Detection and characterization of #antiviral #resistant viruses during the #influenza season of 2024–25

 

ABSTRACT

During the high severity season of 2024–25, CDC with public health partners sequenced and analyzed genomes of >10,000 influenza viruses for antiviral resistance markers. Available sequence-flagged and representative viruses were tested with antivirals using in vitro assays. In the US, three oseltamivir-resistant A(H3N2) viruses had treatment-emergent neuraminidase (NA) mutations, either E119V or R292K. Oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with NA-H275Y were detected in 15 states, albeit at a low frequency (0.53%). They belonged to several phylogenetic groups, with hemagglutinin (HA) subclade D.3.1 combined with either NA subclade D.1 or D.2 being most common. Based on shared sequence data, nearly all H275Y viruses from Australia, Canada, and Chile also belonged to these HA and NA subclades. Conversely, most H275Y viruses (68/81) from China belonged to HA subclade C.1.9 and NA subclade D and shared the permissive mutation R257K. Influenza polymerase acidic (PA) mutations conferring 4- to 92-fold decreased baloxavir susceptibility were detected in nine influenza A viruses. Viruses with PA-I38T showed mild attenuation of replicative fitness in three cell lines. Based on available data, NA-H275Y and PA-I38T viruses were collected from patients with no exposure to antivirals. Baseline susceptibility to all US-approved influenza antivirals remained largely unchanged compared to previous seasons. All swine-origin viruses detected in the US had adamantane resistance-conferring marker, M2-S31N, but remained susceptible to other approved antivirals. Monitoring antiviral susceptibility has substantially improved with increased sequencing capacities and bioinformatic support at public health laboratories. Information gained through influenza surveillance has been used to guide recommendations on antiviral use.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01514-26

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An imported case of #Bundibugyo virus #infection, #France, June 2026

 

Abstract

In June 2026, an intensive care physician deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and previously vaccinated against Ebola virus developed fatigue, nausea and headaches while returning to France. Bundibugyo virus was identified with RT-PCR. The patient was treated with remdesivir and recovered fully. Contact tracing identified five low-risk contacts and no secondary cases. Stringent infection prevention and control measures and multidisciplinary collaboration are important when managing suspected or confirmed Ebola disease cases, even with low viral loads.

Source: 

Link: https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.31.2600627?emailalert=true#abstract_content

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Transient #Andes #orthohantavirus #RNA #detection in an asymptomatic #healthcare worker following indirect exposure during hospital care of an imported case, the #Netherlands, 2026

 

Abstract

Following an outbreak of Andes hantavirus (ANDV) infections on a cruise ship in May 2026, a healthcare worker not directly involved in caring for an imported ANDV case in the Netherlands had a single low-positive ANDV PCR result. The healthcare worker remained asymptomatic, showed no seroconversion, and all subsequent samples tested negative. We describe a retrospective investigation, including detailed reconstruction of potential transmission routes. Our finding may indicate that asymptomatic ANDV infections with low-level viraemia can occur after indirect exposure.

Source: 

Link: https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.31.2600580?emailalert=true#abstract_content

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A cohort study of persons exposed to highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 at premises with infected #animals, #England, 2023 to 2025

 

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The ongoing panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) presents a risk to human health both from infections resulting from exposure to infected birds or mammals, and from potential mutations enabling human-to-human transmission of a virus to which there is little or no population immunity.

AIM

This cohort study was designed with the aim of informing assessments of the risk of avian influenza to human health and the public health management of influenza A(H5N1) exposures.

METHODS

We recruited 428 individuals at 34 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) outbreak sites between April 2023 to March 2025, throughout England. Through nasopharyngeal samples and questionnaires, we investigated risk factors including exposure periods and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and characteristics of influenza A(H5N1) infection.

RESULTS

The median participant age was 37 years (interquartile range: 28–51 years), 296 (69%) were male. Most participants (85%) reported full PPE use when exposed, and 82 (19%) were vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Six persons tested PCR-positive for influenza A(H5N1), of whom three (< 1%) met the case definition for infection (two confirmed, one unclear) attributable to exposure periods. No severe illness was reported; no secondary cases were identified. None of the six cases with positive detections were vaccinated against seasonal influenza; two of them reported not wearing full PPE when exposed.

CONCLUSION

We recommend continued conscientious PPE use and the resumption of enhanced surveillance following detection of an increased risk of animal-human transmission, with a One Health focus, to mitigate pandemic risk of influenza A(H5N1).

