Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers at Pitt and MWRI found that placental cells can resist viral infection by transferring genetic material called microRNAs through tiny spheres called exosomes. This trait could lead to new approaches to combat viral infections during pregnancy.
Researchers developed a novel DNAzyme-gold nanoparticle test to detect dengue virus in mosquitoes, detecting as little as 10 viruses per sample. The assay is stable at high temperatures and can be easily transported and used in remote regions.
A University of Michigan-led study found that influenza infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing pneumococcal pneumonia, with a risk increase of up to 100-fold. The study suggests that vaccination against both flu and pneumococcal disease is crucial in reducing bacterial pneumonia incidence.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in persons at high risk for infection. One-time screening for all adults born between 1945 and 1965 may identify infected patients at an earlier, more treatable stage of disease.
Research suggests H7N9 has a lower fatality risk than H5N1 but higher risk than pandemic H1N1. Between 0.16% and 2.8% of symptomatic patients are at risk of dying, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against the virus.
A combination of myxoma virus and rapamycin has been shown to infect and kill both brain cancer stem cells and differentiated compartments of glioblastoma multiforme, overcoming drug resistance. This study offers promising possibilities for overcoming barriers to treating the deadliest malignant brain tumor.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found a way for intrinsically disordered proteins to modulate their functionality. They used single-molecule FRET technique to study the dynamics of an adenovirus protein and discovered that it can employ allostery to regulate its interactions with other proteins.
Joshua Obar has been honored with the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on immunological memory responses. His work focuses on understanding how latent viral infections affect CD8 T cells and the formation of immune memories.
Researchers have identified a new virus, CyCV-VN, in patients with severe brain infections in Vietnam. The virus was found in 28 out of 644 patients, but not in those with non-infectious brain disorders. Further research is needed to determine its role in causing the symptoms.
Researchers detected a new virus, CyCV-VN, in 4% of patients with central nervous system infections and up to 58% of farm animal fecal samples, raising concerns about animal-to-human transmission
Saint Louis University researchers developed a technology that can detect new, previously unknown viruses using transcriptome subtraction. The approach eliminates the need for lab-grown tissues or prior knowledge of a virus's origin.
Researchers used advanced mathematical modelling to devise strategies for making cancer cells exquisitely sensitive to virus infection, killing them without affecting normal cells. The models were remarkably accurate, predicting experimental outcomes in a mouse model of the disease and creating a useful framework for further research.
Researchers have found that common mutant forms of the JC polyomavirus are not infectious, but may still contribute to disease. The mutants appear to be up to no good by only being found in immunocompromised patients and possibly helping the main virus evade the immune system.
A study found that an intervention improving clinician education and personalized audit and feedback reduced broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for common pediatric bacterial ARTIs by nearly half. Antibiotic prescribing for viral infections remained low, with no significant change after the intervention.
A team of researchers plans to model how humans respond to viral pathogens like influenza, Ebola and West Nile, aiming to provide a detailed molecular understanding for drug development. The study will focus on the host response during infection, using high-throughput screening and advanced data processing methods.
Two studies identify specific HA mutations in H5N1 and H7N9 viruses that enhance infectivity in the human respiratory tract. These findings can inform monitoring and vaccine development for emerging bird flu strains.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that mosquitoes reared in cooler temperatures have weakened immune systems, making them more vulnerable to viral diseases like West Nile fever and chikungunya fever. The research suggests that temperature may play a significant role in the transmission of these diseases.
A study led by Johns Hopkins investigators found that long-term couples need not change their sexual practices due to low oral HPV infections among spouses/partners. Persistent oral HPV infections are a risk for developing oropharyngeal cancers, but the study suggests these risks remain low.
Scientists discover protein c-FLIP-R that confers protection on immune cells against apoptosis, a type of cellular suicide. The discovery reveals mice with elevated c-FLIP levels are less susceptible to Listeria infections, sparking hope for potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.
