Cellular power plants also fend off viruses
Researchers discovered a mitochondrial protein, MAVS, that activates immune response against viral infections. Cells without MAVS are vulnerable to virus, while those with excess MAVS resist infection.
Viral Infections
Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Transmission of Hepatitis C among family members
A study found a strong relationship between HCV infection and having an anti-HCV positive family member, with the highest incidence rate in children under 10 living in households with an anti-HCV positive parent. Parenteral exposures increased the risk of HCV, particularly in men married to an HCV positive woman.
Hepatitis A vaccine not widely used for Hepatitis C patients
A study of 1,193 patients found only 94 received the HAV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. Patients with chronic HCV were at risk for severe liver disease and death if infected with HAV, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts.
A novel virus for croup
A novel coronavirus, HCoV-NL63, is strongly associated with croup in children under three years old. The study found that 43% of patients with high viral load and no co-infection had croup, compared to 6% of those without the virus.
Protective and therapeutic HPV vaccine under development at Georgetown
Researchers are working on a next-generation HPV vaccine that is both protective and therapeutic, which can be converted into powder for easier transport. The new vaccine aims to be less expensive than existing options like Cervarix and has shown promise in preventing HPV infection.
Animals warn of human health hazards in new 'Canary Database'
A new database, The Canary Database, tracks animal diseases linked to human health threats, such as mercury poisoning and West Nile Virus infection. The project aims to improve human health decision-making by analyzing animal sentinel data.
Proportion of high-risk HPV infections preventable by a HPV16/18 vaccine may vary by region
A study found that HPV16/18 vaccine effectiveness varies significantly across regions, with higher rates in Europe and North America compared to sub-Saharan Africa.
Immune system discovery offers hope for cancer, AIDS patients
Scientists have discovered a way to regrow the thymus, which produces T cells required to fight infection, through inhibiting sex steroids. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating cancer, AIDS, and other immunodeficiencies by improving T cell responses and recovery following bone marrow transplants.
No link between multiple childhood vaccinations and hospitalization for nontargeted diseases
Researchers evaluated the relationship between routine childhood vaccines and hospitalization for infectious diseases not targeted by vaccination. The study found no adverse associations between multiple vaccinations and increased risk of nontargeted infectious disease hospitalizations.
Computer model could help prevent flu pandemic
A new computer model developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers can predict the spread of a potential influenza pandemic and identify effective containment strategies. The model uses demographic information and data on past influenza pandemics to simulate the virus's transmission and track its spread.
Researchers model avian flu outbreak, impact of interventions
International teams used computer modeling to simulate H5N1 avian flu outbreaks in Southeast Asia, finding antiviral treatment a critical component of control measures. The models aid development of effective strategies and offer powerful tools for policymakers and researchers.
Penn researchers discover key to how SARS virus infects cells
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that inhibitors of cellular enzyme cathepsin L prevent the SARS virus from entering target cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutics against the SARS virus.
Enlisting genomics to understand flu evolution
A large-scale genomic study found that co-circulating minor variants of the flu virus can exchange genes and create novel, epidemiologically significant strains. This process can lead to an epidemic with just one or two more mutations, challenging the traditional view of epidemic flu.
Identification of a protein important for Hepatitis B replication
Researchers have identified a protein, heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), that plays a crucial role in the replication of the Hepatitis B virus. This discovery offers new therapeutic opportunities by targeting human proteins involved in viral replication, providing hope for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B infections.
Mouse studies of oseltamivir show promise against H5N1 influenza virus
Researchers tested oseltamivir on mice infected with H5N1 virus, finding that higher doses for longer periods improved survival rates. The study suggests that antiviral drugs like oseltamivir may be effective in preventing and treating avian flu.
Hepatitis A in US drops substantially after implementation of vaccination program
The incidence of hepatitis A in the US has dropped substantially since 1990, with a 76% decline to 2.6 per 100,000 people. Children under 18 years old have been disproportionately affected, with a 87% decrease in cases.
