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Population #immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 is dominated by anti-neuraminidase #antibodies

By G.M.
  Abstract Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses continue to expand geographically and across mammalian hosts, raising concern about pandemic potential. The degree and specificity of pre-existing immunity in humans are key determinants of this risk. We analyzed hemagglutinin (HA)- and neuraminidase (NA)-specific antibody responses in 300 sera collected from adults in New York City. While HA directed binding antibodies to clade 2.3.4.4b H5 were low and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies were absent, we detected widespread binding and functional NA antibodies against N1 neuraminidases from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. Neuraminidase inhibition (NI) titers were highest against North American D1.1 genotype N1 viruses and correlated strongly with neutralizing activity, whereas HA-binding antibodies did not. An additional N-linked glycosylation site, as found in the NA of a human D1.1 isolate from British Columbia, reduced susceptibility to NI antibodies. An...
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Characterization of a reassortant #H3N2 swine #influenza virus with 2009 pandemic internal #genes and enhanced potential for zoonotic #risk

By G.M.
  Highlights •  A swine influenza virus H3N2 subtype was isolated during epidemiological survey. •  It is a complex and novel reassortant , and acquired accumulation of adaptive mutations. •  Both rescue and parent strains demonstrated efficient replication in mammalian cells. •  Key residues of the H3N2 HA collectively enhance the binding preference for human-type receptor. •  The rescued H3N2 cause significant pulmonary pathological damage in mice. Abstract Pigs serve as key "mixing vessels" for influenza A viruses, playing a critical role in cross-species transmission , while the H3N2 subtype represents an important lineage within the swine influenza virus (SIV) family. In this study, a novel reassortant H3N2 SIV strain , designated A/Swine/Jiangsu/YZ07/2024 , was isolated from pigs exhibiting clinical symptoms in Northern Jiangsu , China during epidemiological survey . Genetic analysis revealed that the virus is a complex reassortant, with the internal ...
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Functional and #antigenic constraints on the #Nipah virus #fusion protein

By G.M.
  Abstract Nipah virus is a highly pathogenic virus in the family Paramyxoviridae that utilizes two distinct surface glycoproteins to infect cells . The receptor-binding protein (RBP) binds host receptors whereas the fusion protein (F) merges viral and host membranes . Here, we use nonreplicative pseudoviruses to safely measure the effects of all F single amino acid residue mutations on its cell entry function and neutralization by monoclonal antibodies . We compare mutational tolerance in F with previous experimental measurements for RBP and show that F is much more functionally constrained than the RBP . We also identify mutationally intolerant sites on the F trimer surface and core that are critical for proper function, and describe mutations that are candidates for stabilizing F in the prefusion conformation for vaccine design . We quantify how F mutations affect neutralization by six monoclonal antibodies, and show that the magnitude of mutational effects on neutralization var...
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#Transmission of #Mpox Virus from fire-footed rope #squirrels to sooty #mangabeys

By G.M.
  Abstract Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV; Orthopoxvirus monkeypox), is on the rise in West and Central Africa . African rodents , especially squirrels , are suspected to be involved in MPXV emergence , but no evidence of a direct transmission to humans or non-human primates has been established. Here we describe an outbreak of MPXV in a group of wild sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys) in TaĂ¯ National Park (CĂ´te d’Ivoire). The outbreak affected one-third of the group, killing four infants . To track its origin, we analysed rodents and wildlife carcasses from the region. We identified a MPXV-infected fire-footed rope squirrel (Funisciurus pyrropus), found dead 3 km from the mangabey territory 12 weeks before the outbreak. MPXV genomes from the squirrel and the mangabey were nearly identical. A video record from 2014 showed a mangabey from this group eating the same squirrel species and diet metabarcoding of faecal samples collected from mangabeys before the outbreak identi...
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Life-Threatening #SARS-CoV-2–Associated #Encephalopathy and Multiorgan Failure in #Children, #Asia and #Oceania, 2022–2024

By G.M.
  Abstract SARS-CoV-2 infections in children occasionally manifest with severe neurologic signs . We report a case series of life-threatening encephalopathy associated with SARS-CoV-2 in 25 children in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan during February 2022–January 2024. All children had severe encephalopathy develop, characterized by rapidly progressive cerebral edema , conditions known as acute shock with encephalopathy and multiorgan failure or acute fulminant cerebral edema . Among the 25 patients, 22 (88%) eventually died ; 11 (44%) children died within 24 hours of hospitalization. In addition, 18 (72%) had illness manifest with shock, and 14 (56%) had multiorgan failure develop within 6 hours of neurologic onset. Serum concentrations of cytokines/chemokines including interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly higher within 24 hours of onset than for controls. SARS-CoV-2–associated encephalopathy cases such as those described here represent an emerging n...
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#Poland - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

By G.M.
  A slaughter turkeys operation in DolnoÅ›lÄ…skie Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7258 ____
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Emergence and #antigenic characterisation of #influenza #H3N2 viruses with #hemagglutinin substitutions N158K and K189R during the 2024/25 influenza season

