Articles tagged with Viral Infections
UT Southwestern researchers suggest that RSV may persist in the lungs of children, leading to recurrent wheezing and chronic airway disease. The study's findings contradict current thinking on the destruction of ribonucleic acid viruses like RSV.
Researchers have discovered a single vaccine that can protect chickens, cats, and humans against deadly bird flu pandemics. The vaccine uses a 'backbone' from the H9N2 virus to offer universal protection across multiple species.
Researchers have identified eight free-living red squirrels that are immune to the squirrelpox viral disease, a significant finding in the struggle to save the species from extinction. The discovery suggests that immunity to the virus could give red squirrels an edge against grey squirrels, which harbor the virus but are immune.
The NIAID has awarded a contract to the University of Washington to analyze and model virus-host interactions for SARS and bird flu. The research program will use systems biology approaches to generate predictive models that can be experimentally validated, providing valuable resources for the scientific community.
A study found that hypertriglyceridemia is independently associated with the severity of acute pancreatitis and leads to systemic complications. High triglyceride levels were linked to increased incidence of admission hypocalcemia, renal failure, shock, infection, and mortality in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
Researchers developed models to estimate meal requirements and school closures to minimize the number of people infected. The simulations showed that school closures reduced the number of people infected with the virus, while voluntary quarantine and food distribution interventions had varying effects on disease spread and resource all...
MedImmune presents four abstracts on the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among preterm infants, highlighting increased medical costs and morbidity in late-preterm births. The company's research aims to identify new risk factors for RSV hospitalization and evaluate cost implications of expanded prophylaxis.
NIH scientists have identified a protein that enables T and B cells to interact, crucial for establishing long-lasting immunity. The finding may explain why individuals with a genetic defect suffer from lethal infections.
Researchers will analyze human blood samples to discover proteins that could serve as biomarkers of infectious diseases. The goal is to identify specific biomarkers present in infected individuals but absent in uninfected people, guiding diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines.
Researchers identified rhinovirus as the biggest contributor to future asthma development in children. Wheezing with RV during early childhood increased asthma odds by nearly 10-fold, with children who wheezed at three years of age facing a 30-fold risk.
A new study has found an association between past hepatitis B infection and pancreatic cancer. Evidence of past hepatitis B exposure was twice as common in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls.
A recent study has compared the results of RPA with or without modified blow-hole colostomy in patients with acute sigmoid volvulus. The findings suggest that RPA with modified blow-hole colostomy provides satisfactory results in preventing anastomotic leak, making it a promising approach for this condition.
Four patients with pre-exposed lamivudine resistance experienced rapid re-emergence of YMDD mutations and significant viral rebound after lamivudine re-treatment. Sequential administration of lamivudine is discouraged in these cases.
A new therapeutic option for human hepatocyte cancer has been identified, leveraging parvovirus H-1 oncolytic therapy. The treatment targets p53-deficient tumors and induces apoptosis, potentially overcoming resistance to genotoxic agents.
The study found that Curcuma wenyujin essential oil exhibits antiproliferative effects in HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis, associated with cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial membrane potential loss. The results suggest the potential value of developing ezhu as a chemotherapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.
A patient with bone marrow hypoplasia contracted HCV through blood transfusion, yet maintained normal liver function despite high serum ferritin levels. The study highlights the complex relationship between HCV infection and immune status, suggesting potential for extra-hepatic manifestations such as arthritis and vasculitis.
A case of ulcerative colitis complicated by Strongyloides stercoralis infection is reported. The patient's symptoms worsened after corticosteroid treatment, leading to the diagnosis of parasitic infection. Treatment with anti-parasitic drugs resulted in complete recovery.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that a virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), is the cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The virus infects normal cells before they turn into cancer cells, and its replication can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cardiac arrhythmia, revealing that a virus receptor plays a crucial role in regulating heart rhythm. The study found that the receptor is essential for normal heart function and its absence or dysfunction leads to arrhythmia.
