Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a treatment for prostate cancer using the Newcastle Disease virus. The virus targets specific proteases secreted by cancer cells, generating apoptosis and killing diseased cells. This is a promising new approach to fighting cancer.
A collaborative study found that fake anti-malarial drugs, containing potentially toxic ingredients, were manufactured in China. The counterfeiters included dangerously small amounts of artesunate to fool screening tests, but these doses are too low to treat malaria effectively, encouraging the spread of resistant parasites.
A new arenavirus has been discovered in three transplant recipients who died in Victoria, Australia in April 2007. The virus was identified through rapid sequencing technology and subsequent characterization, revealing a strain sufficiently different from existing screening methods.
Researchers found that lower transmission rates increase dengue deaths by reducing the development of immunity to new strains during a critical cross-immunity period. This allows the virus to gain entry into cells and cause more severe infections.
Researchers identified children under 2 years old with very low lymphocyte levels as at high risk for severe RSV infection. The study found that 28% of infected children developed lower respiratory tract infections, with a mortality rate of 8.6%.
Researchers found that the M2 protein's motion and structure change when treated with amantadine, blocking the flu virus from infecting healthy cells. The study provides insight into developing alternative antiviral drugs for resistant flu strains.
Researchers at Queen's University have found a way to manipulate the immune system by introducing virus components that activate killer T cells. This discovery may lead to more effective vaccines against diseases like influenza or HIV, as well as enhanced immunology treatments.
Research at Umea University in Sweden has shown that hantavirus exists in human saliva, sparking concerns about its potential spread among humans. The study found virus RNA in saliva samples from 10 out of 14 patients with nephropathia epidemica during last year's epidemic.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified a novel virus strongly associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but deadly skin cancer. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) was discovered using a novel sequencing technique and has similarities to human papillomavirus (HPV).
A study compared ligase detection reaction (LDR) and real-time PCR methods for detecting low abundant YMDD mutations in hepatitis B patients. LDR was found to be more sensitive than real-time PCR, but the latter was faster and less expensive.
A study found that Salmonella enteritidis primarily penetrates the jejunum and ileum of the gastrointestinal tract after oral challenge. The bacteria can persist in these regions for up to 18 weeks, raising questions about its potential as an opportunistic pathogen in humans.
A study of 136 Bulgarian patients with HCV found that 76.5% had extra-hepatic manifestations, with common symptoms including fatigue, renal impairment, and paresthesia. The risk of developing B-cell lymphoma was higher in cryoglobulin-positive patients.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that community ecology principles affect parasite species interacting within a single host, impacting treatment effectiveness. The study suggests using ecological thinking to understand and control multiple infections like malaria.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found a way to selectively block the ability of white blood cells to migrate toward sites of injury and infection, which drives disease. This discovery suggests a new approach for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Nucleonics has initiated a Phase 1 human safety study of its experimental treatment NUC B1000, an expressed interfering RNA-based product designed to target and destroy HBV within infected cells. The therapy aims to reduce viral antigen load and potentially resolve viral infection in patients with mild to moderate disease.
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is becoming increasingly prevalent along the U.S.-Mexico border and in Puerto Rico. The NIAID experts warn that widespread dengue cases in the continental US are a real possibility due to the lack of effective treatments or vaccines.
Scientists have found that avian flu viruses must bind to umbrella-shaped alpha 2-6 glycan receptors to infect humans. This new interpretation explains inconsistencies in previous models and could aid in the development of vaccines against a deadly flu pandemic.
Researchers have identified a key factor that determines influenza virus ability to infect human upper respiratory tract cells. The H5N1 avian flu virus must adapt to bind to specific sugar molecules coating the cells of our noses and throats.
A new report emphasizes the importance of good hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections, including colds, flu, and stomach bugs. By washing hands regularly and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, individuals can reduce the risk of transmission and protect themselves and others from harm.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a blood-borne immune system compound that suppresses antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, a phenomenon linked to some viral disease outbreaks. C1q, a key immune compound, blocks ADE by blocking the virus' ability to hijack antibodies.
