Monday, September 7, 2026

Pan - #Ebolavirus nanoparticle #vaccine provides protection in rodents from lethal #infection by #Zaire and #Sudan viruses

 


Abstract

Both Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) and Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) are members of the genus Ebolavirus and cause outbreaks marked by high fatality rates and repeated spillover from animal reservoirs. Filoviral glycoproteins (GPs) are the primary targets of neutralizing antibodies and form the basis of current vaccines. Here we describe the design, structural characterization, and evaluation of two-component self-assembling icosahedral I53-50 nanoparticles displaying prefusion EBOV or SUDV GP antigens, either individually or in cocktail and mosaic multivalent formats. EBOV-GP-I53-50 and SUDV-GP-I53-50 nanoparticles elicited strong homologous protection in mice and guinea pigs. In the mouse-adapted EBOV model (maEBOV), mosaic and cocktail formulations produced weak survival below that of the matched EBOV-GP-I53-50 GP immunogen. In contrast, in the gpaSUDV guinea pig model (gpSUDV), cocktail and mosaic nanoparticles elicited robust protection against gpSUDV, and detectable antibody responses to both SUDV and EBOV GPs. These findings demonstrate that multivalent GP-I53-50 nanoparticle immunogens can protect rodents from death, severe clinical signs of disease, and weight loss in relevant models. Together with the established clinical safety of the I53-50 platform, these results support continued efforts toward the development of a pan-ebolavirus vaccine.

Source: 


Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76114-1

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#Uruguay - #Influenza A H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 1

 


    ° Following a suspicion regarding deaths among birds of various species, the Official Veterinary Service (SVO) launched an epidemiological investigation in a backyard in the Department of Colonia

    ° In the backyard there were birds of different species: hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), geese (Anser anser), and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), which were raised outdoors and had contact with migratory wild birds

    ° Rapid tests came back negative, but samples were sent to the official laboratory to confirm the results, and they tested positive via PCR

    ° The SVO is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation in the zone. 

    ° On September 4, 5, and 6, the SVO conducted the epidemiological investigation in the area. 

    ° Activities included coordination, geographic delineation of the outbreak, establishment of a 5-kilometer operational radius, stamping out, sampling of birds, epidemiological investigation, and classification of establishments according to their risk level. 

    ° On September 5 and 6, 34 establishments within a 5-kilometer radius of the outbreak were inspected and identified. 

    ° No cases with compatible signs or mortality were reported within these establishments, nor were any commercial poultry farms listed in this area.

Source: 


Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7810

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Elicitation of Potent #H5N1 - and #H7N9-Neutralizing #Antibody Responses in Rh. Macaques by Sequential Heterologous #Vaccination with #mRNA and Adenoviral Vectors Encoding Full-Length Hemagglutinins

 


Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) represents an enormous pandemic risk amid the ongoing H5N1 panzootic. HPAI, defined by its high lethality in domestic poultry, includes the influenza A virus (IAV) H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes and has a 40–50% case fatality rate in humans. To facilitate the development of efficacious HPAI vaccination regimens and isolation of HPAI-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nmAbs) for prophylactic and therapeutic use, we performed a proof-of-concept pilot study wherein we developed an array of mRNA and adenovirus-vectored vaccines encoding HPAI hemagglutinins (HAs) and then assessed their immunogenicity in IAV-naïve Indian rhesus macaques (RMs). All RMs developed binding IgG recognizing both HPAI HAs. HPAI-nAbs were detected in RMs vaccinated with full-length HAs, but not in RMs vaccinated with HA stems alone. Potent HPAI neutralization activity was observed in two animals with serum ID50 titers of ~1:100,000 against H5N1 and ~1:50,000 against H7N9. Most RMs developed cross-reactive IgG recognizing the HAs of additional IAV subtypes, and HA-specific B cells were readily identifiable in vaccinee PBMCs by flow cytometric analysis. The results of our pilot study suggest that elicitation of potent HPAI-nAb responses is enhanced by vaccination with the HA head domain and that vaccination with the HA stem alone tends to elicit binding non-nAbs. Furthermore, use of our fluorophore-conjugated HA probes to identify HA-specific B cells could enable HPAI-nmAb isolation. Collectively, our findings could facilitate the development of novel vaccines and nmAb therapeutics leveraging the superior neutralization potency of HA head-specific Abs to prevent and treat HPAI infections in humans.