By G.M.
  Abstract Background   Seasonal human influenza viruses can escape from antibody-mediated neutralization when amino acid changes occur in the hemagglutinin protein . Routine surveillance identified circulation of an A(H3N2) virus variant in the Netherlands with amino acid substitutions at hemagglutinin positions 158 and 189 . These amino acid positions were previously responsible for antigenic change of influenza A(H3N2) viruses and potentially lead to escape of this variant from vaccine-mediated immunity .  Aim   To characterize the emergence and antigenic properties of N158K and K189R double substitution virus variants .  Methods   We analyzed the geographical and temporal dynamics of the double-substitution variant using a phylogeographic approach and used hemagglutination inhibition assays and antigenic cartography methods to map its antigenic properties.  Results   A(H3N2) viruses carrying K189R were first detected in Guatemala in June 2024,...
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New contagious #skin #disease detected in #horses in #Sweden (State Veterinary Medical Institute, Feb. 11 '26)

By G.M.
  A horse in Jönköping County and one in Norrbotten County , both of which had blisters and sores on the skin on their legs, were found to be infected with a smallpox virus called equine parapoxvirus or horse parapoxvirus . It is an infection that has not previously been detected in the country . The equine parapoxvirus was detected in our neighboring country Finland for the first time in 2021 . The State Veterinary Institute, SVA, has performed DNA analysis of the virus in the Swedish cases and it turned out to be the same type as in Finland. The virus has caused outbreaks in several Finnish stables with severe skin inflammation on the horses' legs, so-called mug or rasp. The typical symptom of parapoxvirus is small blisters (pox) that burst into round sores. The virus is transmitted by direct contact but also via equipment, clothing, hands and objects. Sick horses should be kept isolated from other horses. Use disposable gloves and special clothing when handling.    – T...
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Adult #obesity and #risk of severe #infections: a multicohort study with global burden estimates

By G.M.
  Summary Background Adult obesity has been linked to specific infections, but evidence across the full spectrum of infectious diseases remains scarce . In this multicohort study with impact modelling, we examined the association between this preventable risk factor and the incidence, hospitalisations, and mortality of 925 bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infectious diseases, and estimated their global and regional attributable impact. Methods We used pooled data from two Finnish cohort studies and repeated analyses in an independent population from the UK Biobank . BMI was assessed at baseline (1998–2002 in the Finnish studies; 2006–10 in UK Biobank), and participants were categorised as having healthy weight (18·5–24·9 kg/m2), overweight (25·0–29·9 kg/m2) or obesity, classified as class I (30·0–34·9 kg/m2), class II (35·0–39·9 kg/m2), or class III (≥40·0 kg/m2). Participants were followed up through national hospitalisation and mortality registries for hospital admissions ...
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#China reported two additional #human #infections with #influenza A #H9N2 and one new case of #H10N3 (HK CHP, Feb. 10 '26)

By G.M.
  {Excerpt} Avian Influenza Report - Reporting period: February 1, 2026 – February 7, 2026 (Week 6) (Published on February 10, 2026)   -- Avian influenza A(H9N2) :  1) Guangdong Province :  - A 73-year-old woman with onset on January 17, 2026.  2) Hunan Province :  - A 2-year-old boy with onset on December 29, 2025.  -- Avian influenza A(H10N3) : 1) Guangdong Province :  - A 34-year-old man with onset on December 29, 2025.   (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk06.pdf ____
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Overcoming immune #imprinting with the #COVID19 #LP81 #mRNA #boosters

By G.M.
  {Summary} In summer 2025, the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 sublineage became dominant with more resistant variants, such as XFG, LP.8.1, and NB.1.8.1 . COVID-19 mRNA boosters were therefore updated for the 2025–2026 season to target the LP.8.1 spike .1 Previous boosters, particularly the WA1/2020+BA.5 bivalent booster , were characterised by substantial boosting of the ancestral strain , a phenomenon known as immune imprinting .2,3 We therefore evaluated whether the phylogenetically more distant LP.8.1 mRNA booster would preferentially boost currently circulating strains. Recent data from European and Asian populations have reported the immunogenicity of the LP.8.1 mRNA booster .4,5 Herein, we report the immunogenicity of the LP.8.1 mRNA booster in a US population with a different exposure history and high population immunity. We show that the LP.8.1 mRNA booster induced neutralising antibody (NAb) and binding antibody responses, primarily to the vaccine-matched L.P.8.1 variant and other curr...
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Characteristics and #Transmission Dynamics of Global #Travel-Related #Mpox Cases Caused by Clade Ib Monkeypox Virus

By G.M.
  Abstract We examined 89 travel-related clade Ib monkeypox virus cases detected in 33 countries during August 2024–July 2025 . Most cases were among men ; about one third led to secondary transmission . Secondary transmission risk was highest among sexual, then household, contacts. Those groups should be the focus of response strategies and interventions. Source:  Link:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/2/25-1530_article ____
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Decoding #antibody response to #MERS-CoV in wild dromedary #camels

