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Thrombotic Events and #Stroke in the Year After #COVID19 or Other Acute Respiratory #Infection

  Abstract Previous studies have documented an increased risk for thrombotic events 30 days after COVID-19 infection , but less is known about this risk beyond 30 days or compared with risk after other infectious acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). By using PCORnet data from April 1, 2022–April 30, 2023 , we compared the incidences of thrombotic events in the year after COVID-19 illness with other ARI diagnoses in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. Overall, the risk for any thrombotic event was higher among patients with COVID-19 compared with patients with other ARIs (incidence ratio 1.63; p<0.05). Nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 had a 73% increased risk for a thrombotic event in the year after acute illness compared with nonhospitalized patients with ARI (p<0.05). The increased risk for thrombotic events in the year after COVID-19 emphasizes the need for stroke awareness for patients and healthcare professionals. Source:  Link:  https://wwwnc.cdc.go...
Recent posts

#Genetic Diversity of the Non-Polio #Enteroviruses Detected in Samples of Patients with Aseptic #Meningitis in the #Ural Federal District and Western #Siberia

  Abstract Human non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) cause a plethora of infections in humans, ranging from mild to severe neurological diseases including aseptic meningitis . NPEVs are the leading cause of aseptic meningitis in both children and adults worldwide . In Russia , reports of NPEV infections have surged, especially in the post-COVID era starting in 2022, with elevated infection rates into 2023 . A comprehensive examination of the whole genome is crucial for understanding the evolution of NPEV genes and for predicting potential outbreaks. This study focused on identifying the circulating NPEV strains in the Ural Federal District and Western Siberia , using Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies. Biological samples were collected from (n = 225) patients diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. Bioinformatics analysis targeted the nucleotide sequences of the major capsid protein (partial VP1) gene fragment, and the assembly of whole NPEV genomes. A tota...

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, Jan. 16 '26)

  {Excerpt} Time Period: January 04, 2026 - January 10, 2026 -- H5 Detection :  8 site(s) ( 1.5% ) -- No Detection :  541 site(s) ( 98.5% ) -- No samples in last week :  66 site(s) (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

#Ukraine - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

  Two mute swans in Kyiv City. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7201 ____

#Moldova - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Two mute swan in TeleneÅŸti Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7195 ____

#Sweden - #Influenza A #H5N2 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

  A Barnacle goose was found diseased and was euthanized. It was sent to the Swedish Veterinary Agency for laboratory analysis as part of the national surveillance program for avian influenza. {Sölvesborg Region} Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7191 ____

Genetic Characterization and Evolutionary #Insights of Novel #H1N1 Swine #Influenza Viruses Identified from #Pigs in #Shandong Province, #China

  Abstract Influenza A viruses exhibit broad host tropism, infecting multiple species including humans, avian species, and swine. Swine influenza virus (SIV), while primarily circulating in porcine populations , demonstrates zoonotic potential with sporadic human infections . In this investigation, we identified two H1N1 subtype swine influenza A virus strains designated A/swine/China/SD6591/2019(H1N1) (abbreviated SD6591) and A/swine/China/SD6592/2019(H1N1) (abbreviated SD6592) in Shandong Province , China. The GenBank accession numbers of the SD6591 viral gene segments are PV464931-PV464938, and the GenBank accession numbers corresponding to each of the eight SD6592 viral gene segments are PV464939-PV464946. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses suggest potential evolutionary differences between the isolates. SD6591 displayed a unique triple-reassortant genotype : comparative nucleotide homology assessments demonstrated that the PB2, PB1, NP, NA, HA, and NEP genes shared the hi...

The Decline in #Influenza #Antibody Titers and Modifiers of #Vaccine #Immunity from over Ten Years of Serological Data

  Abstract Annual influenza vaccination is the cornerstone for seasonal protection, yet antibody responses are highly variable across individuals and over time. To systematically assess the determinants of this heterogeneity, we compiled 20,449 hemagglutination inhibition and neutralization titers from 4,540 participants enrolled in 14 new vaccine studies we conducted and 50 prior studies that collectively span 2010-2023. Seasonal effects dominated , with pre- and post-vaccination titers declining steadily from 2017 onwards, outweighing the influence of age, sex, or repeated vaccination. Titers to B Yamagata remained steady throughout all years examined, suggesting unique durability and offering a reason for lineage extinction . Vaccine timing emerged as a strong and previously underappreciated determinant of immunity, with individuals vaccinated later in the season exhibiting larger post-vaccination titers . Not being vaccinated or receiving the live-attenuated FluMist vaccine in ...

