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Enhanced #genome #replication activity of pandemic #H1N1 #influenza A virus through PA #mutations

ABSTRACT The 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza A virus (IAV) is a reassortant virus with two polymerase components, PA and PB2, originating from avian IAV . Avian IAV polymerase does not function efficiently in mammalian cells without host-adaptive mutations . The mechanism by which pH1N1 replicates in human hosts is not fully elucidated , as pH1N1 does not contain the host-adaptive PB2 E627K mutation required for species-specific interaction with ANP32 , which facilitates replicase (polymerase oligomer) formation. Our previous research revealed that mutations in PA played a key role in mammalian host adaptation of pH1N1. These mutations were found in two separate domains of PA, the C-terminal (CTD) and N-terminal domains (NTD). We reported that the NTD mutations increase the expression of NP through enhanced association of GRSF1 with the mRNA transcripts. However, the role of CTD mutations, which are located at the interface of the polymerase oligomers , has not been elucidat...

#Influenza D Virus in Black #Donkeys, Northern #China

Abstract Influenza D virus (IDV) is prevalent in cattle in China , and a risk for spillover to other species exists. We detected IDV antibodies in 6/315 of black donkeys in northern China , suggesting cattle-to-donkey transmission and demonstrating the expanding host range of IDV and the need for reassessment of cross-species transmission risks. Source: Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/12/25-0666_article ____

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus #Infection in Poultry Farm #Workers, #Washington, #USA, 2024

Abstract Poultry workers in Washington, USA, were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus and recovered. The viruses were clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1, closely related to viruses causing poultry outbreaks . Continued surveillance and testing for influenza A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses remain essential for risk assessment and pandemic preparedness of zoonotic influenza viruses. Source: Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/12/25-1118_article ____

#China, three additional #human cases of #infection with #H9N2 avian #influenza virus (HK CHP, Dec. 23 '25)

{Excerpt} Avian influenza A(H9N2) : -- Guangdong Province : 1) An individual with onset in November 2025. -- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region : 2) An individual with onset in November 2025. -- Hubei Province: 3) An individual with onset in November 2025. (...) Source: Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk51.pdf ____

#Zoonotic and #Avian #Pathogen Detections in Fecal and Sediment #Samples - A Low-risk, High-throughput One Health Approach to #Surveillance

Abstract Many pathogens, both those with human spillover potential as well as avian-specific viruses, are maintained in wild bird populations . While much surveillance for influenza A viruses (IAVs) is performed annually, surveillance for other pathogens is limited. Sampling of wild birds is often time-consuming , labour-intensive, involves physically handling wild birds, often limited in sample size, and involves handling of potentially infected birds , posing an increased risk of direct exposure for personnel. Given this, additional methods for surveillance are needed. Longitudinal, bi-weekly fecal and sediment sampling was performed at various sites in southern Manitoba, Canada , particularly focused in Winnipeg from May - October 2025. Sites were chosen based on the suitability of the area for waterfowl habitat , the presence of waterfowl in the area, as well as sites in proximity to reported outbreaks of H5N1 influenza virus . Fecal and sediment samples were collected and sc...

The spatial and temporal #spread of highly pathogenic avian #influenza in North #America: Newton's Cradle hypothesis

Abstract The recent emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1- especially clade 2.3.4.4b has led to widespread mortality in poultry and wild birds and has raised significant concerns for the dairy industry and human health. Migratory waterfowl are considered the main source of infection, and we used publicly available surveillance data and bird observation data from continental North America to show clear seasonal signals correlated with waterfowl movement, both on the continental scale and in three of the four flyways . In early 2024, the virus expanded its host range , and we observed a phase transition with the loss of the seasonal signal coupled with a concomitant increase in the proportion of mammalian cases . We also identified a second harmonic , with a regional east-to-west movement with infections spreading between regional flyways , followed by local viral amplification. We likened this to the movement of balls in a Newton's Cradle with an analogy between potential and viral ...

