ETIDIOH - NEW

  {Excerpt} Time Period: June 29, 2025 - July 05, 2025 -- H5 Detection :  2 sites ( 0.6% ) -- No Detection :  330 sites ( 99.4% ) -- No samples in last week :  77 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

Abstract Although vaccines and treatments have strengthened our ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic , new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge in human populations. Because the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by mutation , a better understanding of its mutation rate and spectrum could improve our ability to forecast the trajectory of the pandemic . Here, we use circular RNA consensus sequencing (CirSeq) to determine the mutation rate of six SARS-CoV-2 variants and perform a short-term evolution experiment to determine the impact of these mutations on viral fitness. Our analyses indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 genome mutates at a rate of ∼1.5 × 10−6/base per viral passage and that the spectrum is dominated by C → U transitions. Moreover, we find that the mutation rate is significantly reduced in regions that form base-pairing interactions and that mutations that affect these secondary structures are especially harmful to viral fitness. In this work, we show that the biased mutat...

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the genetic characterization and evolution of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in Egypt . Ten H9N2 viruses were recently isolated from samples collected between 2019 and 2023. Phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) gene segment of the H9N2 isolates showed a relatedness with G1 H9 4.2 lineage and clustered within genotype III of the Egyptian strains identified earlier in 2018. The majority of H9N2 strains had seven and eight glycosylation sites in HA and neuraminidase (NA) respectively . All strains carried H191 and L234 residues in their hemagglutinin which are markers facilitating avian-to-human cross species barrier transmission . No stalk deletions were detected in NA gene. In addition, genetic analysis of the NA and M encoding proteins revealed the absence of substitutions associated with resistance to oseltamivir and amantadine . The NA showed S372A and R403W substitutions which were previously detected in H3N2 and...

  {Summary} The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) is hereby transmitting the report of the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee (Committee) regarding the upsurge of mpox 2024 , held on Thursday, 5 June 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00 CEST. Concurring with the advice unanimously expressed by the Committee during the meeting, the WHO Director-General determined that the upsurge of mpox 2024 continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and, accordingly, on 9 June 2025, issued temporary recommendations to States Parties, available here.   The WHO Director-General expresses his most sincere gratitude to the Chair, Members, and Advisors of the Committee. (...) Source: World Health Organization,  https://www.who.int/news/item/10-07-2025-fourth-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-upsurge-of-mpox-2024 ____

  By Alexis Lours - Own work, CC BY 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=138694692 ___ A Yellow-legged Gull in Leiria Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6609 ____

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) are highly pathogenic henipaviruses without approved human vaccines or therapies . Here, we report on a highly potent bispecific therapeutic that combines an anti-fusion glycoprotein nanobody with an anti-receptor-binding glycoprotein (RBP) antibody to deliver a dual-targeting biologic that is resistant to viral escape. We show that the nanobody, DS90, engages a unique, conserved site within the fusion glycoprotein of NiV and HeV and provides neutralization and complete protection from NiV disease . Bispecific engineering of DS90 with the anti-RBP monoclonal antibody m102.4 results in neutralization, elimination of viral escape and superior protection from NiV disease compared to leading monovalent approaches. These findings carry implications for the development of cross-neutralizing immunotherapies that limit the emergence of henipaviral escape mutants. Source: Nature Structural and Molecular Biology,  https://www.nature.com/artic...

Abstract In 2024, we sequenced highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b genomes isolated from 5 brown skuas from James Ross Island , Antarctica . Phylogenetic analysis suggested the virus reached Antarctica through South America . Continued genetic surveillance will be critical to elucidate H5N1 virus transmission dynamics within Antarctica and surrounding areas. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0186_article ____

Abstract We analyzed 15 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infections detected in wild birds in South Korea during September 2023–March 2024. We isolated and sequenced 8 H5N1 and 7 H5N6 viruses . We investigated spatiotemporal transmission dynamics by using a Bayesian discrete trait phylodynamic model that incorporated geographic and host species information. Our source–sink dynamics support introductions of H5N1 viruses from northern Japan to South Korea and subsequent spread through multiple regions in South Korea. The H5N6 viruses were most likely introduced into southwestern South Korea and spread northeastward. Wild waterfowl, especially wild ducks , played a key role in transmission of both H5N1 and H5N6 viruses. Our data showed multiple introductions and extensive spread of HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and bidirectional transmission between Japan and South Korea. Our results highlight the value of enhanced active surveillance for monitoring HPA...

