Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
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.
New findings show STELARA significantly inhibits structural damage progression at week 24 and maintains effect through two years. Treatment with STELARA results in reduced total psoriatic arthritis modified vdH-S scores compared to placebo.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a common food additive that can block a deadly new strain of avian influenza virus from infecting healthy cells. The compound, tert-butyl hydroquinone, targets a previously untapped region of the flu virus called hemagglutinin.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that evolution can favor mutations making avian flu more transmissible in mammals. The research found that even rare mutants can be transmitted if they have an evolutionary advantage, highlighting the potential for H5N1 viruses to infect humans.
New research reveals that African buffalo are a key source of the SAT 2 virus responsible for foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study shows that the virus can spread over relatively short distances through infected hosts, highlighting the importance of genetic tracking for predicting future outbreaks.
A team of scientists discovered that a single amino acid change in the human BK polyomavirus enables it to bind to a different sugar on host cell surfaces. This mutation allows the virus to potentially adapt to new species by changing its binding target preference.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute discovered that the flu virus infects host cells by killing off immune system's best-equipped cells that can neutralize the virus. This allows the virus to replicate efficiently before the immune system mounts a second wave of defense.
Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.
Researchers have isolated viruses that specifically target the highly infectious hospital superbug C. diff, which can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for this condition, with the potential to revolutionise the way it is treated in clinics.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new antiviral response in mammals, utilizing the RNA interference pathway to combat viral infections. This discovery sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of innate immunity and highlights the simplicity and universality of this system.
Scientists have discovered that mammals use the RNA interference (RNAi) process to destroy viruses within their own cells, similar to plants and invertebrate animals. This finding could lead to the creation of vaccines against deadly infections such as SARS, West Nile, dengue, hepatitis C, and influenza.
The study reveals that the nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) protease of classical swine fever virus is capable of self-cleavage, generating two smaller proteins with distinct activities. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of viral replication and has significant implications for understanding persistent infections.
The study reveals that JC polyomavirus uses specific serotonin receptors to gain entry into cells, contrary to initial hypotheses. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for patients with PML by informing how existing drugs work.
A universal infant vaccination campaign in China has led to a doubling of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations, which may enable the virus to evade the vaccine. The mutations have risen from 6.5% in 1992 to nearly 15% in 2005, necessitating new vaccination strategies.
Research on an aerosol that induces a rapid immune response to prevent viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks has earned major funding from the National Institutes of Health. The NIH-funded project aims to translate preclinical findings to clinical trials to prevent asthma attacks.
Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to improve understanding of how environmental conditions affect the influenza virus's ability to survive and infect others while airborne. The project seeks to clarify why humidity affects the virus's transmission.
Researchers found a novel hepatitis virus that was mistakenly believed to be a genuine disease-causing agent. The team used next-generation DNA sequencing and data mining to track down the true source of the contamination, which was traced back to tiny oceanic algae called diatoms.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals that H7N9 avian flu viruses evolved from distinct H9N2 viruses through a two-step process. The viruses originated in wild birds and then continued to evolve in domestic birds, resulting in genetically diverse strains that could potentially spread among humans.
A genomic test developed by researchers at Duke University Medical Center shows over 90% accuracy in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections. The test detects a specific genetic signature expressed by the immune system in response to viruses, providing a potential new method for diagnosing infectious diseases.
A recent study has revealed a significant increase in coeliac disease cases among Scottish children under the age of 16. The rate of new diagnoses rose from 1.7 per 100,000 to 11.8 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2009.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that copper and copper alloys rapidly destroy norovirus, a highly-infectious sickness bug responsible for over 267 million cases worldwide. Copper surfaces can effectively shut down one avenue of infection, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Medical scientists at the University of Alberta have made a key discovery about how the immune system kills healthy cells while attacking infections. Their research could lead to better solutions for cancer and anti-viral treatments by manipulating the immune system response to block collateral damage.
A combination of two licensed antiviral drugs reduces MERS-CoV replication and improves clinical outcomes in rhesus macaques. The treatment group showed no breathing difficulties, minimal pneumonia, lower virus amounts, and less severe tissue damage.
Researchers suggest that anti-PD-1 antibodies could be effective in treating hepatitis C and other persistent viral infections. The study found that animal models with HCV infection showed improved immune function after treatment with PD-1 blocking antibodies.
Researchers at KU Leuven have identified a series of chemical compounds that are highly potent inhibitors of dengue virus replication. The compounds will be further developed by Janssen into a first-in-class drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of dengue infections.
A combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin achieved high sustained virologic response rates in patients with unfavorable treatment characteristics, including advanced liver disease and high baseline HCV RNA levels. The regimen was well-tolerated and safe, with a lower relapse rate compared to traditional interferon-based therapy.