Researchers found that avian polyomaviruses spread through an 'upwards vertical' route, from offspring to parents via nestling faeces, highlighting a previously unnoticed cost of parental care. This study may open new research agendas on the evolution of virulence and coevolution of vectors, viruses, and hosts in the wild.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed two new tests that can identify lethal prion strains quickly and accurately. The tests, the Standard Scrapie Cell Assay and the Cell Panel Assay, significantly accelerate prion research by producing results in under two weeks.
Researchers found that treating patients with psychiatric disorders for hepatitis C yields a sustained viral response without increased risk of side effects. The study suggests using a multidisciplinary team and anti-depressant agents can lessen depressive reactions during treatment.
A new aerosol launches an immune response in the lungs to wipe out lethal infections, including bacterial and fungal infections. The treatment showed an 83% survival rate against pneumococcal pneumonia in mice treated with the aerosol before exposure.
A Chikungunya virus outbreak in Italy emphasizes the need for preparedness and response to emerging infectious threats as globalisation increases. The disease was fairly mild in nearly all cases, with only one reported death.
Researchers found that eltrombopag boosted platelet counts in a majority of patients with low platelet counts and cirrhosis due to HCV infection, allowing most to continue or start conventional antiviral treatment. The study's results are an important development for people infected with the hepatitis C virus worldwide.
New study reveals that alcohol and tobacco use do not increase the risk of head and neck cancers in people infected with HPV16, a common strain of the sexually-transmitted virus. The findings suggest two distinct causes for these major cancers, requiring different prevention and treatment strategies.
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used MassTag PCR to detect a new human rhinovirus as the cause of severe pediatric respiratory tract infections in Europe. Human rhinoviruses are frequent causes of respiratory illness worldwide, and this discovery confirms earlier findings in New York.
A recent study published by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that bites from uninfected mosquitoes can make West Nile virus worse in lab mice. The research showed a significant increase in mortality rates when mice were exposed to multiple mosquito feedings before being infected with West Nile virus.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that viral infections like poliovirus target a protein called G3BP, which helps cells respond to stress. This disruption prevents the virus from being translated into proteins and killing the cells.
Researchers found that Yellowstone viruses migrate from pool to pool through droplets of steam, thriving in acidic environments even when hosts are rare. This discovery sheds light on how these viruses survive and interact with microbes in hostile surroundings.
Researchers found that severe respiratory viral infections induce an allergic-type immune response, leading to long-term changes in the airways of mice. Interfering with this process could potentially prevent childhood asthma.
Researchers identified three pathways common to in vitro and in vivo dengue virus infections, including the NF-kappaB initiated immune pathway, type I interferon pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Inhibiting these pathways resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication, suggesting new avenues for drug development.
Researchers have identified multiple genes that confer broad-spectrum resistance to Turnip Mosaic Virus in brassicas like broccoli and cabbage. This discovery has the potential to develop resilient crop varieties that can withstand virus mutations.
A new laser technique uses femtosecond pulses to selectively destroy viruses and bacteria, including those causing AIDS and hospital infections. The treatment is non-toxic to human cells, offering a promising solution for disinfection and disease treatment.
Synagis, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard of care for preventing severe RSV infections in high-risk infants. The new analysis found that preventing RSV early in life makes economic sense by reducing potential costs of future complications and improving quality of life.
Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can infect children's cells more easily than adults' due to the widespread distribution of sialic acid receptors in children's lower respiratory tract. This may explain why avian H5N1 viruses can infect human upper respiratory tracts despite lacking traditional receptors.
A team of scientists will use a systems biology approach to build a detailed picture of immune system function, focusing on innate and adaptive immunity. The research aims to develop new treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines for infectious diseases.
Exogenous sphingomyelinase was found to increase intestinal permeability in vitro by altering the composition of tight junctions. This is achieved through the localized accumulation of ceramide at cell-cell contacts, leading to increased permeability and changes in the epithelial barrier.
Research suggests viruses like Human Ad-36 may play a role in causing obesity in humans, with evidence showing weight gain and fat storage in infected animals. Studies also found connections between viral infections and obesity in human subjects, including exposure to the Ad-36 virus.