Source: 


Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/9/981

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Sunday, September 6, 2026

History of Mass Transportation: The first Polish steam locomotive with aerodynamic lagging, series Pm36

 


{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe - Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe https://www.nac.gov.pl/https://www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl/jednostka/-/jednostka/5966798, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113670301

Source: 


Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rolling_stock_used_in_Poland#/media/File:Parow%C3%B3z_z_otulin%C4%85_aerodynamiczn%C4%85_serii_Pm36.jpg

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The Gardens of the Villa Medici in Rome, Diego Velazquez (1630)

 


{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Public Domain.

Source: 


Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/diego-velazquez/the-gardens-of-the-villa-medici-in-rome-1630

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Challenges in managing ruptured #ectopic #pregnancy complicated by hemorrhagic #shock in an #Ebola treatment unit in #DRC: first reported case

 


Abstract

Background

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an obstetric emergency; early diagnosis is critical for maternal survival. In resource-limited settings, such as Ebola treatment units (ETU), delayed diagnosis or management of EP often leads to rupture and life-threatening hemorrhagic shock.

Case presentation

We report the case of a pregnant woman in her 30s who was admitted to the ETU with suspected Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Her clinical presentation included fever and abdominal pain, which began 4 days before her admission. Thirteen months earlier, she had recovered from an Ebola infection. At admission, she presented with 8 weeks of amenorrhea and discrete pelvic pain. On vaginal examination, we noted a slightly enlarged uterus and palpated a small left adnexal mass. Laboratory exams confirmed malaria and pregnancy. Her EVD test was negative. Due to the absence of an ultrasound machine in the ETU, pelvic ultrasound was impossible. Supportive treatment was initiated. Nineteen hours after admission, the patient developed an acute surgical abdomen, with progressive left-sided pelvic pain, abdominal distension, and diffuse tenderness. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy was suspected and confirmed by diagnostic abdominal puncture, which revealed hemoperitoneum. She developed hemorrhagic shock. However, the ETU lacked an operating room, surgical equipment, and anesthetic drugs. Transfer to another ETU was not feasible due to the absence of a surgical-capable facility, while transfer to a community facility required at least a second negative EVD test 48 h after the first. We used an unused building that was part of the neighboring health center to perform an explorative laparotomy, which revealed an EP in the left tube with ampullary dislocation and active bleeding. We performed a left salpingectomy and homeostatic sutures. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for EVD performed at 48 and 72 h were negative. She had a normal postoperative course and was discharged from ETU to the community on the 14th day after surgery.

Conclusion

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (REP) remains a life-threatening obstetric emergency that may occur in ETUs, where resources and treatment conditions are limited. To protect maternal health, ETUs should ensure not only proper care for Ebola infection but also adequate capacity for the timely diagnosis and management of obstetric complications.

Source: 


Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1848720/full

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Saturday, September 5, 2026

#Safety, humoral and cellular immune responses to a pre-pandemic adjuvanted #influenza #H5N8 #vaccine

 


Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses can be transmitted from infected birds to various mammalian species, including humans. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), members of the Orthomyxoviridae family, possess segmented RNA genomes prone to reassortment, favoring the emergence of novel genetic traits that may alter transmissibility, pathogenicity, and antigenicity. Although no sustained human-to-human transmission has been reported, the potential adaptation of these viruses poses a significant pandemic threat. This study aimed to evaluate the non-clinical safety, toxicity, and humoral immune responses induced by an adjuvanted H5 influenza vaccine in rats and rabbits, to support future clinical safety trials in humans. Male and female Wistar rats and New Zealand rabbits were observed for 14, 28, and 90 days after receiving two intramuscular doses of the H5N8 vaccine (15 μg HA/dose) formulated with the IB160 oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant. No systemic comorbidities, central nervous system alterations, or relevant clinical signs were observed. Hematological parameters remained within normal ranges, with total and differential leukocyte counts showing only minor fluctuations (<1% of total leukocytes). Mild biochemical variations in urea and hepatic transaminase levels were not correlated with histopathological alterations. The vaccine elicited a robust humoral response soon after immunization, with all groups reaching protective HAI-antibody titers. Although antibody levels declined over time, particularly in males, they remained significantly above baseline, indicating durable immunological memory. Furthermore, the vaccine induced a specific cellular immune response, confirmed by IL-2 and TNF production by antigen-specific T lymphocytes in splenic cell cultures after the booster dose. In conclusion, the H5N8 vaccine with the IB160 adjuvant was well tolerated locally and systemically, without compromising vital organ function. The safety and immunogenicity findings are consistent with expectations for adjuvanted influenza vaccines, demonstrating strong and durable humoral and cellular immune responses.

