Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers found that the nematode C. elegans, a millimeter-long worm used extensively for decades to study biology, gets naturally occurring viral infections. The discovery means C. elegans is likely to help scientists study the way viruses and their hosts interact.
Scientists identified a viral infection that causes high mortality among soft-shell crabs, which can result in significant financial losses for Chesapeake Bay watermen. By developing a genome-based technique to detect the virus, researchers aim to help improve the soft shell harvest and bring more profitable products to market.
A new company, Fixed Phage Limited, has been launched to commercialize technology developed at the University of Strathclyde to tackle bacterial infections and contamination. The technology uses bacteriophages, naturally occurring viruses that are non-toxic but effective against bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a family of small molecules that bind to the Ebola virus's outer protein coat and inhibit its entry into human cells. The findings demonstrate a potential breakthrough in preventing Ebola infection, with further studies planned to confirm efficacy.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that convalescent plasma therapy may reduce the death rate in patients severely ill with 2009 H1N1 influenza. The treatment showed a 20% mortality rate compared to 55% in non-treated patients, and reduced viral load at a higher rate.
Researchers found that recent bus or tram use within five days of symptom onset was associated with a six-fold increased risk of going to the doctor. Daily users may be protected against seasonal influenza and pandemic risks due to repeated exposure, experts say.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has shed light on how human papillomavirus (HPV) proteins evade the human immune system. The research reveals that HPV's E6 protein can latch onto and inhibit human protein SAP97, preventing its normal function.
Scientists have identified a protein biomarker that predicts the efficacy of hepatitis C treatment, enabling improved patient management. The discovery of IP-10 as a prognostic biomarker could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to distinguish between effective and ineffective treatments.
A new study published in Retrovirology reveals that cell samples used in previous research were contaminated with XMRV, not the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers developed improved methods to detect XMRV and rule out infection by this virus as a cause of the disease.
Researchers have identified a novel type of papillomavirus, EcPV-2, linked to equine genital cancer. The virus is closely related to human genital cancers and its presence in affected horses suggests a potential cause and cure.
Researchers discovered the FMD virus selectively infects epithelial cells in the nasopharynx after just six hours of exposure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines and potentially eradicate the disease, which causes significant economic losses globally.
A new study suggests that influenza virus infection in young mice protected against the development of allergic asthma. The study also found that a compound isolated from Helicobacter pylori activated a subset of natural killer T cells, which may prevent asthma.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new regulatory protein, GAKIN, that oversees the activity of CARD11, a key player in immune cell activation. This finding presents opportunities to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer by targeting hyperactive immune cells.
A recent study published in Nature found a correlation between biodiversity loss and increased incidence of infectious diseases. Researchers discovered that environmental degradation can lead to an increase in disease-carrying pathogens, as seen in the decline of opossum populations, which allows ticks to flourish and spread Lyme disease.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that superantigens, produced by staphylococcus bacteria, can activate the immune system in more ways than previously thought. This complex interaction may be behind several illnesses, including long-term wound infections and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers have identified a genetic basis for broad-spectrum resistance to the Turnip mosaic virus, which affects key brassica crops. The team's breakthrough could lead to the development of commercial varieties with improved resistance, boosting UK crop yields and food security.
The structure of Lassa virus protein reveals how it evades the host's immune system and hijacks infected cells' machinery. Scientists discovered a unique mechanism called cap-stealing, where the virus steals the host cell's RNA cap to suppress interferon production.
A team of researchers identified the gene Trib1 in mice, which regulates lipid production by the liver. Overexpression of Trib1 decreased blood lipids, while lack of Trib1 increased them. This suggests that TRIB1 is responsible for associations between chromosome 8 and lipid levels.
Researchers at UNC identify cellular communicators for cancer virus, revealing a new mechanism by which the Epstein-Barr virus manipulates cells and induces uncontrolled growth. The study shows that infected cells can produce altered exosomes that enter recipient cells, changing their growth patterns.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new virus in switchgrass that can cause mosaic and yellow streak symptoms, reducing photosynthesis and biomass yield. The virus, Marafivirus, is related to Maize rayado fino virus and has the potential to affect other crops.