Digest: #Reassortment-based #evolution of #H1N1 subtype Swine #Influenza Virus in #China

Abstract In a new study, Zhao et al. (2025) obtain 959 whole genome sequences of H1N1 subtype swine influenza virus (SIV) isolated from China . Their analysis of the sequences , isolated between 1977 and 2020, reveals how H1N1 lineages have co-evolved and contributed to instances of zoonotic transmission within the region. This study’s findings characterize the long-term evolutionary effects of frequent viral reassortment in SIV and highlight its potential to drive future pandemics. Source: Link: https://academic.oup.com/evolut/advance-article/doi/10.1093/evolut/qpaf262/8400336 ____

#Mpox - Multi-country external #situation #report no. 61, published 22 December 2025 (#WHO, summary)

{Summary} Highlights • All clades of monkeypox virus (MPXV) continue to circulate. - Unless mpox outbreaks are rapidly contained and human-to-human transmission is interrupted , there is a risk of sustained community transmission . • In November 2025, 48 countries across all WHO regions reported a total of 2150 new confirmed mpox cases , including five deaths ( case fatality ratio [CFR] 0.2%). - About 68% of these cases were reported in the African Region . - Four regions observed a decline in confirmed cases in November, compared to October 2025, while the European and Western Pacific regions reported more cases than the previous month. • Nineteen countries in Africa reported active transmission of mpox in the last six weeks (2 November– 14 December 2025), with 1435 confirmed cases , including seven deaths (CFR 0.5%). - Countries reporting the highest number of cases in this period are the Democratic Republic of the ...

#Influenza at the #human - #animal #interface - Summary and #risk #assessment, from 6 November to 19 December 2025 (#WHO, edited)

Influenza at the human-animal interface Summary and risk assessment, from 6 November to 19 December 2025 {1} -- New human cases {1,2}: - From 6 November to 19 December 2025, based on reporting date , the detection of influenza A( H5N1 ) in one human , A( H5N5 ) in one human , A( H9N2 ) in seven humans , and an influenza A( H1N1 ) variant virus in one human were reported officially. - In addition , one human case of infection with an influenza A( H1N2 ) variant virus was detected. -- Circulation of influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals : - High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) events in poultry and non-poultry animal species continue to be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).{3} - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also provides a global update on avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.{4} - Additionally, low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses as well a...

#UK {#Scotland} - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

~155K laying chickens’ flock. Samples taken were positive for HPAI H5N1. Birds presented clinical signs prior to testing. Source: Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7139 ____

#Remdesivir as a potent #antiviral against prototype and current #epidemic #Oropouche virus #strains (BeAn19991 and PE-IAM4637)

Highlights • We generated a recombinant reporter OROV that expresses the eGFP fluorescent protein in infected cells. • We found that remdesivir efficiently inhibited the replication of Oropouche virus (OROV) using this reporter OROV. • We demonstrated strain-dependent differences in the replication efficiency of OROV. Abstract The Oropouche virus (OROV), an orthobunyavirus transmitted by biting midges, is the causative agent of Oropouche fever , which has caused multiple outbreaks in South and Central America . During the most recent epidemic in 2023–2025, more than 25,000 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in Brazil , and no licensed antivirals have been reported to be effective date. In this study, we generated a recombinant OROV-expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (rOROV/GFP) to facilitate rapid and sensitive antiviral evaluation . Growth kinetics demonstrated that rOROV/GFP replicated less efficiently than wild-type rOROV and that the histori...

