Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A major study reveals that only 23% of seasonal and pandemic flu infections caused noticeable symptoms, with a staggering 77% remaining asymptomatic. The research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, underscores the need for improved surveillance to accurately track disease burden.
Researchers found that patients with specific gene variants exhibited a significantly lower risk of experiencing relapse after treatment for chronic hepatitis C. The study, which involved over 300 patients, suggests that these variants may play a role in preventing the virus from becoming unstable and causing recurrence.
A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.
Researchers will develop and test new vaccines and broad-spectrum treatments for Ebola and Marburg, which are considered high-risk bioterrorist pathogens. The grant aims to address the critical problem of no approved treatments or vaccines for these deadly viruses, with potential applications in post-exposure treatment.
A clinical trial found that low-dose oral interferon-alpha can prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) relapse in patients with mild liver fibrosis. The study's results are significant for the optimal use of IFN in HCV treatment.
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of a small-molecule drug, BCX4430, in protecting nonhuman primates from the lethal Marburg virus. The drug protected cynomolgous macaques and guinea pigs from infection when administered by injection or inhalation.
Researchers found that feeding plant extracts to weanling pigs challenged with PRRS and E. coli reduced the frequency of diarrhea, improved feed efficiency, and altered gut morphology. The study suggests that these extracts may be used to alleviate disease symptoms in pigs.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have mapped the severe immune overreaction known as a cytokine storm in flu virus infections. The study found that a potent new class of anti-inflammatory compounds can quiet this reaction, allowing infected hosts to mount an effective immune response.
A study has found that invading grey squirrels may pass a deadly virus to native red squirrels through their urine, parasites and faeces. The research also suggests the disease persists best in warm dry conditions and could be slowed by limiting contact between species.
Scientists have discovered a way to selectively degrade viral DNA in the cell nucleus of infected liver cells, opening up new treatment options for hepatitis B. This breakthrough may allow for the development of a treatment that can heal hepatitis B without damaging the host cell.
Researchers developed a vaccine against rodent skin papillomavirus that prevented benign and malignant skin tumors in vaccinated animals. The vaccine worked even when given to already infected animals and suppressed the virus in mice treated with immune-suppressive drugs.
A study found that newborn mice's lung dendritic cells respond differently to RSV infection, leading to impaired CD8+ T cell responses. This understanding can guide vaccine approaches for infants to promote adult-like immune responses.
A study by Penn microbiologists found that statins can lower cholesterol levels and make cells less susceptible to hantavirus infection. This could lead to potential treatments for the deadly virus, which causes flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress syndrome.
The study estimates cumulative healthcare expenditures and lost productivity due to WNV disease have been substantially underestimated. Hospitalized cases of WNV disease have cost a cumulative $778 million in health care expenditures and lost productivity.
A genetic variation near an area that encodes for interferon-lamda3 (IFNL3) is responsible for the differences between those who can and cannot effectively clear HCV. Individuals with a favorable IFNL3 genotype have a better outcome in fighting HCV.
Researchers have made a significant discovery that could lead to the development of an effective RSV vaccine, a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. The team designed artificial proteins capable of stimulating an immune response against RSV using a new software app.
Researchers identified four proteins involved in hantavirus entry into human host cells, all part of a protein complex regulating cholesterol production. Statins, commonly used to lower cholesterol, also showed promise in preventing viral infection.
A Chinese woman died from a new bird flu virus H10N8 after visiting a live poultry market, with the virus showing genetic characteristics allowing it to replicate efficiently in humans. The H10N8 strain has been previously isolated but never reported in humans before.
Researchers have developed a simple immune-based screening test for inclusion body disease (IBD) in snakes, a debilitating condition that affects boa constrictors and pythons. The test uses a monoclonal antibody to detect the presence of IBD in snakes, offering a potential solution for managing the spread of the disease.