A purified form of a modified sugar chain called COAM is shown to enhance early-stage immune defenses in mice against deadly virus infections. The compound speeds the response of white blood cells at the early stage of infection, almost completely blocking the killer virus.
Researchers have discovered how an antibody binds to West Nile virus, neutralizing it by crosslinking protein molecules. This 'locking up' prevents the virus from infecting host cells, making it a potential target for vaccine development.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that mortality rates from liver diseases are underestimated, with the condition ranking as high as fourth for certain age groups. The study analyzed data from 1979-2006 and found a significant correlation between national statistics and local mortality data.
Studies found that more than one-fourth of children hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 required intensive care or died. Children with underlying illnesses and infants born prematurely were at greater risk of severe complications. The virus spread rapidly worldwide, particularly in children and young adults.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach may reduce the severity of colitis caused by Salmonella. The research found that H. pylori infection alters the immunological environment of the lower gastrointestinal tract, leading to reduced inflammation.
A team of scientists will investigate how spaceflight affects the immune system, particularly in response to viruses like RSV, which can cause severe respiratory illness. The study aims to protect astronauts and vulnerable populations on Earth from increased infection susceptibility.
Scientists have discovered that long non-protein-coding RNA (lncRNA) are involved in the host response to viral infection. The study found that lncRNAs were triggered by virus infection and regulated in response, suggesting a new paradigm shift in understanding of innate immunity.
Researchers found that an infection late in pregnancy or after birth may trigger autoimmune process attacking the bile ducts, leading to scarring and blockage. This discovery points to new diagnostic tests and improved treatment options for biliary atresia.
Researchers have identified a new class of long non-protein-coding RNAs that respond to SARS-CoV and influenza virus infections, suggesting they play a role in determining the outcome of infection. The study found distinct profiles of genetic activity associated with pathogenicity and lethal infection.
Scientists discover how EBV uses microRNA to create an elaborate timing mechanism, allowing it to hide within cells and evade the immune system. Removing this mechanism could enable physicians to flush EBV out of hiding and allow a healthy immune system to rid the body of the virus.
Researchers have discovered the world's largest marine virus, Cafeteria roenbergensis virus, which has a genome larger than some cellular organisms. This complex 'mimi-like' virus infects an ecologically important planktonic predator and challenges the traditional boundary between living and non-living entities.
A variant of last year's pandemic influenza linked to fatal cases carried a mutation that enabled it to infect a different subset of cells lining the airway, impairing the lungs' clearing mechanism. The study suggests that this mutant virus could have made the illness more severe and fatal.
Researchers at Brown University and international partners have identified a potential Achilles Heel in the rare but deadly JC polyomavirus, which binds to a specific sugar molecule on brain cells. The discovery provides a powerful platform for developing new therapeutics to prevent infection.
A new index of adipose dysfunction, visceral adiposity index (VAI), is directly correlated with viral load and independently associated with steatosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with G1 CHC. VAI score also linked to insulin resistance, fibrosis, and moderate-severe necroinflammatory activity.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new 3D cell culture method that better mimics the in vivo environment, allowing for more accurate study of infectious diseases. This innovation has the potential to expand our understanding of disease onset and progression, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center CEO David G. Daniel received the APIC Healthcare Administrator Award for his efforts to virtually eliminate healthcare-associated infections at his facility. His leadership led to a significant reduction in surgical site infections, with infection rates declining every year since 2006.
Research reveals that a pregnant woman's immune response to viral infections may induce subtle neurological changes in the unborn child, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests potential strategies for reducing this risk by targeting specific immune proteins.
Research by Sergio Lira at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that HCMV-infected mice develop intestinal tumors as they age, with increased tumor growth compared to normal mice. The study suggests a potential viral link to intestinal cancer in humans, although further work is needed to confirm the association.
Researchers found that an enzyme associated with fat storage in liver cells is required for HCV infectious activity. DGAT1 inhibitors may be effective against HCV, with several already in early clinical trials to treat obesity-associated diseases.
Common frog populations across the UK are experiencing dramatic population crashes due to Ranavirus infection, with an average 81% decline in adult frogs over a 12-year period. The research also suggests that some frogs may have immunity to the disease, offering hope for their long-term future.