Source: 


Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264410X26008583?via%3Dihub

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History of Mass Transportation: Henschel & Sohn NG Mallet E214 Steam Locomotive with Vouga Historical Train from Aveiro to Macinhata do Vouga, Portugal


 {Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Nelso Silva from Porto, Portugal - CP E214, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99684021

Source: 


Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comboios_de_Portugal#/media/File:CP_E214_(50923344792).jpg

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (AMEDEO, Sept. 5 '26)

 


    BMJ

  1. YANG YT
    Covid-19 vaccine study: scientific asylum should never have been necessary.
    BMJ. 2026;394:e100738.
    PubMed        


    Clin Infect Dis

  2. TIPPETT A, Prasad PV, Begier E, Kim SS, et al
    Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations in Adults >/=50 Years of Age and Those With Congestive Heart Failure or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations, 2018-2020.
    Clin Infect Dis. 2026;83:e416-e426.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  3. GODWIN P, Shvachko V, Oppelt T, Wang CY, et al
    Retrospective Cohort Study Assessing Remdesivir Effectiveness in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients With Renal or Hepatic Comorbidities.
    Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Sep 1:ciag534. doi: 10.1093.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Int J Infect Dis

  4. THUNDAKATTIL AV, Prabhu R, Prabhu G, Mani M, et al
    Mixing versus matching booster vaccines: A longitudinal humoral immune kinetics against Omicron in a Malaysian cohort.
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    PubMed         Abstract available

  5. JIN M, Xin H, Zhang J, Huang X, et al
    Epidemiological Characteristics of Scarlet Fever in Liaoning Province, China: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Comparison, 2005-2024.
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  6. KIM JS, Park JH, Kim J, Lee YC, et al
    Non-invasive aspergillosis following COVID-19 exacerbates the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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  7. XUE M, Zhou Z, Chao Y, Li J, et al
    Influenza A-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Multicenter Cohort Study from China.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    Intensive Care Med

  8. MEZA-FUENTES G, Delgado I, Vial PA, Godoy-Faundez A, et al
    Temporal trends in critical care burden and outcomes of Andes virus-associated hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: a national Chilean cohort.
    Intensive Care Med. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1007/s00134-026-08599.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    J Infect

  9. LOUBET P, Roubille F, Launay O, Fourati S, et al
    Cardiovascular outcomes and acute human metapneumovirus infection in adults: A systematic literature review.
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  10. WALKER JL, Ribeiro S, Litt D, Patel T, et al
    Antenatal pertussis vaccine effectiveness in England remains high post COVID-19.
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    J Med Virol

  11. FERRENA A, Schlamp F, Tuen M, Duerr R, et al
    Durable Interferon-Linked Blood Signatures During COVID-19 Convalescence.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    J Virol

  12. HU L, Tian R, Gao L, Xu N, et al
    PEDV envelope protein promotes viral replication by remodeling host iron homeostasis via the TRIM28-KLF15-FPN axis.
    J Virol. 2026 Sep 2:e0123926. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01239.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  13. DARNLEY JA, Waller SJ, French RK, Parata R, et al
    Divergent coronaviruses discovered in the virome of lamprey with reddening syndrome.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    JAMA

  14. LIPSON RA, Senerth E, Watson MA, Saini H, et al
    COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season.
    JAMA. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.18191.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  15. SENERTH E, Sheikholeslamian SM, Sivakumaran K, Watson MA, et al
    Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season.
    JAMA. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.18126.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  16. ROTEN L, Maurhofer J, Krisai P, Breitenstein A, et al
    Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using Pulsed Field Ablation With vs Without Posterior Wall Isolation in Patients With Symptomatic Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The PIFPAF-PFA Randomized Clinical Trial.
    JAMA. 2026 Aug 29:e2617598. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.17598.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Lancet Infect Dis

