Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.
Researchers have developed mouse models of Zika infection in pregnancy, revealing that the virus causes significant damage to the placenta and leads to fetal demise or stunted growth. High levels of viral genetic material were found in placentas, highlighting the importance of understanding how Zika affects pregnant women.
Researchers developed mouse models to study Zika virus infection during pregnancy, revealing fetal brain damage and potential for long-term neurological problems. The studies also showed the importance of understanding how the virus latches onto the placenta to prevent transmission.
Researchers in China report that fetal mice infected with the Asian Zika virus strain display characteristic features of microcephaly. The study found that neural progenitor cells were initially infected, followed by neurons, and that almost all cell death occurred in neurons, not progenitor cells.
Researchers have provided direct experimental proof that the Brazilian Zika virus strain can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly and neurological diseases. The study used mouse models, human stem cells, and cerebral organoids to demonstrate the causal effect of the Brazilian virus on health.
Researchers have established mouse models of Zika virus transmission from a pregnant mouse to her fetus, demonstrating viral invasion and damage to the placenta. The studies reveal that Zika virus can cause congenital problems, including fetal death, by breaching the placental barrier.
The Brazilian Zika virus strain causes significant damage to mouse fetuses, leading to cell death and impaired growth. In vitro experiments confirm the virus's lethal effects on human nervous system cells, mirroring the development of congenital malformations like microcephaly.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that excessive alcohol use can accelerate liver damage in people living with hepatitis C. The research suggests that comprehensive approaches to care are needed for these patients, including increased diagnosis and effective interventions to reduce alcohol use.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a rapid and portable test for Zika virus that can detect the virus in serum or saliva samples at lower concentrations than previously possible. The test has the potential to improve upon key limitations of currently available options and enable mass monitoring of outbreaks.
Researchers have discovered how Zika virus blunts brain development by hijacking the human immune system. The study found that activating a specific protein called TLR3 triggers genes that block stem cell differentiation and lead to increased cell suicide.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases describes a suitable small animal model for testing ZIKV interventions. The A129 mouse model accumulates virus in the brain and other tissues, exhibiting symptoms similar to those in humans.
A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that viral respiratory tract disorders during the first six months of life significantly increase the risk of children developing type 1 diabetes. The infection localization and timing were key factors in determining the increased risk.
A new USC study has found that mother's hepatitis B can support chronic infection in children, leading to a potential cure. The research, published in Immunity journal, suggests that removing 'traitor' cells from the liver's immune system may be key to clearing the virus.
A study suggests that current vaccines provide only partial protection against the G5 strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, and natural infection with a different strain may not offer protection. The findings indicate that an emerging crisis in South-East Asia is possible, warranting further research on vaccines.
A study of 295,420 infants in Bavaria found increased T1D risk associated with respiratory tract infections between 2-9 months and 3-5.9 months of age. Early exposure to viral infections may impair immune system response, suggesting a crucial first half-year of life for autoimmunity development.
Researchers found swollen posterior cervical or axillary lymph nodes, fatigue, and enlarged spleen to be effective predictors of mono. Persistent symptoms lasting three to four weeks also characterize the illness, according to Dr. Mark Ebell.
Genomic analysis of Ebola virus samples from Liberia in June 2015 indicates a re-emergence of a persistently infected source, highlighting the risk of disease flare-ups even after an outbreak is declared over. The study's findings suggest that the virus replicates at a lower rate during persistent infections.
Researchers found that topoisomerase 1 inhibitors suppress inflammation in mice, potentially treating sepsis and other immune disorders. These drugs have shown promise in rescuing mice from a lethal inflammatory response caused by bacterial infections, suggesting a new approach to controlling acute infections.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identifies a host gene involved in the formation of Hepatitis C virus particles. The gene, ABHD5, regulates the efficiency of virus assembly and release from human host cells. High levels of ABHD5 expression lead to fewer lipid droplets, while lower levels result in their accumulation.
The study details the transmission of Zika virus through mosquitoes and human-to-human contact, as well as its association with neurological disorders and birth defects. Researchers emphasize the need for antiviral agents and vaccines to combat the outbreak.
New research confirms Zika virus was present in Haiti and possibly earlier, contradicting early theories on its spread in the Americas. The discovery sheds light on the virus's history and suggests a more complex spread than initially thought.
Scientists at TGen tracked the likely origins and dispersal of Valley Fever using genomic analysis technologies, revealing a history spanning 2 million years. The study identifies two distinct species of the fungus Coccidioides and estimates their divergence dates, providing insights into future outbreak tracking.
Brain-region-specific organoids were used to model Zika virus exposure, showing the virus prefers to infect neural stem cells and causing cell death. The technology has potential as a preclinical testing ground for therapies against Zika.
Research at the University of Bristol reveals that plant viruses can alter leaf surface properties to attract insects like greenfly. Infected leaves reflect less polarized light, making them more visible to bugs.
Research finds that infants develop strong antibody responses to RSV F and G proteins after infection, while adult immunity weakens over time. The study suggests that future vaccines should include G proteins to boost anti-G responses.