Research reveals a high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection among IBD patients, with 17% positive for anti-HBc and 2.3% positive for HBsAg. Studies suggest immunosuppressive drugs used in IBD treatment worsen HBV liver disease, emphasizing the importance of lamivudine use and HBV vaccination for high-risk patients.
A new study found that vaccinated seniors who took COLD-FX had a one-third lower chance of getting a 'Jackson' cold or flu. The supplement, a unique extract of North American ginseng, also provided added protection on top of the flu shot's benefit.
Researchers found that multiple viral genomes can increase overall viral gene expression, leading to a nonlinear effect on gene networks controlling cell fate. This can result in the host cell entering a latent state rather than immediately being killed by the virus.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a key biochemical link in the process by which Ebola Zaire virus infects cells. By activating the PI3 kinase pathway, Ebola tricks the cell into drawing it into an endosome, where it can reproduce itself.
A study published by the American Physiological Society found that quercetin, a naturally occurring substance in fruits and vegetables, reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu. The study also showed that stressful exercise increases susceptibility to the flu, but quercetin cancels out this negative effect.
A new study suggests that short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may exhibit non-specific therapeutic effects related to immune stimulation. The researchers used a mouse model of influenza and demonstrated that the anti-viral activity of siRNA is mainly due to non-specific stimulation of the immune system.
Researchers led by Professor Ten Feizi aim to identify receptor molecules in the human respiratory tract to understand why H5N1 has not evolved into an effective pathogen. They also seek to determine how changes in the virus's binding protein may increase its ability to attach to and cause infection.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a low-cost, easy-to-prepare attractant that lures blood-fed mosquitoes without causing human discomfort. The synthetic mixture of trimethylamine and nonanal is equivalent to current attractants but odorless to humans.
A new study found that an experimental therapy for age-related macular degeneration may have adverse effects on patients with a certain genetic mutation. The therapy uses RNA interference to silence disease-causing genes, but this approach may not be suitable for everyone due to individual genetic differences.
Researchers found that bluetongue virus can survive the winter by surviving in the eggs of Culicoides midges, or by overwintering in livestock barns. The virus can also spread through transplacental infections from an infected pregnant animal to its fetus.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a new virus, AgDNV, infecting Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The virus, a densovirus, could be used to pass on genetic information to control malaria transmission.
A new test for West Nile virus in horses has been developed, which could be modified for use on humans and wildlife. The test is highly effective at diagnosing infections and provides accurate results, making it useful for tracking the ecology and epidemiology of the disease.
Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.
Long-term West Nile virus infection recovery is possible within a year, with brain affected patients taking slightly longer to recover. Vitamin D deficiency is also identified as a risk factor for hip fractures in older women.
A large study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that West Nile virus patients experience similar physical and mental function recoveries, regardless of neurological symptoms, with pre-existing health conditions affecting prognosis. Recovery times averaged around one year.
New research reveals that infection with the 1918 influenza virus granted survivors lifelong protection against the disease. Antibodies produced by these individuals proved effective in blocking the viral infection in mice.
A recent study identified a bluetongue virus strain that originated in sub-Saharan Africa, rather than Europe. The discovery was made through multi-centre sequence analysis of the full genome of the virus strain and its comparison to other BTV strains.
Recent H9N2 viruses can transmit to ferrets in direct contact, but aerosol transmission is not observed. A single amino acid residue at the receptor-binding site plays a major role in transmission. The study suggests that establishment and prevalence of H9N2 viruses in poultry pose a significant threat to humans.
Researchers have shown that early treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the first months following an infection develops a rapid poly-functional immune response against HCV. This finding suggests that early treatment can restore immune response and help eliminate the virus rapidly, contributing to the development of new treatments.
Researchers at the Institute for Animal Health are developing complex models to understand how bluetongue virus spreads among livestock. By analyzing midge numbers, biting behavior, and weather patterns, they aim to provide farmers with critical information on when to move animals and implement best practices for controlling the spread...