Summary Background Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) (HPAI H5N1) viruses have spread prolifically in dairy cattle in the US , resulting in dozens of human infections , some without well-established links to animal contacts. Many wild mammals have also been affected, including peridomestic house mice. Methods Here, we evaluated susceptibility, tissue tropism, and shedding in female PWK/PhJ and BALB/cJ mice , two laboratory strains derived from house mice that differ in expression of the antiviral restriction factor Mx1. PWK/PhJ mice, which were selected for their natural expression of Mx1, better reflect the antiviral capacity of most wild house mice, whereas BALB/cJ mice lack functional Mx1. Findings We found that, regardless of Mx1 expression status, mice are susceptible to infection by dairy cattle HPAI H5N1 viruses , that infection leads to systemic spread to non-respiratory sites, and that infected animals shed virus into the environment via urine. Shed virus...

Abstract The November 2021 introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b into North America triggered a devastating outbreak , affecting more than 180 million domestic birds and spreading to more than 80 wildlife species across Canada and the US . From this outbreak, we have sequenced 2955 complete A( H5N1 ) viral genomes from samples collected in Canada and, in conjunction with previously published data, performed multifaceted phylodynamic analyses. These analyses reveal extensive diversification of A(H5N1) viruses via reassortment with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. We find evidence of repeated ancestral strain replacement by direct descendants, indicative of compounding viral fitness increases . Spatiotemporal modeling identified critical geographic areas facilitating transcontinental spread and demonstrated genotype-specific host dynamics, offering essential data for ongoing control and prevention strategies. Source: Science Advances,  https:...

Abstract We report widespread detection of parvovirus B19 in Texas Wastewater using hybrid-capture virome sequencing across 43 sites. Wastewater signal correlated with clinical cases at institutional, county, and state levels and preceded case surges by one month . Full-genome coverage enabled real-time mutation tracking, highlighting wastewater's utility for epidemiologic surveillance. Source: MedRxIV,  https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.07.25331044v1 ____

Abstract Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b cause sporadic human infections and currently raise concerns about a new influenza pandemic . Heterogeneities in disease severity and outcome have been observed in the past and are currently reported among infected farm workers in the US. These may be attributed to differences in pre-existing H5N1 cross-reactive antibodies . In this study, we characterize H5N1 cross-reactive antibody landscapes in the current population and assess the effect of pH1N1/AS03 and non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccination on H5N1 cross-neutralizing and IgG antibody titers targeting a range of influenza virus-derived antigens. We were able to detect H5N1 cross-neutralizing antibodies using a VSV-based pseudovirus system that correlated well with antibodies inhibiting the spread of authentic H5N1 viruses. Additionally, we found that pH1N1/AS03 vaccination increases H5N1 cross-reactive antibodies significantly, while non-adjuvanted i...

ABSTRACT Recently, human infections with H10 influenza viruses, including H10N8 and H10N3, have been reported. In January 2024 , a case of H10N5 and H3N2 co-infection was reported in Zhejiang Province, China , which is the first human infection with H10N5 avian influenza virus (AIV) globally. Almost simultaneously, we isolated a wild bird-derived H10N5 strain similar to the human H10N5 strain. To assess the public health risk , it is necessary to understand the zoonotic characteristics of these novel H10N5 viruses. Here, we evaluated the biological characteristics of human H10N5 , wild bird H10N5, as well as poultry H10N8 in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that the novel H10N5 isolates infected and replicated effectively in human lung epithelial cells . They infected BALB/c mice without adaptation , which exhibited robust pathogenicity and caused mouse death. In guinea pig transmission experiments , the H10N5 strain spread through neither direct contact nor airborne exposure , wherea...

