Characterization of atypical #Ebola virus disease in #ferrets

 

Abstract

Ebola virus (EBOV) infection typically results in severe—and often lethal—acute disease. However, increasing evidence suggests that EBOV can persist in certain immune-privileged tissues, which may then serve as reservoirs for the later reemergence of EBOV and disease recrudescence. Here, we report atypical EVD recrudescence in a ferret model inoculated with an otherwise lethal dose of EBOV and treated with low doses of a highly potent monoclonal antibody cocktail. Among 32 antibody-treated ferrets, 14 animals survived, while 8 succumbed to acute EVD within about 5–8 days. The remaining 10 animals succumbed to atypical EVD between 12 and 18 days post-infection (DPI) despite having shown no, or very minor, signs of illness during the acute phase of disease. While viremia disappeared by 14 DPI in most animals that succumbed to atypical EVD, it rebounded modestly just prior to death. Unlike animals that died of acute EVD, those that died of atypical EVD showed only a moderate systemic inflammatory response and few signs of organ dysfunction, in line with low levels of virus in the liver and spleen. Interestingly, however, ferrets that died of atypical EVD showed high levels of virus in the brain, consistent with increased markers of inflammation in the central nervous system and significant pathological changes, including a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier and severe meningoencephalitis. Not only does this study shed important light on the atypical and underappreciated manifestations of EVD, but it also establishes the ferret as a valuable model of EBOV recrudescence.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1013916

____

#WHO leads #response to cruise #ship #hantavirus #outbreak (UN News Centre, May 4 '26)

 

By Vibhu Mishra | 4 May 2026 

An outbreak of deadly hantavirus aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has triggered an international public health response.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating evacuations and risk assessments following the death of three people and multiple suspected infections. One patient remains in intensive care in South Africa.

To date, one case has been confirmed after verification in a laboratory, but there are five additional suspected cases among those on board.  

“This is a serious but contained event and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage,” said Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.  

Focus on saving lives

“Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” he added.

The agency’s Bhanu Bhatnagar told UN News that infections of the virus are uncommon and usually linked to infected rodents.

“They can be severe in some cases, and they are not easily transmitted between people. The risk to the wider public remains low at this time, and there’s no cause for concern or travel restrictions.”

Worldwide, at least 10,000 and perhaps more than 100,000 infections occur every year; most are in Asia and Europe.

In humans, symptoms usually begin between one and six weeks after exposure to an infected carrier and typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

International cooperation

The UN health agency is working closely with countries involved and the ship’s operators to support medical care, coordinate evacuations and conduct a full health risk assessment.

Two symptomatic passengers are being medically evacuated, while passengers and crew on board are receiving monitoring and support.

Investigations into the outbreak are ongoing, including laboratory testing, epidemiological tracing and genetic sequencing of the virus.

WHO has also informed national authorities under the International Health Regulations and is preparing a public disease outbreak news update.

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167433

____

Press #update: #timeline of the #medical situation on board the m/v #Hondius by #Oceanwide Expeditions (04.05.2026)

 

4 May 2026, 13:30 PM CET

Oceanwide Expeditions is still dealing with a serious medical situation on board the m/v Hondius, which is currently off the coast of Cape Verde.

A brief timeline of the medical situation on board the m/v Hondius is as follows:

-- On 11 April, a passenger died on board. 

- The cause of death could not be determined on board. 

-- On 24 April, this passenger was disembarked on St Helena, with his wife accompanying the repatriation.

-- On 27 April, Oceanwide Expeditions was informed that the wife had become unwell during the return journey and had later died. 

- Both passengers were Dutch nationals. 

- At this time, it has not been confirmed that these two deaths are connected to the current medical situation on board.

-- On 27 April, another passenger became seriously ill and was medically evacuated to South Africa. 

- This person is currently being treated in the intensive care unit in Johannesburg and is in a critical but stable condition. 

- This passenger is of British nationality. 

- A variant of hantavirus has been identified in this patient.

-- On 2 May, another passenger on board died. 

- The cause has not yet been established. 

- This passenger was of German nationality.

- In addition, there are currently two crew members on board with acute respiratory symptoms, one mild and one severe. 

- Both require urgent medical care. 

- These crew members are of British and Dutch nationality. 

-- At this time, no other persons with symptoms have been identified.

- Hantavirus has not currently been confirmed in the two persons still on board who require medical care. 

- Nor has it been established that the virus is connected to the three deaths associated with this voyage. 

- The exact cause and any possible connection are being investigated. 

- Therefore, the only confirmed case of hantavirus is the passenger who was medically evacuated and is now being treated in Johannesburg.