By G.M.
  Significance Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains the most lethal human coronavirus , with continued zoonotic transmission from wild naturally infected dromedary camels , posing a persistent risk of spillover to humans. Despite this ongoing threat , no specific antiviral treatment has been approved. In this study, we characterize the antibody response to MERS-CoV in naturally infected dromedaries, the primary animal reservoir, and identify a panel of nanobodies (Nbs) exhibiting potent neutralizing activity . These Nbs recognize a previously unreported binding and neutralizing site on the virus spike receptor-binding domain (RBD). Their distinctive genetic, structural, and functional properties make them promising candidates for the development of effective and therapeutic interventions against MERS-CoV, as strongly advocated by global health authorities. Abstract Wild dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa have harbored antibodies against ...
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An #outbreak of highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 could impact the dairy #cattle sector and the broader #economy in the #USA

By G.M.
  Abstract The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle poses substantial risks to public health, economic sustainability of farming, and global food systems . Using a Computable General Equilibrium model , we simulate its short- to medium-term impacts on Gross Domestic Product and other macro-economic outcomes for the US and its main trading partners . We simulate impacts under the current situation and realistic and reasonable worst-case scenarios . We estimate domestic economic losses ranging between 0.06% and 0.9% of US GDP , with losses to the dairy sector ranging between 3.4% and 20.6%. Trading partners increase dairy production to compensate for the loss. Current government subsidies are about 1.2% (95% HDI: 1% to 1.4%) of output losses, and likely insufficient to incentivise farmers to step up surveillance and biosecurity for mitigating the possible emergence of H5N1 strains with pandemic potential into human populations. Source:  Link:...
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Impaired #host shutoff is a fitness cost associated with #baloxavir marboxil #resistance #mutations in #influenza A virus PA/PA-X nuclease domain

By G.M.
  Abstract The polymerase acidic (PA) protein is a subunit of the trimeric influenza A virus (IAV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the target of the anti-influenza drug baloxavir marboxil (BXM). As with other direct-acting antivirals , treatment with BXM can lead to selection of viruses carrying resistance mutations . If these mutations have negligible fitness costs, resistant viruses can spread widely and render existing treatments obsolete . Multiple BXM resistance mutations in the nuclease domain of PA have been identified, with I38T and I38M amino acid substitutions occurring frequently. These mutations have minimal to no effects on viral polymerase activity , virus replication , or transmission . However, for reasons that are not well understood, viruses with BXM resistance substitutions have not been able to compete with parental wild-type strains . The IAV genome segment encoding PA also encodes the host shutoff nuclease PA-X, which shares the endonuclease domain with PA bu...
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#Poland - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

By G.M.
  A slaughter turkeys farm in Zachodniopomorskie Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7254 ____
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#Iceland - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

By G.M.
  {Whooper Swan} __ {Eurasian Wigeon} ___ A wild Whooper Swan in HöfuĂ°borgarsvæði Region.  A wild Eurasian Wigeon in HöfuĂ°borgarsvæði Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7248 ____
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Immunogenicity, reactogenicity and #safety to assess #booster #vaccinations with #BNT162b2 or double-dose #mRNA-1273 in adults ≥75 years (EU-COVAT-1-AGED) – final report

By G.M.
  Highlights •  Randomized trial of 1st and 2nd mRNA SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination in advanced age •  Higher anti-RBD IgG level and neutralizing capacity with full-dose mRNA-1273 than BNT162b2 •  Decrease in viral neutralization capacity after 12 months against all 25 tested SARS-COV-2 variants •  Oldest population in a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination study (mean 81 yrs) ABSTRACT Background To determine long-term immunogenicity and reactogenicity of different SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccines in a population ≥75 years in a randomized trial. Methods Participants were randomised to receive either BNT162b2 30µg or double booster dose mRNA-1273 , i.e.100µg, as 3rd and 4th vaccination (1st and 2nd booster). Primary endpoint was rate of 2-fold geometric mean titre (GMT) antibody increase 14 days after vaccination targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) region of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Secondary endpoints included neutralising capacity against wild-type and 25 variants at 14 days (D...
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Efficient #replication of #influenza D virus in the #human #airway underscores zoonotic potential

By G.M.
  Abstract Influenza D virus (IDV), primarily found in livestock species, has demonstrated cross-species transmission potential , yet its threat to humans remains poorly understood . Here, we curated a panel of IDV isolates collected during field surveillance from 2011 to 2020 from swine and cattle to assess their ability to infect human airway cells as a proxy for zoonotic threat assessment. Using lung epithelial cell lines , primary well-differentiated airway epithelial cultures, and precision-cut lung slices , we demonstrated that IDV efficiently propagates in cells and tissues from the human respiratory tract , reaching titers comparable to human influenza A virus (IAV). Infection kinetics in primary porcine airway cultures and respiratory tissues mirrored those from human , suggesting similar infectivity across species. To define host responses to IDV infection, we evaluated innate immune sensing and downstream interferon signaling in human respiratory cells. IDV infection res...
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The Battlefield, Kathe Kollwitz (1907)

By G.M.
  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/kathe-kollwitz/the-battlefield-1907 ____
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