ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract We characterized influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and B/Victoria viruses circulating in Japan during 2023–2024 , focusing on lineage placement relative to WHO-recommended vaccine strains and on baloxavir resistance (PA/I38T substitutions). We enrolled 210 outpatients with influenza-like illness across eight clinics in six prefectures (October 2023–September 2024). Of these, 209 had an analyzable pre-treatment respiratory specimen for RT-PCR; hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). PA/I38T substitutions that confer baloxavir resistance were assessed by cycling-probe RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and NGS. HA phylogenies were constructed with global datasets and WHO vaccine reference strains. Of 209 pre-treatment specimens, 181 were influenza-positive (A(H1N1)pdm09 44.2%, A(H3N2) 37.6%, B/Victoria 18.2%); 51 follow-up specimens were collected ≈4–5 days after baloxavir or neuraminidase inhibitor therapy . HA phylogeny ...

  Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes severe encephalitis and respiratory disease in humans and multiple mammalian species. However, no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available against NiV infection. In this study, we developed three mRNA vaccine candidates using a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform : mRNA-F-LNP, comprising mRNA encoding the fusion protein (F); mRNA-G-LNP, containing mRNA encoding the attachment glycoprotein (G); and mRNA-GF-LNP, in which mRNAs encoding both F and G proteins were co-encapsulated at a 1:1 molar ratio. All three mRNA-LNPs induced robust and sustained immune responses in both mice and Syrian hamsters . Sera from immunized Syrian hamster showed high levels of cross-neutralizing antibodies against both NiV-Malaysia (NiV-M) and NiV-Bangladesh (NiV-B) strains. Notably, all three mRNA-LNPs conferred complete protection against a lethal challenge with NiV-M in Syrian hamsters. These findings demonstrate tha...

  Abstract While treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or molnupiravir is effective in lowering the rate of severe COVID-19 , the effectiveness of these antivirals in reducing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes, especially among the hospitalized population, remains largely unknown . In this study, we assessed the real-world effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir on short- and long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 using a target trial emulation design. Two target trials of COVID-19 antivirals were emulated by using a territory-wide, population-based, retrospective cohort of hospitalized patients in Hong Kong . Nine cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated in both short-term (day 0–21) and long-term (day 22–365) post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared with the control group , the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with a significantly lower one-year risk of cardiovascular mortality , composite cardiovascular complications, major adverse cardiac eve...

  Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in infectious disease surveillance , especially in West Africa where endemic viruses including Lassa fever persist. The overlapping clinical symptoms of these two infections create diagnostic challenges and the possibility of undetected co-infections. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using archived serum samples from a nationwide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey in Ghana . 434 samples across six regions were tested for SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (IgG/IgM) using the WANTAI ELISA kit and Lassa virus IgG using ReLASV Pan-Lassa-NP-IgG ELISA. Results SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence was 64.29% (n = 279) and Lassa virus IgG prevalence was 20.28% (n = 88). Of the cohort of subjects who were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, 20.79% were also seropositive for LASV IgG . Multivariate analysis revealed household size as a strong risk factor of dual exposure . Individuals from medium-sized households (...

  Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol LI Q, Novosad S, Rha B, Hua H, et al Trends of bloodstream infection incidence rates among patients on outpatient hemodialysis, National Healthcare Safety Network, 2012-2021. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Dec 18:1-7. doi: 10.1017/ice.2025. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis CHOI WS, Kim KH, Kim DS, Lee SH, et al Increased 30-day Mortality Risk in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Compared to Seasonal Influenza. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 17:108312. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108312. PubMed           Abstract available RODGERS MA, Averhoff F, Berg MG, Anderson M, et al Robust mission-driven responses to infectious disease threats delivered by the Abbott pandemic defense coalition. Int J Infect Dis. 2026;162:108162. PubMed           Abstract available J Med Virol WU Y, Yang C, Wei X, Xiao T, et al Albendazole Suppresses S...

  Antimicrob Agents Chemother LEONARD VHJ, Vidales DB, Taft BR, Hesse MJ, et al Identification and characterization of a novel inhibitor of influenza A virus that acts by blocking nucleoprotein oligomerization. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025 Dec 19:e0114925. doi: 10.1128/aac.01149. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol BEDAIR NM, Sakr MA, Mourad A, Eissa N, et al Genetic characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N8 virus isolated from commercial poultry farms in Egypt reveals zoonotic potential. Arch Virol. 2025;171:29. PubMed           Abstract available Biochemistry WESTMAN H, Hammarstrom P, Nystrom S SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Amyloid Fibrils Impair Fibrin Formation and Fibrinolysis. Biochemistry. 2025;64:4818-4829. PubMed           Abstract available Epidemiol Infect STADHOUDERS L, Hoogteijling EM, Duijts L, Lebon A, et al Trends in a...