#SARS-CoV-2 #antibody responses in #children exhibit higher FcR engagement and avidity than in adults

 

Abstract

As intrinsic differences in humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 between children and adults remain unclear, we improved characterisation by defining the kinetics, specificity and function of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in children (n = 146, aged 9.4 ± 4.8 years with n = 257 samples) compared to adults (n = 85, aged 39.5 ± 15.2 years with n = 122 samples). We used plasma samples from an infection and vaccination-naive cohort study with RT-PCR confirmed ancestral B.1* SARS-CoV-2 virus infection with asymptomatic or mild disease, collected in Hong Kong between March to December 2020, from acute (0–14 days post infection) to convalescent (15–206 days) timepoints. Children had significantly lower primary antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 proteins overall, leading to a less isotype switched response. While children had lower OC43 Spike and SARS-CoV-2 S2 IgG and avidity than adults, they exhibited higher avidities for SARS-CoV-2 whole Spike and Nucleocapsid, and higher levels of Spike FcγR-binding antibodies. Adults’ SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses could be derived from high avidity pre-existing cross-reactive common cold coronavirus B cell responses, whilst children appear to generate a de novo SARS-CoV-2- specific Spike and Nucleocapsid IgG with robust Fc receptor (FcR) binding ability and high avidity at a higher proportion than adults, thus their responses are more targeted and functional for SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63263-y

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History of Mass Transportation: The DB V 200 Hydraulic Diesel Locomotive

 

By Matthew Black - originally posted to Flickr as DPP_0612, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7171062

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DB_Class_V_200

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#SARS-CoV-2 #infection induces pro-fibrotic and pro-thrombotic #foam cell #formation

 

Abstract

COVID-19 and long COVID are characterized by a dysregulated immune response. However, the role of macrophages during viral infection is poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in increased macrophage numbers and extensive formation of enlarged lipid-laden macrophages or foam cells using humanized mice, rhesus macaques and post-mortem human lung tissue. Notably, infection by other coronaviruses tested, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and two bat coronaviruses (SHC014-CoV or WIV1-CoV), did not result in macrophage proliferation or foam cell formation. Foam cells in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung tissue display a pro-fibrotic and pro-thrombotic phenotype as they are enriched for genes associated with platelet activation and aggregation, as well as extracellular matrix organization and collagen synthesis. After viral clearance, macrophage numbers remain elevated, and lung fibrosis and thrombi persist. Importantly, we show that pre-exposure prophylaxis or early treatment with a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral, EIDD-2801, prevents increases in macrophage cell numbers and foam cell formation, and reduces fibrosis markers. These observations highlight the contribution of macrophages to lung inflammation and tissue injury leading to the pulmonary fibrosis observed in COVID-19 patients.

Source: Nature Microbiology, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02090-9

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#Famine confirmed for first time in #Gaza (#WHO, August 22 '25)

 

More than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine, marked by widespread starvation, destitution and preventable deaths, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released today. 

Famine conditions are projected to spread from Gaza Governorate to Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis Governorates in the coming weeks.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have collectively and consistently highlighted the extreme urgency for an immediate and full-scale humanitarian response given the escalating hunger-related deaths, rapidly worsening levels of acute malnutrition and plummeting levels of food consumption, with hundreds of thousands of people going days without anything to eat.

The agencies reinforced that famine must be stopped at all costs. An immediate ceasefire and end to the conflict is critical to allow unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian response that can save lives. 

The agencies are also gravely concerned about the threat of an intensified military offensive in Gaza City and any escalation in the conflict, as it would have further devastating consequences for civilians where famine conditions already exist. 

Many people – especially sick and malnourished children, older people and people with disabilities – may be unable to evacuate.

By the end of September, more than 640 000 people will face Catastrophic levels of food insecurity – classified as IPC Phase 5 – across the Gaza Strip. 

An additional 1.14 million people in the territory will be in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and a further 396 000 people in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions. 

Conditions in North Gaza are estimated to be as severe – or worse – than in Gaza City. However, limited data prevented an IPC classification, highlighting the urgent need for access to assess and assist. Rafah was not analyzed given indications that it is largely depopulated.

Classifying famine means that the most extreme category is triggered when three critical thresholds – extreme food deprivation, acute malnutrition and starvation-related deaths – have been breached. The latest analysis now affirms on the basis of reasonable evidence that these criteria have been met.

