Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers found that lymphoid chemokines, which guide immune cells to lymph nodes and spleen, are reduced during active immune responses, potentially leading to transient immune suppression. This discovery could help explain why the immune system is less effective at responding to secondary infections after an acute infection.
A new study by PECARN reveals that steroid treatment does not prevent hospitalization or improve symptoms in infants with bronchiolitis, the most common cause of infant hospitalization. The study's findings provide solid evidence for treating bronchiolitis with simple supportive care.
Researchers estimate that less than half of household infections could be prevented with current antiviral drugs, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring. The study provides a method for detecting emerging secondary human-to-human transmission using easily collected data.
Scientists at the University of Cape Town have developed a genetically engineered (GE) maize variety that is resistant to maize streak virus (MSV), a destructive pathogen that can wipe out entire maize crops. The transgenic maize variety has proven consistently resistant and can be reliably passed on to future generations.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases reveals 35 genes whose expression patterns correlate with chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. These findings may provide clues about the disease's underlying nature and potential mechanisms.
A new reovirus has been isolated from bats and can cause a serious but non-fatal respiratory illness in humans. The virus, named Melaka, is closely related to two other bat-borne reoviruses and can be transmitted between people.
A new study by John R. Talbott finds that the number of infected prostitutes in a country is key to understanding the global spread of AIDS. The study suggests that prostitute communities can act as an engine driving infection rates to unusually high levels in the general population.
A new model predicts the danger of flu pandemics by analyzing population heterogeneity. The study highlights the importance of considering individual attributes such as social interaction and susceptibility to infection. Social distancing measures may be effective in limiting the spread of disease, according to the research.
A new study has identified a direct link between Plasmodium falciparum antigens and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, increasing the risk of Burkitt lymphoma in children living in malaria-endemic areas. The researchers found that certain proteins from P. falciparum can spur latent EBV-infected cells into active production.
Researchers are working together to identify the cause of Devil Facial Tumour Disease and develop a test to detect infected animals. The integrated team will use various techniques to search for infectious agents and markers, with the goal of stopping the disease in its tracks.
Patients with liver cancer undergoing chemotherapy who have high serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA are at risk of developing severe hepatitis, which is associated with poor survival. Researchers found that a pre-chemotherapy HBV viral load above 10^5.65 copies per milliliter was linked to poorer outcomes.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that veterinarians with occupational exposure to birds have significantly higher levels of antibodies against avian influenza viruses. The greatest risk factor for infection was examining sick birds, highlighting the need for priority access to pandemic vaccines and antivirals.
A study finds that cytomegalovirus infection triggers an autoimmune response, causing endothelial cell damage and exacerbating atherosclerosis. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation and further disease progression.
Researchers used human antibodies derived from immune cells of H5N1 survivors to treat and protect mice from the virus. The study found that these antibodies could neutralize the virus and prevent death in mice, offering a promising therapeutic approach for pandemic influenza.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new high-affinity molecule called V-beta that blocks staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), a major cause of toxic shock syndrome, with a rate 2000 times more effective than typical antibody treatment
The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) has been identified in 19 species and poses a potential threat to New York's sport-fishing industry. Containing the spread of the virus requires restrictions on live fish movement, testing, and surveillance.
Hospitalized patients treated with antimicrobials against atypical pathogens experienced reduced time to clinical stability, decreased hospital stays, and lower mortality rates. The study found that atypical treatment significantly improved patient outcomes in regions globally.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that droplets carrying viruses can travel large distances in the air, posing a risk to people breathing nearby. The research dispels the myth that viruses only travel a short distance from a person, suggesting that one infected individual can spread the virus simply by exhaling.
Researchers in Japan have found that over 95% of pigs are infected with the hepatitis E virus by 150 days of age, minimizing human infection risk. This reduces the likelihood of pigs passing on the virus to humans at slaughter.