Melbourne scientists dominate international Howard Hughes Medical Institute awards
Eight Melbourne scientists, including six from WEHI, have been awarded five-year grants to tackle infectious and parasitic diseases like malaria. The $23.3 million international program aims to understand disease mechanisms, identify new drug targets, and develop vaccines.
Scientists discover how Nipah virus enters cells
Researchers at UCLA and USUHS discovered the Ephrin-B2 receptor as the doorway for Nipah and Hendra viruses to enter cells. This finding promises to lead to better understanding of how these viruses cause disease in humans and animals, ultimately aiding in vaccine and treatment development.
UCLA scientists reveal how Nipah virus infects cells
Researchers identified a cell receptor called Ephrin-B2 as the key used by the Nipah virus to unlock cells, allowing them to develop vaccines and drugs to block viral entry. The discovery could help prevent infection and outbreaks of this deadly virus.
'Perfume' to lure mosquitoes and control malaria
A Yale University research project aims to reduce malaria transmission by identifying effective odor cues that attract or repel mosquitoes. The team will test these odors in simulated natural situations and eventually distribute them to African villages for practical tests.
Experimental vaccine protects nonhuman primates from Lassa fever
A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in protecting nonhuman primates from Lassa fever. The vaccine, developed using a non-pathogenic form of vesicular stomatitis virus as a carrier, has been successfully tested with all vaccinated monkeys surviving infection.
A promising candidate for a Lassa fever vaccine
A promising new vaccine candidate has shown protection against Lassa fever in macaque monkeys, offering hope for a potential vaccine. The vaccine's effectiveness and safety will need to be further assessed in larger studies.
Study: Harmless virus kills some cancers
Researchers have found that adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The study suggests that AAV2 recognizes abnormal cancer cells and induces apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for an anti-cancer therapy.
Emerging diseases require a global solution
Emerging diseases can move between species, mutating into more virulent forms; WCS proposes 'One World, One Health' concept to prevent outbreaks. The global trade in wildlife poses a significant challenge, with estimated $100 billion losses due to livestock pathogens and pandemic diseases.
Women, space travel and infection: Bed-rest study investigates female immune response
Abed-rest study investigates the impact of space-like conditions on the human immune system, exploring possible causes of a compromised immune response. The study aims to provide valuable data for international efforts to plan long-duration missions and address health risks associated with chronic radiation exposure.
Scientists streamline method for making key virus
A new study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has streamlined a method for making large quantities of human papillomavirus, a major human pathogen. The technique allows scientists to culture any of the virus's 100 subtypes and genetically manipulate it, enabling faster development of therapeutic drugs and new vaccines.
Mass production of human papillomavirus could lead to gains against cervical cancer
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce infectious human papillomavirus (HPV) in the lab, over 1,000 times faster than existing methods. This breakthrough could lead to new antiviral drugs and enhanced vaccines that target early stages of infection.
Researchers create infectious hepatitis C virus in a test tube
Scientists have developed a method to create an infectious form of the hepatitis C virus in a test tube, allowing researchers to study its life cycle and develop new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding and treatment of liver diseases associated with HCV.
Quantum dots provide a faster, more sensitive method for detecting respiratory viral infections
A new method using quantum dots detects RSV in a matter of hours, reducing the need for lengthy tests. The system has potential benefits including increased proper use of antiviral medicines, reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, and improved patient separation.
How cell suicide protects plants from infection
Plant cells use programmed cell death to protect against viruses, but this process must be controlled to avoid killing the plant. Researchers found that silencing a specific gene, BECLIN-1, helps regulate PCD and prevent infection from spreading.
Chronic infection may contribute to frailty in older women
A study found that chronic CMV infection is associated with frailty in older women, particularly those with high levels of inflammatory markers. The research highlights the importance of understanding the causes of frailty and developing potential treatments to improve outcomes for aging populations.
