Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers developed vaccines for H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza strains using a recombinant virus approach, protecting chickens against both strains. This method may lead to rapid vaccine development for emerging strains and new influenza vaccines for pigs, sheep, and other livestock.
Co-infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may make a survivable malaria parasite infection lethal, according to experimental results with mice. EBV infection can suppress the immune system, allowing malaria parasites to take hold.
Researchers discovered that an antiviral compound called interferon-lambda can tighten the blood-brain barrier, making it harder for viruses like West Nile to invade the brain. This finding holds promise for treating deadly neurological conditions caused by viral infections.
A new genomics laboratory in Liberia enables fast tracking of Ebola virus changes, which could impact diagnostics and therapeutics. The lab provides critical viral genomic information to support public health efforts.
Researchers at University College London have found that hepatitis B virus can persist in the liver by exploiting starved T cells. The study suggests that boosting the immune system and counteracting the liver's suppressive effect could potentially clear the infection.
Scientists at the University of Montreal discover that a protein in the Rift Valley fever virus mimics human DNA repair factors, making it vulnerable to drug therapy. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tropical infections such as Ebola.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that bacterial and viral infections differentially influence placental transporter proteins, reducing their expression in early pregnancy. This decrease may expose the embryo/fetus to harmful substances during a critical time in development.
A new study by NCAR and CDC researchers finds strong correlations between warmer temperatures and higher rates of West Nile virus disease in the US. Precipitation also influences disease outbreaks, but with varying regional impacts. The study aims to develop a system to forecast outbreaks weeks or months in advance.
Studies found that daclatasvir, asunaprevir, and beclabuvir regimens achieved high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. The UNITY-1 study reported an SVR rate of 91.3% among treatment-naive patients, while the UNITY-2 study showed a similar success rate for treatment-experienced patients. ...
A new study by Université Laval researchers found that noroviruses responsible for 50% of global gastroenteritis cases can spread through the air up to several meters from an infected person. The discovery suggests that existing measures in hospitals may be insufficient to contain these infections.
Researchers develop a mathematical platform to compute optimal diagnostic-guided vs. pro-active treatment strategies, showing that pro-active strategies may be worthwhile in resource-constrained settings. The study challenges current treatment paradigms and provides a framework for future research.
A UTMB study shows that augmenting a gas naturally in our bodies, hydrogen sulfide, can reduce the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The researchers found that providing a drug that triggers a steady release of this gas blocks RSV viral replication and inflammation.
Emory scientists have adapted the CRISPR genetic defense system to target the RNA of the hepatitis C virus in human cells. This approach could potentially prevent viral infections and has implications for biotechnology applications, including the prevention of viral infections in transgenic animals and plants.
A study reveals that individuals with undiagnosed hepatitis C infection have a similar risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis as those who are diagnosed. The findings support the importance of regular screening for HCV, especially in high-risk groups.
The RUBY-1 study evaluates ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD and HCV GT1 infection, revealing a well-tolerated combination with rapid viral load suppression.
The study found that the Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination achieved an 81.6% SVR4 rate after 12 weeks of treatment and a 93.9% SVR4 rate after 24 weeks, with a 100% SVR4 rate when combined with ribavirin. The treatment was effective in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
The study demonstrated that ledipasvir-sofosbuvir achieves high sustained virologic response rates in patients with chronic genotype 4 and 5 HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, with similar SVR12 rates across all patient types.
Many European countries lack national strategies to manage chronic viral hepatitis disease surveillance, burden assessment, and intervention impact. Governments need support for developing plans, estimating the national burden, and improving surveillance systems.
A new survey found that nearly half of people with viral hepatitis have suffered some kind of discrimination, affecting their daily lives. The study highlights the devastating impact of stigma and discrimination on quality of life, particularly in family relationships and workplaces.
A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The study found significant increases in the cost of care and length of time in hospital for patients with HCV infections.
Results from the SOLAR 2 trial show that ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin is safe and effective in patients with decompensated liver disease or who have undergone liver transplantation. High sustained virologic response rates were achieved, even among treatment-experienced patients.
