ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been a global concern since its emergence in 1997, causing widespread outbreaks in birds and sporadic human infections . The clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus has rapidly expanded across continents, infecting numerous mammalian species . In 2024, it was detected in dairy cattle for the first time in the U.S., along with human cases following exposure . In Canada , the first human case of this avian influenza was reported in a critically ill adolescent in late 2024. No human-to-human transmission has been documented, but concerns persist regarding mutations associated with enhanced virulence and human adaptation . Although seasonal influenza vaccines are not directed against H5N1, studies suggest that pre-existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations may provide partial protection against severe H5N1 infections through cross-reactive immune response . Given the ongoing circulation of avian influenza and the rise in human infec...

  The Official Veterinary Services (OVS) received a notification of acute mortality, neurological and digestive signs in a breeder farm . From the start of the OVS investigation, the premise was quarantined, including suspension of the movement of birds and products. Laboratory analysis identified H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b. OVS is conducting an epidemiological investigation of the event and implementing the restrictions and measures in accordance with the National Contingency Plan for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6484 ____

Sudden death of birds, clinical signs, non-commercial hobby flock of hens, products are used exclusively for own consumption in the same household. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6471 ____

Abstract In this work, we performed the genetic characterization of a new variant of orthohantavirus associated with a fatal case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome , outside the known endemic region, in northwestern Argentina . We first confirmed an orthohantavirus infection by ELISA , testing for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies. Then, we extracted RNA from 100 microliters of serum, the only sample available, followed by RT-PCR. The amplicons were sequenced using Sanger and next-generation sequencing technology. We obtained partial sequences of 1253 bp, 799 bp and 1675 bp from the S-, M- and L-segments, respectively, showing low sequence identities with all the previously characterized hantaviruses (10.9%, 13.5% and 15.1% of the divergence, respectively). The phylogenetic analysis showed that this virus belongs to the Orthohantavirus andesense species (ANDV), and among the ANDV-like variants, it is more closely related to the Lechiguanas clade . Similar percentages of divergence...

{Summary} Situation at a glance From 29 December 2024 and as of 26 April 2025 (with data for Ecuador updated as of 2 May 2025), a total of 212 confirmed human cases of yellow fever , including 85 deaths , have been reported to WHO by five countries in the Region of the Americas ( case fatality rate (CFR) 40% ).  The cases have been reported in the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru .  The 212 confirmed yellow fever cases reported so far in 2025 represent a threefold increase compared to the 61 confirmed cases reported in 2024.  WHO is supporting affected countries in implementing coordinated actions to respond to the yellow fever cases and outbreaks.  This includes:  - enhancing preventive measures,  - strengthening surveillance and case management,  - improving risk communication and community engagement, and  - implementing immunization activities.  The current yellow fever situation in the Americas is driven...

  {Excerpt} Time Period: April 27, 2025 - May 03, 2025 -- H5 Detection :  8 sites ( 2.0% ) - No Detection :  402 sites ( 98.0% ) - No samples in last week :  67 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

Summary Background Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir are oral antivirals that have shown efficacy in preventing disease progression in outpatients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate these treatments for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia, for whom data on these antivirals are scarce. Methods The RECOVERY trial is a randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial testing treatments for COVID-19 . In this study we report the molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir comparisons from the RECOVERY trial. In each comparison, participants aged 18 years and older were randomly allocated (1:1) to the relevant antiviral (5 days of molnupiravir 800 mg twice daily or 300 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir twice daily) in addition to usual care, or to usual care alone. The molnupiravir comparison was conducted at 75 hospitals in the UK, two in Nepal, and two in Indonesia ; the nirmatrelvir–ritonavir comparison was conducted at 32 hospitals in the UK. Participants coul...

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) is a cysteine protease that cleaves viral polyproteins and antagonizes the host immune response during viral replication. Jun12682 and PF-07957472 are the first-in-class PLpro inhibitors showing potent in vivo antiviral efficacy in mouse models . In this study, we characterize naturally occurring mutations at residues located at the drug-binding site of Jun12682. The results reveal several PLpro mutants showing significant drug resistance while maintaining comparable enzymatic activity as the wild-type PLpro. The physiological relevance of the identified drug-resistant mutants, including E167G and Q269H, is validated through independent serial viral passage experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations and perturbative free energy calculations show that drug-resistant PLpro mutants weaken hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Collectively, this study identifies E167, Y268, and Q269 as drug-resistant hotspots for PLpro inhibit...