- The vessel remains off the coast of Cape Verde. 

- There are 149 people on board, representing 23 different nationalities. 

- The disembarkation of passengers, medical evacuation and medical screening require permission from, and coordination with, the local health authorities. 

- Local health authorities have visited the vessel and assessed the situation. 

- The medical transfer of the two ill persons on board has not yet taken place.

- Oceanwide Expeditions is working closely with local and international authorities, including the WHO, the RIVM, relevant embassies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

- At the same time, preparations are being made for possible medical repatriation and next steps. 

- The option of sailing on to Las Palmas or Tenerife are being considered to be the gateway for disembarkation, where further medical screening and handling could take place.

- Strict precautionary measures are in process on board, including isolation measures, hygiene protocols and medical monitoring. 

- All passengers have been informed and are being supported.

- Oceanwide Expeditions is in close contact with those directly involved and their families, and is providing support where possible.

- We understand the considerable interest and concern and will share new information as soon as it has been verified. 

The nationalities of passengers and crew are as follows:   

[Nationality - Passengers - Crew]

1) Spain - 13 - 1

2) France - 5 - ...

3) Germany - 7 (*) - 1

4) Great Britain - 19 - 4

5) Canada - 4 - ...

6) Australia - 4 - ...

7) USA - 17 - ...

8) Greece - 1 - ...

9) Japan - 1 - ...

10) Netherlands - 8 - 5

11) Turkey - 3 - ...

12) Belgium - 2 - ... 

13) Ireland - 2 - ...

14) New Zealand - 1 - ...

15) Argentina - 1 - ...

16) Poland - ... - 1

17) Russia - ... - 1

18) Philippines - ... - 38

19 Ukraine - ... - 5

20) India - ... - 2

21) Portugal - ... - 1

22) Montenegro - ... - 1

23) Guatemala - ... - 1

-- Total - 149 - 88 - 61

(*) including 1 deceased  

__

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/press-update-timeline-of-the-medical-situation-on-board-the-m-v-hondius

____

#Niclosamide Inhibits the #Replication of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5Nx Viruses and Antiviral-Resistant #Mutants

 

Highlights

• Niclosamide blocks the replication of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses

• Niclosamide is effective against H5 viruses with antiviral-resistant substitutions

• Niclosamide has potential as host-targeting anti-influenza drug

Abstract

The recurrent spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses into humans represents a major public health concern that is exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant viral variants. Host-targeting antiviral approaches, including drug repurposing, offer a promising alternative to conventional virus-directed therapeutics. Here, we evaluated the antiviral activity of niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug, against four HPAI A(H5Nx) viruses, two A(H5N1), one A(H5N6), and one A(H5N8), recently isolated from human cases. Niclosamide inhibited all four viruses in plaque reduction assays with MDCK cells, with low inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) values (0.68–1.40 μM) and minimal cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. These values were more potent than the IC50 values observed for the RdRp inhibitor favipiravir. Niclosamide treatment plus either baloxavir marboxil or favipiravir resulted in additive or near-additive interactions, as indicated by synergy scores of ±10. Importantly, niclosamide retained antiviral activity against HPAI A(H5Nx) viruses bearing resistance-associated amino acid substitutions (i.e., PA-I38T, baloxavir resistance and PB1-K229R, favipiravir resistance), consistent with its host-directed mechanism of action. Although there are barriers to be overcome such as a narrow therapeutic window, largely attributable to its poor bioavailability and some cytotoxicity, our findings suggest niclosamide has potential as a host-targeting therapeutic option against emerging zoonotic influenza viruses, particularly in settings involving antiviral-resistant escape mutants.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016635422600080X?via%3Dihub

____

Three dead in suspected #hantavirus infection #outbreak on cruise #ship: #WHO (UN News Centre, May 4 '26)

Three people have died and three others are ill following suspected cases of hantavirus infection on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday.

WHO is supporting the response, noting that one case of the rodent-borne disease has been confirmed so far and there are five additional suspected cases.  Detailed investigations are ongoing, including further laboratory testing.

Of the six people affected, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa. 

“Medical care and support are being provided to passengers and crew. Sequencing of the virus is also ongoing,” WHO said in a statement posted on X.

Rapid action critical

In a separate tweet, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency “is facilitating medical evacuation of two symptomatic passengers, conducting a full risk assessment, and supporting affected people onboard.”

He stressed that “rapid, coordinated action is critical to contain risks and protect public health.”

Hantavirus infection is a rare disease linked to infected rodent droppings or urine that can cause life-threatening respiratory problems. 