Researchers found that oral HPV infection is the strongest risk factor for throat cancers in both men and women. Consistent condom use may reduce risk, while tobacco and alcohol use do not increase the risk of HPV-linked cancer.
People infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at an increased risk of developing certain lymphomas, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The risk was found to be 20-30% higher for HCV-infected patients compared to uninfected patients.
A study found that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 20-30% and Waldenström macroglobulinemia by nearly three-fold. HCV is also linked to an increased risk of nonmalignant plasma cell disorders.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have developed a device that can rapidly detect infectious viruses in biological samples. The innovation uses nanoparticles to transport viral particles to specific locations, allowing for quick detection and paving the way for an 'on-the-spot' virus detector.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that intramuscular injections of peramivir for 8 days protected mice from lethal H5N1 influenza virus infection and inhibited virus replication. This study supports the use of peramivir to control influenza during a pandemic.
A team of researchers created an interactive 'supermap' using Google Earth technology to visualize the mutations and spread of the avian flu around the globe. The map allowed users to analyze movements and changes in genetic blueprints of known avian flu sub-strains, providing insights into viral spread and potential future outbreaks.
Researchers created a supermap of the H5N1 virus using genetic, geographic, and evolutionary data to predict future outbreaks. The map revealed no significant association between mutations in surface proteins HA and NA and specific host types.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can predict which hepatitis C patients are at high risk of developing cirrhosis. The test uses a 'Cirrhosis Risk Score' based on seven genes and has been validated in independent studies, offering hope for more targeted treatment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that the LC8 protein is actually a transcription factor that enhances viral replication, not a transport mechanism. This discovery may change how scientists think about central nervous system-attacking viruses like rabies and herpes.
Researchers are investigating a genetically modified variant of Avian Newcastle disease virus to treat human prostate cancer. The virus is designed to replicate only in the presence of prostate-specific antigen, found exclusively in cancerous cells.
Researchers at UTMB overturned the long-held medical dogma on RSV, finding that an inadequate immune reaction is associated with severe infections. The study's findings have major implications for developing therapies and treating viral respiratory infections during infancy.
A rare case of hepatitis B virus transmission between two patients at a dentist's office has been documented, highlighting the need for meticulous infection control. Universal vaccination against HBV would likely have prevented both cases.
The NIAID is awarding $23 million per year for seven years to establish six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance. These centers will bolster influenza research in key areas, including understanding how the virus causes disease and how the human immune system responds to infection with the virus.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has been awarded a $26 million contract to establish the New York Influenza Center of Excellence, one of six nationwide centers focused on improving flu research. The center aims to develop more effective vaccines against seasonal influenza and future pandemics.
Interferon gamma and interleukin-1 alpha molecules work together, collaborating like two halves of a key, to initiate various immune responses. This unexpected collaboration enhances the antiviral activity of interferon gamma, providing an extra layer of security for the body.
New research from Rockefeller University and St. Jude Children’s Hospital shows that a viral protein-derived lysin can prevent middle ear infections in mice by killing the bacteria that cause them. The treatment was 100% effective against secondary infections, which contribute to much of the sickness and death rates during flu season.
A new nasal spray treatment using a virus enzyme shows promise in preventing acute otitis media and secondary pneumonia in mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The treatment uses lysine to eliminate bacteria from the ear, reducing the risk of middle ear infection.
Researchers analyzed gene expression patterns in leukocytes from children with four common infections: flu, staph, strep, and E. coli. They identified infectious agents with high accuracy rates, distinguishing between viral and bacterial pneumonias.
Researchers reconstructed the H5N1 avian flu virus's history over the past decade, tracing its origins in Guangdong province and spread across Eurasia. The study provides a roadmap for health officials to limit the virus's spread by targeting specific strains and regions.
A study exploring attitudes and beliefs about HPV found low awareness and a stigma associated with the disease, which hinders public acceptance of the vaccine. The research suggests that health education efforts should take a public-health approach to emphasize the prevalence and commonality of HPV infection among sexually active adults.