  17. BADEN LR, Shah NS, Liu STH, Cohen J, et al
    Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir targeting viral persistence in post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) in the USA (RECOVER-VITAL): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.
    Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Aug 31:S1473-3099(26)00406.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Nature

  18. MAKIN S
    When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes.
    Nature. 2026;657:26-28.
    PubMed 

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (AMEDEO, Sept. 5 '26)

 


    Antimicrob Agents Chemother

  1. DE ANGELIS M, Gori Savellini G, Piselli E, Anichini G, et al
    Redox-sensitive factors as targets of thiol compounds to hinder SARS-CoV-2 replication and inflammatory response.
    Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026;70:e0051826.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  2. JEENA N, Khan IA
    Targeting SARS-CoV-2 programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting: structural dynamics and RNA-directed antiviral strategies.
    Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026;70:e0068726.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  3. AVILA-PONCE DE LEON U, Esmaeili S, Owens K, Schiffer JT, et al
    Plasma concentrations of nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir required for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication differ between rhesus macaques and humans.
    Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026 Aug 5:e0030726. doi: 10.1128/aac.00307.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Antiviral Res

  4. PU F, Guo Y, Pan X, Liu X, et al
    Dual-targeting engineered binding proteins block SARS-CoV-2 infection and complement activation.
    Antiviral Res. 2026;254:106515.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  5. YURGELONIS I, Rai DK, Lee JT, Li Z, et al
    Antiviral activity of nirmatrelvir against contemporary SARS-CoV-2 variants.
    Antiviral Res. 2026;254:106517.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Epidemiol Infect

  6. NAQVI OH, Wendelboe AM, Beasley WH, Tyungu DL, et al
    Epidemiological characteristics of paediatric COVID-19 and influenza co-infections in the United States, 2020-2024 - CORRIGENDUM.
    Epidemiol Infect. 2026;154:e111.
    PubMed        


    J Infect Dis

  7. ZHAO B, Zhang G, Wu J, Zhang W, et al
    Characterization of bronchiolitis and vaccine-induced enhanced respiratory disease in Syrian hamsters caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection.
    J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 4:jiag136. doi: 10.1093.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    J Virol

  8. BHAVSAR D, Civljak A, Bonnettaz B, Arunkumar GA, et al
    Broadly reactive antibodies against influenza B virus hemagglutinin neutralize and protect through distinct structural mechanisms.
    J Virol. 2026 Sep 4:e0080226. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00802.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  9. LIU D, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Guo R, et al
    A neuraminidase-targeting nanobody as a therapeutic candidate against influenza A and B viruses.
    J Virol. 2026 Aug 31:e0087426. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00874.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    JAMA

  10. SENERTH E, Sheikholeslamian SM, Sivakumaran K, Watson MA, et al
    Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Season.
    JAMA. 2026 Sep 2. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.18126.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Pediatrics

  11. CHAN OW, Cheng YT, Liu YH, Chou IJ, et al
    Anakinra in Severe RSV-Associated Autoinflammatory Encephalopathy With Delayed ADEM-Like Changes.
    Pediatrics. 2026;158:e2026076364.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  12. PAYNE AB, Battan-Wraith S, Reese SE, Hathaway CA, et al
    Effectiveness of RSV Prevention Strategies in US Infants: 2024-2025.
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    PubMed         Abstract available

  13. MIN J, Tam V, Jacoby SF, McDonald CC, et al
    Community Firearm Violence, Youth Depression, and Suicide Risk in Philadelphia: 2017-2024.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    PLoS Comput Biol

  14. FREEDMAN AS, Nielsen BF, Saad-Roy CM, Grenfell BT, et al
    Economic factors promoting vaccine nationalism in the face of viral evolution.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    PLoS Med

  15. ELIAS KM, Mitchell A, Stadler E, Schlub TE, et al
    Neutralising antibodies and protection from progression to severe COVID-19: A meta-analysis.
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    PubMed         Abstract available


