Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced the risk of infection among NHS hospital workers in England during the second wave. The research showed that without vaccination, staff absence could have been 69% higher and infections peaked in late December 2020.
A case series of six patients reported rare skin reaction complications after receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The study aims to shed light on these unusual side effects.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection in the third trimester and increased risk of preterm birth, with women infected after 34 weeks being seven times more likely to experience preterm birth. However, no difference was found in pregnancy loss between infected and non-infected women.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended by the CDC for primary series use in US adults ages 18+, following FDA authorization. The vaccine demonstrates 90.4% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against moderate-to-severe disease. NIH and BARDA supported its development, with NIAID scientists...
A new study suggests that current vaccine boosters intensify protections against serious infection caused by Omicron subvariants. The research found that booster doses bring neutralizing antibodies to appreciable levels against all Omicron subvariants, consistent with other evidence of expanded memory B cells and antibody production.
Researchers at the Institut Pasteur and CNRS studied SARS-CoV-2 replication in bat cells, finding that viral infection triggers a powerful immune response that prevents the virus from replicating. The study uses real-time imaging techniques to visualize the speed of cell infection and the formation of syncytia.
A third of COVID-19 patients experience neurological symptoms due to SARS-CoV-2's effect on the central nervous system. Researchers now investigate mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 signaling in the CNS microvasculature with a new NIDA grant.
Gladstone researchers discovered that BET proteins play two distinct roles in interacting with SARS-CoV-2 infected human cells: giving the virus a window into cells while helping our cells defend themselves. Blocking certain BET proteins worsens disease symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted therapeutics.
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 analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.
Provincial health ministries hold COVID-19 vaccination data but have been reluctant to share it with researchers. Establishing partnerships between provinces and the Health Data Research Network would enable timely data transfer and support research into vaccine effectiveness.
According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, adolescents were found to have a significantly higher incidence rate and relative risk of COVID-19 infection from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 compared to older adults. The study analyzed data from the start of the pandemic through fall 2020 across 16 of the 19 states examined.
A new study by Yale School of Public Health researchers found that COVID-19 vaccine protection against infection and severe illness is short-lived. The study suggests that booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity and preventing breakthrough infections.
Researchers found clots in small venous and arterial blood vessels in normal-looking skin from patients with severe COVID-19, distinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness. Antiviral proteins and interferon-induced inflammatory proteins were also detected, associated with disease severity.
Scientists at UC Davis have successfully produced COVID-19 antibodies in hen eggs, which may be used as a preventative measure or treatment for people exposed to the disease. The antibodies, similar to those found in human blood, were shown to neutralize the virus effectively.
Researchers investigated long-term features of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children and adults who experienced mild infections. The study found that both groups developed similar patterns of antibody responses, indicating a shared immune memory.
Researchers developed a new method to quickly screen large numbers of molecules for activity against the nsp13 protein, which is essential for viral replication. The approach identified six promising compounds as potential starting points for antiviral drug development.
The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.
New research found that coinfection with influenza A virus can significantly suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lung. This effect can persist even after clearance of influenza A virus, suggesting potential factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 growth.
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.
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.
Researchers at Scripps Research and UC San Diego have developed a tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater, enabling public health officials to track pathogen variants more accurately. The 'Freyja' algorithm can identify new variants of concern up to 14 days before traditional clinical testing.
Researchers propose a theory on how SARS-CoV-2 infects the body, leading to hyperactivation of the immune system and post-COVID syndromes. The hypothesis suggests that molecular motifs on the spike protein interact with immune cells, causing an overreaction and mistakenly attacking organs.
A modeling study estimates COVID-19 vaccination prevented significant number of infections, hospitalizations and deaths among vaccinated US adults from December 2020 to September 2021. The study found 27 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, 1.6 million hospitalizations, and 235,000 deaths were averted through vaccination.
A study found that Omicron's neutralization capacity outperforms its predecessors, even in vaccinated individuals. Antibody levels against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 are roughly 10 times higher in vaccinated people than those with natural immunity.
A new nanoparticle vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses. The vaccine induces the production of cross-reactive antibodies that recognize virtually every SARS-like betacoronavirus strain, providing broad-spectrum protection against future pandemics.
A new analysis suggests that the COVID-19 vaccine generates antibodies targeting unique and conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The immune system's history with other coronaviruses shapes the patient's response, and the antibody response to common cold coronaviruses appears to follow different paths than to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers created an atomic-level computational model of the COVID-19 spike protein, finding that human cell modifications increase its flexibility and mobility. The study suggests that these modifications can enhance virus infectivity and immune avoidance.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that new omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are better at evading vaccines and antibody treatments than previous variants, causing more breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. Only one available monoclonal antibody treatment remained highly effective against these subvariants.
A heat-loving bacterium's Cas13 protein enables specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in a one-pot assay. The technology has been patented and clinically validated, with the aim of mass production and commercialization.