A new study suggests that cloth masks used by healthcare workers in Vietnam increased their risk of contracting respiratory illnesses. The trial found that cloth masks allowed almost 97% of particles to pass through, compared to medical masks with 44%. Experts warn against the use of cloth masks in healthcare settings.
Researchers from UTMB and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals have developed a post-exposure treatment effective against a specific strain of Ebola. The treatment uses siRNA to target and neutralize the virus, demonstrating potential benefits beyond improved survival rates.
Despite significant genetic mutations, Ebola's functional level has remained the same over the past four decades. This suggests that vaccines and treatments developed during current outbreaks may be effective against future outbreaks.
A study found that some dogs can mount an immune response to human norovirus, suggesting they may be infected. However, the risk of canine infection and transmission to humans is unclear.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new mastrevirus, SgMaV-1, infecting switchgrass in North America. The virus is closely related to known pathogens in Australia and may be transmitted by leafhoppers, posing risks to staple food crops like corn and wheat.
Researchers have found that the Ebola virus uses a protein called VP35 to remove its genetic material's protective coat, allowing it to replicate. Disrupting this process could potentially stop the spread of the disease.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that Wolbachia can block dengue virus infection in mosquitoes, leading to a significant reduction in transmission. The discovery has the potential to improve strategies for controlling dengue outbreaks, particularly in regions with low or moderate intensity of transmission.
A genetic mutation combined with an urban environment increases the risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in children. Children from urban middle-class families were eight times more likely to be hospitalized, a risk similar to extremely premature babies.
A new tool uncovers some surprises in diagnosing Ebola by identifying six key symptoms: contact with an infected person, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing and absence of abdominal pain. This score can help clinicians risk-stratify patients during outbreaks.
Recent study reveals that microbes like Sulfolobus islandicus can freeze in place when infected with a harmless virus, such as Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 9 (SSV9), to protect themselves. The dormant microbes recover if the virus is removed within 24-48 hours, otherwise they die.
Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology detail the challenges of caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in hospitals. Key findings include staffing shortages, delays in patient care, and anxiety among staff and patients due to high-profile cases.
Researchers found that a protein called senataxin plays a crucial role in moderating the inflammatory response to certain viral infections. This discovery may lead to new avenues for treating neurological diseases like ALS and ataxia, which are associated with persistent inflammation.
Scientists have found that senataxin, a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases, plays a key role in the body's natural antiviral response. Abnormal inflammation generated by senataxin deficiency may contribute to disease progression in conditions like ALS.
The chikungunya virus is predicted to soon spread to the US, causing a painful and potentially debilitating disease. Researchers are working on understanding how the virus enters the human body and developing vaccines, but progress is hindered by challenges in clinical trials.
A Singapore-led study reveals that HBV exposure before birth matures infants' immune systems, countering bacterial infections. This paradigm shift may change treatment guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients, especially young adults and potentially even children.
A multivalent vaccine candidate induced broad antibody responses in trial participants, including to non-vaccine strains, suggesting a possible solution to evading immunity. The study provides evidence that VLP-based vaccines may overcome antigenic drift, but further development and clinical trials are needed for a vaccine suitable for...
A new study found that unpredictable division patterns in HPV-infected stem cells play a critical role in eradicating the virus. This finding suggests that tweaking infected cell division patterns may help clear HPV infections and lower cancer risk.
A team of UC Santa Barbara scientists discovered a new virus that selectively targets one gene for mutation, allowing it to thrive in extreme environments. They also found that some archaea do the same, targeting multiple genes and accelerating genetic variation through guided mutation.
A large multicenter study validates MeMed's ImmunoXpert test, which accurately characterizes the cause of acute infections by decoding the body's immune response. The test outperforms routine biomarker and laboratory tests, enabling physicians to make better informed treatment decisions.
