Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A Stanford University School of Medicine team identified a distinctive pattern of gene expression that distinguishes people with a viral infection from those with a bacterial infection. The meta-virus signature is present even before symptoms appear and can predict up to 24 hours before illness onset.
Researchers have solved the crystal structures of three human TIM members and found that they efficiently enhance Ebola virus infection. The study provides valuable information on the atomic interactions between phosphoserine and hTIMs.
A US expert is urging a unified global response to the growing threat of zombie infections. Emerging outbreaks have been identified worldwide, with a range of potential causes including viruses and fungi.
Researchers discovered how Qβ bacteriophage uses its host cell's proteins to replicate its genetic material, highlighting the importance of selectively replicating one's own genome. The study's findings may pave the way for novel treatments targeting viruses that struggle to distinguish between their own and host genetic material.
Mount Sinai researchers developed a synthetic vector to rapidly eliminate total cellular miRNA populations, revealing the limited role of microRNAs in modulating cell biology over long periods. This tool enables manipulation of miRNA responses for potential treatment of diseases like cancer.
Researchers at University of Missouri breed pigs that do not produce protein CD163, which helps spread PRRS virus. The study could save the swine industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually by preventing this disease.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has identified a novel pestivirus affecting swine, causing uncontrollable shaking that led to the death of nearly 700 pigs. The virus, named APPV, was found to be widely distributed in the US swine herd and is associated with neurological disease.
A large clinical trial found that a combination of antiviral medications can eradicate hepatitis C infection in over 90 percent of patients with advanced liver disease. The study showed significant improvements in liver function, even among patients with existing cirrhosis and liver failure.
Researchers found that infants exposed to farm dust at a young age have a lower risk of developing asthma later on. The study's findings suggest that the positive influence of farm environment can effectively neutralize the genetic variant associated with childhood asthma.
A recent study found that the chikungunya virus can lead to severe brain infections, including encephalitis, with a higher incidence rate than West Nile virus and similar infections in the US. The infection is particularly severe in infants and people over 65, with a high death rate of 17% and long-term disabilities reported.
Scientists from TSRI have shown how a previously unknown process promotes infection in dangerous viruses, such as dengue, West Nile, and Ebola. They also point to an experimental antibiotic called duramycin that inhibits infection by these deadly viruses, all of which lack vaccines and treatments.
Researchers found that transmission in the general community is low-risk, with even living with someone infected not posing a significant threat if direct contact is avoided. The study recommends urgent diagnosis, hospitalization, and targeted vaccination strategies for close contacts and healthcare workers to stop the spread of Ebola.
A new study found that nonhuman primates in Bangladesh and Cambodia harbor diverse astroviruses, including human astroviruses, challenging the paradigm that AstV infection is species-specific. The researchers also detected recombinant viruses that may be more efficiently transmitted.
A study found H7N9 virus transmission from a hospital patient to an unrelated individual, challenging common exposure assumptions. The live poultry market is considered the most probable source of infection for the original case.
Researchers have discovered a new virus, Parramatta River virus, carried by saltmarsh Aedes vigilax mosquitoes, which do not pose direct health risks to humans. The discovery may lead to stopping outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases by preventing the spread of 'bad' viruses.
Researchers have identified Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola as the definitive cause of snake fungal disease (SFD) in eastern US snakes. The fungus causes skin lesions and can lead to mortality rates of up to 100% in some species, threatening extinction.
Researchers have developed a novel HCV antigen test system, which significantly improves sensitivity and specificity over current tests. The new test can use urine specimens for one-step screening and diagnosing of HCV infections, making it more convenient and affordable globally.
Researchers designed a giant molecule formed by thirteen fullerenes covered by carbohydrates to block the Ebola virus receptor, inhibiting cell infection. The study highlights the potential of these giant molecules as antiviral agents, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified Tpl2 as a key regulator of immune signaling proteins called interferons, which play a large role in host defense against viral infections. The study found that Tpl2 promotes induction of antiviral genes and protects against influenza virus infection.
