ETIDIOH - NEW

  Highlights •  Human antibody HB420 cross-reacts with neuraminidases from H3N2 and H5N1 •  HB420 engages the neuraminidase active site via a single Asp residue •  Germline HB420 is N2 specific but gains reactivity to N1 through somatic mutation •  HB420 provides in vivo protection against both H3N2 and H5N1 Summary The ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in animals and its occasional spillover to humans have raised concerns about a potential H5N1 pandemic . Although recent studies have shown that pre-existing human antibodies can recognize H5N1 neuraminidase , the molecular basis of how this cross-reactivity develops remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a phage display antibody library derived from 245 healthy donors to isolate an antibody, HB420, that cross-reacts with neuraminidases of human H3N2 and avian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and confers protection in vivo. Cryogenic electron microscopy analysis r...

  Abstract Most emerging human infectious diseases are derived from animals , and monitoring such zoonoses is imperative to help prevent future outbreaks . In this Forum , we discuss the knowledge gaps in our current understanding of viral ecology, global disparities in virus discovery , and the applications of artificial intelligence in infectious disease monitoring. Source: Cell Host & Microbe,  https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/abstract/S1931-3128(25)00429-9?rss=yes ____

  SUMMARY OF CRISIS AND KEY FINDINGS   The fragile Gaza ceasefire announced on 9 October 2025 marked a momentous but precarious juncture in the ongoing conflict.{3}  The ceasefire remains in place but is fragile, and violations from both sides continue.{4}  When the ceasefire was agreed in mid-October , the UN Relief Chief Tom Fletcher outlined a 60-day plan to deliver vital aid to people in Gaza, stressing that full implementation requires more crossings, rapid and unimpeded access , sustained fuel entry, restored infrastructure , protection of aid workers , and adequate funding.{5}   While humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza offering a measure of relief, uncertainty persists. Meanwhile, the Rafah Crossing as well as other crossings in the north remain closed , limiting efforts to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.{6}  According to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, the casualty toll among Palestinians since 7 October 2023 , as reported...

  Abstract Influenza viruses cause hundreds of thousands of infections globally every year. In the past century, seasonal influenza viruses have included H1N1, H2N2 or H3N2 strains . H2N2 influenza viruses circulated in the human population between 1957-1968 . Previously, our group demonstrated a lack of H2N2 influenza virus immunity in individuals born after 1968 , as well as the effectiveness of hemagglutinin (HA) based vaccines for multiple influenza virus subtypes. In this study, H2 antigenic maps and radial graphs were generated using previously published data from H2 HA vaccinations of ferrets and seasonal influenza vaccinations of humans . The antigenic maps revealed a stark difference in clustering of HA antigens between the ferrets and humans, and the radial graphs showed specific antigen recognition varies greatly between different influenza preimmune ferrets . These maps also revealed the significant impact that different pre-existing immunities have on antigenic recogni...

  Suspicion of avian influenza was raised at the Mirovice slaughterhouse. The suspicion concerned slaughtered ducks originating from a commercial fattening duck farm (Primary outbreak No. HPAI1-2/2025). A suspicion of HPAI was raised based on the pathological-anatomical findings and the information that there has been increased mortality in the farm. The official veterinary officer collected samples of ducks from the slaughterhouse for testing, which were sent by courier to the National Reference Laboratory, and issued preliminary veterinary measures for the slaughterhouse to prevent the spread of the disease. In connection with the suspicion of HPAI at the slaughterhouse (Secondary outbreak No. HPAI1-3/2025), commercial poultry farm with a fattening ducks. During the on-site inspection, it was found that the animals were dying massively (in total 2 700 birds and the high mortality still ongoing) and showing clinical signs (lethargy, ruffled feathers, and neurological symptoms). Th...

  A poultry farm in Csongrád-Csanád Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7005 ____

  Wild Whooper Swans in the Arhangay Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7007 ____

  Abstract The spread of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in dairy herds raises concerns about zoonotic transmission due to its high viral load in milk , a key contact point between livestock and humans . H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b exhibits tropism for the mammary gland , with milk from infected animals containing high levels of infectious virus , posing potential risks to offspring via breastfeeding . Using a lactating ferret model , we demonstrate that mammary gland infection with bovine H5N1 transmits the virus to suckling kits , resulting in neonatal mortality . Viral RNA levels increased in milk and remained high in mammary tissue, with infected kits exhibiting elevated viral RNA in the oral and nasal cavities and feces . Additionally, we detected the H5N1 receptor, α2,3 sialic acid , in ferret and human mammary tissue . These data demonstrate that H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in lactating dams leads to mastitis-related disease and transmits to suckling pups, resulting in mortality among neonate...