Researchers found that influenza vaccine was more effective in a semi-urban population than in a rural population of schoolchildren in Gabon, Africa. Infection with parasites and/or poor nutrition may compromise immune responses to the flu vaccine.
A virtual simulation model called Pathogen Simulation (PathSim) was developed to study the progression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in humans. The researchers used PathSim to simulate EBV infection and observe its impact on the immune system, finding critical switch points that determine disease progression.
A common human virus, Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), has been found to be associated with the deadliest form of brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a vaccine targeting HCMV that could empower the body's immune system to fight infected tumor cells and destroy cancer.
Researchers found that West Nile virus can spread through nerve cells, breaking into the central nervous system and triggering acute flaccid paralysis. Injection of a therapeutic antibody blocked both encephalitis and paralysis in laboratory animals.
A recent study found that one in every 1,300 blood donors tested positive for dengue virus in Puerto Rico, highlighting the risk of transfusion-associated transmission. The disease is also grossly underreported globally, with an estimated 8 million cases and nearly 20,000 deaths projected annually.
A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe has found that the protein PB1-F2 from the 1918 influenza virus strain increases virulence and secondary bacterial pneumonia in mouse models. This discovery provides crucial insights into the pathogenicity of IAVs and has significant implications for preparing for future pandemics.
Researchers found that prolonged antiviral therapy can improve residual liver function and reduce portal hypertension in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. The study, published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, suggests that this treatment approach may delay complications and prolong survival rates.
Human and avian influenza viruses target different cells in the lower respiratory tract, with human virus targeting upper respiratory tract cells and avian virus targeting deeper lung cells. The study provides insights into the pathogenesis of these divergent diseases.
A retrospective cohort study found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes, and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This inappropriate prescribing is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance, adverse events, and healthcare costs.
Scientists have found Marburg virus in Egyptian rousette fruit bats, a non-symptom developing carrier species that likely transmits the virus to humans. The discovery reveals this bat as Africa's natural reservoir and highlights the need for public health measures to prevent future outbreaks.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison identified a single change in a viral protein that facilitates the H5N1 avian flu virus's ability to infect the upper respiratory system in mammals. This adaptation enables efficient transmission through coughing and sneezing, potentially setting the stage for a pandemic.
MedImmune presents Phase 2 safety data for its anti-RSV antibody, motavizumab, in young children with a history of prematurity. The company also releases national RSV surveillance results showing regional variability of the virus in the southern United States.
Researchers have discovered 36 bottlegourd accessions with complete resistance to ZYMV, a major scourge of commercial cucurbits. Grafting popular watermelon cultivars onto resistant bottlegourd rootstocks may provide a sustainable solution to control the virus.
Data suggests MIF may provide a target for developing therapeutics to treat West Nile Virus encephalitis. Abnormal microglial cell migration is also implicated in age-related macular degeneration, with CX3CR1-dependent accumulation linked to disease progression.
Infection with West Nile Virus increases plasma and spinal fluid MIF levels, improving survival in mice; delayed viral neuroinvasion allows clearance of the virus.
Researchers detected viral genetic material in the placenta of a pregnant woman who died from bird flu. The study found that H5N1 virus can infect organs other than the lungs, including the brain, liver, and intestinal cells, in infected adults and fetuses.
A new biosensor can detect avian influenza virus in just minutes, improving quick identification and controlling outbreaks. The sensor is economical, field-deployable, sensitive to different strains and requires no labels or reagents.
The study found that the H5N1 virus not only affects the respiratory system but also spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and central nervous system. In one case, the virus was transmitted from mother to fetus through the placenta.
Plants form networks to warn each other of enemies and threats, allowing them to strengthen their defenses. However, these same networks can be used by plant viruses to rapidly spread and infect other plants.
A recent study published in The Journal of Immunology found that SIV infection in monkeys does not always lead to AIDS, contradicting current thinking. Researchers propose that host/virus co-adaptation enables monkeys to limit T cell immune activation and apoptosis, a mechanism that contributes to disease progression.