Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered a novel DNA-sensing pathway that contributes to the triggering of an innate immune response in malaria. This pathway leads to the production of excessive type-1 interferon, causing inflammation and fever in patients.
Researchers have successfully assembled the Bluetongue virus outside a cell, paving the way for the development of more effective vaccines. This breakthrough could lead to vaccines with useful new properties, such as tags that distinguish vaccinated animals from those that have recovered.
Researchers at Humabs BioMed SA have discovered the first antibody to target all 16 hemagglutinin subtypes of influenza A, representing a promising treatment option for severe cases of flu. The novel monoclonal antibody, FI6, has been shown to protect mice and ferrets from infection by influenza A virus using multiple mechanisms.
Researchers track both clinical cases of West Nile Virus and infected mosquito populations to identify 'danger zones' and predict outbreaks. They also analyze the virus's genetic types, dynamics, and mobility to better understand its migration patterns.
A study found that only 59.8% of health care students had documentation of complete hepatitis B vaccination, while 83.8% were protected against infection when tested for antibodies. The rates are lower than the US government's Healthy People 2010 goal of 90% hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health care workers.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed a new test that distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections by measuring chemiluminescence. This timesaving method has predictive diagnostic value and could reduce antibiotic misuse and healthcare costs, as well as provide more accurate treatment.
Researchers have defined the atomic structure of astrovirus, which causes juvenile diarrhea, identifying potential targets for vaccine development and antiviral drugs. The study may help block the virus before it becomes infectious and reduce the risk of dehydration in children.
A novel virus spread through a California monkey colony in late 2009, infecting over a third of the monkeys and causing devastating respiratory illness. The virus also infected two human researchers and family members, demonstrating its ability to jump between species.
A novel virus has been identified that can infect both humans and New World monkeys, spreading between species. The titi monkey adenovirus (TMAdV) was found in a California primate research center and later infected a human researcher and a family member.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that combining two flu strains, H1N1 and H9N2, can create a new, potentially deadly virus. The study suggests that this 'viral sexual reproduction' process could lead to the emergence of a new influenza pandemic.
A study of 210 organ transplant recipients with previous SCC found that BetaPV infection is extremely common, with concordant presence of DNA and antibodies increasing the risk for SCC skin cancer. The findings may lead to novel preventative or therapeutic interventions for immunosuppressed individuals.
Researchers at Scripps Research and Crucell have discovered an antibody that can neutralize a range of human-affecting flu viruses in lab-dish tests and in mice, including H3 and H7 subtypes. The new antibody has the potential to protect people against most influenza viruses, and could lead to a universal flu vaccine.
A European joint project, HCVAX, is developing a novel hepatitis C vaccine based on nanotechnology. The vaccine uses biocompatible nanogels to bring genetic information of the virus into the body, triggering an immune response.
A recent study found that antimicrobial copper surfaces can reduce the risk of hospital infections by more than 40% in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The study, conducted at three US hospitals, showed a 97% reduction in surface pathogens and a statistically significant decrease in patient infections.
Researchers created four mathematical models of virus infection and tested them against laboratory data. The study found that variation in host susceptibility enhances the prevalence of mixed-genotype micro-parasite infections. The findings improve our understanding of how virus particles interact with each other and the host animal du...
Scientists use a novel technique to analyze virus-bacterium associations in living organisms, revealing one-to-one correspondence and potential ancient infections. The study opens new avenues for understanding coevolution between viruses and their hosts.
A new rapid test can accurately diagnose bacterial and viral infections, allowing for timely treatment. The test exploits differences in immune system responses to distinguish between the two types of infections.
Researchers have identified specific resistance mutations in the p7 protein that may explain the lack of effectiveness of current p7 inhibitor drugs. The study supports the use of combination therapies inhibiting p7 as a potential component of future HCV-specific treatments, offering new hope for effective therapies.
A meta-analysis of bacterial-virus interactions reveals a nested structure, with hard-to-infect bacteria infected by generalist viruses and easy-to-infect bacteria attacked by both generalist and specialist viruses. This discovery could improve predictions of microbial population dynamics and community assembly.
