Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that past COVID-19 infection does not provide full immunity against reinfection, particularly among young people. Vaccination remains crucial to prevent reinfection and transmission, even among those who have had a previous infection.
Research identifies SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging from immunocompromised hosts, leading to increased frequency of mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2 to design effective vaccines and diagnostics.
Scientists identify 234 fragment compounds directly binding to SARS-CoV-2's Nsp3 Mac1 protein, mapping chemical motifs for potential antiviral drug development. The study lays out the next steps in designing and synthesizing more elaborate molecules with promising biological effects.
Research from the Rhineland Study in Bonn, Germany, suggests that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline significantly within 4-5 months after infection. The study found that only about one-third of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies actually had specific antibodies against the virus.
The novel P.1 SARS-CoV-2 lineage emerged in November 2020, exhibiting 17 mutations, including those in the spike protein, making it more transmissible and lethal than its predecessor. Enhanced global genomic surveillance is critical to address increased transmission and immune evasion
A new study found that all six currently identified SARS-CoV-2 variants are widely spread across the Houston metropolitan area. Genome sequencing data showed geographically widespread dissemination of variants, with successful patient-to-patient transmission among communities.
Researchers created human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived intestinal organoids to study SARS-CoV-2's effects on the gut. This new model enables testing of potential therapeutics and identifying common disease mechanisms that can be targeted by drugs.
A recent NIH workshop highlighted the need for further research on post-acute COVID-19, a condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and long-term effects. The workshop presented important knowledge gaps in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of PASC.
A team from TUM and Max Planck Institute analyzed over 1200 samples of human lung cells reacting to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, identifying 1484 interaction points between viral and cellular proteins. This knowledge will help identify vulnerability hotspots for new therapies.
A new study finds that pre-pandemic children have higher frequencies of convergent B cell clones for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, while adult blood shows few such clones. The research suggests that early childhood B cell clonal expansions may stimulate cross-reactive memory, leading to better responses to novel pathogens.
A team from Osaka University and Hokkaido University has developed a quick PCR-based reverse genetics system for analyzing SARS-CoV-2 mutations. This system allows for the examination of biological features of mutations in a matter of two weeks, significantly faster than previous methods that took several months.
A new University of Manitoba-led research study found that children are less infectious with SARS-CoV-2 than adults, indicating safer in-person learning and daycare environments. The study analyzed samples from 175 children and 130 adults, revealing lower viral loads in the pediatric group.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences from seven asymptomatic LTCF patients, revealing specific SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study suggests that these variants may be associated with a reduced risk of severe illness in asymptomatic individuals.
A recent study has linked Interleukin-33 to immunity against Sars-CoV-2. The researchers found that memory T cells and high levels of antibodies persisted in recovered patients, suggesting a strong immune response. This discovery could pave the way for better understanding of Sars-CoV-2 immunity and potential therapies.
New research reveals how the immune system influences SARS-CoV-2 evolution, with potential implications for COVID-19 treatment and vaccines. Studies show that immune responses can lead to the emergence of new virus strains, highlighting the need for periodic updates to remain effective.
A German study found that preschool and school children were more infected with SARS-CoV-2 than previously reported cases during the second wave. Antibody tests revealed a significant increase in infections among both age groups, with antibody frequencies up to eight times higher than those reported via PCR testing.
The study analyzed in-hospital mortality rates among US patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection over time, highlighting the impact of aging and pre-existing health conditions on patient outcomes. The analysis revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among older adults and those with comorbidities.
A case series examines the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes in newborns' eyes, finding potential ocular complications. The study suggests that gestational exposure to maternal COVID-19 may lead to increased risk of eye problems in newborns.
Researchers analyzed anonymized smartphone data to predict COVID-19 outbreaks, finding a 10% increase in mobility outside the home correlated with a 25% increase in weekly SARS-CoV-2 growth rates. The study provides insights into estimating restrictions needed to control the pandemic.
Researchers compared images of COVID-19 vaccine-induced protein spikes to those of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and found a high degree of similarity, suggesting the vaccine's ability to trigger an immune response.
Researchers identified a newly associated mucocutaneous eruption in a pediatric patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study presents the first case of this dermatologic presentation linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A recent Johns Hopkins Medicine study compared inpatient and outpatient surgical volumes during the pandemic and found significant declines, especially in regions hardest hit. Outpatient volumes recovered quickly, while inpatient volumes improved to near-pre-pandemic levels by September 2020.
A new interactive tool, SpillOver, prioritizes wildlife-origin viruses based on their risk of spreading to humans. The tool identifies 12 known human pathogens and several newly discovered viruses as being at high risk of spillover.
A large health system study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 testing and an increased incidence of outpatient and hospital-associated blood clots in adults. The 30-day risk was higher for women and individuals with certain underlying medical conditions.
A novel nanoparticle vaccine, called spike ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN), is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial at WRAIR. The vaccine has shown promise in inducing potent and broad neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 variant was unknowingly spreading in the US by October 2020, with evidence suggesting it had arrived in at least 15 countries by mid-November. Researchers estimate that travelers from the UK introduced the variant to these countries between Sept. 22 and Dec. 7, 2020.
A new model of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein reveals potential new vaccine targets, including spots with minimal glycan shielding. The researchers identified novel sites and confirmed their vulnerability through lab experiments.
A new study by the USGS found that the risk of COVID-19 transmission to North American bats is low, with a risk of 1 in 1,000 if no protective measures are taken. The risk falls lower with proper use of personal protective equipment or if scientists test negative for COVID-19 before beginning research.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that COVID-19 cases are driven by emerging coronavirus variants. The researchers developed a metric called GENI to measure virus variation and its link to transmission rates, showing effective control of spread with measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.
