Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers have developed a mouse model that can be infected with the hepatitis C virus, allowing them to test new therapies and study viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 175 million people worldwide.
Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition that can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to heart failure. Researchers have identified complement and its receptors as key players in this process, shedding light on potential therapeutic approaches for treatment of human autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that the New York City outbreak of West Nile virus in 1999 may have had up to 13,000 infections, including 1,700 febrile cases. Older adults and those without mosquito repellent were at higher risk for severe illness.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that suggests barring domestic animals from bedrooms can significantly reduce Chagas disease transmission. By analyzing household dynamics, they found keeping dogs in bedrooms is the worst thing for households, while excluding infected dogs from sleeping areas virtually eliminates transmission.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have identified a protein that clears viruses from neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem but not those in the cerebral cortex. The study suggests that different combinations of antibody and T-cell immunity may be needed to control infection and recovery from encephalitis.
A UK study found that one in five patients with acute symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are unlikely to be seen at a genitourinary medicine clinic within the recommended 48 hours. The study, which surveyed healthcare staff posing as patients, also revealed that those in certain regions faced even longer waits.
Researchers propose a new model of asthma that suggests epithelial cells play a crucial role in the development of the disease. They found that IL-12 p40 production is increased in airway epithelial cells during inflammation and is overactive in people with asthma.
A new study sequenced the gene of a deadly type of Escherichia coli, revealing that it frequently picks up new DNA from other bacteria and viral genes. These newly acquired genes may contribute to the organism's virulence and make infections difficult to treat.
A study by The Wistar Institute suggests that infections can trigger autoimmunity through a normal but rare process involving memory B cells. A transgenic mouse with a self-similar influenza gene led to an autoimmune response, showing that the immune system may not eliminate all self-reactive cells.
In mice lacking b7 integrins, B cell-mediated secretion of antiviral IgA is lacking, and CD8+ T cells reach the intestinal epithelium in smaller numbers. Despite this, these cells are sufficient to clear rotavirus efficiently from the gut.
A team of researchers at NIH has developed a novel vaccine that prevents Ebola virus infection in monkeys, offering a promising new approach to protecting humans. The vaccine induces strong anti-Ebola immune responses and protects against lethal doses of the virus.
A study found that a genetic variant of the IL-8 gene is carried by over half of the UK population and increases the risk of developing severe bronchiolitis in children. The research suggests a possible genetic basis for the common childhood infection, which affects nearly all children by their second year.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that perforin and interferon gamma regulate the initial immune response and residual protective immunity. These molecules control T cell generation, survival, and differentiation, allowing for a precise balance between responding to pathogens and exhausting the immune system.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a new treatment that can reverse heart damage in children with acute myocarditis, an infection of the heart. The study used OKT3, an immunosuppressive treatment, to suppress the immune response and improve heart function in five critically ill children.
Researchers have created nanodecoy cells that can bind to viruses with sialic acid receptors, preventing them from infecting actual cells. This decoy approach could be used as a drug or on mucosal surfaces to defend against biological warfare agents, and has shown promising results in laboratory testing.
Two unique cases of West Nile virus infection reported in Neurology, showing deceptive symptoms initially misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Both patients eventually fully recovered, but highlight the need for greater awareness and testing for the mosquito-borne virus.
Researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine have developed a new therapy using bacteriophages to treat Vibrio vulnificus infections. Most mice injected with both the bacterium and a deadly bacteriophage survived what would normally be a fatal infection, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.
A study found that faucet handles and phone receivers are high-risk areas for transferring bacteria and viruses to hands and faces. This could lead to diseases like diarrhea and infection if proper hygiene is not practiced. The researchers also highlighted the potential for household items like sponges and telephones to spread infections.
A study of rural teenagers found lower asthma rates among farm-raised teens, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis in infancy strongly correlates with later development of asthma and other breathing issues. Asthma experts emphasize the need for tailored management strategies addressing different stages of the disease.
Emory University researchers suggest that glutathione could be used as a flu preventive by exposing it directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. Studies have shown that glutathione reduces cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen, but its effectiveness in preventing disease has been unclear.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a viral infection as the likely cause of mass salamander deaths in various regions. The iridovirus, typically found in insects, was detected in infected salamanders across North America and Australia.
