Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers at the University of Vermont and National Institutes of Health have developed a highly effective dengue vaccine requiring only one dose. The vaccine has shown promise in protecting against all four dengue strains, with no adverse reactions reported among test subjects.
A controlled human challenge study shows a dengue vaccine candidate can fully protect healthy volunteers from infection. The results support further evaluation of the vaccine and may help identify promising candidates and eliminate poor ones.
Researchers have found that the RNA virus bovine viral diarrhea virus relies on host miRNAs, specifically miR-17 and let-7, to replicate. Inhibiting this interaction may provide an effective target for developing new drugs to control BVDV.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a compound called cathelicidin that directly attacks and stops RSV from binding to cells. Boosting natural production of this compound could protect babies and vulnerable adults from life-threatening illnesses.
A study by UCLA researchers found associations between Zika infection and grave outcomes, including fetal death, placental insufficiency, and central nervous system damage. The study suggests that Zika can cause a range of abnormalities in pregnant women, even if the fetus is not directly affected.
Researchers have found that Zika virus infects a type of neural stem cell responsible for brain development, leading to cell death and disruption of growth. The study provides new insights into the potential effects of Zika on neural tissue and may lead to the development of therapeutics.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found that Zika virus selectively infects and kills cells in the brain's cortex, leading to disruptions in cell division and growth. This discovery using lab-grown stem cells may lead to identifying potential therapies for protecting these susceptible cells.
A study has created global maps showing the geographical limits of chikungunya and dengue viruses, highlighting a rapid expansion in chikungunya's global extent. The research emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic tests and clear protocols for controlling both diseases.
The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.
The risk of catching Ebola from a survivor is very low, with most body fluids cleared within weeks apart from semen. Studies found that infected blood is the most infectious, but social contact poses little risk.
Researchers have identified the three-dimensional structure of a hantavirus protein, providing a promising model for developing drugs against the disease. The protein's circular complexes may play a role in inhibiting viral growth, making it an ideal target for future treatments.
The Zika virus has been linked to neurological diseases, with estimated 1.5 million cases reported so far. Researchers are urging a rigorous approach to understanding the effects of the virus and developing treatment measures.
Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered a potential diagnostic tool for dengue fever by analyzing metabolomic profiles in patient serum. The study found that distinct metabolic clusters were associated with different disease outcomes, including the progression to hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from an Ebola survivor protected non-human primates even after lethal infection, offering hope for a potential treatment. The findings suggest a novel site of vulnerability on the Ebola virus and may lead to effective therapy.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.
Researchers discovered two potent Ebola antibodies that eliminate symptoms in just five days after infection. The monoclonal antibodies target different regions of the virus's glycoprotein and work by interfering with its entry into host cells.
Researchers propose a novel framework to uncover hidden patterns of transmission and identify super spreaders in epidemics. Asymptomatic carriers can play a significant role in spreading diseases, and understanding their contribution is crucial for targeted interventions.
Recent gene therapy developments focus on viral vectors like AAV for safe gene transfer, and new gene editing tools offer targeted gene inactivation or insertion. These approaches aim to treat multiple diseases with platform strategies.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that most Ebola survivors experienced brain symptoms six months after their initial infection. The study, which followed 82 Ebola survivors from Liberia, revealed common neurological problems such as weakness, headache, memory loss, and depressed mood.
Scientists have successfully altered the genetic code of pigs to make them more resilient to African Swine Fever. By modifying a specific gene, researchers believe they may be able to reduce the disease's devastating effects on infected animals.
ZMapp, a monoclonal antibody cocktail, was well-tolerated and showed promise in treating Ebola virus disease. The trial's results indicate that patients who received ZMapp appeared to do better than those who received standard-of-care only, but the difference was not statistically significant.
A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.
Researchers have developed a method to make mosquitoes resistant to arboviruses like Dengue and Zika by introducing two strains of Wolbachia parasite. The superinfected mosquitoes showed improved virus inhibition and reduced transmission, making it a potential tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found a way to potentially track and stop viral outbreaks, including Hepatitis C in humans and plant viruses. By understanding how viruses replicate, they can develop new ways to control infection without causing host toxicity.
The Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health is studying tick-borne bacteria and viruses to better understand their role in human disease. The $1.9M grant will support research into potential pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have identified how the parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> infects the brain by tracking its movement and reproduction in living tissues. The study provides insights into treatment strategies to combat the parasite, which can be life-threatening for people w...
A study published in PNAS reveals that genetic variations in the Tie2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing life-threatening vascular complications following infections. Higher Tie2 levels provide protection against these complications.
The DengueTools consortium has accumulated knowledge on controlling the spread of Dengue fever by targeting its mosquito carriers. The global collaboration aims to develop practical tools for diagnosing and monitoring the virus in affected areas, as well as prevent infections in school children.
A distinctive gene signature discovered in white blood cells of patients infected with Lyme disease could lead to a new way of diagnosing the tick-borne illness. The study found that this signature persisted even after antibiotic treatment, suggesting potential long-term symptoms.
Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which adenovirus protein E4orf4 inhibits the DNA damage response, improving viral replication. This finding provides insight into the virus's ability to infect immunocompromised patients and may lead to new cancer therapies.
Scientists at Indiana University have developed a method to alter a plant's innate defense system to deliver resistance to a new disease. By creating decoy proteins that mimic bacterial modifications, the team broadened the recognition ability of a sensor protein to detect multiple pathogens.
