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Showing posts from September 24, 2025

Characterisation of a novel #chicken-derived #H3N3 avian #influenza virus detected in #China in 2023: Pathogenicity and immunogenicity

  Abstract The poultry industry faces a constant threat from the mutation and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While waterfowl and wild birds are natural hosts of H3N3 AIV , reports of H3N3 infections in chickens are limited. However, in 2023, a decline in egg production among laying hens in the Yancheng Region of Jiangsu Province prompted a study. This research aimed to diagnose the aetiology in laying hens through molecular virological methods and characterise the biological properties of the causative pathogens. An H3N3 AIV subtype strain, A/chicken/China/YC01/2023(H3N3), was isolated from chickens exhibiting lesions. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed a novel genetic makeup : the HA gene originated from an H3N8 AIV, the NA gene from an H10N3 AIV, and the internal genes from an H9N2 AIV, all circulating in China. Chickens experimentally infected with the isolate showed signs of Harderian gland haemorrhage, nasal mucus, tracheal circumferential bleeding , and ...

The identification and genetic characteristics of the #Orf #virus strain (ORFV-CL24) isolated from #Jilin province, #China

  Abstract Orf virus (ORFV), the prototype species of the Parapoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family (subfamily Chordopoxvirinae), is a global pathogen infecting sheep, goats , and other ruminants , with zoonotic potential for humans . In this study, an outbreak of ORFV infection occurred in a sheep flock in Changling County, Jilin province, China , causing papules, pustules, and crusting lesions on the lips and eyelids. Typical parapoxvirus particles were observed using electron microscopy, and a wild ORFV strain was isolated, characterized, and designated as ORFV-CL24 . To clarify the epidemiological and genomic characteristics of ORFV in the region, we completed its whole-genome sequencing (GenBank accession number: PV126639). Genome analysis revealed that ORFV-CL24 shares a conserved structure with other isolates available in GenBank, which possess a complete genomic sequence of 138,500 bp of dsDNA harboring 131 putative open reading frames (ORFs) flanked by inverted termi...

#WHO #statement on #autism-related issues (September 23 '25)

  The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.  Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder , a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain . Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established , and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved.   Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism . At this time, no consistent association has been established.  WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine sh...