Researchers developed optics-based methods for determining viral load by counting individual virus particles, allowing for faster and cheaper testing. These new methods could conduct measurements in a medical office or hospital instead of a laboratory, providing rapid results and fast turnaround.
A randomized trial found that giving double doses of oseltamivir to patients with severe influenza infection offers no clinical or virological advantages over a standard dose. The study has implications for global guidelines on clinical management and stockpiling drugs for pandemic preparedness.
A new study in The Lancet details two MERS-CoV cases in France, revealing a longer incubation period than previously thought. The virus was detected in patients through lower respiratory tract samples, and initial negative results should be confirmed with further samples taken days later.
Researchers found that treatment with Tamiflu did not reduce viral load in three patients who became severely ill, leading to concerns about resistance. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a mutation characteristic of neuraminidase inhibitor resistance.
New research from the University of Southampton reveals copper can rapidly destroy norovirus on surfaces, potentially disrupting infection cycles and lowering outbreak risks. The virus can remain infectious on solid surfaces, but copper alloy surfaces containing over 60% copper prove highly effective in destroying it.
Researchers infected ferrets and pigs with the human-derived H7N9 virus, showing that both species can be infected and transmit the virus. While transmission was more efficient in ferrets, the study highlights potential public health implications of the avian virus.
A new study reveals that the level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low. The findings suggest that people living in this area have had little or no exposure to the virus, making it essential to consider alternative plans for pandemic preparedness.
A new computational technique allows predicting infectious avian influenza strains based on protein sequences and physicochemical characteristics. The 'A2H' system has successfully validated its predictions against known strains of bird flu and those that are infectious to people.
Researchers have discovered that processing bodies can contribute to immune defenses by responding to viral infections. Viruses alter the composition of processing bodies to enhance their replication, but PBs can limit this ability.
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza virus was found to show rapid evolution, with several viruses circulating in Hangzhou. The virus's pathogenesis in humans remains unknown, but substitutions have been identified as potential pathogenicity factors.
A recent review article highlights the complex mechanisms underlying viral dsRNA sensing in animals, insects, and plants. Novel components of these antiviral recognition systems contribute to their effectiveness in protecting hosts against viral infection.
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae is carried at high rates in the upper respiratory tracts of healthy children. The researchers found no significant difference in prevalence between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, highlighting limitations in current diagnostic tests.
The US is on high alert for a potential Chinese Avian Flu pandemic, with over 100 infected and 24 deaths reported. The US Preventive Services Task Force also recommends screening all adults for alcohol misuse to reduce preventable deaths.
Scientists have identified the minimum dose of dengue virus needed to infect mosquitoes when bitten. This finding has significant implications for preventing the spread of the disease. The study provides a target for experimental vaccines and drugs to prevent the virus from reaching humans.
Chinese scientists investigated the origins of novel H7N9 influenza virus and found that viruses circulating among birds were responsible for human infections. The study recommends control measures, including shutting down live poultry markets and culling affected poultry, to prevent a possible pandemic.
Researchers at MIT have identified strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that could potentially cause a pandemic if they jump to humans. Current flu vaccines may not offer protection against these strains.
Researchers used bacteriophages to attach to and kill bacteria that form biofilms on implanted devices, reducing antibiotic-resistant infections. The technology shows promise for combating antibiotic-resistant infections and developing bacterial sensing devices.
A study reveals how viral protein 40 allows Ebola to leave host cells and spread infection, paving the way for new drug candidates. Mutating VP40's C-terminal domain reduces its effectiveness in binding to plasma membranes.
A major international TEDDY study found no evidence of a causal link between early viral infections and the rapid onset of Type 1 diabetes in young children. Despite analysis of over 8,000 children and blood samples, researchers discovered little association between viral infections and disease progression.
Researchers found that a new antiviral treatment could halve chronic HCV prevalence among people who inject drugs in 15 years. In cities like Edinburgh, where chronic prevalence is lower, the treatment is projected to reduce HCV rates by 25%. Doubling treatment rates and increasing budget may be needed to scale up the therapy.