Almost two years of conflict, repeated displacement, and severe restrictions on humanitarian access, compounded by repeated interruptions and impediments to access to food, water, medical aid, support to agriculture, livestock and fisheries and the collapse of health, sanitation, and market systems, have pushed people into starvation.

Access to food in Gaza remains severely constrained. In July, the number of households reporting very severe hunger doubled across the territory compared to May and more than tripled in Gaza City. More than one in three people (39 percent) indicated they were going days at a time without eating, and adults regularly skip meals to feed their children.

Malnutrition among children in Gaza is accelerating at a catastrophic pace. In July alone, more than 12 000 children were identified as acutely malnourished – the highest monthly figure ever recorded and a six-fold increase since the start of the year. Nearly one in four of these children were suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the deadliest form with both short and long-term impacts.

Since the last IPC Analysis in May, the number of children expected to be at severe risk of death from malnutrition by the end of June 2026 has tripled from 14 100 to 43 400. Similarly, for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the number of estimated cases has tripled from 17 000 in May to 55 000 women expected to be suffering from perilous levels of malnutrition by mid-2026. The impact is visible: one in five babies are born prematurely or underweight.

The new assessment reports the most severe deterioration since the IPC began analyzing acute food insecurity and acute malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, and it marks the first time a famine has been officially confirmed in the Middle East region.

Since July, food and aid supplies entering Gaza increased slightly but remained vastly insufficient, inconsistent and inaccessible compared to the need.

Meanwhile, approximately 98 percent of cropland in the territory is damaged or inaccessible – decimating the agriculture sector and local food production – and nine of ten people have been serially displaced from homes. Cash is critically scarce, aid operations remain severely disrupted, with most UN trucks looted amid growing desperation. Food prices are extremely high and there are not enough fuel and water to cook and medicines and medical supplies.

Gaza’s health system has severely deteriorated, access to safe drinking water and sanitation services has been drastically reduced, while multi-drug resistant infections are surging and levels of morbidity – including diarrhoea, fever, acute respiratory and skin infections – are alarmingly high among children.

To enable lifesaving humanitarian operations, the U.N. agencies emphasized the importance of an immediate and sustained ceasefire to stop the killing, allow for the safe release of hostages and permit unimpeded access for a mass influx of assistance to reach people across Gaza. 

They stressed the urgent need for greater amounts of food aid, along with dramatically improved delivery, distribution and accessibility, as well as shelter, fuel, cooking gas and food production inputs. 

They emphasized that it is critical to support the rehabilitation of the health system, maintain and revive essential health services, including primary health care, and ensure sustained delivery of health supplies into and across Gaza. The restoration of commercial flows at scale, market systems, essential services, and local food production is also vital if the worst outcomes of the famine are to be avoided.

“People in Gaza have exhausted every possible means of survival. Hunger and malnutrition are claiming lives every day, and the destruction of cropland, livestock, greenhouses, fishery and food production systems has made the situation even more dire,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. “Our priority must now be safe and sustained access for large-scale food assistance. Access to food is not a privilege – it is a basic human right.”

“Famine warnings have been clear for months,” said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director. “What’s urgently needed now is a surge of aid, safer conditions, and proven distribution systems to reach those most in need – wherever they are. Full humanitarian access and a ceasefire now are critical to save lives.”

“Famine is now a grim reality for children in Gaza Governorate, and a looming threat in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “As we have repeatedly warned, the signs were unmistakable: children with wasted bodies, too weak to cry or eat; babies dying from hunger and preventable disease; parents arriving at clinics with nothing left to feed their children. There is no time to lose. Without an immediate ceasefire and full humanitarian access, famine will spread, and more children will die. Children on the brink of starvation need the special therapeutic feeding that UNICEF provides.”

“A ceasefire is an absolute and moral imperative now,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The world has waited too long, watching tragic and unnecessary deaths mount from this man-made famine. Widespread malnutrition means that even common and usually mild diseases like diarrhoea are becoming fatal, especially for children. The health system, run by hungry and exhausted health workers, cannot cope. Gaza must be urgently supplied with food and medicines to save lives and begin the process of reversing malnutrition. Hospitals must be protected so that they can continue treating patients. Aid blockages must end, and peace must be restored, so that healing can begin.”