The angel of the abyss and the infernal locusts, Ende (c. 975)

Public Domain. Source: Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/ende/the-angel-of-the-abyss-and-the-infernal-locusts-975 ____

#Influenza PA #Substitutions and Genetic Diversity of #H1N1pdm09, #H3N2, and B/Victoria Viruses in #Japan During the 2023–2024 Season

Abstract We characterized influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and B/Victoria viruses circulating in Japan during 2023–2024 , focusing on lineage placement relative to WHO-recommended vaccine strains and on baloxavir resistance (PA/I38T substitutions). We enrolled 210 outpatients with influenza-like illness across eight clinics in six prefectures (October 2023–September 2024). Of these, 209 had an analyzable pre-treatment respiratory specimen for RT-PCR; hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). PA/I38T substitutions that confer baloxavir resistance were assessed by cycling-probe RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and NGS. HA phylogenies were constructed with global datasets and WHO vaccine reference strains. Of 209 pre-treatment specimens, 181 were influenza-positive (A(H1N1)pdm09 44.2%, A(H3N2) 37.6%, B/Victoria 18.2%); 51 follow-up specimens were collected ≈4–5 days after baloxavir or neuraminidase inhibitor therapy . HA phylogeny ...

#mRNA-lipid nanoparticle #vaccines provide protection against lethal #Nipah virus #infection

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans and multiple mammalian species. However, no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available against NiV infection. In this study, we developed three mRNA vaccine candidates using a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform : mRNA-F-LNP, comprising mRNA encoding the fusion protein (F); mRNA-G-LNP, containing mRNA encoding the attachment glycoprotein (G); and mRNA-GF-LNP, in which mRNAs encoding both F and G proteins were co-encapsulated at a 1:1 molar ratio. All three mRNA-LNPs induced robust and sustained immune responses in both mice and Syrian hamsters . Sera from immunized Syrian hamster showed high levels of cross-neutralizing antibodies against both NiV-Malaysia (NiV-M) and NiV-Bangladesh (NiV-B) strains. Notably, all three mRNA-LNPs conferred complete protection against a lethal challenge with NiV-M in Syrian hamsters. These findings demonstrate tha...

Effectiveness of #nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and #molnupiravir in reducing the #risk of short-term and long-term #cardiovascular complications of #COVID19: a target trial emulation study

Abstract While treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir is effective in lowering the rate of severe COVID-19 , the effectiveness of these antivirals in reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, especially among the hospitalized population, remains largely unknown . In this study, we assessed the real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir on short- and long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 using a target trial emulation design. Two target trials of COVID-19 antivirals were emulated by using a territory-wide, population-based, retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients in Hong Kong . Nine cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated in both short-term (day 0–21) and long-term (day 22–365) post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared with the control group , the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with a significantly lower one-year risk of cardiovascular mortality , composite cardiovascular complications, major adverse cardiac eve...

#Serological evidence of concurrent #Lassa virus and #SARS-CoV-2 #exposure in #Ghana- a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in infectious disease surveillance , especially in West Africa where endemic viruses including Lassa fever persist. The overlapping clinical symptoms of these two infections create diagnostic challenges and the possibility of undetected co-infections. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using archived serum samples from a nationwide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey in Ghana . 434 samples across six regions were tested for SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (IgG/IgM) using the WANTAI ELISA kit and Lassa virus IgG using ReLASV Pan-Lassa-NP-IgG ELISA. Results SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was 64.29% (n = 279) and Lassa virus IgG prevalence was 20.28% (n = 88). Of the cohort of subjects who were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, 20.79% were also seropositive for LASV IgG . Multivariate analysis revealed household size as a strong risk factor of dual exposure . Individuals from medium-sized households (...

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, Dec. 21 '25)

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol LI Q, Novosad S, Rha B, Hua H, et al Trends of bloodstream infection incidence rates among patients on outpatient hemodialysis, National Healthcare Safety Network, 2012-2021. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Dec 18:1-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2025. PubMed Abstract available Int J Infect Dis CHOI WS, Kim KH, Kim DS, Lee SH, et al Increased 30-day Mortality Risk in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Compared to Seasonal Influenza. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 17:108312. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108312. PubMed Abstract available RODGERS MA, Averhoff F, Berg MG, Anderson M, et al Robust mission-driven responses to infectious disease threats delivered by the Abbott pandemic defense coalition. Int J Infect Dis. 2026;162:108162. PubMed Abstract available J Med Virol WU Y, Yang C, Wei X, Xiao T, et al Albendazole Suppresses S...