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Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 are uncommon. This case report describes the clinical progression of a 92-year-old female who developed a persistent neuroinfection associated with SARS-CoV-2. The patient initially presented with progressive fatigue , catarrhal symptoms , and a fever (38.6 °C). Initial laboratory findings revealed hypoxemia (O2 saturation 79.8%), acidosis (pH 7.3), an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 14.8 mg/L, and a high D-dimer level (2.15 µg/mL). Nasopharyngeal (NP) antigen and RT-PCR tests confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and an NP swab also detected penicillin- and ampicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . She was admitted for conservative management , including oxygen supplementation , IV fluids, and prophylactic anticoagulation. Subsequently, she developed neurological symptoms — lethargy, discoordination, and impaired communication —without signs of meningism . Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis identified SARS-C...

Abstract The repeated emergence of pandemic viruses underscores the linkages between land-use change and wildlife disease , and urban-adapted wildlife are of special interest due to their close proximity to humans . However, viral diversity within urban-adapted species and their zoonotic potential remain largely unexplored. We compiled a large dataset on seven priority urban-adapted mammal species and their viruses covering over 115 countries from 1574 to 2023. These urban-adapted species host 286 virus species spanning 24 orders and 38 families , 14 of which are potentially high risk for human infection. Raccoons carried the most high-risk viruses, while raccoon dogs had increased viral positivity in urban habitats compared to raccoons, wild boars , and red foxes . Many viruses in urban-adapted species were phylogenetically related to those found in humans, and we also observed evidence of possible viral spillback . These results highlight zoonotic risks associated with urban-adapted ...

Abstract Since late 2021, a panzootic of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has driven significant morbidity and mortality in wild birds, domestic poultry, and mammals. In North America , infections in novel avian and mammalian species suggest the potential for changing ecology and establishment of new animal reservoirs . Outbreaks among domestic birds have persisted despite aggressive culling, necessitating a re-examination of how these outbreaks were sparked and maintained. To recover how these viruses were introduced and disseminated in North America, we analyzed 1,818 Hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences sampled from North American wild birds, domestic birds and mammals from November 2021-September 2023 using Bayesian phylodynamic approaches. Using HA, we infer that the North American panzootic was driven by ~8 independent introductions into North America via the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways , followed by rapid dissemination westward via wild, migratory birds. Transmission w...

Abstract Influenza A viruses (IAVs) initially infect a few host cells , and the infection subsequently spreads to neighboring cells . However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this expansion remain unclear. Here, we show that IAV infection upregulates the frequency of intercellular calcium wave propagations (iCWPs) that mediate the spread of IAVs. ADP released from initially infected cells mediated iCWPs via the P2Y1 receptor. The generation of iCWPs and spread of viral infection were inhibited by a P2Y1 antagonist. Enhanced endocytosis in the surrounding cells that received ADP signaling upregulated viral entry. Expression of IAV matrix protein 2 (M2) in initially infected cells triggered iCWPs through ADP diffusion, thereby increasing infection, whereas an ion permeability-deficient mutation of M2 or inhibition of its ion channel activity suppressed iCWPs. Therefore, intercellular calcium signaling is essential for early expansion and potential establishment of IAV infection, whic...

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state .  The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa .  The individual reported mild symptoms , has received appropriate treatment and is recovering .  The case was identified through testing at the State Hygienic Laboratory and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of December 20, 2024, the CDC has reported 64 confirmed human cases of H5 HPAI across nine states. The majority of the exposures are linked to infected poultry or dairy cows.  There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) is occurring in the U.S. Although human infections are rare{!} , the virus is spread through prolonged exposure around infected flocks and herds, through the eyes, nose or mouth. Any individuals with direct contact who develop flu-like symptoms or ...