    PLoS One

  16. ADAMCZYK G, Jablonski A, Nowakowski PT, Ptaszek RT, et al
    Theodicy perspective as an effect of the interpenetration of mental and religious issues during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0355379.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  17. JUNGMANN SM, Garbe Huedo SF, Jacobs KAS, Pothorn NK, et al
    Mental load in women and mothers: Causes of distress, personality traits, and psychopathology.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0356255.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  18. MOUNADI N, Nour H, El Kouali M, Samadi A, et al
    Repositioning antiviral phytoconstituents as broad-spectrum inhibitors of influenza A neuraminidase and human metapneumovirus fusion protein.
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  19. HAWKES BA, Hollister J, Porter C, Lyski ZL, et al
    Age-specific humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2: A comparative analysis of antibody levels in children and adults after vaccination with primary series or infection.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0356178.
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  20. AVSAR FN, Kilicaslan N, Sahutoglu T
    Comparative associations of Anakinra and Tocilizumab initiation with in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19: A single-center sequential cohort study.
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    PubMed         Abstract available

  21. SEEGERT N, Gaulin M, Chaiyakunapruk N, Navarro-Sanchez F, et al
    The impact of state- versus county-level mask mandates on economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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    Using high frequency GPS data to assess wintering goose proximity to commercial poultry facilities on the Delmarva peninsula for avian influenza risk management and surveillance.
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    Physical activity in post-COVID-19 condition: A cross-sectional study.
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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

  24. KARADAKIC R, Keating NL, Barnett ML
    Interpreting vaccine-associated survival differences in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2621501123.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Vaccine

  25. MOHAMMED H, Andraweera P, Marshall HS
    A cohort study to assess the safety and coverage of COVID-19, influenza, and pertussis vaccine in Australian pregnant women.
    Vaccine. 2026;91:129081.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  26. SHEN AK, Tupps C, Bino S, Chipoya M, et al
    Investments in seasonal influenza vaccination programs pack a punch for pandemic preparedness.
    Vaccine. 2026;92:129098.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  27. TRAN S, McClymont E, Blitz S, Barrett J, et al
    Self-reported reactogenicity after COVID-19 vaccination with and without influenza vaccine coadministration during pregnancy in Canada.
    Vaccine. 2026;92:129122.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  28. MARIA DA, Martins IM, Porto GPM, Villas-Boas IM, et al
    Safety, humoral and cellular immune responses to a pre-pandemic adjuvanted influenza A (H5N8) vaccine.
    Vaccine. 2026;92:129049.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  29. ZHENG Y, Qiao B, Gao Z, Zhang X, et al
    Development of a subunit vaccine candidate (RBD-HA trimer) provides dual protection against multi-subtype avian influenza viruses and QX-type infectious bronchitis virus.
    Vaccine. 2026;92:129121.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  30. KORNUTA CA, Zhou G, Kane KP, Vliagoftis H, et al
    Mucosal adjuvant activity of a PAR-2-activating peptide enhances lymph node immune cell recruitment and promotes immune cell activation in a prime-boost influenza vaccination model.
    Vaccine. 2026;92:129110.
    PubMed         Abstract available


    Virology

  31. BROGAARD L, Laybourn HA, Kristensen C, Welner S, et al
    Site-specific microRNA responses in lungs of pigs depend on the host-adaptation of H1N1 influenza A virus.
    Virology. 2026;624:111053.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  32. SEKINE W, Kamiki H, Ishida H, Matsugo H, et al
    HA1-T138A and HA1-Q226L substitutions in H3N2 canine influenza virus contribute to binding to human-type alpha2,6-linked sialic acid receptors.
    Virology. 2026;625:111071.
    PubMed         Abstract available

  33. OLDENSAND F, Rafati N, Van Hoef V, Lundkvist A, et al
    Single-cell transcriptomic landscape of avian influenza H9N2 virus infection in human and chicken cells.
    Virology. 2026;625:111070.
    PubMed         Abstract available

Friday, September 4, 2026

#Phylogenetic analysis of the 2025 #Ebola #outbreak in the #DRC

 


Abstract

On 4 September 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare officially declared the 16th Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This outbreak ended on 1 December 2025 and occurred in Bulape Health Zone, Kasaï Province, an area with limited access to appropriate healthcare facilities and resources. Here, we describe the probable index patient and molecular investigations of samples obtained from six suspected patients from the initial outbreak phase. We identified Orthoebolavirus zairense (EBOV) in five samples from different patients. In addition, we performed whole-genome sequencing and generated four complete EBOV genomes. These genomes form a well-supported phylogenetic cluster with genomes from the 1976 Yambuku/Mayinga outbreak. This study suggests a likely new zoonotic spillover event from an as-yet unidentified natural reservoir. While the close relationship to 1976 EBOV Yambuku/Mayinga genomes is striking, this poses additional challenges on the comprehension of the animal reservoir species.