Researchers found that skin cells from people with type 1 diabetes display elevated calcium levels when exposed to cytokines or fat, suggesting a link between environmental stimuli and genetic predisposition. This discovery may help identify susceptible individuals before disease onset.
Researchers detect Tobacco Ringspot Virus in honeybees, suggesting a link to their decline. The study reveals that infected bees can transmit the virus to each other and even their queen mother.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute develop new drug discovery technique to quickly and cheaply identify antibodies that protect human cells from viral infections. The technique successfully identifies two antibodies that prevent cold virus-induced cell death, highlighting its potential for treating various diseases.
New research conducted at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute shows promise in fighting the deadly H7N9 influenza virus. The study reveals that Alferon N can inhibit the replication of wild type and Tamiflu-resistant H7N9 virus strains, providing a potential treatment option.
A novel study suggests that monitoring inactive chronic hepatitis B (HBV) carriers is a cost-effective strategy for China. The M&T strategy, which includes twice-yearly assessment of HBV and ALT levels, would result in significant health benefits at the population level, including reduced liver cancer and mortality rates.
Researchers have developed a safe and effective combination treatment for hepatitis C using oral antiviral drugs daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. The therapy was found to cure 98% of patients with genotype 1, and showed promise in treating genotypes 2 and 3, with minimal side effects.
Researchers at McGill University have identified the cIAP2 enzyme as a key player in resisting flu infections by protecting lung tissue from damage. By enhancing body resistance to the virus, this discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling and treating influenza.
A new study reveals that hepatitis C infection rates vary significantly among Hispanic groups in the US, with Puerto Rican individuals facing the highest risk. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals, found that infection rates range from less than 1% to 11.6% among different ethnic groups.
Researchers developed a technique to study RSV's structure and activity in living cells, which could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and a vaccine. The imaging technology uses probes that quickly attach to RNA within cells, allowing scientists to visualize the virus's entry, assembly, and replication.
Researchers analyzed 29 strains of the parasite and found that some South American or atypical North American strains provoke strong inflammation in infected cells, leading to tissue damage. The study suggests that host immune responses may be causing most of the damage rather than the parasite itself.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a unique immune avoidance mechanism used by a deadly mosquito-borne virus to suppress human immunity. The discovery could lead to the development of vaccines and treatments for eastern equine encephalitis virus, which has a 30-70% fatality rate.
Researchers have identified diverse strains of Wolbachia bacteria that offer strong antiviral protection against diseases like dengue, but may come with a cost to the host's lifespan. The study found that certain strains replicate more quickly and reach higher concentrations in flies, potentially reducing their lifespan.
Researchers discovered a temporary tube-shaped structure in the phiX174 virus to deliver its DNA during infection. The tube attaches to host cell membranes and contains amino acids ideal for DNA transfer. This finding may be crucial for efficient genome translocation.
Research found that reducing glucose metabolism weakens the ability of influenza viruses to infect mammalian cells in lab cultures. The study suggests that altering glucose metabolism may be a potential new approach to inhibit influenza viral infection.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to block disease pathways that could defeat devastating human infections. A new candidate drug inhibiting Epac has been shown to protect normal mice from fatal rickettsial infection and may also be effective against some viral infections.
Researchers found that HCV antiviral therapy reduces risks of kidney disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. The study also linked diabetes with chronic HCV infection, suggesting a potential association between the two conditions.
Researchers identified weak points in capsids and inferred spontaneous assembly processes, discovering each shell is made of protein 'tiles' that spontaneously join up like Lego pieces.
Mount Sinai researchers found that a drug-resistant H7N9 virus retained its ability to replicate and cause severe illness in humans, even after becoming resistant to Tamiflu. The study suggests that flu viruses can develop drug-resistant mutations without suffering a penalty in terms of their fitness.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that crop-infecting viruses use aphids as pawns to spread infection to healthy vegetation. By altering plant biochemistry, these viruses repel visiting aphids and force them to move to healthier plants, unwittingly transporting and spreading the virus.
