Articles tagged with Infectious Disease Transmission
Researchers have reverse-engineered a virus linked to chronic kidney disease in cats and described its mechanism of infection. The feline morbillivirus, or FeMV, can spread from host to host through urine, similar to the zoonotic Nipah virus.
Scientists have detected monkeypox virus in the testes of macaques during acute infection and found preliminary evidence of persistent infection in two convalescent animals. The study highlights the potential for sexual transmission of the virus in humans, particularly in convalescent male patients.
The article highlights the need for a unified approach to prevent and respond to pandemics by adopting a One Health strategy. This involves targeted preparedness, drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
Research reveals myxoma virus in rabbits has regained its deadly nature, sparking concerns about human viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests that viruses don't always evolve to become milder, and monitoring is crucial to stay ahead of emerging variants.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that low concentrations of cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwash can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and viral load, regardless of variant. This antiviral effect is thought to be due to disruption of the lipid membrane surrounding the virus.
A method combining local health department data and hospital records identifies new COVID-19 outbreak waves, helping inform public health strategies. Researchers detected two large waves in Harris County, with the second taking longer to spread, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and community collaboration.
A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
Dr. Cynthia Nau Cornelissen receives $4.9 million NIH grant to explore Neisseria gonorrhoeae metal transporters that disrupt nutritional immunity, a key process preventing microbial growth and infectivity. The research aims to develop new therapeutics against 'superbug' strains and potentially create a protective vaccine.
Researchers used nematode worms to investigate factors influencing virus spillover events. They found that host species susceptibility affects whether a virus takes off in a new population. The study reveals different outcomes depending on the species, with some becoming infected and others remaining uninfected.
Researchers documented social ties between individual chimpanzees and gorillas that persisted over years and across different contexts. The study found enhanced foraging opportunities to be a key benefit of interspecies social interactions, with apes sharing knowledge of diverse plant species.
Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.
A UK-based trial found that texting young people to encourage safer sex behaviors did not reduce rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea reinfections. The study suggests that health communication interventions should be rigorously evaluated to improve outcomes for this age group.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Mathematical models suggest that only 1 in 5 COVID-19 cases were counted worldwide, resulting in an estimated 600 million to 2.4 billion actual cases globally. The wide range of estimated cases highlights the problems with accuracy of reported numbers due to data tampering, inconsistent reporting, and lack of uniformity.
Scientists analyze environmental data to find temperature, rainfall, and pastureland areas as key factors contributing to viral transmission. The researchers project that areas hospitable to Lassa virus spread may extend into Central and East Africa in the next several decades.
A literature review suggests a significant increase in monkeypox cases globally, with human-to-human transmission now the primary mode of transmission. The study highlights the need for improved surveillance and investigation into potential risk factors and treatments.
A study by the Max Planck Institute found that playing wind instruments releases fewer viruses into the air than singing, but still more than breathing quietly. Wind instruments act as filters for larger particles, reducing transmission risk, while smaller particles spread further and pose a higher risk.
Researchers engineered mosquitoes to produce compounds that stunt malaria parasite growth, reducing the risk of disease transmission. The technique could be combined with gene drive technology to drastically cut malaria transmission in real-world settings.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.
Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management studied 93 countries and found more than half willing to tolerate higher death rates without NPIs. The US, however, may face high daily death rates exceeding 1,000 per day during winter months if past responsiveness continues.
Research led by Ohio State University found that male common vampire bats withdraw socially and scale back on grooming before dying from the disease. The study suggests that the virus may not manipulate host behavior to increase transmission chances.
Researchers developed a novel, single-dose, intranasal treatment that reduces symptoms and viral shedding of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. The therapeutic interfering particle (TIP) treatment effectively blocks COVID-19 transmission in animal models.
The University of California, Davis has received a $10 million grant to continue its work on managing and preventing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Researchers will focus on finding effective methods to stop these diseases while training the next generation of public-health scientists.
Researchers protected great apes by studying tourist behavior and expectations, finding that willingness to comply with disease prevention measures varies depending on nationality, visitor experience, and effectiveness of measures. The study identified ways to improve measures to reduce disease transmission, highlighting the importance...
A population-based retrospective cohort study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, small for gestational age at birth, or stillbirth. The study concluded that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can inform evidence-based decision-making about its safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Mayotte, with over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases causing interruptions in work and healthcare services. The island's unique socioeconomic vulnerability and communication challenges affected the surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.
Scientists have developed network-based models to prioritize novel viruses for their zoonotic transmission risk, with coronaviruses found to be the riskiest. The models also ranked paramyxoviruses, such as those causing measles and respiratory tract infections, as high priorities.