An #mRNA #influenza #vaccine induces #immunity comparable to an adjuvanted vaccine in a randomized trial

  Abstract Influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. This randomized, open-label, phase 1 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05397223, date of registration: May 31, 2022) compared the immunogenicity of an mRNA-based quadrivalent influenza hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine (mRNA-1010) with a licensed comparator (FLUAD) in adults aged 18-75 years . We evaluated humoral and cellular immune responses using hemagglutination inhibition assays , flow cytometry-based memory B cell (MBC) profiling, and intracellular cytokine staining for T-cell characterization. Both vaccines elicited durable hemagglutination inhibition titers and increased HA-specific MBC responses across four vaccine strains. Compared with FLUAD, mRNA-1010 induced higher frequencies of classical and activated MBCs specific to the H3 HA included in the vaccine, while inducing similar MBC responses to the other strains. mRNA-1010 and FLUAD generated strong HA-specific CD4+ T-cell responses; a trend toward higher C...

#Genomic Insights into #Marburg Virus Strains from 2023 and 2025 #Outbreaks in Kagera, #Tanzania

  Abstract Marburg virus (MARV) is the primary cause of Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever with a high case-fatality rate. The first reported MVD outbreak in Tanzania occurred in 2023 , followed by a second outbreak in 2025 , both within the Kagera region . During those MVD outbreaks, 174 suspected cases were identified; of those, 10 were laboratory confirmed. After complete genome assembly and bioinformatic analyses, we found the MARV strains of the 2023 and 2025 outbreaks to be closely related and clustered with MARV strains that caused outbreaks in Rwanda (2024) and Uganda (2014). The sequences from both MVD outbreaks in Tanzania showed >99.71% nucleotide identity, suggesting a possible single spillover event followed by limited human-to-human virus transmission . Further ecologic studies are essential to identify potential spillover events, but our findings indicate that closely related MARV strains circulate in Kagera, Tanzania, posing a risk for future...

#Trends in #heart #failure prevalence in post-disaster #Fukushima residents 2015–2021

  Abstract This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of heart failure (HF) among adults aged ≥ 40 years using health checkup and medical claim data in Fukushima from 2015 to 2021 . Joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analyses were conducted to estimate temporal trends. Age-standardized prevalence and hospital admission rates for HF were 37.0 and 7.4/1000 and 25.9 and 5.3/1000 for men and women, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in the coastal area and evacuation zone designated after the 2011 disaster compared to the prefecture overall. In men, the prevalence increased continuously, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) ranging from 0.72% (evacuation zone) to 1.15% (mountainous area) (P < 0.05). In total residents, the AAPC was significant only in the mountainous areas (0.78%, P = 0.021). Age-period-cohort analysis showed a net drift of 2.50% (95% CI 1.88–3.13%) in men and 0.76% (95% CI − 0.17–1.70%) in women. Cohort rate ratios increase...

#Molecular basis of 60 years of #antigenic #evolution of #human #influenza #H3N2 virus neuraminidase

  Highlights •  Human influenza A virus N2 neuraminidases were analyzed by antigenic cartography •  N2 antigenic evolution was discordant with antigenic evolution of H3 hemagglutinin •  Important epitopes were identified at the NA active site but also elsewhere in NA •  Changes in charge, volume, and hydropathy of epitope residues caused antigenic drift Summary Human influenza A viruses escape antibody-mediated immunity through changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins . HA antigenic evolution has been studied extensively, with more recent interest in NA due to its importance in influenza vaccine efficacy. Here, the antigenic properties of the NA of more than 300 A( H3N2 ) and A( H2N2 ) viruses isolated since 1957 were quantified with a NA inhibition enzyme-linked lectin assay and visualized using antigenic cartography , with follow-up molecular studies using recombinant viruses. The antigenic evolution of N2 NA was more gradual than...

A VLP-based #mRNA #vaccine elicits potent humoral and cellular #immunity against #Oropouche virus

  ABSTRACT Oropouche virus (OROV) is reemerging in the Americas, along with a growing threat to global public health . Recent outbreaks have witnessed the first reported fatalities , vertical transmissions , and intercontinental importations of OROV, underscoring its expanding risk . Despite this, no vaccines or specific therapeutics are available, and fundamental research on OROV vaccinology and antigenicity remains limited. Here, we show that co-expression of the M polyprotein and nucleocapsid protein (NP) drives the assembly of OROV virus-like particles (VLPs) with high immunogenicity . Using the prototype strain OROV/sloth/Brazil/PA-UG-BeAn19991/1960, we developed an mRNA vaccine, M/N-vac, encoding these VLPs . Immunization with M/N-vac in mice elicited robust OROV-specific IgG and pseudovirus-neutralizing antibodies that cross-reacted with a contemporary circulating strain, hOROV/Brazil/AM-UKY-AM0088/2024. The vaccine also induced a durable, antigen-specific Th1-biased cellula...