 

Notes for editors

Access the IPC alert https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Famine_Review_Committee_Report_Gaza_Aug2025.pdf.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is an innovative 21-partner initiative – made up of UN agencies and international NGOs – for improving food security and nutrition analysis and decision-making. By using the IPC classification and analytical approach, governments, UN Agencies, NGOs, civil society and other relevant actors, work together to determine the severity and magnitude of acute and chronic food insecurity, and acute malnutrition situations in a country, according to internationally-recognized scientific standards. Find out more https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/ipc-overview-and-classification-system/en/.

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news/item/22-08-2025-famine-confirmed-for-first-time-in-gaza

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, August 22 '25)

 

{Summary}

Time Period: August 10, 2025 - August 16, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 1 site (0.2%)

-- No Detection: 422 sites (99.8%)

-- No samples in last week: 37 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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History of Mass Transportation: The Mekarski Tram System

 

By Gonioul - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3584482

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mekarski_system

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#Argentina - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

The event occurred in a laying hen farm in the province of Buenos Aires. The birds involved showed mortality and clinical signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza. The suspicion is officially addressed and samples were taken. The samples tested positive for HPAI H5.

The event occurred in a laying hen farm. On 17/08/25 National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) received a notification concerning mortality and clinical signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) (drooping and diarrhea). The suspicion is officially addressed, with restriction of the establishment and taking of samples for diagnosis. On 19/08/2025, samples tested positive for HPAI H5. The stamping out of all the birds in the establishment will be carried out. We will update the population data in the following follow-up reports.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6737

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#Italy, Integrated #Surveillance for #WNV and #USUV - Weekly #Bulletin no. 6 - August 21 2025 (summary): 76 new cases, total so far 351

{Summary}

-- During current surveillance week (14 to 20 August), seventy-six new human confirmed cases of West Nile Virus infection have been reported;

-- So far this year, 351 human cases of WNV infection were confirmed (they were 275 last week); of these:

- 158 were WNND (West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease): 6 in Piedmont, 8 Lombardy, 10 Veneto, 1 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 8 Emilia-Romagna, 59 Latium, 54 Campania, 2 Basilicata, 5 Calabria, 5 Sardinia;

- 27 were asymptomatic cases in blood donors, 

- 162 were West Nile Fever cases, 

- 2 asymptomatic and 

- 2 symptomatic (unspecified). 

-- Among confirmed cases, there were 22 fatalities: 1 in Piedmont, 1 Lombardy, 10 Latium, 9 Campania, 1 Calabria). 

- The Case-Fatality Rate in WNND cases is thus far at 13.9% (in 2018 it was 20%, and in 2024, 14%). 

-- No confirmed cases of Usutu Virus infection have been confirmed this week.

(...)

Source: High Institute of Health, https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2025_06.pdf

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Immunogenicity and safety of a rabies-based highly pathogenic #influenza A virus #H5 #vaccine in #cattle

 

Abstract

The circulation of highly pathogenic H5 influenza A viruses in cattle, other mammals, and wildlife threatens animal and human health. To address this, we vaccinated heifer-calves with a deactivated rabies-virus-based H5 vaccine, which was well-tolerated and elicited neutralizing antibodies against both clade-1 and clade-2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses, comparable to naturally H5-infected and convalescing cows. The immune responses to the vaccine platform were durable for at least 200 days and unaffected by preexisting RABV immunity.

Source: npj Vaccines, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01238-2

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Genetic #reassortment and diversification of #host specificity have driven evolutionary trajectories of #lineages of #panzootic #H5N1 #influenza

 

Abstract

Since 2021, subclade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have undergone changes in ecology and epidemiology, causing a panzootic of unprecedented scale in wild and domestic birds with spill-over infections and perceptible transmission in a range of mammalian species, raising concern over zoonotic potential. HPAI viruses readily exchange gene segments with low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses via reassortment, a mechanism that facilitates pronounced phenotypic change. Observations suggest changes in the seasonality and host range of panzootic viruses, however, data on the role of reassortment in determining such features are limited. Using phylodynamic approaches, we describe the emergence of the panzootic lineage and using a novel global genotype classification system we describe the subsequent emergence and global structuring of genotypes generated by reassortment. Focusing on evolutionary dynamics in Europe, we show reassortment has produced high fitness genotypes with enhanced capacity for transmission and further we show such advantages can be host-dependent, contrasting successful generalist genotypes with a specialist lineage (EA-2022-BB) adapted to birds of the order Charadriiformes. Experimental investigation of NS1-mediated shutoff indicates this Charadriiformes-specialist does not inhibit host cellular gene expression and hamper the defences of more typical hosts such as water- and land-fowl. We attribute this primarily to variation at position 127 of the NS1 protein. Our results emphasise that reassortment has driven phenotypic change, affected viral fitness, and caused diversification of host specificity and seasonality. Such factors should be considered in studies that seek to identify drivers of HPAI spread and map spillover risk. Additionally, relaxation of host specialisation, ecological diversification, and potential endemicity in atypical host populations present new reassortment opportunities that could result in further novel phenotypes.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, BB/X006204/1, BB/X006166/1, BB/Y007271/1, BB/Y007298/1, BB/V011286/1

BBSRC Institute Strategic Grant, BBS/E/RL/230002C, BBS/E/RL/230002D, BBS/E/PI/230002A, BBS/E/PI/230002B

Medical Research Council, MR/Y03368X/1

European Union, https://ror.org/019w4f821, 874735

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, https://ror.org/00tnppw48, SE2223, SE2230, SV3400, SV3032, SV3006

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.20.670882v1

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Circulating vaccine-derived #poliovirus type 1 [#cVDPV1] - #Israel (#WHO D.O.N., August 20 '25)

 

Situation at a glance

On 4 August 2025, Israel notified WHO of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak. 

Between February and July 2025, nine genetically linked virus isolates were found in environmental samples from seven sites, mainly in Jerusalem and the Central Region. 

No human cases of paralytic polio have been reported. 

Israel discontinued routine use of the bivalent oral polio vaccine in March 2025 but continues using inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of the country’s routine immunization schedule. 

WHO and partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are supporting national and subnational authorities. 

WHO assesses the risk of international spread of this cVDPV1 outbreak in Israel as low, due to strong overall immunity, surveillance, and response systems. 

However, the virus is circulating in under-vaccinated, vaccine-sceptic communities with ties to similar groups abroad, posing a potential risk for further spread.

Description of the situation

On 4 August 2025, WHO received an International Health Regulations notification from the IHR National Focal Point (NFP) for Israel reporting the declaration of a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak in the country. 

Between February and July 2025, nine genetically related VDPV1 isolates were detected in environmental samples collected from seven sampling sites, four of which are geographically non-overlapping in the Jerusalem district and Central Region. 

Laboratory analyses and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) indicate that these viruses are genetically linked to each other and to multiple Sabin-like viruses isolated from environmental samples since October 2024. 

As of 8 August 2025, cVDPV1 has been detected only in environmental samples, with no paralytic cases reported at this stage. 

However current evidence supports classification of this event as an outbreak of cVDPV1 with sustained community transmission.

Prior to this outbreak a Sabin-like type 1 virus (SL1), related to SL1 viruses detected in environmental surveillance, was the cause of an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case in an unvaccinated 17-year-old male from Jerusalem that was reported on 23 December 2024 and classified as vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP). 

Israel discontinued routine use of the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) in March 2025 but continues to administer four doses of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of the routine immunization schedule up to 12 months of age. 

The WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage for three doses of IPV in 2024 was 98%. 

However, vaccination coverage in Jerusalem is notably lower and below WHO’s recommended coverage threshold, which is necessary to maintain sufficient population immunity and prevent poliovirus transmission.

Epidemiology

Polio is a highly infectious disease that largely affects children under five years of age, causing permanent paralysis (approximately 1 in 200 infections) or death (2-10% of those paralyzed).

The virus is transmitted from person-to-person, mainly through the fecal-oral route or, less frequently, by contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis. The incubation period is usually 7-10 days but can range from 4-35 days. Up to 90% of those infected are either asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms and the disease usually goes unrecognized.

Vaccine-derived poliovirus is a well-documented strain of poliovirus mutated from the strain originally contained in OPV. OPV contains a live, weakened form of poliovirus that replicates in the intestine for a limited period, thereby developing immunity by building up antibodies. On rare occasions, when replicating in the gastrointestinal tract, OPV strains can genetically change and may spread in communities that are not fully vaccinated against polio, especially in areas where there is poor hygiene, poor sanitation, or overcrowding. The lower the population's immunity, the longer vaccine-derived poliovirus survives and the more genetic changes it undergoes.