Scientists have discovered 63 genes linked to rabies sensitivity, with potential applications in prevention and treatment. The study's novel screening method can be used to uncover host-based genes involved in various infections and responses to drugs.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that bacteria can evolve a permanent immune response to phages, but also induce a temporary CRISPR response for low-risk conditions. This finding has implications for industrial bacterial cultures and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods.
Researchers have identified tiny differences in the outer shell proteins of different hepatitis C viruses that make them resistant to antibodies. The study found that these protein variations are not located where antibodies attach, requiring multiple antibodies to be stimulated for an effective vaccine. Future research will focus on i...
A recent MIT study suggests the swine flu strain in India has acquired mutations that make it more deadly, contradicting previous reports. The researchers stress the need for better surveillance to track the outbreak and develop an effective response strategy.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute analyzed two influenza strains, H10N8 and H6N1, and found that they have not acquired changes allowing them to infect humans easily. However, the viruses' versatility in attaching to host cells suggests continued caution against potential pandemics.
Researchers analyzed T and B cells from four Ebola survivors, finding surprisingly high levels of immune activation. The findings contradict previous research suggesting impaired immune responses and have implications for developing vaccines against Ebola.
Researchers have discovered a nanobody called Nano-85 that can bind to intact norovirus-like particles, detecting virus in one-third of stool samples. This finding could lead to the development of an antiviral therapy for norovirus infections, particularly beneficial for immunosuppressed individuals.
A physician who received an experimental Ebola vaccine after a needle stick injury developed mild symptoms but strong Ebola-specific immune responses. The study found the patient's clinical syndrome and laboratory evidence consistent with vaccination response, with no evidence of Ebola virus infection detected.
The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit implements a rigorous process to handle Ebola patients, including two blood samples confirmed undetectable for the virus before discharge. Environmental decontamination involves 48-hour isolation followed by manual disinfection, UVGI, and multiple air exchanges.
A study found that fleas on rats in New York City can transmit plague pathogens, as well as several other diseases. Public health officials are advised to monitor city rats and implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to prevent the spread of disease.
Scientists confirm that HIV-1 groups O and P originated in western lowland gorillas, according to a comprehensive survey of SIV infection in African gorillas. The study's findings have implications for understanding the genesis of emerging diseases and may provide insights into future human infection risks.
Researchers identified distinct immune changes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), providing robust physical evidence of the disease's biological nature. The study's findings could improve diagnosis and treatment options for the debilitating disorder.
The NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola treatment. The study will enroll adults and children with known Ebola infection and compare the treatment to standard care.
A collaborative team identified mechanisms involved in antibody response to the Marburg virus by studying a survivor's blood. The study reveals that the human immune system can effectively fight Marburg virus infections by producing antibodies.
Human antibodies have been isolated and characterized that can neutralize the Marburg virus, a close cousin to Ebola. The discovery could lead to the development of an effective treatment and vaccine against these often lethal viruses. Researchers hope to complete clinical safety trials by the end of the year.
The JIKI clinical trial found encouraging signs of efficacy for favipiravir in individuals with high or moderate viral replication and less severe visceral lesions. In contrast, patients with very high viral loads and serious visceral involvement showed no efficacy from the treatment. These findings have implications for Ebola virus di...
A new approach to tackling alphavirus infections has been developed using the protein pentraxin 3, which plays a crucial role in promoting virus infection and disease. This breakthrough discovery paves the way for improved vaccine and drug development.
A potent dengue-neutralizing antibody, 5J7, has been identified with a tiny amount needed to stop the infection of dengue serotype 3 virus (DENV-3). This breakthrough finding offers hope for developing effective dengue treatments.
A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry identifies CCL28 as a key player in inducing asthma pathology even without a viral infection. This finding opens the door for developing potent and specific CCL28 inhibitors to prevent post-viral asthma in young children.
A recent NIH study found that Ebola virus can remain infectious in a body for at least seven days after death, with viral RNA detectable for up to 10 weeks. The research highlights the importance of safe handling practices and suggests oral swabbing as a reliable alternative for obtaining diagnostic samples.