Humoral #immunity after #LP81 monovalent #vaccines against a broad range of #SARS-CoV-2 #variants including #XEC, LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1, #XFG, and #BA32

  {Excerpt} In the spring of 2025, multiple SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 subvariants were circulating, with LP.8.1 among the major variants . Pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer–BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax–Takeda, adopted monovalent LP.8.1 for their 2025–26 season vaccines , following recommendations issued by WHO in May, 2025. As of November, 2025, SARS-CoV-2 variants including LP.8.1, XEC, NB.1.8.1, and XFG —all designated as variants under monitoring —were circulating. In terms of the spike gene , these variants, as well as LP.8.1, are derived from JN.1 . Moreover, BA.3.2, a BA.3 descendant bearing multiple mutations in its spike gene , has potentially been spreading and exhibiting robust immune evasion . In Japan, the roll-out of the LP.8.1-based vaccination has progressed since the end of September, 2025. We previously reported the humoral immunity induced by the XBB.1.5-based monovalent vaccine in 2023,6 and the JN.1-based monovalent vaccine in 2024 in the Japanese populat...

Intranasal #replicon #vaccine establishes mucosal #immunity and protects against #H5N1 and #H7N9 #influenza

  Abstract Seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses are continuous threats to human health, requiring rapid development of vaccines to multiple evolving viral strains. RNA vaccine technologies have the adaptability and manufacturability to facilitate pandemic preparedness but have limited flexibility in their route of administration , reducing the ability to establish local protective immune responses such as respiratory mucosal immunity . Here, we describe monovalent and bivalent replicon vaccines against A/Vietnam/1203/2004 H5N1 and A/Anhui/PA-1/2013 H7N9. These replicon vaccines express either H5 or H7 hemagglutinin and are formulated with a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) that permits both intramuscular (IM) and intranasal (IN) dosing. In mice , IM vaccination established systemic humoral and cellular responses but no detectable mucosal response , while IN administration induced robust systemic and mucosal immunity . The replicon-NLC vaccines protected against morbidity and m...

Novel recombinant H5-based #vaccine provides effective protection against #H5N1 #influenza virus in #cats

  Abstract The emergence and broad circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in wild birds and its spillover into dairy cows with sustained transmission in this species pose a major risk to felines , which are highly susceptible and often succumb to the infection . Here, we developed a novel recombinant hemagglutinin H5-based vaccine and evaluated its safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy against HPAI H5N1 virus in domestic cats . Immunization of cats with H5-vaccine candidate elicited robust levels of neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 virus and protection against disease, mortality, and infection upon H5N1 virus challenge. The vaccine-elicited immunity significantly reduced virus shedding and viremia , limiting systemic spread and disease severity in immunized animals. Importantly, beyond protecting susceptible felids, vaccinating cats against the H5N1 virus could also reduce the risk of human exposure - underscoring the One Health impact of i...

#Iraq - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

  A layer poultry farm (located near small rivers, ponds, and migratory birds) began showing clinical signs of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in its hens. These signs included pale combs and wattles, followed by increased mortality. The farm owner contacted the veterinary clinic in Taji, near Baghdad. A team of veterinarians was formed, samples were taken, and sent to the central laboratory for PCR testing. Control measures were initiated, including a ban on the movement of poultry. The entire flock will be culled in accordance with the procedures stipulated in Animal Health Law No. 32 of 2013, which mandates the culling of poultry infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7181 ____

#Hungary - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

  A breeding goose holding in Nógrád Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7185 ____

#Latvia - #Influenza A #H5N2 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

Mallards in Saldus Region.  Birds tested in frame of EFSA call project for Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7187 ____

Broadly neutralizing monoclonal #antibodies against #influenza A viruses: current #insights and future directions

  Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become attractive tools for both the treatment and prevention of influenza A viruses due to their ability to target several viral components, which confers broad therapeutic potential. Advances in biotechnology, such as hybridoma technology , phage display technology , B cell immortalization , and artificial intelligence (Al)-driven antibody design, have significantly accelerated the development of effective mAbs. Clinical trials have shown that mAbs can improve clinical outcomes particularly in high-risk and immunocompromised populations by lowering viral loads and reducing disease severity. However, high production costs, the need for intravenous administration , and the risk of viral escape mutations are some of the obstacles to widespread clinical adoption. Post-marketing surveillance serves as a valuable source of information regarding safety, real-world effectiveness, and patterns of resistance. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnA...