ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract The global spread of viruses highlights the need for timely and effective genomic surveillance to detect new variants and inform rapid public health responses . However, high costs and uneven sequencing capacity hinder equitable global implementation. Surveillance focused on international travelers at major travel hubs has been proposed as a way to complement robust local surveillance, but its potential benefits have not been fully quantified . Here, we develop and calibrate a multiple-strain metapopulation model of global SARS-CoV-2 transmission using extensive epidemiological, phylogenetic, and high-resolution air travel data . Retrospective analyses of the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 emergence and forward simulations for hypothetical novel variants show that targeted enhancement of traveler surveillance at key hubs can shorten variant detection delays, with reduced total surveillance efforts. Practical “non-disruptive” strategies, such as prioritizing a small number of highly c...

  Highlights •  A Nipah virus real-time RT-PCR was developed for this study and display dynamic amplification, with sensitive (limit of detection 3.7-4.2 copies/µL) and specific detection. •  The assay was adapted for use on a portable, battery-powered real-time thermocycler . •  When paired with instrument-free RNA extraction , Nipah virus RNA was rapidly detected from contrived whole blood and nasopharyngeal swabs without electricity. •  The combined of Extract & Store and the Palm PCR S1e device offers a viable solution for field-based molecular detection of Nipah virus. Abstract Background Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic, zoonotic paramyxovirus with significant public health implications due to high associated mortality and potential for human-to-human transmission. Current diagnostic testing options for NiV are limited and require extensive laboratory infrastructure. Objective Develop a field-deployable testing workflow for timely NiV detection...

  Abstract Currently, there is limited knowledge on the impact of immunity to hemagglutinin (HA) and/or neuraminidase (NA) on the transmission of influenza viruses . Therefore, using intramuscular vaccination , intranasal vaccination , or infection with reassortant viruses , we induced immunity to each antigen alone or both antigens combined in ferrets . We then assessed transmission of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus from these ferrets to naïve respiratory contacts . For all strategies used to induce immunity, combined immunity to HA and NA resulted in the largest reductions in transmission . Moreover, immunity to HA and NA conferred additive rather than synergistic reductions in transmission. No escape variants emerged in our transmission studies, and logistical regression showed that the probability of transmission was less than 50% when viral titers in donors were reduced to 101.5 and 102 median tissue culture infectious dose per ml on days 1 and 3 postinfection, respectively. The...

  By Baldwinlocomotiveworks - R.A. Sallinen III - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18159992 Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works ____

  Antiviral Res ZHANG J, Deng S, Zhang M, Wu X, et al Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection activates SREBP2 and induces RORgamma expression to enhance cholesterol biosynthesis and virus replication. Antiviral Res. 2026 Mar 6:106391. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106391. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis KHADER K, Haroldsen C, Stevens V, Visnovsky L, et al Estimating changes in facility MRSA infection rates due to changes in MRSA precaution policy. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 13:ciag176. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis LUGTU EJ, Iv DYP, Cabunoc MH, Bautista JL, et al Prevalence of Post-COVID Symptoms Across Variants of Concern and Follow-up Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 10:108522. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108522. PubMed           Abstract available TANG X, Memedi M,...

  Ann Intern Med LALANI HS, DiResta R, Baron RJ, Scales D, et al Addressing Viral Medical Rumors and False or Misleading Information. Ann Intern Med. 2023 Jul 18. doi: 10.7326/M23-1218. PubMed           Abstract available Antimicrob Agents Chemother ZHENG X, You X, Liu Y, Wu B, et al Spatiotemporal dynamics and multiple driving factors of antimicrobial resistance in China during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023): a provincial panel data analysis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026 Feb 9:e0160025. doi: 10.1128/aac.01600. PubMed           Abstract available Antiviral Res ZHANG T, Wang ZL, Li XY, Luo RH, et al Onvansertib and vilazodone inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication via suppression of METTL3 RNA-m(6)A enzymatic activity. Antiviral Res. 2026 Feb 19:106376. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106376. PubMed           Abstract available YURGELONIS I, Rai DK, Li Z, Washington ...

  Abstract The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the U.S. poses a significant public health threat . To date, 70 human cases have been confirmed in the United States , including two severe cases and one fatality . While suitable animal models are crucial for predicting the potential pandemic risk of newly emerging pathogens in humans, studies investigating contemporary HPAIV H5N1 transmission dynamics remain limited. Here, we investigate the pathogenicity and transmission efficiency of recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses isolated from a bovine, mountain lion, and a human case using Syrian hamsters . Intranasal inoculation results in productive virus replication in the respiratory tract and shedding for all three isolates . Transmission studies demonstrate limited efficiency via direct contact and airborne routes for all isolates. Although overall transmission is inefficient , the human H5N1 isolate demonstrates relatively greater con...

  Situation at a glance Multi-country recalls of infant formula and other products have been initiated after cereulide toxin , was detected in batches of multiple internationally distributed brands .  Investigations have identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil , used as an ingredient in the implicated products, as the source of contamination .  However, the full root cause analysis and complete traceability of all affected batches remains under investigation.  Contaminated formulae , nutritional products, and oil mixes have been distributed to 99 countries and territories across six WHO Regions, with the first product recalls initiated on 10 December 2025.  Between 1 January and 25 February 2026, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across ten countries in three WHO Regions, with investigations ongoing.  Based on the available information , WHO assesses the overall public health risk as moderate due to the vulnerability of the affected population (...

{Excerpt} Time Period: March 01, 2026 - March 07, 2026 -- H5 Detection :  8 site(s) ( 1.6% ) -- No Detection :  491 site(s) ( 98.4% ) -- No samples in last week :  77 site(s) (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

  In the framework of passive surveillance activities, a report was received regarding backyard poultry (not considered as poultry) with clinical symptoms consistent with avian influenza. An outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza has been confirmed in the Cajabamba district of the Cajamarca department . The birds showed clinical signs such as weakening, hoarseness, eye discharge, and diarrhoea. The Official Authority activated quarantine, control, and surveillance measures in the outbreak and around the outbreak with the aim of identifying possible cases and preventing the spread of the outbreak. A notification was received regarding sick birds in a backyard (turkeys, ducks, roosters, hens, geese, and chickens) showing signs of depression, diarrhoea, and hoarseness. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/home Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7358 ____

  {Northern Ireland} Pheasant breeder flock, with a small mixed backyard flock with chicken, geese. Positive test for HPAI H5N1, clinical signs presented prior to testing. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7368 ____

  Abstract Accumulating studies have identified the pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in participating in host–virus interactions during virus infections . However, the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in influenza A virus (IAV) infection are still not fully elucidated . In this study, using high-throughput sequencing, we comprehensively compared the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in mouse lungs infected either with the nonpathogenic parental (SDL124) H7N9 virus or its moderately pathogenic mouse-adapted (S8) variant . A total of 7636 significantly differentially expressed (SDE) lncRNAs were obtained in the S8-infected group compared to the mock group. As for the SDL124 group, 1042 SDE lncRNAs were identified. Subsequently, the mRNAs co-expressed with SDE lncRNAs were subjected to functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis . The results indicated that the target mRNAs regulated by the S8 virus were mainly enriched in various immunological processes and ...

  Abstract Since the West African Ebola virus (EBOV) epidemic in 2014-2016, recurrent outbreaks of the EBOV-Makona variant have been driven by recrudescence and human-to-human transmission emphasizing the need for effective vaccination strategies . A live-attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine expressing the EBOV-Kikwit variant glycoprotein (VSV-Kik) received FDA approval in December 2019 and provides complete, rapid protection against EBOV-Makona as early as 7 days post-vaccination (DPV). During the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreak , the VSV-Kik vaccine, known as ERVEBO , was administered to lower-risk individuals at a 5-fold dose reduction of the standard 2 × 107 PFU to provide broader population protection. Identification of a protective lower dose providing rapid protection would ease supply burdens during future outbreaks and enhance vaccine coverage. We previously generated a VSV-based vaccine expressing the glycoprotein of the Makona variant (VSV-Mak) ...

  Abstract While influenza A virus undergoes rapid antigenic drift in humans, at least some subtypes, such as H3, have relatively stable antigenicity in natural waterfowl reservoirs, despite the presence of immune pressure . However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study identified and characterized 187 antibodies to H3 hemagglutinin from experimentally infected mallard ducks , 18 of which were further analyzed by cryo-EM . Compared with human H3 antibodies , duck H3 antibodies exhibited higher glycan-binding propensity , more balanced immunodominance hierarchy , and targeted distinct epitopes . Other unique features of duck H3 antibodies included a convergent CDR H3-independent heavy chain-only binding mode and an N-glycosylated CDR H3 as decoy receptor . By annotating duck immunoglobulin germline genes , we also demonstrated the importance of gene conversion in duck H3 antibodies. Overall, our findings provide insights into how millennia of coevolution ha...