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new virus, Avian Bornavirus (ABV), as the cause of Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD) in parrots and exotic birds. The discovery could have profound consequences on conservation efforts for endangered species like the Spix's Macaw.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can cause longer hospital and intensive-care unit stays in patients without compromised immune systems. The study found that approximately 30% of ICU patients exhibited active CMV infection, leading to extended hospital stays.
A Yale University study reveals that cigarette smoke makes flu and other viral infections worse by triggering an exaggerated immune response. This overreaction leads to increased lung inflammation and tissue damage, making smokers more prone to severe illness and death.
A study by Yale University researchers found that cigarette smoke enhances the effects of viral infections, leading to increased mortality and airway damage. In a mouse model, combining cigarette smoke with viral components caused more severe lung damage than viral components alone.
Researchers found evidence that humans fought back against an ancient retrovirus with a defense mechanism called APOBEC3G, which is still used to attack modern retroviruses. This discovery provides insight into the evolutionary battle between humans and viruses.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified MDA-5 as the primary immune sensor that detects norovirus infections. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment that prevents or reduces infection, particularly for individuals with common genetic variations that make them more susceptible.
A University of California, San Diego researcher has created a novel culture system that models HCV infection in human liver cells, providing a realistic environment to test new treatments. This breakthrough enables the screening of possible therapies for HCV, which affects approximately 170 million people worldwide.
Researchers found a negative correlation between dengue hemorrhagic fever and moderate to high mosquito density, with a 40% higher incidence in areas of moderate mosquito density. The study suggests that reducing Aedes mosquitoes may not effectively control the spread of the disease.
Researchers at the Trudeau Institute have made a new discovery about how white blood cells are navigated to the lung airways during an influenza infection. The findings suggest that specific types of white blood cells can recognize chemical messages produced by infected lungs, allowing them to move into tissues and attack the virus.
Researchers describe the shape of the Ebola virus spike protein bound to an immune system antibody, providing a major step forward in understanding how the deadly virus works. The structure reveals vulnerable sites that can be exploited to develop potential Ebola virus vaccines or treatments.
Scientists have identified over 100 host genes required by the flu virus for successful infection using a modified flu virus in fly cells. The study reveals a powerful new way to search for antiviral pressure points, which could lead to the development of new drugs.
Scientists have identified over 100 host cell genes that the influenza virus depends on for infection, offering hope for developing new antiviral drugs. The study used fruit fly cells and RNA interference to screen for these targets, which could potentially be used to prevent viral replication and resistance.
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic. The research found specific mutations in the virus that may allow it to adapt to humans, indicating a potential risk of a pandemic.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the replication of bluetongue virus, a major economic threat to farming. The 'heart' of the virus lies in its enzymes, which are crucial for initiating and sustaining infection.
Researchers discover that Japanese encephalitis virus damages the brain in two ways: killing neurons and preventing new cell growth from neural stem/progenitor cells. This leads to devastating effects on mental functions, particularly in children.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from 25 chimpanzee communities and found a range of SFV infection rates from 44% to 100%. The study highlights the importance of understanding cross-species infections in primates and their potential impact on human health.
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures significantly accelerated the spread of a new strain of West Nile virus across North America. The virus displaced the older strain and led to two of the largest epidemics on record, with over 270 deaths in both 2002 and 2003.
Researchers at UC San Diego used electron microscopy and computer reconstruction to visualize the protein envelope of an asymmetrical virus and its packed DNA. The study reveals a 'toroid' shape in the neck of the virus, where the DNA twists tightly into a coil that keeps it securely inside.
Recent studies in Papua and New Guinea reveal P. vivax cases, particularly in young children, are more likely to develop severe disease and experience cerebral malaria.
A new study presents radioimmunotherapy targeting viral antigens as a novel option to treat or prevent many viral cancers. The therapy offers 'exquisite specificity' in targeting cancer cells expressing viral antigens, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment.
New research reveals that coronavirus replication relies on the host's secretory pathway and disrupts the Golgi complex, a crucial cellular process. The study found that inhibiting this pathway can slow down or prevent viral infection.