In very rare instances, the vaccine-derived virus can genetically change into a form that can cause paralysis as does the wild poliovirus – this is what is known as a vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV). The detection of VDPV in at least two different sources and at least two months apart, that are genetically linked, showing evidence of transmission in the community, is classified as cVDPV. Similar to wild poliovirus, cVDPVs can be of three types (1,2 or 3), the current outbreak in Israel is due to cVDPV1.

Public health response

Enhanced AFP and environmental surveillance to detect further transmission are ongoing. 

Under the Ministry of Health, a multi-disciplinary emergency response team (ERT) was established to support the control of outbreaks of cVDPV3 in 2022 followed by cVDPV2 in 2023 and this ERT continues to operate for this current cVDPV1 outbreak.

Investigations are ongoing to assess the scale of local circulation and the necessary responses where relevant.

Partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including the WHO European Regional Office, are supporting national and subnational authorities.

Targeted immunization campaigns with IPV have been ongoing since 2022, focusing on under-immunized communities. These campaigns are currently being intensified alongside measles vaccination efforts to maximize coverage. To enhance vaccine acceptance, the campaigns are supported by tailored, community-specific communication strategies.

Community- sensitive communication strategies are being developed with tailored messages to reduce the vaccine hesitancy and increase uptake.

WHO risk assessment

The international spread of poliovirus was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the Director-General of the WHO on 5 May 2014, and most recently, the PHEIC declaration was extended on 28 July 2025. The outbreaks of cVDPV in Israel are covered by the original PHEIC declaration.

There is a high level of vaccination coverage and a robust surveillance system in Israel, however, the risk of further spread in the country is likely to be moderate as immunization gaps persist in known high-risk areas/population groups. 

Local health authorities are conducting field, epidemiological and virological investigations to better understand the situation and the likely risk of spread. Israel discontinued the use of bOPV in March 2025. The routine immunization schedule includes four doses of IPV-containing vaccine until the age of 12 months and a fifth dose during the second year of primary school. 

In 2024, a total of 11 cVDPV1 cases were reported, ten in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. Despite no cVDPV1 case detection for the past 10 months, continued low routine immunization and IPV coverage in several countries and associated immunity gap, indicate continued risk of cVDPV1 emergence.

WHO currently assesses the risk of international spread associated with this cVDPV1 detection as low due to high overall population immunity, robust poliovirus surveillance, and response capacity. 

However, the potential for spread exists, taking into account the fact that circulation is likely occurring in the vaccine-sceptic under vaccinated communities with known close ties to similar communities in other countries. An example of this being the 2022-2023 multi-country circulation of cVDPV2 in the UK, USA, Canada and Israel. 

WHO advice

The polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life. WHO advises that every country should seek to achieve and maintain high levels of coverage with polio vaccine in support of the global commitment to eradicate polio. WHO recommends that all those who travel to or live in polio-affected areas should be fully vaccinated against polio in compliance with the national schedule. Population pockets with low immunity against polio should be prioritised for targeted interventions to boost immunity and reduce the risk of sustained transmission and spread.

It is important that all countries, in particular those with frequent travel and contact with polio-affected countries and areas, strengthen surveillance for AFP cases in order to rapidly detect any new virus importation and to facilitate a rapid response. Countries, territories, and areas should also maintain uniformly high routine immunization coverage at the district level to minimize the consequences of any new virus introduction.

As per the advice of the Emergency Committee convened under the International Health Regulations (2005), efforts to limit the international spread of poliovirus remain a PHEIC. 

Countries affected by poliovirus transmission are subject to Temporary Recommendations. 

To comply with the Temporary Recommendations issued under the PHEIC, any country infected by poliovirus should: 

-- declare the outbreak as a national public health emergency, 

-- consider vaccination of all international travellers, 

-- ensure such travellers are provided with an international certificate of vaccination, 

-- restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination, 

-- intensify cross-border efforts to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travellers, and 

-- intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage. 

Any country subject to the temporary recommendation maintains the measures described above until the following criteria have been met:

-- At least six months have passed without new infections; and

-- There is documentation of the full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas. 

-- In the absence of such documentation, the measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.

The latest epidemiological information on cVDPVs is updated on a weekly basis.  