Researchers have discovered that the antigen-presenting protein MHC1 must 'wriggle' in a specific way to perform its vital functions, which could lead to new immunotherapies for diseases. The findings also have potential applications for reducing allergic reactions by understanding how additives are detected by the immune system.
Researchers have found a link between the origins of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals, specifically bats and rodents. The study provides novel insight into the evolution of HAV and how it spread to humans, highlighting the importance of analyzing animal reservoirs for risk assessment of emerging viruses.
A new study develops a live attenuated SARS-CoV vaccine that maintains genetic stability through targeted modifications of the E protein gene. Vaccinated mice show full protection against challenge with virulent SARS-CoV, demonstrating potential as an efficient and safe vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered a family of genes that suppress HCV infection in the liver by blocking viral entry into cells. This natural immune response may lead to new treatments targeting the virus.
Researchers at Aarhus University have created a model that groups the incidence of viral infections into four categories, allowing beekeepers to easily assess the severity of infections. This simplified system benefits both scientists and beekeepers, enabling them to make informed decisions about disease prevention and breeding.
The study reveals that vultures have a strong immune system due to their diet and genetic adaptations. The cinereous vulture's genome shows variations in genes related to immunity and defense against microbial and viral infections, which may help combat pathogens in their diet.
A suspected case of sexual Ebola transmission was confirmed using genomic analysis, providing evidence of direct transmission between an EVD survivor and his partner. The study also shows the persistence of infectious EBOV in semen for over 179 days after disease onset.
Favipiravir successfully treats Lassa virus infection in guinea pigs, with high-dose treatment offering complete protection. The antiviral drug outperforms ribavirin, which can cause severe disease after treatment ends.
A comprehensive genomic analysis suggests that dengue fever can persist year-round in southern China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found a complex mix of viral subtypes, increasing the risk of epidemic outbreaks when new variants emerge and infect people with no prior exposure.
Researchers highlight key areas for cervical cancer prevention, including elearning programs and HPV infection studies. The Pan American Health Organization reports 36,000 deaths due to cervical cancer in the Americas, mostly in Latin America.
Researchers identify that activation of normally protective immune responses causes nerve cell death by affecting mitochondria function. SARM1 protein is responsible, providing a potential target for therapy.
Researchers discovered that the Dengue virus NS1 protein binds to the host enzyme Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), increasing its glycolytic activity to support viral replication. This finding suggests that GAPDH is a crucial target for developing new treatments against dengue.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that children who have suffered from recent infections or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations are at a higher risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 children, found that 18% of those who experienced strokes had recently contracted an infection.
A recent animal study broadens understanding of the flu virus's impact on the immune system, revealing a more dynamic process that engages multiple biological pathways. This research may lead to the development of more effective vaccines against influenza and other viruses.
Researchers found that infants infected with rhinovirus had lower respiratory microbiota diversity, while asymptomatic infections did not. Frequent early-life viral infections were also associated with reduced overall microbiota diversity.
A team at University of California - Santa Cruz developed chip-based technology for reliable Ebola detection, combining microfluidic and optofluidic chips. The system achieved comparable sensitivity to PCR analysis with excellent specificity.
A recent study by international researchers has developed a predictive tool to assess the likely impact of a new influenza pandemic. By analyzing clinical episode data from military personnel, they estimated key parameters such as transmissibility and severity, enabling early mitigation strategies.
Researchers at University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich develop new treatment methods for rare brain disease PML. A vaccine against the disease could be developed using specific antibodies that recognize the most important mutants of the JC virus.
Researchers discovered the soft palate plays a key site for flu virus emergence and transmission, binding preferentially to mammalian-type SA, which is associated with airborne transmission. The finding may aid efforts to define properties governing flu virus transmissibility and predict pandemic potential.
Researchers discovered that flu viruses gain ability to spread through air by adapting to bind to specific human receptors, with the soft palate playing a key role in this process. The findings provide insight into how flu viruses evolve airborne transmissibility and can help identify viruses with potential to cause global outbreaks.
A breakthrough genetic testing method called VirCapSeq-VERT has been developed to detect and sequence viral infections. The platform enables simultaneous testing for hundreds of different viruses and provides near-complete genome sequencing.