LETTER Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of genotype B3.13 were first reported in dairy cattle in March 2024 and, by 4 March 2025, had infected at least 989 cattle herds in 17 states in the US ( https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/hpai-confirmed-cases-livestock ; accessed on March 24, 2025). Importantly, spillover infections of poultry and mammalian species , including cats and humans , have occurred ( https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html ; accessed on 4 March 2025). Texas reported several infected herds in the spring (1) and early summer of 2024 but saw fewer outbreaks during the second half of 2024, with reported outbreaks in July and December (2). Since September 2024, almost all reported outbreaks of genotype B3.13 viruses in dairy cattle have occurred in California . Here, we characterized self-submitted samples from a farm in Texas that experienced an outbreak in December 2024. This farm ha...

Highlights •  This study evaluated differences in SARS-CoV-2 variant severity from 2020-2023 •  SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing from 6,916 respiratory swabs was performed •  Four conserved kmer sequences associated with severity were identified •  Infections from the Delta variant had highest likelihood of severe infection •  Omicron BA.4/5 variant was more severe than BA.1 in children, vice-versa in adults Abstract We performed virus whole-genome sequencing of 6,916 upper respiratory swabs from adults and children from March 2020 through May 2023 and collected clinical metadata to assess differences in SARS-CoV-2 variant severity and symptomatology. Multivariable logistic regression showed a severity peak with Delta , which had the highest likelihood of severe infection. In children , another peak was observed with BA.4/BA.5 , which was associated with more severe infection than both prior ( BA.1 ) and later ( BQ.1, BF.7, and XBB ) Omicron variants . In cont...

Summary The recent emergence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus infections in dairy cows and humans in the U.S. has raised alarms regarding the potential for a pandemic . Over 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 humans have been affected, including cases of severe disease and the first reported H5N1-related death in the U.S . Sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission. Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species , further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals. This article provides an overview of the current outbreak status , emphasizes the importance of robust surveillance systems to detect emerging strains with pandemic potential, and highlights risks to the U.S. dairy and poultry industries. Recommendations for risk mitigation include enhanced biosecurity measures, improved surveil...

Summary Background mRNA-1283 is an investigational, next-generation COVID-19 vaccine that encodes only the immunodominant regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein —the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain rather than the full-length spike used in currently authorised mRNA vaccines. We evaluated the relative vaccine efficacy (rVE), immunogenicity, and safety of mRNA-1283 compared to the first-generation vaccine (mRNA-1273). Methods This randomised, observer-masked, active-controlled, phase 3 trial (NextCOVE) was conducted in individuals (aged ≥12 years) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 90 days of screening in the USA, the UK, and Canada. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one 10 μg dose of the bivalent formulation of mRNA-1283 (original plus omicron BA.4/BA.5) or 50 μg of the bivalent mRNA-1273, encoding the same variants. Randomisation was stratified by age (12–17 years, 18–64 years, and ≥65 years). Primary objectives comparin...

Abstract Collection of systemic tissues from influenza A virus (IAV)-infected ferrets at a fixed timepoint post-inoculation represents a frequent component of risk assessment activities to assess the capacity of IAV to replicate systemically. However, few studies have evaluated how the frequency and magnitude of IAV replication at discrete tissues contribute to within-host phenotypic outcomes, limiting our ability to fully contextualize results from scheduled necropsy into risk assessment settings. Employing aggregated data from ferrets inoculated with > 100 unique IAV ( both human- and avian-origin viruses, spanning H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes ), we examined relationships between infectious virus detection in four discrete tissue types ( nasal turbinate, lung, brain, and olfactory bulb [BnOB]) to clinical outcomes of IAV-inoculated ferrets, and the utility of including these discrete tissue data as features in machine learning (ML) models. We found that addition of viral ti...

Abstract Panzootic spillover of H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b has resulted in expanded host range among placental mammals , with lactation transmission via milk documented. Whether infection during pregnancy leads to in utero or lactational vertical transmission remains unknown. Pregnant outbred mice were infected with A/bovine/Ohio/B24OSU-472/2024 during the second or third trimester equivalent. Second trimester infection caused in utero infection , with infectious virus detected in the uterus, placenta, and fetus . Birth following third trimester infection resulted in offspring with decreased size and neurodevelopmental delays , with infectious virus detected in the neonatal milk ring and lungs as well as mammary tissues . Ongoing H5N1 infections present increased risk for human exposure and an H5N1 vertical transmission model in placental mammals is essential for understanding viral spread and evaluating treatments during pregnancy. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/...