Researchers mapped infection-response genes in Culex quinquefasciatus to better understand its role in transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and lymphatic filariasis. The study aims to broaden the understanding of immunity genes beyond those expected, potentially providing a new approach to controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers have discovered 19-million-year-old genomic fossils of hepatitis B-like viruses in songbirds, revealing a long-dated history of these viruses. The study provides new insights into the evolution of hepadnaviruses and their potential role in predicting human viral pandemics.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that doctors often prescribe antibiotics to patients with viral respiratory tract infections, despite the lack of clinical benefit. This overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains.
A new vaccine development aims to protect humans from pneumonic plague by combining antibodies with cytokines, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments. The Trudeau Institute is leading this research in collaboration with the US and UK militaries.
A cross-sectional study found that children exposed to a particular strain of adenovirus were significantly more likely to be obese. The researchers detected neutralizing antibodies specific to AD36 in 15% of the children, with those who tested positive weighing an average of 50 pounds more than their non-positive counterparts.
A study of residents found that 60% worked while sick at least once during the academic year, with 31% doing so more than once. Presenteeism can lead to exposure of patients and colleagues to communicable disease.
Researchers at Cardiff University cloned a human virus, Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which is a major cause of congenital malformations and life-threatening disease in transplant patients. The cloning of HCMV has enabled the development of new treatments and vaccines against this virus.
The Centre for Geogenetics is a globally unique facility that bridges the natural sciences and humanities, offering new insights into human migration, climate change, and disease treatment. With its advanced techniques, it aims to calculate the future more accurately by understanding the past.
A study analyzed data from influenza cases in Wisconsin and found that children with 2009 H1N1 infections were not at higher risk for hospital admission or pneumonia compared to seasonal H1N1 or H3N2 infections. Adults also showed similar risks of serious outcomes, indicating lower severity of symptoms.
A blood test analyzing individual immune responses to infection shows promise for quickly diagnosing respiratory viral illnesses, including flu. The test boasts over 95% accuracy in pinpointing the cause of disease.
Research using satellite telemetry found that migrating birds have a short 'window' of 5-15 days when they can disperse the H5N1 virus over 500km. Asymptomatic infection is crucial, and individual birds must fly quickly and take shortest routes to spread the disease.
Scientists have trained mice to identify infected duck feces, which could lead to development of disease-detecting dogs and lab instruments. This breakthrough may enable early warning systems for influenza and other diseases.
A study published in Eurosurveillance found that nearly 60% of Norway's population had measurable immunity to the pandemic H1N1 virus by January 2010. Vaccination and infection contributed to this increased immunity, with herd immunity also playing a role.
A new study has found that the antiviral gene TRIM5 plays a crucial role in suppressing the transmission of primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2. The researchers used rhesus macaques with different versions of the TRIM5 gene to demonstrate its ability to block cross-species transmission of SIVs.
Researchers developed novel antisense therapies that protected monkeys infected with deadly Ebola or Marburg viruses, with survival rates over 90%. The treatments were administered up to one hour after exposure and showed promise for treating accidental infections in laboratory or hospital settings.
Researchers are testing a new drug therapy, MGAWN1, to treat individuals with West Nile fever or suspected central nervous system infection. The treatment has the potential to neutralize the virus and reduce complications associated with the disease.
Researchers found that only a subset of pre-transplant HCV viruses can infect the new liver, with these viruses having mutations in their surface protein that evade the immune response. This discovery may lead to new ways to prevent reinfection after liver transplant.
Benjamin tenOever, a leading expert in microbiology and infectious diseases, has been awarded the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award. His research focuses on understanding the cell's response to infection and developing novel strategies for vaccine and antiviral drug design.
A new tetravalent vaccine developed by NIAID is being tested in a Phase I human clinical trial to prevent dengue fever. The vaccine, which protects against all four dengue viruses, aims to provide efficient and cost-effective prevention against the mosquito-borne disease.
A new antiviral drug has shown significant promise in treating hepatitis C, particularly in patients with genotype 1, the most difficult to treat. Adding the drug nearly doubled the treatment's effectiveness when given for 48 weeks.