A study identified a novel sensor that is necessary to activate the immune response to viral infection. The research highlights the complex and overlapping mechanisms used by immune cells to detect viruses, providing insights into the development of more effective antiviral therapeutics.
A new study found that acute Hepatitis A virus is more efficient at evading the host's interferon response, allowing it to linger in the body for almost a year. This discovery undermines current theories on chronic Hepatitis C development and highlights the need for further research into Hepatitis-host interactions.
A new comment published in The Lancet states that numerous studies failed to replicate the findings of a 2009 XMRV detection in CFS patients. Contamination of laboratory reagents is blamed for the association between XMRV and chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving the field without a confirmed cause.
Researchers at UTHealth are exploring the link between Adenovirus-36 and obesity, with a focus on firefighters who are more likely to be overweight or obese. The study aims to design health and wellness strategies for this high-risk population.
Researchers have developed a genetically humanized mouse model for hepatitis C, enabling the testing of molecules that block the virus's entry into cells. The new model has the potential to serve as a critical role in prioritizing drug and vaccine candidates.
A combination of two adjuvants induces CD8 killer T cells to join antibodies in response to influenza infection, potentially boosting vaccine effectiveness. The strategy has promise for a universal flu vaccine that wouldn't require annual reformulation.
A new saliva test has been developed to identify cytomegalovirus (CMV) in newborns with high accuracy, enabling early detection of potential hearing loss. The test, which shows promise in a multi-center study, may revolutionize the way CMV infections are detected and treated in infants.
Researchers from NCI found XMRV unlikely to cause prostate cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome in humans. The virus arose due to genetic recombination of two mouse viruses, not present in original human tumor samples.
The introduction of direct antiviral agents (DAA) has improved virus clearance rates, particularly in patients with genotype 1, but resource scarcity raises concerns about who to treat first. A proposed plan suggests triaging therapy to the neediest patients first.
Scientists analyzed over 650 influenza viruses from Hong Kong pigs, tracing the emergence of subtypes that can infect humans. The study highlights the potential for gene-swapping between viruses and recommends continued surveillance to understand how this process might lead to new variants with human flu epidemic risks.
A long-term study reveals that increased transport of live pigs has driven an increase in the diversity of swine influenza viruses found in Hong Kong over the past three decades. The study suggests that this rising diversity may lead to a higher likelihood of swine-to-human transmission, although the risk remains unquantified.
A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in protecting horses against the deadly Hendra virus, according to CSIRO scientists. The vaccine's successful development could help prevent the spread of the disease from flying foxes to horses and ultimately to people.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School have identified a new cell type that can sense and respond to the dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and treatments for the disease, which currently lacks effective therapies.
Researchers found that Zaire ebolavirus replicates in pigs, causing disease and transmitting the virus to unexposed animals. Pigs with respiratory symptoms shed high viral loads, posing a risk of transmission to humans.
A new study at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center reveals high rates of chronic hepatitis B infection among pregnant minority and immigrant women in NYC, with many not receiving standard care. The study highlights the importance of targeted screening and education for this vulnerable population.
Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have developed a highly sensitive blood test for detecting human prion diseases, which are fatal brain disorders. The new method improves upon previous tests by being 10,000 times more sensitive and can rapidly detect abnormal prion proteins in blood plasma.
Research at DDW 2011 presents innovative detection practices to increase liver disease detection rates and prevent premature death. Vaccination rates against hepatitis A and B in patients with chronic liver disease are low, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.
A new study found that cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease are only contagious for 1.7 days, sparking hope for reduced culling and improved testing methods. Researchers recommend developing pre-clinical diagnostic tools to detect infected animals before symptoms appear, allowing for more targeted interventions.
Scientists have identified a single amino acid change in the chikungunya virus' exterior protein that enables it to infect Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, allowing for rapid spread across India and Southeast Asia. The discovery sheds light on why outbreaks occurred despite previous strains being present in the region.
