests that practices with lower rates of antibiotic prescribing had slightly higher rates of pneumonia and peritonsillar abscess.
A team of researchers from Hokkaido University found that a receptor, known for its role in mediating dioxin toxicity, also regulates the body's innate immune response to viral infections. The activation of this receptor negatively regulates the production of an antiviral protein called type I interferon.
New research found that CD4 T-cells in young mice secrete lower levels of interferon gamma, a key antiviral cytokine, leading to higher rates of immune cell death and delayed virus clearance. This may explain children's increased susceptibility to illnesses.
Researchers will study immune responses of 200 volunteers with diagnosed or symptomatic Zika, analyzing blood specimens to understand body's response. Understanding natural history and immune system could identify targets for treatments and vaccines.
The Baylor College of Medicine has been awarded over $1 million from the National Institutes of Health to lead a study on people infected with Zika virus. The study aims to inform diagnostic and infection control measures, as well as Zika vaccine development.
Researchers developed a fast and non-destructive method to detect Wolbachia bacteria in Aedes mosquitoes using near-infrared spectroscopy. The technique shows high accuracy in detecting the presence of Wolbachia strains, including benign and aggressive forms, with an average accuracy of 96-92%.
Researchers found that microcephaly screening alone is insufficient to detect all cases of Zika virus in newborns. The study suggests that signs and symptoms of brain abnormalities should also be included in screening criteria.
Research funded by NIAID found that Zika virus lingers in pregnant animals for at least 57 days, but provides immunity against future infections. Non-pregnant monkeys cleared the virus within 10 days of infection.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a novel mechanism by which viruses shut down alarm signals that trigger immune responses. By trapping an important signaling molecule inside the cell nucleus, viral protein VII prevents it from sounding an alarm to the immune system.
A new portable test has been developed to detect the Zika virus in saliva for just $2, making it a promising tool for managing outbreaks. The test can accurately detect low levels of the virus and distinguish it from similar viruses like dengue.
A University of Miami research team created a mathematical model to investigate the role of sexual transmission in the spread and control of Zika. The study found that mosquito control remains the most important mitigation method, but sexual transmission increases the risk of infection and prolongs outbreaks.
A recent NIH-supported study pinpoints the origin of the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in central Mexico, where it emerged from pigs before spreading to humans. The research highlights the importance of tracking swine populations and understanding how economic factors contribute to viral outbreaks.
Two experimental Zika vaccines fully protected mice from infection, even after four weeks without inoculation. The DNA and inactivated virus vaccines induced virus-specific antibodies, correlating with protection against infection.
A Weizmann Institute study found that viral infection during pregnancy disrupts the fetal immune system, leading to abnormal brain development and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests a possible explanation for how maternal infections raise the risk of autism and schizophrenia in offspring.
Scientists have found that antibodies developed in response to dengue virus can cross-react with and neutralize Zika virus, but also enhance its infection in laboratory experiments. These findings suggest a complex relationship between the two viruses and offer potential insights for vaccine design and treatment.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that can efficiently neutralize both dengue and Zika viruses, sharing identical binding sites on their viral envelopes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a single vaccine offering protection against both diseases.
Researchers found MAIT cells can bypass specific receptors to react to cytokine combinations, previously only known for fighting bacteria. The discovery suggests MAIT cells could be involved in defending against or reducing the effects of viruses.
A study from Imperial College London found that previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, potentially leading to more severe symptoms. The research suggests that the Zika virus uses the body's own defences as a 'Trojan horse', allowing it to enter human cells undetected and replicate rapidly.