A report published in Annals of Internal Medicine describes the first known case of Zika virus in a US resident following travel to Costa Rica. The traveler exhibited symptoms and had test results that indicated Zika infection, highlighting the need for travelers to avoid day-biting mosquitoes.
A Brazilian study found a link between Zika virus and eye abnormalities in infants with microcephaly. The study evaluated 29 infants with microcephaly and found ophthalmoscopic abnormalities in 34.5% of them, including focal pigment mottling of the retina and chorioretinal atrophy.
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Physicians should be aware of symptoms in travelers returning from affected regions and consider Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly as potential complications.
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause microcephaly in infants and mild flu-like symptoms in adults and children. The US is at risk of introduction, particularly with the presence of Aedes species mosquitoes in many states.
A comprehensive review reveals frequent opportunities for HCV exposure in Ghana, including traditional practices like circumcision and home births. The study found a substantial genetic diversity of HCV-2, confirming its long epidemic history in the country.
A study found that lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, account for 26 percent of all ER visits for infectious diseases and 15 percent of deaths during hospitalizations. Influenza vaccination is underutilized among older adults, with about one-third not receiving the vaccine.
Two vector-borne diseases, Chagas' disease and Leishmaniasis, can be transmitted from mother to child through the placenta, posing a significant risk to newborns. Research highlights the importance of healthcare workers remembering these diseases when examining sick children whose mothers have traveled from affected areas.
Researchers found that immune cells activated during severe maternal inflammation produce IL-17, which interferes with brain development. Blocking this signal restored normal behavior and brain structure in mice. The study suggests a possible mechanism for how maternal infection may lead to autism-like behavior.
Researchers found that immune responses similar to viral infections in pregnant mice altered brain structure and caused behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. Blocking the action of a specific immune cell population restored normal behavior and brain structure in offspring.
Researchers have identified antibodies in the blood of survivors that can kill various types of Ebola, providing a potential single treatment against several strains. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments for Ebola and other related viruses.
Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Ebola survivors can neutralize multiple species of the virus, including Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Zaire viruses. These findings suggest a common therapeutic or vaccine strategy could solve all Ebola viruses.
A study found that older individuals and those with neuroinvasive disease have elevated and atypical T cell responses, promoting pathogenic outcomes. The researchers suggest that immune-mediated damage may contribute to neurologic symptoms in West Nile Virus infection.
A recent study found that only 17.4% of ambulatory care nurses reported compliance with all nine standard precautions for infection prevention. The highest rates of compliance were reported for wearing gloves and face masks, but knowledge of hepatitis C virus was variable among participants.
Researchers discovered significant differences in immune-related genes among patients with and without E. coli symptoms, indicating innate resistance to infection. The findings could lead to new ways to boost the immune system and predict susceptibility to infections like E. coli.
A new TSRI study defines an unexpected mechanism at work in an anti-autoimmune drug candidate, ozanimod. The researchers found that S1PR1 agonists directly target immune cells to slow the overproduction of proteins known to cause autoimmune disease.
A new clinical imaging method has been developed to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems. The method uses a combination of PET and MRI imaging to identify invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.
The Zika virus has been introduced into the Americas, spreading locally among people who have not traveled abroad. The virus is linked to serious birth defects, including microcephaly, and there is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment available.
Researchers have engineered antibodies that can potently neutralize Zaire and Sudan Ebola virus strains, providing high levels of protection for mice exposed to lethal doses. The findings are a significant step toward developing an all-inclusive treatment for Ebola virus that causes human disease.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified diacylglycerol kinase alpha as a potential therapeutic target for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Inhibition of this enzyme restored sensitivity to cell death in X-linked lymphoproliferative T cells and curtailed T cell expansion in virus-infected mice.
Researchers at Institut Pasteur in French Guiana have sequenced the complete genome of the Zika virus, showing almost complete homology with strains responsible for the 2013-2014 Pacific epidemic. The analysis provides a major starting point for understanding how the virus behaves and shedding light on its impact.
A team of healthcare workers developed guidelines for treating Ebola-infected children, recommending an aggressive approach that includes fluid therapy, highly fortified food, and increased bedside care. The protocol aims to improve survival rates among young patients and provide a basis for future outbreaks.
A review analysis suggests that patient location and travel mapping limitations contributed to the Ebola epidemic's spread. Employing community members in mapping and education could have helped contain the outbreak.
Researchers discovered that a human protein called ANP32A helps the virus replicate in human cells. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new antiviral treatments for seasonal flu and pandemics.
A new study has identified the factors contributing to the transmission of zoonotic diseases from bats to humans, highlighting areas at high risk in West Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and South East Asia. The research used data spanning over 110 years to create a global map showing hotspots for bat-human virus transmission risk.
Researchers found that minor flu strains can replicate and evade immunizations, spreading the virus rapidly among individuals.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found that people with hepatitis C virus were nearly 30% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without. The study involved over 49,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years.
Researchers have discovered a compound that induces genes to control infection in several known viruses, including West Nile and Ebola. The findings show promising evidence for creating a broad-spectrum antiviral that can suppress a range of RNA viruses.
Researchers found that flaviviruses target peroxisomes to subvert the body's early antiviral defenses. The degradation of protein Pex19 leads to a loss of interferon production, making cells more vulnerable to viral infection.