Researchers tested commercial household disinfectants against various disease-causing organisms and found them highly effective. Natural products such as vinegar and baking soda were less successful in killing microbes, raising questions about their use for disinfection.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory create a range of metallic tags to label proteins and molecules, enabling the study of molecular structures and behavior. These tags also facilitate the tracking of antibodies and drugs within cells, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.
A new study suggests that the US may soon experience an increase in hepatitis C-related carcinoma cases due to a time difference in the spread of the virus. The study found that the incidence of hepatitis C is similar in Japan and the US, but the incidence of related heptacellular carcinoma (HCC) is eight times higher in Japan.
A Montana State University study reveals that deer mice visit buildings for food, with a higher infection rate among indoor mice due to denser populations and viral transmission through urine and saliva. The research aims to develop a way of predicting mouse populations in buildings based on environmental factors.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $14 million in grants to support research on infectious and parasitic diseases worldwide. The five-year program will help scientists identify the mechanisms of these diseases and develop new approaches for treatment.
Researchers investigated a 1992 outbreak of viral meningitis in a child care center, finding that handwashing reduced the risk of infection. Changing diapers was a key factor, with women who changed more diapers being at higher risk, while men were less likely to get infected if they washed their hands after changing diapers.
New research reveals malnutrition affects clearance of rotavirus more than immune response, suggesting a new vaccine may be effective in developing countries. The study found nourished piglets recovered faster and had less diarrhea than malnourished pigs.
Researchers found that Chlamydia proteins can trigger an autoimmune response in the host, leading to inflammation of the heart. The link between Chlamydia and heart disease appears to involve an autoimmune disorder, with similar proteins on the pathogen's surface matching those found in human heart muscle.
A study by Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found that nearly 29% of correctional health care workers frequently or always recapped used needles, increasing their risk of bloodborne infections. Inadequate hand washing rates were also common, largely due to limited access to sinks and soap.
Researchers followed 144 HMO patients with mononucleosis for six months, finding transient psychological distress common but few met psychiatric criteria. The study suggests postviral depression is rare, often caused by new stressful life events rather than viral effects.
The Gallup survey reveals that 77% of American moms whose preschool children have suffered from ear infections are concerned about the long-term effects. Despite this, many parents are unaware of how to detect middle ear fluid, which can cause complications such as hearing loss and speech delays.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated a rotaviral strain's receptors, which can be used to create a synthetic mimic that blocks the virus. The team hopes to use this alternative therapy to protect against disease without causing infection.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that cases of life-threatening heart muscle inflammation are declining in the US, corresponding with a decline in enteroviral infections. Since 1991, myocarditis was present in less than 5% of patients biopsied each year, correlating with reduced enterovirus cases reported by the CDC.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to slow down neurodegeneration in an animal model, offering hope for treatments of autosomal dominant disorders. The approach involves using ribozymes to destroy faulty messenger RNA, potentially treating conditions like Huntington's disease and ALS.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that a virus related to mononucleosis and Kaposi's sarcoma can injure arteries in mice, suggesting a possible link between viruses and vascular diseases. The study found lesions resembling early stages of human vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis.
A study of college-age women found a high incidence of HPV infection, with prevalence ranging from 20-46% in different countries. Regular Pap smears are crucial for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Researchers discovered a strain of hepatitis E virus in pigs that is similar to the human strain, but not causative of disease. The finding may contribute to the development of a vaccine and improve our understanding of the virus's transmission and prevalence.
Researchers at UNL have discovered a glycoprotein complex, p67, that correlates directly with cells' resistance to viruses. The team found that encouraging the growth of p67 could be a useful means of preventing viruses from taking over cells' reproductive machinery.
Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) found in white-tailed deer and black bears, with 56% of Midwestern patients hospitalized due to severe symptoms. Early detection is crucial for treatment with a special antibiotic, which can cure the infection in 24-48 hours.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a connection between viral infections and immune system B cells producing immunoglobin E, a protein that causes allergic reactions. The study suggests that vaccinating children against mild childhood viral diseases could reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.
Researchers identified a carbohydrate structure that Chlamydia trachomatis uses to infect cells, leading to the development of a potential preventive agent. The study found that similar carbohydrates can prevent chlamydial infection, paving the way for the creation of anti-adhesive therapies.
A new, potentially serious disease known as White Pox has been discovered on coral reefs near Key West, Florida, causing extensive damage and killing up to 80% of elkhorn coral. The cause of the disease remains unknown, but researchers are studying it to understand its origins and potential impact on the marine ecosystem.