A recent study by TSRI scientists has found that the emerging bird flu strain H7N9 is still mainly adapted for infecting birds, not humans. The researchers analyzed virus samples from the Chinese outbreak and found that H7N9 viruses do not yet seem well adapted for binding to human receptors.
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research found that mice lacking Tmprss2 protein are protected against certain flu viruses, including H1N1. This discovery highlights a potential new approach to treating flu infections by targeting the host's metabolism.
Daniel G. Streicker's research using viral infections in bats aims to understand how infectious diseases jump between species and prevent disease transmission. He has developed a novel population genetic framework to determine transmission rates and shown that host biology can shape the speed of viral evolution.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found avian H2N2 influenza A viruses from the 1957-1958 pandemic can infect human cells and spread among ferrets, posing a risk to those under 50 who lack immunity to the virus
Researchers found that culling vampire bat colonies has minimal effect on containing the virus, and can actually increase its spread by driving infected bats into neighboring colonies. Coordinated efforts to control vampire bat-transmitted rabies virus in Latin America require understanding the mechanisms of persistence.
A protein called GEF-H1 is critical for macrophages' ability to respond to viral infections. Mice lacking this protein were unable to mount an effective immune defense against influenza and other viruses.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.
A study found that Amphotericin B, a widely used anti-fungal medicine, neutralizes an important anti-viral protein IFITM3, making cells more susceptible to flu infection. This increases the risk of flu infections in patients with already compromised immune systems.
Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.
A special issue of Gut Microbes explores the role of H. pylori in stomach cancer, as well as its impact on the natural stomach ecology and relationship with hepatitis C virus-associated liver cancer. The studies discuss various factors contributing to H. pylori-induced gastric cancer.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
Researchers investigating dengue fever's presence in two US cities, Key West and Tucson, found similarities in resident behavior and mosquito population sizes despite differing climates. The study aims to understand why dengue is not more common in Tucson, where mosquito control campaigns are less intensive.
Researchers identified a novel avian-origin H6N1 virus that closely resembles chicken H6N1 viruses circulating in Taiwan since 1972. The virus has a mutation that could increase its preference for human SAα-2,6 receptors, making it more infectious to humans.
A study revealed RSV infection induces distinct global gene expression patterns in young children, identifying a 'biosignature' for diagnosis and disease severity assessment. The research also uncovered suppressed non-specific immune system genes and elevated inflammation genes in infants under 6 months.
Researchers develop method to transmit plant viruses using whiteflies, providing a means of interfering with plant-contamination and cultivating resistant plants. This technique has been published in JoVE's video format due to its difficulty in describing complex details through traditional text-only journals.
Scientists have identified Lactobacillus brevis from a traditional Japanese pickle as having protective effects against influenza virus infection in mice. The bacteria's unique properties, including exopolysaccharides, are thought to enhance immune system function and eradicate virus-infected cells.
College of Veterinary Medicine researcher Yunjeong Kim is working on a novel approach to combat feline coronavirus and calicivirus infections, which cause life-threatening illnesses in cats. She has identified a promising compound that targets the virus protease, essential for successful replication.
A study found that over half of chronic hepatitis C patients were not treated due to therapy limitations or waiting for newer treatments, leaving them without access to potentially life-saving care. Another study identified a significant 'lost opportunity' for patients to achieve the current best result of treatment.
A new study from UMass Medical School reveals that human cytomegalovirus rapidly evolves as it spreads from mother to fetus, providing genetic targets for new therapeutics. The researchers found a specific window of gestation during which CMV is most vulnerable, suggesting an opportunity for preventative treatments.
Closure of live poultry markets (LPMs) in four Chinese cities reduced daily human H7N9 infections by over 97%, according to new research. The study confirms LPM closure as a highly effective intervention to prevent human disease and protect public health.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that HPV subtypes affecting African-American women differ significantly from those covered by available vaccines. This disparity raises concerns about the vaccines' effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer among African-American women.