Source: 

Link: https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2026.31.31.2500906?emailalert=true#abstract_content

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Heterologous prime-boost #vaccination against #H5 avian #influenza: Safety and immunogenicity of a MF59-adjuvanted, cell-culture derived #H5N6 vaccine

 

ABSTRACT

With increasing H5 avian influenza cases reported globally and the potential for pandemic emergence, induction of cross-reactive antibody responses may represent an important attribute of an effective vaccine. This phase 2 extension study evaluated immunogenicity and safety of MF59-adjuvanted, cell culture-derived H5N6 vaccine (aH5N6c) in adults primed with MF59-adjuvanted, cell culture-derived H5N1 vaccine (aH5N1c) and in unprimed adults. Adults previously primed with two doses of aH5N1c in the parent study V89_18 were randomized to receive two aH5N6c doses (Group 1) or one aH5N6c and one placebo (Group 2) 3 weeks apart. Unprimed adults received two aH5N6c doses (Group 3). Immunogenicity was assessed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization (MN) assays against the priming (H5N1) and booster (H5N6) strains on Days 1, 8, 22, 43, and 202. Among 258 exposed participants, primed subjects (Groups 1 and 2) showed higher HI geometric mean titers against both strains than unprimed (Group 3) subjects, with MN responses similarly enhanced. Heterologous H5N1 responses were robust in primed subjects (Day 43 HI GMTs: 333–343; seroconversion rates >89%) but minimal in unprimed subjects, with responses persisting to Day 202. Solicited adverse events were mild or moderate, comparable between groups, and consistent with other MF59-adjuvanted pandemic vaccines; no vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. Heterologous H5N6 booster vaccination in H5N1-primed adults elicited strong cross-reactive immunity against the priming strain, demonstrating long-lasting immune memory for at least 6 y and supporting heterologous prime-boost strategies for pandemic preparedness against emerging H5 outbreaks.

Source: 

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2026.2712791

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Accelerating #biomass loss from #forest disturbances across #Europe

 

Abstract

Forest disturbances are rising globally due to climate change and land-use pressures, weakening the terrestrial carbon sink. However, declines in aboveground biomass from tree cover loss remain poorly quantified, limiting our understanding of the role of disturbances in global carbon dynamics. Here we present a spatially explicit estimate of aboveground biomass losses from natural disturbances and harvest across Europe’s 216 million hectares of forests, using satellite remote sensing. From 1985 to 2023, gross aboveground biomass losses totalled 6.5 ± 0.8 Pg. Of these, 18% were caused by high-severity natural disturbances, whereas stand-replacing harvests accounted for 82%. From 2018 onward, aboveground biomass losses increased by 46% reaching annual values unprecedented in the preceding four decades. This acceleration coincided with high natural disturbance activity in biomass-rich temperate forests. After 2018, the sensitivity of aboveground biomass loss to disturbance area increased substantially, suggesting that even small increases in natural disturbances can result in large losses. As climate-driven natural disturbances intensify, we thus expect sustained aboveground biomass losses across Europe, despite policies to enhance the forest carbon sink until 2030.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-026-02032-y

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Virus #reactivation in acute and long #COVID19

 

Abstract

Chronic viral infections are ubiquitous in humans, with individuals carrying multiple viruses that can reactivate during physiological stress, including severe illness1. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to reactivate chronic viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, yet the full extent, temporal dynamics and immunological impact of viral reactivation in COVID-19 remain incompletely understood. Here, leveraging multi-omic longitudinal data from 1,154 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from the Immunophenotyping Assessment in a COVID-19 Cohort (IMPACC) study, we reveal significant reactivation of Herpesviridae and Anelloviridae during acute COVID-19, with distinct temporal dynamics for different viruses, and demonstrate that reactivation correlates with disease severity, host immune effects and clinical outcomes. Although our results do not establish causation between virus reactivation and clinical outcomes, we highlight the prevalence of chronic viral reactivation during acute COVID-19 and long COVID. Our findings challenge the prevailing view that chronic viral reactivation is primarily a consequence of immunosuppression, demonstrating that reactivations occur frequently in immunocompetent individuals during severe illness and in association with increased systemic inflammation. Additionally, we demonstrate persistence of viral reactivation in convalescence, and report an association of Anelloviridae with long COVID. This study provides immune, transcriptomic and metabolomic signatures of viral reactivation that could inform future strategies to prognosticate and treat acute COVID-19 and long COVID.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10740-z

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The relationship between #plasma #favipiravir concentrations and #clinical #outcomes in #COVID19

 

Abstract

Background

Favipiravir has shown efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in patients <60 years old, but data linking plasma concentrations to clinical outcomes are limited. This study investigated whether favipiravir plasma concentrations influence clinical efficacy and outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. The main research question was, How can antiviral dosing strategies be optimised to improve pandemic preparedness and treatment efficacy?

Methods

Adult participants were drawn from the PIONEER trial, in which patients received oral favipiravir (1800 mg twice daily for 1 day, then 800 mg twice daily for 9 days) plus standard care. This analysis included patients with confirmed COVID-19 and ≥75% study adherence. Samples were collected between days 5 and 10 post-treatment initiation. The primary outcome was time to clinical improvement. Secondary outcomes included achievement of clinical improvement and mortality risk.

