Skip to main content

Novel #human #coronavirus in an #infant #patient with #pneumonia, Republic of #Korea

ABSTRACT

Coronaviruses (CoVs) pose a significant threat to public health, causing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and outcomes. Beyond precipitating global outbreaks, Human CoVs (HCoVs) are frequently found among patients with respiratory infections. To date, limited attention has been directed towards alphacoronaviruses due to their low prevalence and fatality rates. Nasal swab and serum samples were collected from a paediatric patient, and an epidemiological survey was conducted. Retrospective surveillance investigated the molecular prevalence of CoV in 880 rodents collected in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 2018 to 2022. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and phylogenetic analyses characterized the novel HCoV and closely related CoVs harboured by Apodemus spp. On 15 December 2022, a 103-day-old infant was admitted with fever, cough, sputum production, and rhinorrhea, diagnosed with human parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV-1) and rhinovirus co-infection. Elevated AST/ALT levels indicated transient liver dysfunction on the fourth day of hospitalization. Metagenomic NGS (mNGS) identified a novel HCoV in nasal swab and serum samples. Retrospective rodent surveillance and phylogenetic analyses showed the novel HCoV was closely related to alphacoronaviruses carried by Apodemus spp. in the ROK and China. This case highlights the potential of mNGS to identify emerging pathogens and raises awareness of possible extra-respiratory manifestations, such as transient liver dysfunction, associated with novel HCoVs. While the liver injury in this case may be attributable to the novel HCoV, further research is necessary to elucidate its clinical significance, epidemiological prevalence, and zoonotic origins.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2466705

____

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

#USA, APHIS Confirms {Avian #Influenza #H5N1} #D11 #Genotype in Dairy #Cattle in #Nevada

On January 31, 2025, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed by whole genome sequence the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle .  This confirmation was a result of State tracing and investigation, following an initial detection on silo testing under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) in Nevada.  USDA APHIS continues to work with the Nevada Department of Agriculture by conducting additional on-farm investigation, testing, and gathering additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread.  This is the first detection of this virus genotype in dairy cattle (all previous detections in dairy cattle have been HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 ).  Genotype D1.1 represents the predominant genotype in the North American flyways this past fall an...

#USA, After #Birdflu Detected in Local #Cat, County #Health Officials Say #Pet Owners Should Contact Veterinarian When Their Pets are Sick

Redwood City — State veterinary and health officials have confirmed a case of H5N1 (bird flu) in a domestic stray cat in San Mateo County.  The infection, which is not related to the recent instance of bird flu in a backyard flock , was found in a stray cat in Half Moon Bay that had been taken in by a family .  When it showed symptoms, they took it to Peninsula Humane Society, whose veterinarians examined it and requested testing. Lab results confirmed H5N1.  It is not known how the cat was infected and it was euthanized due to its condition. Cats may be exposed to bird flu by consuming infected bird , being in environments contaminated with the virus and consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows or raw food. Inside domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, that go outside are also at risk of infection.​​​​​​​ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is extremely low, though it is possible for cats to spre...

#USA, Novel #Influenza A #H5N1 Virus: One Pediatric Case in #California {FluView}

 {Excerpt} One confirmed human infection with influenza A(H5) virus was reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States. This case was reported by the California Department of Public Health and occurred in a child less than 18 years old with no known contact with influenza A(H5N1) virus-infected animals or humans . The investigation into the source of infection for this case is ongoing , and no human-to-human transmission has been identified. A specimen from the individual was tested at a public health laboratory using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. The specimen was positive for influenza A(H5) virus using diagnostic RT-PCR at CDC. Additional analysis including genetic sequencing is underway. In response to this detection, additional case investigation and contact monitoring are being conducted by public health officials in California. There have now be...