Articles tagged with Viral Infections
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.
A recent study led by Daniel Streicker analyzed hundreds of rabies viruses from 23 North American bat species, providing estimates of cross-species transmission (CST) frequency. CST occurs only once for every 72.8 transmissions within the same species, with factors like geographic range and genetics influencing its likelihood.
A study published in Science reveals that molecular sequence data can be used to quantify cross-species transmission rates, with bats being the most common source of human infections. The analysis found that rabies viruses are more likely to jump between closely related bat species than distant ones.
A UT professor has made a groundbreaking discovery on how viruses jump from host to host. The study found that cross-species transmission may be driven more by host similarity than virus mutation and contact rates.
Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and induce immune responses in humans with advanced cancer. Genetic mutations determined breast cancer subtype by influencing Rb gene expression.
Researchers found that blocking PD-1 improves survival in a model of severe infection by restoring the host's immune function. The study suggests new drugs to reduce severity of blood infections leading to sepsis.
Researchers found that viral infection of the heart is a predictor of heart transplant failure in young children and adolescents. The study suggests that rigorously screening transplant patients for viral DNA and RNA, and using intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, may improve organ survival.
A new study published in Gastroenterology highlights the risk of hepatitis B and C virus transmission through contaminated anesthesia. Reuse of syringes and medication vials without proper sterilization can lead to viral transmission, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to sterile techniques in healthcare settings.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are commonly overlooked in routine clinical interviews for HCV patients, leading to compromised treatment outcomes. Studies also revealed higher healthcare benefit costs and lower productivity among HCV-infected workers.
The Journal of NeuroVirology will cover new areas in neurovirology, including non-viral infections affecting the central nervous system. Springer's acquisition will support the International Society for NeuroVirology and advance knowledge in the field.
A study estimated that nearly 5 percent of the Key West population was exposed to dengue virus in 2009. This finding raises concerns about the potential for a large-scale outbreak in the region.
A study by Emory University found that sewage overflows in urban creeks and streams increase the risk of West Nile virus transmission, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. The analysis showed a seven times higher risk for residents near affected areas compared to other parts of the city.
A new virus has been identified as a potential cause of Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon, threatening both farmed and wild populations. The study found the virus, related to reoviruses, in 24.2% of wild salmon samples and 96.5% of infected farmed fish.
Scientists at TWINCORE have developed a mouse-adapted version of the hepatitis C virus, allowing researchers to study its interaction with the immune system. This breakthrough enables the development of new vaccines and treatments for this chronic infection.
A new virus related to hepatitis C has been discovered in Asian bats, which may provide insights into the origins of the virus and its transmission to humans. The virus, identified as GBV-D, is found in the saliva of infected bats, suggesting a potential mechanism for transmission to other hosts.
A new study suggests that adding nutrients to the sea could lower viral infection rates among phytoplankton, enhancing the biological carbon pump. This process involves transferring carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, potentially helping mitigate global warming.
Researchers found that preen oil gland secretions support a natural mechanism for AIV concentration, facilitating virus diffusion in nature. This discovery has important implications for avian influenza virus surveillance and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that a specific virus interacts with a mutation in the host's genes to trigger disease. In mice, exposure to a damaging chemical and infection with a viral strain caused symptoms similar to human Crohn's disease, suggesting viruses may be key to understanding complex diseases.
A randomized clinical study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that Viusid reduces lipid peroxidation products and has immunomodulatory effects on cytokine secretion. The study suggests Viusid as a potential strategy for treating patients with chronic hepatitis C who have failed previous antiviral treatment.
In a study of rhesus macaques, the experimental Marburg vaccine showed 100% protection when administered 24 hours after lethal exposure, and 66.7% survival rate when treated 48 hours post-infection. The vaccine works by activating the immune system to fight off the target virus.
A small genetic change in the IL28B gene can predict how well individuals with hepatitis C will respond to treatment. Those carrying this protective allele are more likely to clear the virus and respond to therapy.