Source: 


Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-77542-9

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, Sept. 4 '26)

 


{Excerpts}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: August 23, 2026 - August 29, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection3 site(s) (0.7%)

    -- No Detection439 site(s) (99.3%)

    -- No samples74 site(s)


{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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(...)

Source: 


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

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Sex differences in #vaccine-induced #neuraminidase cross-recognition impact #H5N1 #dissemination to the lower respiratory tract in mice

 


Abstract

H5N1 vaccines have been poorly immunogenic in humans, creating a challenge for vaccine development. Seasonal influenza vaccines offer some cross-protection against H5N1, but there has been no consideration of whether protection differs between the sexes. We investigated sex differences in antibody responses following receipt of either beta-propiolactone inactivated whole virus H1N1 or H5N1 (LAIV backbone) vaccines in C57BL/6 mice. Using systems serology assays, vaccination induced strong homologous and heterologous antibody responses, with females generating greater IgG titers than males against whole virus H1N1 and H5N1, which was primarily mediated by greater IgG responses to neuraminidase (NA) than hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Cross-reactive H5N1 IgG titers were greater among H1N1-vaccinated females, and primarily mediated by greater N1-specific IgG titers. IgG2b and IgG2c were the primary antibody isotypes generated in response to these vaccines, with females having greater IgG2b titers and enhanced binding to FcγRIV for avian and human NA than males following either homologous or heterologous vaccination. Antibody-dependent complement deposition was measured as an FcR-mediated non-neutralizing response against HA and NA and was more robust among H1N1 and H5N1 vaccinated females than their male counterparts in response to homologous HA only. Vaccinated females tended to have greater neutralizing antibody titers than males against the homologous vaccine strain, with limited cross-neutralizing antibodies detected in either sexes. Neuraminidase inhibition titers were greater in vaccinated females than males against the heterologous virus following H1N1 vaccination and against both the vaccine and heterologous viruses following H5N1 vaccination. When H1N1 and H5N1 vaccinated mice were challenged with a lethal dose of A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1, all H5N1 vaccinated mice were protected, regardless of sex. Among H1N1 vaccinated mice, while both sexes were protected against disease, H1N1 vaccinated females restricted virus to the upper respiratory tract and had lower pulmonary virus titers than males at 3 days post challenge. These findings highlight that sex differences in vaccine-induced NA-specific antibody responses are associated with differential respiratory dissemination of H5N1 and that sex should be considered in studies of vaccine-induced cross-reactive influenza immunity.


Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.


Funder Information Declared

NIH/NIAID Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, 75N93021C00045

Richard Eliasberg Family Foundation

Source: 


Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.26.728011v3

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Seasonal #surveillance in #humans in 2026 for #WNV (ECDC, Sept. 4 '26), Weekly Update: 1,086 cases so far, of which 516 in #Italy




{Excerpt, Summary}

(...)

Week 36, 2026 Published on 04 September 2026, based on data submitted up  until and including 3 September 2026.


Current situation

    ° Since the beginning of the 2026 transmission season, and as at 3 September, 144 areas affected by West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in 15 countries across Europe.

    ° These areas are located in: 
        
        § Italy (62), 

        § Greece (19), 

        § Romania (17), 

        § France (13), 

        § Serbia (seven), 

        § the Netherlands (five), 

        § Croatia (four), 

        § Spain (four), 

        § Hungary (three), 

        § North Macedonia (three), 

        § Germany (two), 

        § Albania (one), 

        § Austria (one), 

        § Cyprus (one) and 

        § Kosovo* (one).

    ° This week, 20 areas are reported as affected for the first time this season. (...)