WHO does not recommend any travel and/or trade restrictions to Israel based on the current information available for this event.

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON578

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#USA, #Missouri: DHSS confirms #death of #patient with rare brain #infection {#Naegleria Fowleri}

Aug. 20 Update:  

In response to several media inquiries following up on this case, DHSS regrets to confirm that the patient's death occurred on Aug. 19 in a St. Louis area hospital. We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the patient. 

Source: Department of Health, https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MODHSS/bulletins/3eebf32

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Novel #Henipavirus, Salt Gully Virus, Isolated from Pteropid #Bats, #Australia

 

Abstract

We describe isolation and characterization of a novel henipavirus, designated Salt Gully virus, from the urine of pteropid bats in Australia. We noted the virus to be most closely related to Angavokely virus, not reliant on ephrin receptors for cell entry, and of unknown risk for human disease.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/9/25-0470_article

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Intensive #transmission in wild, migratory #birds drove rapid geographic #dissemination and repeated #spillovers of #H5N1 into agriculture in North #America

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 was primarily driven by Anseriformes, shorebirds, and Galliformes, while species such as songbirds, raptors, and owls mostly acted as dead-end hosts. Unlike the epizootic of 2015, outbreaks in domestic birds were driven by ~46-113 independent introductions from wild birds, with some onward transmission. Backyard birds were infected ~10 days earlier on average than birds in commercial poultry production settings, suggesting that they could act as early warning signals for transmission upticks in a given area. Our findings support wild birds as an emerging reservoir for HPAI transmission in North America and suggest continuous surveillance of wild Anseriformes and shorebirds as crucial for outbreak inference. Future prevention of agricultural outbreaks may require investment in strategies that reduce transmission at the wild bird/agriculture interface, and investigation of backyard birds as putative early warning signs.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.16.628739v2

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Diversity and #spillover #risk of swine acute diarrhea syndrome and related #coronaviruses in #China and Southeast #Asia

 

ABSTRACT

Bats are the reservoir hosts of emerging coronaviruses (CoVs) affecting human and livestock health. We assessed the diversity, evolution, and geographic distribution of two alphacoronaviruses (subgenus Rhinacovirus) with considerable potential for emergence: swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), which has caused large outbreaks in pigs in China and can infect primary human airway epithelial cells in vitro; and the related Rhinolophus bat coronavirus HKU2 (HKU2-CoV). Phylogenetic analyses of 523 rhinacovirus sequences from bats in China and Southeast Asia suggest these viruses should be reclassified into at least two distinct CoV species representing two well-supported monophyletic clades. Stronger phylogenetic clustering by sampling location than by host species suggests infrequent long-distance transmission of rhinacoviruses in southern China. Ancestral state reconstruction analysis indicates that R. sinicus/thomasi and R. affinis have played an important role in rhinacovirus evolution in southern China and that R. affinis is the likely reservoir host of SADS-CoV that spilled over into pigs. We used species distribution modeling of Rhinolophus spp. bat hosts of rhinacoviruses, combined with pig and human density data, to identify potential geographic rhinacovirus spillover risk in Southeast Asia. Areas of high pig density within suitable bat habitat exist primarily in southern China and northern Vietnam, and hotspots of the highest human density within suitable bat habitat are primarily along the southern coast of China, Java, and central Thailand. Targeted surveillance of pigs and people in these regions may facilitate the timely detection of bat CoV spillover events and mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.

IMPORTANCE

Bats are the reservoir or ancestral hosts of important emerging coronaviruses affecting people (e.g., SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) and livestock (e.g., PEDV, SADS-CoV). Here, we analyzed 523 genetic sequences of SADS-CoV that caused large-scale die-offs of pigs in China, which is known to be able to infect human cells and related HKU2-CoVs. We used this information to identify the horseshoe bat Rhinolophus affinis as the likely spillover host for the outbreak in pigs, and identified the bat species within which these viruses evolved. We then modeled the distribution of these host species and their overlap with dense human and pig populations to identify the regions where surveillance programs can help identify spillover events and prevent future outbreaks.

Source: mBio, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.01197-24?af=R

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Characterization of a #MERS-related #betacoronavirus in Danish brown long-eared #bats (Plecotus auritus)

 

Abstract

Background

Bats are recognized as natural reservoir hosts for numerous viruses and are believed to be the evolutionary origin of alpha- and beta-coronaviruses (CoVs), such as SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and possibly MERS-CoV. MERS-related beta-CoVs have been identified in bat species from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. In this study, we describe the first detection and characterization of a MERS-related beta-CoV in Danish brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus).

