Articles tagged with Viral Infections
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Bird flu viruses require two simultaneous genetic mutations to infect humans, making human-to-human transmission unlikely. The study suggests that H5N1's high mortality rate in humans is due to its inability to infect the right cells, increasing the odds of it being less likely to cause a pandemic.
Researchers found abnormal forms of apolipoprotein A-I proteins in the livers and blood of infected male mice, but not females. These proteins may provide important markers for tracking hepatitis B progression and help explain the gender disparity in the disease's severity.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute found that previous influenza infections can provide some level of immunity to the H1N1 'swine' flu. The study suggests that this pre-existing immunity may make the disease less severe in the general population, reducing its impact.
A new study found that healthy adults have a level of protective immune memory against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. This immunity can blunt the severity of infection and provide some protection. The findings may explain why younger children are more severely affected by the pandemic.
A study by University of Bonn researchers has found a link between the influenza virus and fever, revealing that the immune system's RIG-I protein plays a key role in triggering high temperatures. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating severe viral infections.
The UK research community has secured £7.5 million in funding to study the development and spread of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009. The projects aim to understand how the virus mutates, jumps species barriers, and causes disease in humans and pigs.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are developing methods to identify and remotely repair infected mobile devices and improve the security of cellular networks. They plan to investigate whether service providers can detect infected devices on their networks and will build a test bed to simulate how devices communicate over a network.
Scientists at Rutgers University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discover a previously unknown lipid that causes rapid death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The lipid may also hold promise in cancer research by inducing programmed cell death in healthy cells.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded approximately $208 million to two programs that support research on the human immune response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This funding aims to identify new vaccines and drug targets, with a focus on developing prevention tools and therapeutics.
The study found that hospitalization and death from H1N1 can occur at any age, with severe cases reported in 30% of hospitalized patients over 50. The median age of all cases was 27 years, and underlying conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were common among severe cases.
Researchers developed an immune system cell therapy that targets Epstein-Barr virus, providing long-term protection to patients with severely compromised immune systems. The therapy, effective for up to nine years, was found to prevent lymphomas associated with EBV infection in over 100 patients.
A breakthrough in the fight against Hendra virus has been achieved with the development of a treatment that shows great potential to save lives. The treatment, administered after exposure to Nipah virus, protected animals from disease in a model.
Researchers found genetically modified squash are more susceptible to bacterial wilt disease due to increased feeding by cucumber beetles. The study suggests that the fitness advantage of virus-resistant crops comes at a price, with unintended consequences for biodiversity.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine reexamines the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), contradicting the long-held antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) model. Researchers found that maternal antibodies protect infants from full-spectrum dengue disease, and a higher weight-for-age is associated with DHF risk.
The PLOS collection explores how genomics can provide insights into emerging infectious diseases. Genomics research has the potential to track the spread of disease agents, develop vaccines, and combat pathogens more effectively. This could lead to a better preparedness for and response to biological threats.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified nonanal as the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts Culex mosquitoes, a key step towards controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The study also found that combining nonanal with carbon dioxide increases trap captures by over 50%.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation issues an advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation programs to address novel 2009 H1N1 influenza. The advisory provides guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of H1N1 flu in transplant recipients and donors.
Researchers found that latent CMV infection exacerbated intestinal inflammation and increased immune responses to normally harmless bacteria, contributing to IBD severity. Latent CMV infection may modulate mucosal immunity and predispose individuals to developing severe acute colitis and subsequently IBD.
A widely used virus assay has been shown to be inaccurate in detecting and measuring replicating viral RNA. Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a novel assay that detects anti-genomic copies of the viral genome, which is more accurate than existing methods.
A recent large-scale swine flu outbreak at the US Air Force Academy provided valuable insights into the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus, including shedding patterns. The study found that viable virus shedding occurred in about one quarter of confirmed patients and persisted even after symptom-free periods.
A cohort study of 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found a significant increased risk of lymphoma associated with thiopurine use. The absolute cumulative risk remains low in young patients, but elderly patients and prolonged treatment periods warrant further investigation.
