ETIDIOH - NEW

  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 ...

  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...

  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...

  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 (...

  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...

  Antimicrob Agents Chemother LEONARD VHJ, Vidales DB, Taft BR, Hesse MJ, et al Identification and characterization of a novel inhibitor of influenza A virus that acts by blocking nucleoprotein oligomerization. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025 Dec 19:e0114925. doi: 10.1128/aac.01149. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol BEDAIR NM, Sakr MA, Mourad A, Eissa N, et al Genetic characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N8 virus isolated from commercial poultry farms in Egypt reveals zoonotic potential. Arch Virol. 2025;171:29. PubMed           Abstract available Biochemistry WESTMAN H, Hammarstrom P, Nystrom S SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Amyloid Fibrils Impair Fibrin Formation and Fibrinolysis. Biochemistry. 2025;64:4818-4829. PubMed           Abstract available Epidemiol Infect STADHOUDERS L, Hoogteijling EM, Duijts L, Lebon A, et al Trends in a...

By Thierry Leleu - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2390060 Source:  Link:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Renfe_class_307 ____

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 poses an increasing public health risk, particularly following its spillover into dairy cows and associated human infections in the U.S. since March 2024. Here, we systematically identified critical PB2 mutations emerged during avian-to-cattle transmission and subsequent adaptation in cattle , notably PB2 M631L, which conferred pathogenicity in mice comparable to the well-characterized PB2 E627K mutation . Retrospective analysis reveals that PB2 631L also circulated in avian and human H5N1 strains during the 2013–2014 outbreaks in Cambodia and Vietnam . Additional adaptive mutations include established markers ( E627K, Q591R, D701N ), and novel variants ( I647V, G685R, K736R ). These mutations enhance polymerase activity by improving the utilization of both bovine and human ANP32A proteins , thereby increasing viral fitness and pathogenicity in mammals . The convergence of these adaptations highlights the elevated zoonotic risk of c...

  Par SylvainAmbert — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111556121 Source:  Link:  https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_5800 ____

  Abstract Farmed mink are frequently exposed to circulating influenza A viruses (IAVs), as confirmed by viral isolation and serological evidence. Previous work reveals that naïve mink serve as susceptible hosts for both avian and human influenza strains , highlighting their potential role in influenza ecology . In this study, we investigated whether farmed mink naturally pre-exposed to H9 retain the capacity to serve as “mixing vessels” for reassorting human and avian IAVs. Our results demonstrate that they remain fully susceptible and permissive to infection by both avian H6N6 and human H1N1 influenza strains . Notably, efficient transmission of these viruses occurred among farmed mink, confirming their potential to sustain viral exchange . These findings indicate that farmed mink represent highly permissive hosts capable of facilitating reassortment between circulating human and avian IAVs. Given this risk, current mink farming practices may substantially increase the likelihood...

  Abstract Avian influenza virus (AIV) infections in cats are a new and not fully understood  problem  in Poland . These infections have drawn the attention of both veterinarians  and human medical  practitioners , mainly because of their zoonotic  potential , i.e. possible spreading to humans and  other mammals . In wild felids as  well as in domestic cats , AIV can cause severe infections , often  ending in death.  Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and low pathogenic avian  influenza virus (LPAIV) have been identified, with the recent H5N1 (2.3.4.4b  clade) outbreak  affecting poultry, wild birds and carnivores .  Transmission likely occurs through contact with  infected birds , their excretions or  contaminated raw poultry , while cat-to-cat transmission  remains unconfirmed .  First reported in Thailand in 2003, H5N1 infections in cats have since  occurred in  multiple c...