Methods

Fecal samples collected through a national surveillance program were screened using pan-CoV RT-qPCRs. Positive samples underwent ORF1b sequencing, microarray analysis and Illumina MiSeq sequencing, followed by metagenomic assembly of full-length genomes. A global phylogenetic tree was used to determine placement within the Coronaviridae family and local maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis clarified subgroup placement. The receptor-binding potential of the spike protein to human DPP4, ACE2, and bat ACE2 orthologs was assessed through phylogenetic analysis of the receptor-binding domain (RBD), alongside homology modeling and structural analysis.

Results

Three samples tested positive for CoVs. One sample from a Soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) was identified as alpha-CoV by ORF1b sequencing. The remaining two samples, obtained from a colony of Plecotus auritus, were identified as beta-CoVs, and separate microarray results indicated the presence of a MERS-related CoV. Full genomes were successfully assembled using a metagenomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis placed them within the merbecoviruses, forming a distinct clade with viruses detected in Vespertilionidae bats from Western Europe and East Asia. Analysis of the RBD placed them within the HKU25 clade. Structural modeling suggested hydrogen bonding patterns between the RBD and human/bat ACE2 orthologs or human DPP4, similar to known in vitro complexes, indicating potential receptor binding.

Conclusion

This is the first report of MERS-related beta-CoVs in bats from Denmark. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that these novel viruses belong to the HKU25 clade, a clade with known ACE2 receptor preference. Experimental validation is needed to confirm the receptor-binding potential, as additional interactions at the RBD-receptor interface may differ from previously described bat-merbecoviruses. Continued surveillance is crucial to identify potential intermediate hosts and assess interspecies transmission risk, with focus on the spike protein, receptor specificity, and binding affinity.

Source: Virology Journal, https://virologyj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12985-025-02883-8

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Higher #mortality in #ECMO patients during the #COVID19 #pandemic compared with #H1N1 #influenza: implications for future pandemics

 

Highlights

-- Higher Mortality in COVID-19 ECMO Patients: COVID-19 patients on ECMO had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (52%) compared to H1N1 patients (6%) (p < 0.0001).

-- Increased Complications in COVID-19: COVID-19 patients had a higher incidence of complications, including:

• Secondary bloodstream infections (OR = 14.3; p = 0.003)

• Neurological complications

• Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT)

-- Longer ECMO Duration in COVID-19: COVID-19 patients required longer durations of ECMO support compared to H1N1 patients.

-- Age and Comorbidities Impact Mortality: Even after adjusting for age, BMI, gender, and ECMO duration, COVID-19 conferred a 16-fold higher risk of mortality compared to H1N1 (adjusted OR = 16.8).

Abstract

Background

Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (V-V ECMO) in management of refractory respiratory failure due to viral respiratory infections has increased with recent pandemics.

Aims

The aim was to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring ECMO support during an evolving pandemic with COVID-19, with patients during the H1N1-influenza pandemic and subsequent seasonal epidemics, where adjunct therapy and vaccination was available.

Methods

Medical records of inpatients at an ECMO referral centre diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 2020 and October 2022 and requiring ECMO support were analysed. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were compared to data from patients with H1N1 influenza requiring ECMO between July 2009 and August 2017, treated at the same centre. The primary outcome of in-hospital mortality was analysed with a multivariate logistic regression model; categorical and continuous variables were compared using Fisher’s exact tests and two-sample T-tests, respectively.

Results

ECMO was used in 27 COVID-19 patients and 32 H1N1 influenza patients. Compared with H1N1 patients, COVID-19 patients were older (49.2±9.0 vs 42.3±11.1 years,p=0.01), and more likely to have comorbidities (59% vs 28%,p=0.02). Mortality was significantly higher for COVID-19 patients (52% vs 6%,p<0.0001), odds ratio 16.8 (95% CI: 1.27 - 221.39,p<0.05). Days on ECMO were longer in the COVID-19 group (20±13.3 vs 10±5.6 days,p<0.001). ECMO-related complication rates were similar between groups, apart from higher rates of secondary blood stream infections in COVID-19 patients (44% vs 6%,p<0.001).