The cruise liner—operated by a Dutch company—left Argentina three weeks ago and was ultimately heading for the Canary Islands but is currently sitting off the coast of Cabo Verde in West Africa, according to media reports.

WHO has also informed its National Focal Points in accordance with the International Health Regulations, the 2005 treaty that outlines countries' rights and obligations in managing public health risks, events and emergencies that could potentially cross borders.

A public notice also will be issued.

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/05/1167431

____

Three dead on #hantavirus - hit cruise #ship (RTHK, May 4 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

Three people have died on a cruise ship in the Atlantic, the World Health Organisation said on Sunday, one a confirmed case of hantavirus – an illness usually transmitted to humans from rodents.

The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius, travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde.

"To date, one case of hantavirus infection has been laboratory confirmed, and there are five additional suspected cases," the WHO told AFP.

"Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa."

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1853432-20260504.htm

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Diesel Multiple Unit 844.001 ČD in Cerhenice

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

By PetrS. - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19896613

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Czech_locomotive_classes

____

Cardsharps (I Bari), Caravaggio (c.1594)

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/caravaggio/cardsharps-1594-1

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Romanian CFR 77-0913-2 Autorail at Pitești Station

 {Click on Image to Enlarge}

By Ștefan Pușcașu - http://cfr.stfp.net/?op=C&class=77, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25390809

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_stock_of_the_Romanian_Railways

____

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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2519951123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Vaccine

34. LIU Y, Jia M, Mu X, Jiang B, et al
    Designing equitable influenza vaccination services for older adults in rural China: A discrete choice experiment.
    Vaccine. 2026;82:128590.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
35. SILVA LL, Lopes VDS, da Silva DCB, Nemer CRB, et al
    Global overview of vaccine trust: Evidence from a scoping review.
    Vaccine. 2026;79:128482.
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36. JAMES E, Christie S, Boye B, Githieya D, et al
    How to leverage social media to build confidence in COVID-19 vaccines: findings and lessons learned from nationwide campaigns in four countries.
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37. MALDEN DE, Ackerson BK, Gee J, Peryer MA, et al
    Self-reported reactogenicity of RSV vaccines among older adults: a post-licensure study within a large integrated healthcare system in Southern California.
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38. FANTIN R, Das S, Loria V, Calderon A, et al
    Hybrid immunity provides stronger protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection than vaccination alone: Evidence from a population-based active monitoring study.
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39. DENG L, Barton B, Choi P, Clarke L, et al
    Clinical, psychological and quality of life outcomes up to 12-months following thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after ChAdOx1-S (AZD1222) vaccination in Australia.
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40. BRIGGS K, Gingerich MC, Gingerich A, Johnson SK, et al
    Intranasal PIV5-vectored SARS-COV-2 KP.2 vaccine protects against homologous and heterologous challenge in mice and hamsters.
    Vaccine. 2026;79:128490.
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41. AZEEZ R, Ames SR, Lotoski LC, Winsor GL, et al
    Predictors of SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike IgG antibody levels following two COVID-19 vaccine doses among children and adults in the Canadian CHILD Cohort.
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42. ROOYAKKERS A, Ye L, Cahn PE, Ruiz-Palacios GM, et al
    Relative efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity analysis of two doses versus one dose of recombinant coronavirus vaccine (adenovirus type 5 vector) in adults 18 years and older: an international, multicentre, randomized, double blinded phase 3 trial.
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43. STRAUTINS K, Foong R, Carcione D, Spencer P, et al
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44. AIZAWA Y, Shobugawa Y, Tachikawa J, Ikuse T, et al
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45. LLOYD PC, Shah PB, Zhang HT, Shah N, et al
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46. MADNI SA, Olson CK, Zauche LH, Machefsky A, et al
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47. GIOVANATTI A, Shapiro AE
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48. GUARDALINI LGO, Martins IM, Bernardino TC, Quintilio W, et al
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Rapid #risk #assessment: #Chikungunya virus disease, #Global (WHO, 24 April 2026, v2, summary)

{Summary)

Overall Risk statement

-- This rapid risk assessment aims to assess the overall public health risk posed by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission in 2026 at the global level. 

-- It considers the potential risk to human health, the likelihood of geographical spread, limitations in prevention and control capacities, and the influence of regional seasonal patterns that favour Aedes mosquito activity, which could drive outbreaks during the 2026 transmission season. 

-- Chikungunya virus poses a significant and growing global health risk due to large and widespread regional outbreaks in recent years, lack of specific treatment, limited use of vaccine, and climate- and conveyance-driven mosquito range expansion, with increasing international travel. 