Tip sheet Annals of Internal Medicine, June 7, 2005
A recent analysis found that U.S. adults could save up to $8.8 billion per year by using generic drugs instead of brand-name drugs. Additionally, a study on Gulf War veterans revealed four more common health conditions among those who served in the conflict compared to non-deployed individuals.
Cranberry juice inactivates intestinal viruses
Researchers found that cranberry juice inhibited the attachment of intestinal viruses to red blood cells and infected host cells. The study suggests a potential antiviral effect of cranberry juice on selected intestinal animal viral disease-producing agents, but human trials are needed to confirm its benefits.
Virus uses tiny RNA to evade the immune system
A virus can adapt the host's gene silencing machinery to evade the immune response by using microRNAs to silence a key protein target. This finding bolsters evidence that microRNAs play important roles in infected cells, challenging the long-held notion of their sole role as an antiviral defense mechanism.
Bee mites suppress bee immunity, open door for viruses and bacteria
Researchers found that Varroa mites reduce bee immunity by suppressing the production of chemicals that sterilize honey, allowing bacteria to increase. This combination with deformed wing virus is causing two-week death collapses in hives across the US.
UQ researcher journeys to the centre of the cell
Researchers at UQ's IMB have discovered a new pathway for particle and nutrient uptake into cells, which is vitally important for cellular survival. This finding presents unexplored avenues for developing new drugs to fight certain viral infections and opening up possibilities for drug delivery or gene therapy.
Treating children with chronic hepatitis C
A new study found that peginterferon-alfa-2b with ribavirin was well-tolerated and yielded a sustained viral response in 59% of children with chronic hepatitis C. Patients infected via needle or with normal liver enzyme levels responded better to treatment.
Identification of specific genes predicts which patients will respond to Hepatitis C treatment
Researchers identified 18 genes that predict which patients will respond to Hepatitis C treatment, offering a potential simple blood test for early diagnosis. The study found that these genes are key to the body's ability to eliminate the virus.
Yale researchers identify molecule for detecting parasitic infection in humans
Researchers at Yale University have identified a molecule that detects parasitic infections in humans, shedding light on how the body recognizes parasites. The discovery of Toxoplasma profilin and TLR11 provides crucial information for developing novel strategies to combat parasitic infections.
Promising new West Nile therapy cures disease in mice
Researchers have developed an infection-fighting antibody that successfully cures disease in mice infected with West Nile virus, even when the virus had entered their brains. The monoclonal antibody was several hundred times more potent than natural antibodies and completely protected mice against death.
Monoclonal antibody cures West Nile virus-infected mice
Scientists have discovered a humanized monoclonal antibody that can boost survival rates of infected mice to 90% or higher. The antibody, produced by Macrogenics Inc., has potential utility against other infectious diseases and could help develop new treatments for related viruses like dengue fever.
Strongest proof yet found for prion hypothesis
Researchers at UTMB developed a method called PMCA to produce infectious prions in test tubes, causing TSE symptoms in healthy hamsters. The breakthrough confirms the prion hypothesis and opens doors for new surveillance techniques and blood tests for mad cow disease.
Virus-host interactions at sea effect global photosynthesis
Three marine phages, sequenced from cyanobacteria in low-nutrient oceans, exhibit genes adapted for infecting photosynthetic bacteria. These genes may help the host maintain photosynthesis during infection, and could influence phage ecology and range.
Fibril shape is the basis of prion strains and cross-species prion infection
Researchers find specific shapes of amyloid fibrils, not amino acid sequences, determine prion infectivity across species. This breakthrough offers insights into the mechanisms behind prion diseases and potential transmission between previously separate animals.
Vaccine against cervical cancer and genital warts shows promise
A new vaccine targeting HPV types 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts, has shown significant effectiveness in reducing persistent infection and disease. The vaccine was 100% effective against precancerous lesions and genital warts associated with these four HPV types.