A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a new gene sequencing technique that can identify the Lone Star virus in less than 24 hours, significantly faster than conventional methods. The ultra-rapid deep sequencing approach has the potential to democratize viral surveillance and could help prevent outbreaks.
Genetic analysis reveals potential origins of novel avian influenza A H7N9 virus, suggesting at least four possible evolutionary paths. The virus has evolved into two distinct lineages, with unknown intermediate hosts implicated, highlighting the need for global surveillance and close monitoring of domestic-poultry-to-person transmission.
A recent study found that electron-beam pasteurization can significantly reduce the risk of viral food poisoning from consuming raw oysters. The research, led by Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, used human norovirus and hepatitis A virus surrogates to test the technology's effectiveness.
NIH-supported scientists studied lab-grown human lung cells infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) and found that certain drugs could inhibit viral replication. The study identified a set of 207 human genes whose expression was disrupted by nCoV, which may be targets for new treatments.
Scientists studying the Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center have discovered a potential treatment strategy for the new Middle East virus. The researchers found that certain compounds could treat the infection by altering lung cells' response to infection, which might help prevent the virus from reproducing.
A novel drug developed by Gilead Sciences suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected liver cells. The therapy targets a receptor on immune cells, reducing both virus levels and number of infected liver cells in chimpanzees chronically infected with HBV.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) by identifying a highly vulnerable site on the virus's protein. The discovery provides new insights into how neutralizing antibodies work, which could lead to the development of more effective vaccines for infant respiratory illnesses.
Scientists confirm H7N9 transmission from birds to humans in China, with four confirmed cases and symptoms similar to H5N1 influenza. No evidence of person-to-person transmission, but genetic analysis suggests the virus may adapt for more efficient transmission.
A new study reveals that Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can harm cells in the same way viruses do. It breaks out of lysosomes and releases enzymes toxic to the cell.
Researchers have made progress in targeting cccDNA using novel therapeutic approaches, including liver regeneration and epigenetic control. Studies show that inducing hepatocyte turnover and blocking cell entry can accelerate the clearance of viral minichromosomes.
Research reveals Nipah virus can be carried by fruit bats on both sides of Wallace's line, which may have initially restricted the spread of avian flu to Australia. The finding extends the known regions where Nipah virus has been detected, including the island of Timor.
Researchers found that dog owners should be cautious of ticks throughout the year, especially from March to November. The study suggests that commercially available products may not be effective in preventing tick-borne diseases, which can infect over half of dogs in a single season.
Researchers have discovered a virus that can selectively infect and kill human melanoma cells, leaving normal cells unharmed. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating the deadliest form of skin cancer, which has seen a tripling of incidence over three decades.
Scientists identified viruses closely related to Hepatitis C virus in rodents and bats, shedding light on the disease's origins and possible animal models for treatment. The findings also support the development of new vaccines and treatments, as the viruses share similar sequences with HCV.
A new study by Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital suggests that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy, leading to lifelong consequences. RSV is found in the lungs after birth and throughout development, contributing to asthma development.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute discovered that T cells contribute to host protection against dengue virus infection, contradicting current scientific understanding. This finding may lead to a new approach in dengue vaccine design, potentially improving its effectiveness against the deadly disease.
A systems biology approach predicts the ocular tropism of a newly identified human adenovirus based on genomic and bioinformatics analysis. The study identifies a unique deletion in the viral capsid, suggesting potential for severe ocular infection.
Researchers are developing ultra-sensitive devices using retroreflectors, the same technology that increases nighttime visibility of traffic signs, to detect multiple disease-causing microbes in a single test. This can help first responders identify the source of a bioterrorism attack or diagnose everyday infectious diseases more quickly.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered the inner workings of E6AP enzyme, controlling functions in nerve cells and viral replication. This finding provides potential strategies for designing drugs to block E6AP function in HPV and Hepatitis C viruses.