-- While mortality remains relatively low, the CHIKV infection can cause prolonged arthritis with disability as well as severe illness in some patients.

-- In 2025, an overall of 502 264 CHIKV disease cases including 208 335 confirmed cases, and 186 deaths were reported globally from 41 countries and territories, including autochthonous and imported cases in travellers. 

-- From 1 January to 31 March 2026, Chikungunya transmission was reported by 18 countries, with the vast majority of cases occurring in the Region of the Americas. 

-- Brazil and Bolivia account for 87% of cases in the Region; together with Argentina, Suriname, and Cuba, these five countries represent approximately 99% of reported cases. 

-- The European Region reported the second-highest number of cases, predominantly reported from French overseas departments, particularly Mayotte and La Réunion. 

-- Global aggregation is limited due to incomplete reporting.

-- With the rainy season about to begin in many regions in the coming months, cases of CHIKV are expected to rise, as rainfall events create favourable conditions for Aedes mosquito breeding and increase the risk of CHIKV transmission, including in previously unaffected areas. 

-- Transmission dynamics will also be impacted by the population immunity acquired from outbreaks in recent years. 

-- Peak CHIKV transmission months in the respective WHO regions include:

• Southeast Asia & Western Pacific: May–October

• Americas: May–November (Northern hemisphere)/November–March (Southern hemisphere)

• Continental Europe: June–September (main season) (transmission in overseas departments aligns with climatic conditions within their geographic location/proximity)

• Africa & Eastern Mediterranean: During/after local rainy seasons (varies by country)

-- The global public health risk posed by CHIKV transmission is assessed as moderate. 

-- This takes into account the widespread transmission and outbreaks across multiple WHO regions in 2025, which continued into early 2026, including in areas with previously low or no transmission. 

-- Ongoing transmission in parts of the Indian Ocean region, such as Seychelles, Mauritius and Mayotte demonstrates continued regional activity. 

-- The resurgence and emergence of cases in new geographic areas are facilitated by the presence of competent Aedes mosquito vectors, limited population immunity, favorable environmental conditions, and increased human mobility coupled with under-performing/disrupted health systems, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable countries- leading to poor control measures.

-- The uneven distribution of cases across regions complicates the interpretation of a global trend but highlights significant localized transmission. 

-- Prevention and control capacities remain challenged by gaps in surveillance, equitable access to quality-assured diagnostics and laboratory confirmation, healthcare infrastructure, and sustained vector surveillance and control management.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-rapid-risk-assessment---chikungunya-virus-disease--global-v.2

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#Replication Efficiency of Contemporary Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Virus Isolates in #Human #Nasal Epithelium Model

 

Abstract

Replication of influenza A virus in human nasal epithelium affects transmissibility and disease. We compared virus replication and immune responses in human nasal epithelium infected with seasonal and highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses. Contemporary H5N1 viruses replicated better than the historical isolate; however, interferon response to B3.13 genotype viruses was dampened.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/5/26-0053_article

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Severe Respiratory Illness and Death Associated with #Outbreak of #Human #Rhinovirus B14 among Older Adults, #France, 2024

 

Abstract

We investigated an outbreak of unknown respiratory disease and 8 deaths among older adults in a long-term care facility in France. We identified human rhinovirus (HRV) by quantitative PCR and HRV-B14 by metagenomics. We obtained 5 HRV-B14 genomes that diverged from 5 publicly available genomes. Real-time metagenomics could enable rapid clinical diagnoses.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/5/25-0981_article

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#Human #infections with avian #influenza #H5 viruses with potential #pandemic #risk: 1997–2025

 

ABSTRACT

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have caused sporadic human infections since 1997, with recent detections in the Americas and Asia. However, the evolutionary dynamics of different HPAI A(H5) viruses at the animal–human interface, along with their associated disease severity, propensity for animal-to-human (zoonotic) spillover, and human-to-human transmission potential, remain unclear. Here, we combine available genetic and epidemiological data with mechanistic models to better understand the global spread of HPAI A(H5) viruses that spilled over to humans in 1997–2025. Analysis of 7445 subsampled hemagglutinin gene sequences revealed frequent regional succession of HPAI A(H5) virus clades that varied by geographic location. The 1104 reported human HPAI A(H5) cases exhibited subtype- and clade-specific heterogeneity in age, gender, and exposure sources (p < 0.001). After adjusting for under-reporting, we estimated case-fatality risk to be low for HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.02%–3.9%) and for A(H5N6) clades 2.3.4x (0%, 0%–1.1%) and 2.3.4.4b (1.6%, 0.7%–3.2%), compared with other A(H5) clades (range: 4.7%–15.0%). We also show that, while the transmissibility of HPAI A(H5) viruses between humans remains very low to date (mean Rt: 0.10–0.23), zoonotic transmission has increased with the emergence of bovine-origin clade 2.3.4.4b (incidence: 7.85 per million people per year), relative to other avian-origin A(H5) clades (range: 1.54–5.04 per million people per year). Although other factors such as exposure sources, routes of transmission, immune function, underlying medical conditions, and clinical management can influence outcomes of case-patients, these findings highlight the ongoing pandemic threat posed by HPAI A(H5) viruses and the need for ongoing comprehensive surveillance, genotypic and phenotypic characterization, and preparedness.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/13/7/nwaf471/8317928