A new Yale-led study finds that older adults are more susceptible to flu due to a reduced antiviral response, leading to increased inflammation and damage. Researchers propose targeting inflammation to combat flu in vulnerable patients.
Researchers develop a broad-spectrum antiviral by targeting both viral surfaces and human cells, potentially avoiding drug resistance. The new approach, using a modified polymer, shows promise in lab testing and animal models without toxic effects.
Researchers have discovered a novel host defense mechanism that protects cells from viral infection by sequestering virions near the nucleus. This discovery has implications for new drug discovery and therapeutic gene delivery, and may lead to improved strategies for rAAV-based gene therapy.
The new study found that higher levels of antibody against neuraminidase protein were better predictors of protection against flu infection and its side effects. Participants with high levels of HA antibodies experienced lower incidence of mild-to-moderate influenza, but not necessarily less severe symptoms.
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.
A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.
A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.
Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.
A recent study re-affirms the use of interferon alpha as an effective treatment for patients with Hepatitis delta virus, a severe form of viral hepatitis. The research found that 35% of patients who responded to this therapy achieved sustained suppression of the virus and had favorable outcomes.
A surface mutation in canine parvovirus (CPV) allows it to infect hosts of different species, including wild forest-dwelling animals like raccoons. This critical step increases the virus's ability to spread.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can cause abnormal brain development in the fetus by activating a key signaling pathway. Studies have found that HCMV substantially reduces the rate of neurons generated by neural stem cells.
Salk Institute scientists have developed a new reagent to map the brain's complex network of connections, 20 times more efficient than the previous version. The improved tool allows researchers to visualize neural circuitry and learn more about conditions like motor diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers analyzed data and samples from 364 patients with acute skin rash, detecting ZIKV RNA in 119 blood samples. The study found the virus was introduced to Brazil from Asia, with at least some cases transmitted locally through mosquito bites or person-to-person contact.
Researchers tested Zika virus in human neural stem cells to understand its effects on developing brains. The study found that the virus preferentially killed brain cells, reducing growth by 40% in a brain organoid model.
Researchers found that exposure to cigarette smoke and flu viruses reduces the effectiveness of common COPD medication salbutamol. A new model could help identify alternative treatments for patients with these symptoms.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
A novel virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), has been identified as the cause of massive tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador, with significant implications for the global aquaculture industry. The discovery provides critical genomic and protein sequences necessary for disease detection, containment, and vaccine development.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
Researchers have established a mouse model that mimics aspects of Zika virus infection in humans, allowing for the testing of vaccines and therapeutics. The model shows high levels of the virus in the brain, spinal cord, and testes of male mice, supporting clinical data on sexual transmission.
A team of NIH doctors detailed a severe case of Ebola virus disease involving the central nervous system. Despite multi-organ failure, the patient survived with intensive supportive care, highlighting near complete recovery is possible with such care alone.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that quality of care varied significantly among eight commercial virtual visit companies, with differences in diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. The variation was greater for certain conditions, such as viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis.
Researchers have successfully developed a new treatment for the deadly Junin virus, providing complete protection against the disease. The laboratory-engineered antibody demonstrated effectiveness in guinea pigs and showed promise as a therapeutic solution for patients.
Researchers have determined the near-atomic level map of Zika virus, showing a notable difference in one key surface protein compared to other flaviviruses like dengue. This structure may provide clues for understanding how Zika enters human cells and suggest ways to combat the virus with drugs or vaccines.
A novel vaccine strategy has been developed to provide both short-term and long-term protection against the Chikungunya virus. The strategy combines a non-viral, vector-based monoclonal antibody delivery method with a DNA-based vaccine approach.
Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.
A recent poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that four in 10 people mistakenly believe Zika virus infection in women is likely to harm future pregnancies. The general public also has misperceptions about Zika virus transmission, including incorrect beliefs about symptoms and transmission methods.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified a new form of Ebolavirus that may cause human disease. The study suggests that only a few changes in a specific protein are necessary to render the Reston virus into a health threat.
A new study maps the global spread of Zika, linking it to two mosquito species that can effectively carry the disease, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Cities in the US, Europe, and Asia are at risk, with Miami and Houston among the highest-risk areas.
A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified biological factors predicting viral transmission efficiency among humans. Low host mortality and extended survival time increase a virus's ability to spread, while envelope structures and insect vectors hinder emergence.
The Zika virus poses a significant threat to West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, due to the recent Ebola outbreak. Rapid testing for Zika is crucial to prevent confusion between Zika and early Ebola symptoms.
Research predicts increased suitability for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in southern and eastern US cities, leading to potential Zika outbreaks. Warm weather conditions facilitate mosquito populations, especially in April, June, July, August, and September.
Researchers found that viruses opt for 'piggyback-the-winner' strategy, integrating into hosts to reduce replication and avoid immunity defenses. This model better explains virus-host dynamics during microbial population booms.
Researchers found a promising single-dose dengue vaccine effective in preventing human volunteers from contracting the virus, protecting against infection. The study's findings could be the final piece in developing an effective vaccine against dengue, which infects nearly 400 million people annually.