Conclusion

Outcomes in patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO support were worse than those requiring similar support during H1N1 seasons.

Source: Respiratory Medicine, https://www.resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(25)00374-9/abstract

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Modelling #transmission of #MERS #coronavirus in #camel populations and the potential impact of animal #vaccination

 

Abstract

Outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in humans are driven by recurring zoonotic spillover from camels, leading to demand for camel vaccination. With two vaccine candidates shown to reduce infectiousness, there is a need to better understand transmission of MERS-CoV in camels and assess the potential impact of vaccination. To help address this, we used age-stratified seroprevalence data and a combination of modelling methodologies to estimate key epidemiological quantities including MERS-CoV transmissibility in camels and to estimate vaccine impact on infection incidence. Transmissibility was higher in West Asia (R0 interquartile range 7-14) compared to Africa (3-5) and South Asia (2-3), highlighting the need for setting-specific vaccination strategies. Modelling suggested that even if the vaccine only reduced infectiousness rather than susceptibility to infection, vaccinating calves could achieve large reductions in incidence in moderate and high transmission settings, and interrupt transmission in low transmission settings, provided coverage was high (70-90%).

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62365-x

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Estimates of #epidemiological #parameters for #H5N1 #influenza in #humans: a rapid review

 

Abstract

Background 

The ongoing H5N1 panzootic in mammals has amplified zoonotic pathways to facilitate human infection. Characterising key epidemiological parameters for H5N1 is critical should it become widespread. 

Aim 

To identify and estimate critical epidemiological parameters for H5N1 from past and current outbreaks, and to compare their characteristics with human influenza subtypes and the 2003 Netherlands H7N7 outbreak. 

Methods 

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for systematic reviews reporting parameter estimates from primary data or meta-analyses. To address gaps, we searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies of any design providing relevant estimates. We estimated the basic reproduction number for the recent outbreak in the United States (US) and the 2003 Netherlands H7N7 outbreak. In addition we estimated the serial interval for H5N1 using data from previous household clusters in Indonesia. We also applied a branching process model to simulate transmission chain size and duration to assess if simulated transmission patterns align with observed dynamics. 

Results 

From 46 articles, we identified H5N1s epidemiological profile as having lower transmissibility (R0 < 0.2) but higher severity compared to other human subtypes. Evidence suggests H5N1 has a longer incubation (~4 days vs ~2 days) and serial intervals (~6 days vs ~3 days) than human subtypes, impacting transmission dynamics. The epidemiology of the US H5 outbreak is similar to the 2003 Netherlands H7N7 outbreak. Key gaps remain regarding latent and infectious periods. 

Conclusions 

We characterised critical epidemiological parameters for H5N1 infection. The current US outbreak shows lower pathogenicity but similar transmissibility compared to prior outbreaks. Longer incubation and serial intervals may enhance contact tracing feasibility. These estimates offer a baseline for monitoring changes in H5N1 epidemiology.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This work was supported by the ESCAPE project (101095619), co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. This work was co-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK governments Horizon Europe funding guarantee [grant number 10051037]. Epiverse is supported by data.org

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.11.24318702v4

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Madonna and Child with Cherubs, Andrea Mantegna (1480 - 1490)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/andrea-mantegna/madonna-and-child-with-cherubs-1490

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The #pathogenicity and multi-organ proteomic profiles of #Mpox virus #infection in SIVmac239-infected rhesus #macaques

 

Abstract

Mpox poses a heightened risk of severe disease and mortality among individuals with HIV, yet the molecular mechanisms and immunopathology underlying multi-organ damage caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), particularly in the context of HIV co-infection, remain poorly understood. Here, we observe increased MPXV replication, more extensive skin lesions, and impaired humoral and cellular immune responses in SIV-MPXV co-infected rhesus macaques compared to those infected with MPXV alone. Multi-organ proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveals upregulation of proteins involved in immune and inflammatory pathways in skin lesions and across multiple organs, especially in immune-related tissues. Abnormal activation of DNA replication and cell cycle signaling pathways, which may contribute to enhanced viral replication, is evident in both MPXV and SIV-MPXV co-infected groups. CDK4/6 may present a potential therapeutic target to suppress MPXV replication. These comprehensive proteomic datasets offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of MPXV in the context of SIV co-infection and support ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of mpox.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62919-z

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