Researchers compared HPV prevalence among women born in the 1980s, 1990s, and before/after vaccination periods. The study found significant differences in HPV prevalence between these groups.
A study of 57 people with mild COVID-19 found that the average duration of infectiousness was five days, and two-thirds of cases remained infectious for at least five days after symptoms began. Lateral flow tests can safely shorten self-isolation by identifying when someone is no longer contagious.
Researchers estimated long-term effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection and critical infections among 3.2 million South Korean adolescents. The study found high vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illnesses.
A recent study in Los Angeles County found that more than half of adults with Omicron variant infection were unaware of their infectious status. Health care employees had higher awareness rates than non-employees, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and testing to prevent transmission.
A Penn State research team will investigate the elements leading to Lassa virus spread from rodents to humans in Nigeria. They aim to map risk zones, understand how climate change affects spillover risk, and develop more effective disease prevention strategies.
Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.
A recent study suggests that the BCG vaccine is effective in preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children under 5 years old. However, adolescents and adults may require additional protection to maintain immunity beyond childhood. The researchers emphasize the need for booster vaccinations and new TB vaccines to supplement the BCG vaccine.
An analysis of European data found a significant link between adenovirus and severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) in children under 5. Most affected were those with adenovirus testing positive, with a notable decline in cases after week 17. The study calls for further investigation into the cause of this syndrome.
A study of over 95,000 Rhode Island residents found that completing the primary vaccination series after COVID-19 recovery significantly reduced the risk of reinfection. The study suggests that post-recovery vaccination may play a crucial role in preventing reinfection and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
A recent study from University of East Anglia compared 13 face shield styles in laboratory settings and surveyed over 600 people in Nigeria and Brazil about their views on face shields as PPE. The results showed that all face shields provided some protection, but none gave high levels against external droplets.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely jumped from animals to humans at least twice and possibly as many as two dozen times at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market's genetic diversity suggests multiple spillover events occurred, with at least two strains making successful introductions.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified four proteins in saliva that bind to and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 entry, including neutrophil elastase and histone H2A. These findings may lead to the development of methods to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 surrogates can survive on meat products in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 30 days. The study used chicken, beef, pork, and salmon, as well as viruses with spikes similar to those on SARS-CoV-2.
A study in Madrid found that private encounters and parties contributed to the outbreak, while a German study showed a shift from travel-associated to local transmission with Berlin as the epicenter. Both studies highlight the importance of targeted information for populations at risk, especially MSM.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Scripps Research developed a wastewater sequencing tool to track regional infection dynamics. This approach proved effective in identifying emerging variants and predicting COVID-19 surges, enabling early detection of cases and informing public health interventions.
A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.
Researchers found viral DNA on hospital surfaces, including patient rooms and frequently touched areas. However, the study's authors caution that surface contamination does not prove the virus can cause infection through contact.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have created a new antibody-based method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 that does not require a blood sample. This innovative approach uses interstitial fluid from human skin to detect antibodies within 3 minutes.
A review of 18 studies suggests that long distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in indoor settings, particularly with poor ventilation. The evidence supports the role of mitigation measures, such as adequate ventilation, to prevent transmission.
Researchers developed a framework to investigate the bidirectional relationship between masking and disease. They found that without proper enforcement of masking, mass vaccination may not be enough to reduce epidemic size.
Scientists detect a highly resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Austria, causing treatment failure with current antibiotics. The discovery highlights the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial surveillance and development of novel treatments to combat this growing public health concern.
A study in the Netherlands estimates a mean incubation period of monkeypox at 8.5 days, with most cases developing symptoms within 13 days after exposure. The findings support the current 21-day quarantine recommendation for preventing infectious contacts.
A new study published in mSystems demonstrates that a surface sampling method can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, improving environmental surveillance in public health labs.
Researchers found that increasing serotonin levels in mosquito blood reduces their flight speed and motivation to seek second blood meals, making them less efficient vectors of malaria parasites. This discovery provides a promising new avenue for insect-targeted interventions to prevent malaria transmission.
Researchers reviewed literature from 2000 to find only one reported case of monkeypox transmission following exposure in non-endemic areas. The study suggests a low risk of nosocomial transmission, but highlights the need for more data on exposure definitions and personal protective equipment use.
The SHIELD program employed rapid saliva testing, real-time data analysis, and fast reporting to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The program's success led to a significant reduction in cases and deaths on campus, with Champaign County experiencing a third less COVID-19 cases than expected.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a lower incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants born to vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated mothers.
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
A study analyzing 17 million patient GP records in England found that people with certain inflammatory immune conditions were at higher risk of dying or needing hospital care from COVID-19. The analysis suggests that targeting prevention strategies and early interventions towards those most at risk can help inform evidence-based policy.