    ° The 15 countries have reported 1 086 locally acquired human cases of WNV infection: 
    
        § Italy (516 cases), 

        § Greece (284 cases, of which 11 with unknown place of infection), 

        § Spain (88 cases), 

        § Romania (56 cases), 

        § North Macedonia (55 cases), 

        § France (36 cases), 

        § Serbia (18 cases), 

        § the Netherlands (nine cases), 

        § Croatia (seven cases), 

        § Cyprus (six cases), 

        § Austria (four cases), 

        § Hungary (three cases), 

        § Germany (two cases), 

        § Albania (one case) and 

        § Kosovo* (one case)

(...)

Source: 


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Lessons Learned During 2024‒25 Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Virus #Outbreak Response in #USA: Experience of State and Local Public Health Departments

 


Abstract

Objectives

To describe challenges and lessons learned during state and local health department responses to the 2024‒2025 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews from August to November 2025 with Department of Health and Agriculture staff from states with confirmed or probable A(H5N1) human cases. We conducted 15 total interviews with 37 participants from 10 US states. Interview transcripts were inductively and deductively coded to identify generalizable lessons that might improve future outbreak response efforts.

Results

Key themes included difficulty accessing farms and reaching at-risk populations; lack of sufficient guidelines for proactively responding to zoonotic outbreaks that could have human health implications; the importance of maintaining preparedness planning, capacity, and infrastructure; and uncertainty around future capacity to respond to outbreaks because of resource constraints and changes in federal leadership.

Conclusions

Although this study focused on responses to A(H5N1) outbreaks, the findings are indicative of the nation’s overall readiness for biological threats. Prioritization of capacity building for infectious disease outbreaks, including robust health department funding to support continued disease surveillance, is critical to prevent more widespread transmission. 

(Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print September 3, 2026:e1–e7. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308656)

Source: 


Link: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308656

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#Italy, #WNV & #Usutu Virus Weekly #Surveillance #Report No. 6 (ISS, Sept. 4 '26): 521 human cases so far this season, 26 fatal

 


{Excerpt, Summary}

(...)

    ° Since the beginning of the epidemic season and as of September 2 '26, 521 human cases of confirmed infection with West Nile Virus were reported. They were 432 in the last week report

        § Of these, 269 were WNND (West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease), of which 4 were imported: 1 from Maldives, 1 France, 1 Belgium and 1 Greece; 

        § 70 cases were detected among blood donors

        § 179 cases were of West Nile Fever (1 case imported from Burkina Faso), 

        § 2 cases were of unspecified nature; 

        § 1 case was asymptomatic. 

    ° The number of affected provinces has risen to 75 in 19 Regions.

    ° Among confirmed cases, 26 fatalities have been recorded. The Case-Fatality Rate is now at 9.4% (during 2025, it was 14.6%).

    ° So far this season, 10 human cases of infection with Usutu virus have been confirmed (6 in Lombardy, 1 Emilia-Romagna, 1 Marche, 1 Latium, 1 Piedmont).

(...)

Source: 


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Experimental #reproduction numbers disentangle #vaccine effects on susceptibility and infectiousness during #H5N1 #transmission in #geese

 


Abstract

Vaccination against high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is increasingly used to protect poultry, but vaccine performance is commonly inferred from clinical protection and virus shedding rather than measured transmission. We asked whether reproduction numbers from controlled transmission experiments can quantify how vaccination changes susceptibility and infectiousness. Domestic geese were prime-boost vaccinated with an H5 clade 2.3.4.4b RNA-replicon vaccine and challenged with homologous HPAIV H5N1. Replicated seeder-sentinel groups represented transmission among unvaccinated animals, to vaccinated contacts, and from vaccinated breakthrough-infected animals. Vaccinated directly challenged geese remained clinically protected although all became RT-qPCR-positive. Estimated reproduction numbers were R0=4.7 (95% CI, 2.8-8.0) among unvaccinated geese, Rs=2.6 (1.6-4.5) for transmission to vaccinated contacts, Ri=3.7 (2.0-6.8) for transmission from vaccinated infected geese, and Rvacc=2.0 (0.8-4.9) for a fully vaccinated population. Vaccination reduced transmission but did not reduce the point estimate for Rvacc below one under these intensive exposure conditions. Vaccinated infected geese also shed substantially less viral RNA, whereas the estimated reduction in infectiousness was more modest, indicating that RNA shedding alone may not reliably predict transmission reduction. Experimental reproduction numbers therefore provide a direct population-level complement to conventional vaccine endpoints and separate effects on susceptibility from effects on onward transmission.