MedImmune will present four abstracts on RSV and influenza, including research on the burden of RSV on pediatric health and innovative solutions to prevent illness. The presentations focus on high-risk populations, such as children with congenital heart disease and late-preterm infants.
Researchers have identified a counterbalancing role for the phosphorylation of alpha-synuclein amino acid 125 in nerve cell protection against alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity. Higher levels of this phosphorylated form were found to decrease toxic soluble oligomers and protect against Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Researchers found that high Treg levels protect against severe West Nile virus disease in humans and mice. Tregs suppress the function of other immune cells, preventing lethal infection.
A UBC research team has identified dendritic cells as a crucial part of the immune system's defense against bacterial infections. The study reveals that dendritic cells use cross-presentation to activate the immune system, and deactivating this process can lead to severe compromise in fighting Listeria infections.
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a method to temporarily control HCV levels in patients receiving new livers. Activated immune cells from donor livers were infused into patients, reducing viral activity despite immunosuppressive treatment. Further studies aim to improve this approach.
Infecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia parasite wMelPop reduces transmission of lymphatic filariasis by up to 85% and boosts mosquito immune system. Researchers aim to introduce this strain into other mosquito species to combat diseases such as malaria.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified interleukin-17 (IL-17) as a potential therapeutic target to prevent acute lung injury from influenza infection. Blocking IL-17 signaling may reduce inflammation and lung damage, offering new hope for flu-related complications.
Researchers at Duke University have made significant progress in developing a portable, easy-to-use diagnostic device that can reveal who is infected with an upper respiratory virus before symptoms appear. The device uses advanced genomic and statistical tools to detect changes in gene expression, known as a 'signature' of infection.
Daily commuting patterns in mega-cities may contribute to the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Researchers suggest looking beyond traditional transmission clusters and considering novel ways to control community transmission.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strong genetic alteration associated with the ability to clear hepatitis C without treatment. The study found that people carrying a specific variation of the IL28B gene were more likely to successfully eliminate the virus from their bodies.
T cells from XLP patients are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of the TCR complex. This resistance enables uncontrolled T cell expansion upon infection with common viruses like infectious mononucleosis.
Researchers found that pandemic H1N1 influenza binds weakly to receptors in the lungs compared to the upper respiratory tract. This may explain why people infected with the pandemic strain experience more severe symptoms. The study suggests monitoring changes in the virus's ability to infect cells to minimize its impact.
A study has found that XMRV retrovirus is present in 27% of prostate cancers, associated with more aggressive tumors. The viral proteins were predominantly found in malignant prostatic cells, suggesting a direct link between XMRV infection and tumor formation.
Researchers found that viral polymerase is a key target for preventing systemic flu in humans. The study discovered that avian influenza adapted to infect mice caused severe illness and death due to suppression of the immune system.
The new initiative will characterize the human immune system under normal conditions and following infection or vaccination, using systems biology approaches. Researchers will analyze human samples from well-characterized cohorts to identify specific patterns of immune molecules that reflect immune system function.
Research published in Cell Host and Microbe reveals a minor reduction in CD45 levels provides protection against both Ebola virus and Bacillus anthracis. Mice expressing reduced CD45 levels showed enhanced viral clearance and increased protection against infection.
A team of researchers discovered that virus-infected bacteria in pea aphids can provide protection against parasitic wasps. In laboratory experiments, about 90% of aphids carrying infected bacteria survived wasp attacks, compared to nearly no survival for those without the infection.
A new book demystifies bats and eliminates many myths surrounding rabies, providing an overview of the virus variants that cause bat rabies and geographical patterns of occurrence. The book aims to increase public understanding of rabies and its impact on humans, pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
Dr. Masopust's work on immunological memory of bacterial and viral pathogens has transformed the field of memory T cell biology. His research demonstrated functional differences between lymphoid and non-lymphoid CD8 memory T cells.
Scientists have developed a new vaccine production technology using tobacco plants to combat norovirus, which can spread rapidly through passenger liners and schools. The plant-based vaccine offers cost advantages and could lead to faster and more efficient vaccine development for other diseases.
Researchers discovered higher levels of pathogens and co-infections in honeybees from collapsing colonies, but no single pathogen can be identified as the cause. The study suggests that CCD may be contagious or caused by exposure to a common risk factor impairing bee immune systems.
Researchers found that H5N1 flu infection causes a 17% loss of dopamine-producing cells and accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, key findings linked to Parkinson's disease. The study suggests the virus primes the brain for further damage from environmental toxins or other infections.
Researchers have identified a genomic 'signature' in circulating blood that reveals exposure to common upper respiratory viruses, such as the cold or flu. This signature reflects subtle but robust changes in genes activated by the body's response to infection, allowing for accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
A Duke University researcher has developed a two-tiered model to simulate the interplay between epidemiological dynamics and evolutionary changes in flu viruses. The model focuses on understanding how flu evolves differently in humans versus animals, with potential implications for developing more effective vaccines.
Fish populations are being increasingly affected by emerging diseases, exacerbated by climate change and other stresses. As a result, population fluctuations, extinction, reduced health, and increased susceptibility to predation are expected, according to Dr. Jim Winton of the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that zinc activates a key protein on T cells needed to fight infections. Zinc supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of various illnesses, including childhood diarrhea and lower respiratory infections.
A study on cynomolgus macaques exposed to chronic wasting disease (CWD) shows that they remain healthy after over six years of observation. The findings suggest a potential species barrier against CWD in humans, but more research is needed to confirm this.
The study found a correlation between peripheral T lymphocyte subpopulations and hepatitis B virus load in patients with chronic HBV infection. The results suggest that the composition of T-cell subpopulations is different at various stages of the infection, which relates to viral load.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have identified a single protein, omega-1, secreted from schistosome eggs that induces a specific immune response. This discovery may lead to new treatments and therapies for schistosomiasis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases.
A new study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has found that eliminating a specific cell receptor, CAR, prevents infection by a common virus that causes serious diseases in humans. The researchers used genetically engineered mice to demonstrate the critical role of CAR in coxsackievirus infections.
A large study comparing widely used treatments for chronic hepatitis C infection found similar safety and efficacy in achieving long-term viral eradication. However, subgroup analysis revealed that certain approaches may be better suited for women and minorities, with some treatments showing higher success rates in these groups.
A review of past epidemics suggests that early and prolonged school closure can reduce the number of cases at the peak of a flu pandemic, but has limited impact on total cases. School closures are associated with significant social and economic costs, including disruption to healthcare systems and key services.
Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research found that Beta-Interferon facilitates faster immune reactions against microbial and viral threats by regulating antigen presentation. Low levels of Beta-Interferon before infection can lead to a stronger immune response, known as priming.
Montana State University researchers study Sulfolobus turreted icosahedral virus (STIV) and its effects on host cells. The virus forms pyramid-like projections on the surface of infected cells, releasing progeny in a previously unknown manner.
Researchers found a negative correlation between birth rates and the timing of rotavirus epidemics. With declining birth rates, outbreaks occur later in the year, particularly in California.
Researchers say a standard calculation for estimating flu deaths may not accurately reflect true figures due to factors like underreporting and varying disease severity. The study highlights the need for more sophisticated data collection and analysis methods to provide healthcare planners with accurate predictions.
Researchers found A/H1N1 virus infectious to pigs and spreading rapidly in a trial pig population. The virus can pass from humans to pigs but not from pigs to other animals.
A team from MIT and the CDC discovered that the new H1N1 strain's surface protein binds to human receptors less effectively than other flu viruses. This restricted binding along with a genetic variation in an H1N1 polymerase enzyme explains why the virus has not spread as efficiently as seasonal flu.
A large meta-analysis found certain HBV DNA mutations associated with HCC development and more prevalent in chronic HBV infection progression. The study may help predict liver cancer risk in patients with HBV infections.