Ebola virus: from wildlife to dogs
Researchers found that 12.9% of wild chimpanzees carry Ebola virus antibodies, indicating regular contact with the animal reservoir and non-fatal infections. Dogs also carry the virus, with high antibody prevalence near epidemic foci, suggesting they could become a potential source of infection for humans.
Study: obesity impairs immune response of mice, boosts chances of dying from influenza infection
A recent study found that obesity in mice significantly impairs their immune response to influenza infection, leading to a 40% mortality rate compared to lean mice. The research suggests that humans with obesity may also be at increased risk for severe outcomes from influenza.
Short-term social stress may benefit immune response to infection
Researchers found that short-term stress in mice enhanced their immune reaction to influenza, leading to faster and more successful recovery. This discovery has broad implications for vaccine development, suggesting new strategies could be developed to boost immunity against influenza and potentially other diseases.
Late developers may run higher risk of infection than sexually mature younger teens
A study of 127 young women found that those who developed physically later were more likely to contract HPV, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis. Younger, more sexually mature teens had lower infection rates due to higher estrogen levels.
Risky surgery not always necessary to treat cervical disease
Researchers explore non-surgical options for treating cervical disease, including chemoprevention and HPV vaccines, which delay or prevent cancer development. These methods allow for monitoring of infected tissues through colposcopy, providing a safer alternative to surgery.
Antibodies from plants protect against anthrax
Researchers developed plant-derived antibodies that protect against anthrax infection, providing immediate protection and a safe alternative to traditional vaccination methods. The plant-produced antibodies can be used before or after exposure and are stable for long periods, making them an attractive solution for stockpiling.
NYU study reveals how brain's immune system fights viral encephalitis
Researchers at NYU studied the body's response to viral encephalitis and found that neurons are sensitive to protective effects of type I interferons. Interferons induce pathways to fight the virus' spread but can be ineffective in certain stages, leaving infected neurons vulnerable.
Basis for DNA ejection from single phage particles
Phage nucleic acid transport poses a fascinating biophysical problem. Researchers used fluorescently labeled phage DNA to investigate the dynamics of DNA ejection from single phages, demonstrating that release is not an all-or-none process but rather a complex and stepwise process.
Retrovirus struck ancestors of chimps and gorillas millions of years ago, but not ancestral humans
Researchers discovered a retrovirus in the chimp and gorilla genome that didn't appear in human DNA. The virus, which affected ape species between three to four million years ago, may have driven evolutionary changes in chimps and gorillas.
Scientists replicate hepatitis C virus in laboratory
Researchers have successfully replicated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a laboratory setting using a new in vitro model system. The system allows for the study of HCV therapeutics and the entire virus life cycle, including replication, assembly, and release from host cells.
Cancer in patients with hepatitis C
Researchers found significantly higher risks of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma among HCV patients in Sweden. The risk increases with the duration of HCV infection, suggesting that long-lasting infection may contribute to cancer development.
Hepatitis B viral load, genotype affect liver cancer risk, study finds
A nested case-control study found that higher HBV viral loads were associated with increased liver cancer risk in Taiwanese men. Genotype C was also linked to a five-fold increased risk of HCC, with effects exacerbated by high viral load levels.
Rats infected as newborns grew up vulnerable to memory problems during an immune challenge
A study found that rats infected with E. coli as newborns had impaired memory in adult life when exposed to an immune challenge. The researchers suggested that this may be due to altered cytokine production and changes in brain architecture, potentially linking early-life infections to later disease susceptibility.
Novel antiviral technology inhibits RSV infection in mice
Researchers developed a novel antiviral treatment using RNA interference to inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in mice. The treatment, administered as a nasal drop or spray, successfully suppressed the virus's NS1 protein, preserving the host's natural antiviral defense.
Newly discovered virus linked to childhood lung disorders and Kawasaki disease
A new coronavirus has been found in children with symptoms of Kawasaki disease, a condition that also affects the lungs. The virus was detected in 73% of Kawasaki patients but only 5% of healthy children.