A review of 1918 pandemic flu studies reveals more unanswered questions than answers, particularly regarding the origins and impact on young adults. Further study is crucial for pandemic planning and preparedness efforts.
Scientists have produced the first 3-dimensional image of a key influenza protein, revealing insights into transmission between birds and humans. The study sheds light on how polymerase mutations contribute to avian flu's ability to jump species barriers.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a way to identify the biochemical profile of an inappropriate immune response to viral infection. The study uses a protein-scanning chip and computer database to examine over 1,200 protein interactions in guinea pigs infected with two different strains of Pichinde virus.
Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.
An international EU project led by the University of Bonn aims to shed light on why the immune system weakens with age, particularly in elderly people. The researchers will analyze up to 40,000 blood samples to develop new medicines that can largely inactivate viruses and enable the immune system to deal with residual viruses.
Researchers discovered that New World arenaviruses enter cells through the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), a well-known protein involved in iron uptake. Inhibiting this receptor may help reduce infection severity and develop a treatment strategy.
Researchers found that modifying the 1918 flu virus's hemagglutinin receptor binding site reduced its ability to transmit in ferrets. The study suggests that understanding this molecular mechanism could lead to the development of novel drugs to stop influenza transmission and prevent epidemics.
Researchers found that low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses can cause mild illness in migratory swans, slowing down their migration and feeding patterns. This discovery highlights the impact of these viruses on wild birds and could affect the rate of spread of avian influenza.
Research found an invasive whitefly has a mutualistic relationship with plant viruses, increasing its population on virus-infected plants. This relationship allows the whitefly to displace native biotypes and cause disease pandemics.
Researchers developed a novel virus culture system that enables sustained replication and production of HCV particles in nontransformed hepatocytes. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of HCV differences between strains and may improve treatment strategies.
Researchers found that the 1918 flu virus triggers a deadly respiratory infection by attacking the lungs, leading to death. The study provides insight into how the virus killed so quickly and efficiently, offering potential clues for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.
A pre-hatching prototype vaccine virus providing immunity against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been developed by scientists at the Institute for Animal Health and Intervet UK. The vaccine can be delivered to chicks still in their egg using robotic 'vaccinators' and has shown protection rates of up to 100 percent.
A study by Cornell and US Military Academy researchers found that waste and drinking water treatments, including UV radiation and bacterial digesters, can eliminate avian flu viruses. H5N2, a low-pathogenic virus similar to deadly H5N1, was inactivated at levels within industry standards.
Researchers discovered the role of metalloproteinases in increasing vascular permeability and blood loss associated with Dengue. In vivo experiments neutralized these enzymes, providing a new model for treating hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg.
A QUT research project will expand its focus on improving the production and nutritional value of bananas, aiming to control diseased banana planting material in East Africa. The project's success could make a major difference to the health of the region's population.
H5N1 avian influenza is most likely to be introduced to the US through infected poultry trade, not migratory birds. The virus spread rapidly through Asia, Europe, and Africa, causing millions of chicken deaths and 153 human fatalities.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found no association between Kawasaki disease and coronavirus NL63. This conclusion contradicts an earlier study suggesting a potential link, which was later disputed due to selection bias concerns.
Researchers have identified key genetic changes required for the H5N1 avian influenza virus to adapt to easily recognize human receptors. The study provides a molecular blueprint for these changes, which could help detect pandemic strains earlier and prepare public health officials and vaccine manufacturers.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University Psychology Professor Sheldon Cohen confirms that happy people are less likely to become ill when exposed to a cold virus. The researchers found that positive emotions such as happiness, optimism, extraversion, feelings of purpose in life, and self-esteem provide protection against infectious illness.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new statement on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of liver damage caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. The document provides recommendations for identifying risk factors, recognizing symptoms and developing safe treatment programs.