A third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine significantly lowers the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalizations, severe disease, and related deaths during the Delta variant surge. The study involved 18,000 residents of long-term care facilities in Israel.
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.
Researchers investigated SARS-CoV-2 variants and their association with croup, a breathing blockage with distinctive cough, as well as hospital and ICU admissions among children. The study found that certain variants were linked to increased risk of croup and related hospitalizations.
Researchers at the German Primate Center found that emerging Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 are inhibited less efficiently by existing therapeutic antibodies, which may reduce protection against future infections. The study suggests these variants have acquired biological traits allowing for more efficient transmission.
A laboratory study published in PNAS found that SARS-CoV-2 virus can lose 90% of its infectivity when in aerosol particles within 20 minutes. The loss is strongly dependent on low relative humidity and pH, with a decrease in airborne infectivity observed at levels below 50%.
A study by Charité researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 causes limited direct tissue damage, instead triggering an inflammatory response through alveolar macrophages. This suggests that most cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection show relatively moderate disease severity.
Researchers report that apratoxin S4, an anticancer drug candidate, can interfere with viral replication in human cells. The compound was effective against multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and Zika virus. Further studies are needed to confirm its potential as a broadly acting antiviral.
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 have discovered llama-derived immune particles that provide strong protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses, including COVID-19. These 'super-immunity' molecules, known as nanobodies, could be used to develop a fast-acting, inhalable antiviral treatment or spray.
Researchers from Osaka University found that SARS-CoV-2 infection activates the IRF1 gene and impairs insulin/IGF signaling in various tissues, including lung, liver, adipose tissue, and pancreatic cells. This disruption can lead to new-onset diabetes in some patients.
A comparison analysis found that Canada handled the pandemic well by most measures, thanks to strict policies and high vaccination rates. The analysis showed that if US vaccination and death rates occurred in Canada, about 5.9 million fewer Canadians would have been vaccinated and 68,800 more would have died from COVID-19.
Rensselaer researchers will use a five-year grant to develop novel inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus's CLpro and PLpro proteases. The team aims to create an orally bioavailable drug that can be administered at home, with the potential for improved antiviral activity when combined with other drugs like remdesivir.
Scientists discover that SARS-CoV-2 creates cellular storehouses of fat to replicate and cause disease. Compounds cutting off fatty fuel stop the virus from replicating in lab tests.
Researchers analyzed antibodies to internal and surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2, finding that profiles of internal proteins predicted survival outcomes as well as those for surface proteins. The study suggests targeting other parts of the virus could enhance COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.
Researchers will evaluate COVID-19 vaccination safety in 1,800 pregnant participants and monitor immune response. The study aims to provide information on vaccine efficacy for mothers and babies.
A Brazilian patient with a rare genetic disease was treated with breast milk donated by a vaccinated woman, boosting her IgA levels and eliminating the virus. The treatment was successful after a week, with the patient testing negative twice at ten-day intervals.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that newer Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 escape neutralizing antibodies induced by both vaccination and previous infection. These variants are now responsible for over 21% of new cases in the US, highlighting a shift in the COVID-19 landscape.
A new analysis method reveals that the original SARS-CoV-2 viral strain used a sugar binding feature to infect human cells, which was later lost in variants. This discovery raises questions about the origins of the virus and its transmission to humans.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found that a repurposed drug compound can inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV-2's main protease enzyme. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments and slow the spread of COVID-19, an RNA virus known for causing seasonal epidemics.
The study found that children diagnosed with COVID-19 in all age groups were more likely to experience at least one symptom for two months or longer than the control group. Most common symptoms included mood swings, fatigue, and trouble remembering.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 variants are formed in chronic patients with weakened immune systems, who experience prolonged infections. This leads to the accumulation of mutations, similar to those found in severe illness variants.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1.3 million patients and found females experience ear, nose, and throat issues, mood disorders, and fatigue, while males are more likely to suffer from renal disorders. Sex-disaggregated research is crucial for effective therapies and public health interventions.
A UC San Diego study suggests COVID-19 rebound symptoms after taking Paxlovid are likely caused by insufficient drug exposure, not resistance or impaired immunity. The study found the virus remained sensitive to the drug and no relevant mutations were detected.
Researchers developed a low-cost 3D model of the brain to study SARS-CoV-2's neurological effects. The adapted virus replicates 30 times more efficiently in astrocytes than neurons, highlighting the importance of these cells in central nervous system infection.
Researchers discovered that nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles damage SARS-CoV-2 viral envelope, protein, and RNA, reducing its infectivity. The particles' reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for this damage, posing a promising alternative disinfection method.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur developed potent neutralizing antibodies from convalescent COVID-19 individuals effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. These human antibodies are promising candidates for immunotherapies to prevent severe forms and/or treat COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
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.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccine immunity against new infection appears to wane rapidly, whereas people with a prior-infection were moderately protected from Omicron. Natural immunity provided strong and durable protection against severe illness.