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus, first identified in late 2016 in Egypt, continues to circulate and has replaced the previously dominant HPAI H5N1 virus of clade 2.2.1. In this study, HPAI H5N8 was detected on 23 commercial poultry farms in Egypt . Complete genome sequences of three isolates collected in 2021 were obtained using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and subjected to genetic characterization. Phylogenetic analysis showed these isolates to belong to clade 2.3.4.4b, comprising two genotypes: EA-2021-Q and EA-2020-A . Molecular analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) protein revealed the presence of T156A and V538A substitutions in the duck isolate and an N183S substitution in the chicken isolate . Several additional nonsynonymous mutations were identified, including 147I and 504V in the PB2 protein , 127V, 672L, and 550L in the PA protein , 64F and 69P in the M2 protein , and 42S in the NS1 protein . Comparative analysis of HA antigenic sites bet...

  WASHINGTON, D.C., December 19, 2025 On December 14, 2025, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Wisconsin .  On December 17 , the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) completed whole genome sequencing and confirmed that the virus is H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1.  Analysis indicates that this detection is a new spillover event from wildlife into dairy cattle, separate from previous events. Key Points -- Most detections in U.S. dairy herds have resulted from movements linked to the original spillover event that occurred in the Texas Panhandle in late 2023, involving the B3.13 strain . -- In early 2025, through the National Milk Testing Strategy , USDA detected two spillover events in Nevada and Arizona dairy herds. Both were identified early, and no further herd infections occurred through animal movements. These events involved the D1.1 strain...

  Abstract Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly IAV (H5N1), continue to pose a major global threat due to their widespread circulation and high mortality rates in birds. Management of HPAI is complicated by challenges in conserving migratory bird populations, sustaining poultry production, and uncertainties in disease dynamics. Structured decision-making frameworks , such as those based on the PrOACT model, are recommended to improve outbreak response and guide critical actions , especially when HPAI virus (HPAIV) detections occur in sensitive areas like wildlife refuges . Surveillance data from late 2024 to early 2025 show persistent HPAI activity , with 743 detections across 22 European countries and beyond, and notable outbreaks in poultry in nations like Hungary, Iceland, and the UK . The proximity of poultry farms to water sources increases environmental contamination risks. Meanwhile, HPAI A(IAV (H5N1)) and other H5Nx viruses have been detected in a ...

  {Excerpt} Time Period: December 07, 2025 - December 13, 2025 {*} -- H5 Detection :   3 site(s) ( 0.7% ) -- No Detection :  451 site(s) ( 99.3% ) -- No samples in last week :  37 site(s) {*} Note: The H5 detection at site 2030 in Virginia is a result of a data error and is a false detection. This will be corrected in the next update. (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

{Höör Region} A farm with parent poultry. All animals were euthanized 18 December. A protection zone (3 km) and a surveillance zone (10 km) have been put in place around the infected farm and all other restrictions and necessary measures according to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and EU DR 2020/687 are applied. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7136 ____

  A poultry farm in Łódzkie Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7137 ____

  {Excerpt} Since 1997, more than 1000 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) have been reported in humans . During this time, A(H5N1) viruses have evolved into dozens of clades , showing ever-expanding phylogenetic diversification and geographical spread . Over the past 5 years, clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses have exhibited rapid global expansion in migratory birds, with spillover to an increasing range of marine and terrestrial mammalian species . Among these species are dairy cattle , not previously recognised as a permissive host for influenza A viruses (IAV), leading to widespread clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) outbreaks in herds in the USA and sporadic human infections linked with exposure to infected animals since March 2024. While person-to-person transmission has not been detected in the USA, the increased geographical distribution of and susceptibility of mammalian hosts to clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses has brought to the forefront a need to assess the pandemic risk ...

  Summary Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage pose a global threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans . Cross-species transmission events to mammals, including humans , in the past 4 years highlight this threat. For influenza A viruses, crucial determinants of cross-species and intraspecies transmission to and among mammals include attachment to and replication in respiratory airway epithelial cells . Although these determinants have been studied for H5N1 viruses in the past, limited studies for clade 2.3.4.4b viruses exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the ability of recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses to attach to human respiratory tissues, to replicate in human airway epithelial cells and the associated immune response. Methods In this in-vitro study, we investigated three H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (H5N1Gull2022, H5N1Polecat2022, and H5N1Bovine2024) in comparison with previously studied 2....