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, May 1 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: April 19, 2026 - April 25, 2026

-- A(H5) Detection: 11 site(s) (2.6%)

-- No Detection: 414 site(s) (97.4%)

-- No samples: 117 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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Mechanistic #modelling of highly pathogenic avian #influenza: A scoping #review revealing critical gaps in cross-species #transmission models

 

Abstract

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, particularly subtypes such as H5N1 and H7N9, have caused widespread outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, livestock and occasionally humans, raising concerns about cross-species transmission and pandemic potential. Effective control and surveillance strategies require a thorough understanding of HPAI transmission dynamics, which can be supported by mathematical modelling.

Objective

This scoping review aimed to identify mechanistic models used to study HPAI transmission. Specifically, we sought to categorize model types, describe their application contexts (e.g., wild birds, poultry, livestock, and humans), and highlight modelling gaps relevant to understanding and mitigating the risks of HPAI spread.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines and the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), we conducted systematic searches of PubMed and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies employing deterministic and stochastic models to analyze HPAI transmission. Eligible articles published between January 2023 and June 2025 were screened and grouped by model structure, host populations, transmission pathways, and modelling objectives.

Results

After screening, 30 studies published after 2023 were included in this scoping review. Compartmental models were the most common (26 studies), with 16 deterministic and 10 stochastic approaches. These models were primarily used to describe transmission among wild birds, poultry, livestock, and humans and to evaluate interventions such as culling, vaccination, and movement restrictions. Agent-based models (2 studies) captured individual-level interactions and spatial heterogeneity, while network models (2 studies) represented contact structures and transmission pathways between farms or species.

Conclusions

Currently, mechanistic modelling of HPAI is dominated by compartmental approaches, including both deterministic and stochastic formulations, whereas agent-based and network models remain relatively underused. Although most studies focus on transmission in wild birds and poultry, and in some cases spillover infections to humans, few explicitly examine infection dynamics in livestock or in transmission between livestock and humans, despite the importance of livestock (e.g., cattle) as potential intermediaries in human infection. Key gaps persist in the integration of empirical data, representation of multi-host interactions, and evaluation of realistic intervention strategies. Addressing these limitations is essential to improve predictive accuracy and to strengthen the role of modelling in informing HPAI surveillance and control.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0347929

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Prior #immunity to seasonal #influenza #H3N2 virus confers varying levels of cross - #protection against challenge with clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1, #H7N9, or #H9N2 virus in a #ferret model

 

ABSTRACT

Evaluating how prior immunity to seasonal influenza viruses influences subsequent zoonotic influenza A virus (IAV) infection in animal models is critical for pandemic preparedness. In this study, we investigated the cross-protective effect of pre-existing A(H3N2) immunity in ferrets challenged with three distinct subtypes of zoonotic IAVs: low pathogenic A(H7N9) and A(H9N2) viruses, and highly pathogenic clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) virus. Our results show that A(H3N2) preimmunity conferred some protection against A(H5N1) and A(H9N2) virus infection, as evidenced by more rapid viral clearance in the upper respiratory tract, reduced virus shedding in the nasal wash on select days post-inoculation, and a lowered frequency of viral detection in specific tissues compared with naive animals. In contrast, A(H3N2) preimmunity provided minimal cross-protection against A(H7N9) infection, as weight loss and viral dissemination in tissues were not significantly reduced in A(H3N2) preimmune ferrets relative to naive animals. These findings highlight the variable breadth and magnitude of cross-protection elicited by prior seasonal IAV immunity against zoonotic influenza virus challenges in the ferret model. Seasonal influenza A(H3N2) preimmunity provided differing levels of cross-protection against zoonotic influenza A virus infections in ferrets.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.03974-25

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