Researchers at NIAID can detect infectious prion protein in mouse brains within a week of inoculation, surpassing prior detection times of six weeks. The study found that the protein was generated outside blood vessels in a specific brain region where drug treatment could be targeted.
A virulent strain of BVDV-2c virus affected over 5,000 cattle in Germany, causing severe symptoms and significant economic losses. The study suggests that farmers and people who visit farms should take biosecurity measures to prevent disease transmission.
Researchers found significant antigenic difference within each dengue serotype, suggesting individuals infected with one type may not be protected against different strains. The study's findings have implications for vaccine design and understanding of the virus's evolution.
Researchers analyzed breast tissue from 239 women, comparing samples with and without breast cancer for the presence of bovine leukemia virus. They found a significant association between BLV infection and an increased risk of breast cancer, with odds ratio higher than obesity, alcohol consumption, and post-menopausal hormone use.
Genetic mutations in Ebola virus appear to block antibody-based treatments from warding off infection. The mutations, or 'escape variants,' have implications for the continued development of therapeutics to treat Ebola virus disease, which has claimed over 11,000 lives in West Africa.
Scientists created a detailed model of the NS3 helicase enzyme, which facilitates viral replication. The study provides insights into how this protein interacts with RNA and could lead to the development of new treatments that target only the hepatitis C virus without harming human cells.
Researchers have discovered that the dengue virus NS1 protein acts as a toxin, similar to bacterial cell wall products. This finding allows them to re-purpose existing drugs for a potential dengue treatment.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have identified nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) as a key culprit responsible for fluid loss and resulting shock in severe dengue virus infections. Blocking this protein in mice protected them from lethal effects, suggesting it could be a prime target for drugs and vaccines.
A new study reveals how immune cells, such as neutrophils and T cells, coordinate their efforts to fight infections. By understanding this teamwork, scientists hope to develop new ways to control and improve the body's response to illnesses like multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Leptospirosis is a poorly understood and often misdiagnosed bacterial disease with a high case fatality rate. The researchers aim to develop an inexpensive, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic test for leptospirosis, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced mortality.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a critical difference in how cells respond to DNA breaks versus viral infections. The discovery reveals that cells can selectively neutralize viral DNA without triggering a global response, which could lead to the development of new cancer-selective viral therapies.
A team of researchers from Pitt, Drexel, and NIH found that the Ebola virus can survive in detectable concentrations in wastewater for at least a week or longer. The study suggests that procedures for disposing of contaminated liquid waste might underestimate the virus' ability to persist.
Scientists have discovered a new virus in seals that is closely related to human hepatitis A virus, raising concerns about the emergence of hepatitis A. The researchers found the virus in harbor seals off the coast of New England and suggest it may be present in other wildlife species.
Researchers identified a new virus, phopivirus, in seals genetically similar to hepatitis A, suggesting it may have originated in animals. The discovery provides clues on the emergence of hepatitis A and highlights the importance of studying wildlife reservoirs of zoonotic viruses.
A recent study found that labeling a child's symptoms as 'pink eye' can mislead parents into wanting antibiotics, even when they're not necessary. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of the effect of words on parents' expectations for treatment.
Research detects RSV on personal clothing and high-touch areas of NICU, highlighting the need for frequent cleaning and visitor screening. Hand hygiene practices are crucial in mitigating transmission of respiratory viruses like RSV.
Scientists discovered that helper T cells boost killer cell reproduction and provide memory, enabling them to remember previous infections. This understanding could lead to the development of new vaccines that activate killer cells with harmless fragments of disease pathogens.
SLU researchers suggest approach to fight common virus in immunosuppressed patients by targeting Type 1 interferon pathway. The study found that disrupting the STAT2 gene in Syrian hamsters resulted in 100-1,000 times more virus replication compared to wild-type control animals.
Researchers created a vomiting device to study the aerosolization of virus particles similar to human norovirus. They found that only 0.02% of the total virus in the vomit was aerosolized, but this can still amount to thousands of infectious particles.
A new genomic catalog of nearly 200 viral genomes provides insight into the origins and transmission of Lassa virus. The data set confirms rodent-to-human transmission as the primary mode of infection.