Competing Interest Statement

Christophe Cazaban is an employee of CEVA Santé Animale, which provided the experimental vaccine used in this study. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

Source: 


Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.02.748824v1

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Thursday, September 3, 2026

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

 


Backyard captive birds in Los Lagos Region.

Source: 


Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7802

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Immunogenicity and #safety of seasonal #influenza #vaccine co-administered with other vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

 


Abstract

Seasonal influenza remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, highlighting the need for vaccination strategies that improve coverage and streamline vaccine delivery. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, evaluating immunogenicity and safety of same-day co-administration of influenza vaccines with COVID-19 or other vaccines, compared with non-concomitant administration. Comparators included sequential administration, single vaccine administration or placebo-controlled delayed vaccination. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for Randomized Trials and Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions; certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Immunogenicity was assessed using geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in antibody titres and seroprotection rate. Safety was assessed by adverse event (AE) incidence. 52 eligible studies were included. Influenza immunogenicity was comparable between the co-administration and non-concomitant comparator group across all strains (H1N1 GMFR ratio of means (ROM): 1.02 [95% CI: 0.95–1.10]; H3N2, 1.05 [95% CI: 0.97–1.13]; B strain, 1.01 [95% CI: 0.97–1.05]). Pooled risk ratio (RR) for seroprotection was 1.00 for all three strains with 95% CIs ranging from 0.99–1.01. GMFR for COVID-19 vaccines was modestly reduced under co-administration (ROM 0.84 [95% CI: 0.74–0.95]; p = 0.006). Serious AEs were more frequent in the co-administration group compared to the non-concomitant group (RR 1.41 [95% CI: 1.07–1.86]; p = 0.014; absolute risk difference: 1.56 percentage points). Overall, co-administration preserves influenza immunogenicity but modestly reduces COVID-19 vaccine GMFR. Although safety findings warrant cautious interpretation, the low absolute risk difference supports its feasibility as a strategy to streamline vaccination schedules and improve uptake.

Source: 


Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-026-01548-z

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#Ring and #community #vaccination for #Bundibugyo virus #outbreak response: a stochastic network modelling study

 


Summary

Background

Vaccination with rVSV-ZEBOV is highly effective against Ebola virus, but protection against Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) is unproven. We evaluated the relative population impact and dose efficiency of a partially cross-protective hypothetical vaccine under operationally realistic constraints during a BDBV outbreak.

Methods

We developed a stochastic transmission model on a clustered household–community contact network with empirically realistic local structure, calibrated to 2026 DR Congo BDBV outbreak data. Time-varying effective reproduction numbers were estimated using a Bayesian renewal model. We evaluated case detection, isolation, contact tracing, reactive ring vaccination (Ring 1: direct contacts of the index case; Ring 2: contacts of contacts), and community vaccination (20–80% coverage). Base-case vaccine effectiveness was 45% and included post-exposure protection against disease and mortality. Primary outcomes were mortality and incidence reductions, total doses, and dose efficiency (doses per death averted) over 90 days, evaluated in a probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 10 000 matched stochastic replicates per strategy.

Findings

Compared with base operations alone (30% detection, 30% tracing), enhanced operations alone (70% detection, 80% tracing) reduced expected mortality by 81·6% (95% uncertainty interval 73·1–87·7). Reactive Ring 2 vaccination under base operations reduced mortality by 24·6% (18·0–29·6), requiring 35·1 doses per death averted. Added to enhanced operations, Ring 2 vaccination reduced mortality by 83·6% overall (76·4–89·0), an incremental benefit of 10·5% (6·2–15·6) beyond enhanced operations alone. Community vaccination at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% coverage reduced mortality by 44·7% (34·8–52·5), 67·4% (56·2–74·3), 79·8% (70·4–85·3), and 86·6% (79·2–90·4), respectively, requiring 53·8–111·4 doses per death averted.

Interpretation

Strengthened case finding, contact tracing, and isolation averted most deaths even without vaccination. Once these operations were strong, reactive ring vaccination added a modest further benefit, whereas rapid community vaccination produced the largest reductions in simulated scenarios but required substantially more doses. A partially protective BDBV vaccine's population-level value will depend principally on rapid, broad delivery.

Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Translation

For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Source: 


Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00464-0/fulltext

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