The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the US, with a 40-50% increase in transmissibility compared to previous dominant variants. The analysis suggests that future case numbers and mortality rates will be higher than expected.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to replicate at temperatures typical of the upper airways, whereas replication of SARS-CoV was not impacted by temperature. This understanding provides new insights into virus-host interactions and potential targets for intervention strategies.
The NIRVANA test can diagnose COVID-19 in minutes, track SARS-CoV-2 variants, and detect other viruses like influenza. It uses isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with real-time nanopore sequencing.
The NIH has started a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Moderna's COVID-19 variant vaccine, mRNA-1273.351, designed to protect against the B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2 variant. The trial enrolls approximately 210 healthy adult volunteers and aims to assess the reactogenicity and immune response of the vaccine.
A study found that US nursing home residents with underlying health conditions, older age, and those living in facilities with poor ventilation were at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study also showed that hospitalization and mortality rates were higher among these groups.
Researchers discovered that the widely available Topotecan (TPT) inhibits inflammatory genes in the lungs of mice as late as four days after infection, improving infection outcomes. The drug, an FDA-approved Topoisomerase I inhibitor, could be a valuable global strategy for treating severe COVID-19 cases.
A study of 11 autopsy cases reveals high viral loads in lungs causing significant damage, but also detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA in other tissues without visible damage. This suggests the immune system may be unable to respond adequately to the virus' presence in the blood.
The 'Compact Cell-Imaging Device' project aims to advance research into viral diseases by developing a miniaturized soft X-ray approach. This method allows for three-dimensional imaging of intact cells and can reveal changes induced by viral infections, making it an attractive tool for studying SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found that CD8+ T cells in recovered COVID-19 patients can recognize virtually all mutations in recent SARS-CoV-2 variants, offering protection against emerging strains. This suggests that vaccination may still be effective against new variants, and booster vaccinations may be needed to maintain immunity.
A team of researchers re-examines the effectiveness of sunlight in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding that results contradict previous theories and suggest an alternative mechanism involving UV-A light. This discovery could lead to new management strategies using widely available UV-A radiation.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a VaNGuard test that can detect the virus causing COVID-19, even with mutations. The test uses gene-editing tool CRISPR and yields results in 30 minutes, making it faster and more affordable than traditional tests.
Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a previously unknown interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 receptors in human cells, which strengthens the virus-cell interaction. This finding may partially explain COVID-19's higher infection rate compared to SARS.
The UK variant B.1.1.7 is neutralized by 95% of serum samples from infected individuals, while the South African variant B.1.351 requires six times higher antibody concentrations to be neutralized effectively. Vaccinated individuals also show reduced efficacy against the South African variant.
A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found SARS-CoV-2 positivity among asymptomatic-screened dental patients, with a 0.5% test positivity rate over 13 weeks. The COVID-19 positivity rate in this patient group mirrored the underlying community prevalence at the time.
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect specific cells in the salivary gland, which could play a role in transmission to the lungs or digestive system via saliva. The study found live cells from the mouth were present in saliva and the virus replicated within these infected cells.
Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic evolution of common cold coronaviruses, comparing with SARS-CoV-2. They found SARS-CoV-2 changes at a rate four times slower than the influenza virus, but still expected to need regular updates due to rapid evolution during pandemic.
A study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells in the mouth, potentially explaining widespread symptoms and enabling transmission through saliva. The study revealed RNA for viral entry proteins in certain oral tissues, suggesting these regions are susceptible to infection.
Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells in the mouth, leading to oral symptoms like taste loss and dry mouth. The study suggests saliva may play a role in transmitting the virus to the lungs or digestive system.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and P.1 are less inhibited by antibodies from recovered or vaccinated individuals, undermining current vaccination strategy. The study suggests limiting viral spread to control emerging variants.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have identified a potential new drug candidate against COVID-19, by developing peptides that mimic the ACE2 receptor and prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding. This approach aims to prevent viral entry into host cells, thereby preventing infection.
Researchers found that tilorone, quinacrine, and pyronaridine effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication in human-derived cell lines. The compounds showed mixed results against other viruses, highlighting the need for testing across multiple cell lines.
A recent study found that older adults in Finland primarily left their homes for physical exercise and walking outdoors during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite government restrictions, these individuals prioritized physical activity over other activities.
Mass testing campaigns in Slovakia significantly decreased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, with the highest reductions observed in high-prevalence counties. The study found that rapid antigen testing, combined with isolation of those who tested positive, resulted in a substantial decrease in transmission
Patients treated with infliximab have impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, increasing susceptibility to recurrent COVID-19. The drug also impairs the immune system's ability to generate antibodies after vaccination.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differ significantly among children, adolescents, and young adults. The research has important implications for understanding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and informing public health strategies.
New research published in CMAJ finds COVID-19 infection during pregnancy associated with increased risks of preeclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm birth. Pregnant individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in China as early as mid-October 2019. The virus likely dies out naturally more than three-quarters of the time without causing an epidemic.
A study found no evidence of increased risk during the first wave of the UK pandemic, but small increased risks of infection and hospital admission in adults living with children. The researchers conclude that close monitoring will be crucial as schools reopen.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.
A large-scale study of 630,000 patients found significant disparities in COVID-19 outcomes between White and non-White minority groups. Hispanic patients were more likely to test positive and experience severe symptoms despite younger age.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in Hubei province at low levels in early-November 2019, possibly as early as mid-October 2019. The virus had established itself in Wuhan by the time COVID-19 was first identified.