Researchers found that current prevention and screening standards are worth the cost and may need expansion to include more of the population. Screening followed by treatment with a low-cost, high-resistance nucleoside or nucleotide is cost-effective at $29,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
A team of researchers identified TIM-1 as the cellular protein that acts as a receptor for Ebola and Marburg viruses. An antibody targeting TIM-1 blocks infection by both viruses, potentially providing a way to prevent initial infection and limit outbreak spread.
Researchers Peter Cummings and Michael Simpson propose that mimicking natural processes can lead to more efficient and reliable devices. By exploiting contrarian behavior and 'noise,' scientists can develop technology that outperforms traditional methods, as seen in the humble bacterial cell's ability to withstand modern medicines.
A new study analyzed mutations of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in Japan, identifying unique triple combination of bird, swine, and human flu viruses. The research revealed rapid mutation of virus strains with an extremely high evolutionary rate, paving the way for the development of new diagnostic kits.
Researchers tested an intervention targeting multiple health-related behaviors in African American couples where one partner is HIV-positive. The study found that the intervention led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and cancer screenings among participants.
Researchers found that pulmonary administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly reduces flu symptoms and prevents death in mice infected with lethal doses of influenza virus. The study suggests a novel method to confer marked resistance to influenza by enhancing innate immune mechanisms.
A new study on deer mice on California's Channel Islands has found that precipitation, predator diversity, and island characteristics are key factors in regulating the spread of hantavirus. The research suggests that a stronger relationship between climate change and human health risk may exist than previously thought.
Researchers have identified two bioflavonoids, catechin and naringenin, with antiviral activity against hepatitis C virus. These compounds, combined with existing flavonoid quercetin, may provide a promising therapy for millions of people worldwide.
Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.
Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) get a head start on viral replication by dividing early during their journey to infected tissue. This allows them to quickly respond to the virus upon arrival, making them more effective in defending against infection.
A Phase II dose-ranging study of BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin showed higher rates of sustained virologic response compared to PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin alone. The regimen achieved up to 92% SVR12 in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C genotype 1.
Researchers have successfully infected and replicated swine hepatitis E virus in human hepatocytes, confirming its zoonotic potential. This breakthrough verifies the infectious disease can be transmitted from animals to humans., Hepatitis E is a major cause of epidemic and acute sporadic hepatitis worldwide.
Clinical trials confirm efficacy and safety of new protease inhibitors in combination with PegIFN-alpha and ribavirin for HCV patients who have previously failed therapy. The treatments demonstrated good response rates at key timepoints and remarkably high sustained viral response rates.
A two-year trial found that switching from entecavir to lamivudine resulted in a 24% virologic rebound rate and 12% drug-resistance rate. Patients who continued on entecavir therapy maintained undetectable HBV DNA levels.
New data reveals novel lymphocyte-hepatocyte interactions regulated by HCV, affecting CD4+ T-cell trafficking and cytokine expression. This understanding may influence anti-viral immune responses and chronic HCV replication.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have identified a promising target for an AIDS vaccine: the V3 loop of the virus's protein envelope. Immune system antibodies aimed at this loop may offer protection against multiple genetic subtypes of HIV-1, offering hope for a universally effective vaccine.
A new three-drug cocktail has been shown to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in patients more effectively than the current two-drug regimen, with significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients who have not responded to previous therapy.
A new study finds that a human respiratory virus has killed two mountain gorillas in Rwanda, confirming the risk of disease transmission between humans and animals. The virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), was detected in both gorillas, highlighting the need for increased conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals.
A new Johns Hopkins study shows that each strain of the cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers a unique reaction in human nerve cells, varying the severity of infection. The research found alterations triggered by the most virulent strain to be linked to brain development and central nervous system function.
Researchers identify resistance to cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) in exotic melon varieties, with potential applications for the southwestern United States. Whitefly populations and high temperatures exacerbate CYSDV infection, highlighting the need for integrated management strategies.
A cohort study found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection decreases the percentage of metastases in colorectal cancer patients, while increasing extrahepatic metastases. This suggests HBV may serve as a prognostic factor for hepatic metastasis formation in CRC patients.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a direct link between cholesterol levels and the immune system's response to viral infections. By lowering cholesterol, the body can starve viruses of the nutrients they need to grow, potentially enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.