Results

Out of 140 patients (50% male; mean±sd age 59.5±14.8 years), target plasma concentrations were reached in 29 (21%). Mean time to improvement was 7.7±5.9 days in target achievers versus 9.1±7.2 days in non-achievers (p=0.26). The target was more often achieved in female (34%) than male (7%) participants (p=0.0002). Plasma concentration inversely correlated with body mass index (r= –0.4, p<0.0001), and with lower body mass index in achievers (26.0±5.1 kg·m−2 versus 30.5±6.9 kg·m−2, p=0.003). Alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase levels were also lower in achievers (p=0.004 and p=0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

Most patients did not reach target favipiravir levels. Concentrations were influenced by sex, body mass index and liver function, confirming the need for pharmacokinetically guided dosing and therapeutic monitoring to optimise antiviral efficacy in future pandemic responses.

Shareable abstract @ERSpublications

Plasma favipiravir concentrations vary with sex, BMI and liver function. Concentrations in most patients fail to reach therapeutic levels, highlighting the need for personalised, pharmacokinetically guided dosing to optimise antiviral efficacy in future pandemics. https://bit.ly/4a6PvEa

Source: 

Link: https://publications.ersnet.org/content/erjor/12/4/01560-2025

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Congolese #hospital #staff cohort admitted with infectious symptoms in the setting of the #Bundibugyo virus #outbreak, April and May 2026, Bunia, #DRC

 

{Excerpt}

On May 15, 2026, DR Congo announced an outbreak of Ebola disease caused by a new variant of Bundibugyo virus in Ituri Province.1 The outbreak's epicentre was Mongbwalu, a gold mining town located 80 km from Bunia, Ituri's capital. In the 2 weeks before this announcement, Centre Medical Evangelique's Centre Hospitalier de Bunia (CME-Bunia), had received 11 patients from Mongbwalu, 63% of whom eventually died. Most had fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting, and several developed bleeding. Subsequent chart review has shown similar cases arriving as early as April 2.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00420-2/fulltext?rss=yes

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A One-Shot Multivalent Live-Attenuated Candidate #Influenza #Vaccine against Divergent #Zoonotic #H5N1 Clades

 

Abstract

The continued emergence of genetically diverse high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses with zoonotic potential highlights the urgent need for developing vaccines capable of providing broad protection against multiple circulating clades. Here, we developed a one-shot, multivalent, live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) based on the temperature-sensitive (ts), cold-adapted (ca), and attenuated (att) influenza A/Ann Arbor/6/1960 master donor virus (MDV) that incorporates the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins from representative clades 2.3.4.4b (A/Louisiana/12/2024), 2.3.2.1a (A/Victoria/149/2024), and 2.3.2.1e (A/Cambodia/2302009/2023) H5N1 viruses. A single intranasal (IN) immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the multivalent LAIV elicited robust humoral immune responses, with immune sera exhibiting broad cross-reactivity against antigens from all three H5N1 clades included in the vaccine. Following homologous viral challenge, vaccinated C57BL/6 mice were completely protected from disease, demonstrating the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the multivalent LAIV. By simultaneously targeting antigenically distinct H5N1 lineages with pandemic potential, this strategy expands antigenic coverage within a single LAIV to confirm pan-H5N1 protection. Together, these findings support the development and implementation of this multivalent LAIV as a broadly protective pan-H5N1 LAIV for pandemic preparedness.

Competing Interest Statement

The A.G.-S. laboratory has received research support from Avimex, Dynavax, Pharmamar, and Accurius, outside of the reported work within the last three years. A.G.-S. has consulting agreements for the following companies involving cash and/or stock within the last three years: Castlevax, Amovir, Vivaldi Biosciences, Contrafect, Avimex, Pagoda, Accurius, Applied Biological Laboratories, Pharmamar, CureLab Oncology, CureLab Veterinary, Virofend, Prosetta and A.A.C.T., outside of the reported work. A.G.-S. has been an invited speaker in meeting events within the last three years organized by Seqirus, Novavax and Hipra. A.G.-S. is inventor on patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections and cancer, owned by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, outside of the reported work. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has licensed some of these inventions to Medimmune, Avimex, Leinco Technologies, Castlevax, Virofend, Kerafast, Cell Signaling, EMD Millipore, Genentech, Paratus and Nura Bio, and as a result receives financial compensation. Subject to Mount Sinai receiving such financial consideration, AG-S will receive a portion of that consideration pursuant to the terms of the Mount Sinai Intellectual Property Policy. All other authors declare no commercial or financial conflict of interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.02.742385v1

____

Structural and functional characterization of a conserved cryptic #epitope on #SARS-CoV-2 #spike S2 subunit

 

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has undergone extensive evolution since its emergence in 2019, underscoring the continuous need for vaccines and therapeutics effective against multiple variants of concern (VOCs). The S2 subunit of the viral spike (S) glycoprotein is highly conserved among sarbecoviruses, making it an attractive target for broadly protective countermeasures. To elucidate the S2 antigenic landscape, we employed yeast surface display to isolate S2-targeted antibodies from COVID-19 convalescent donors. Biophysical characterization revealed that these S2 apex-directed antibodies preferentially bind to open spike conformations and a stabilized S2 construct but not to the closed, trimeric prefusion spike. Cryo-electron microscopy structures defined a cryptic epitope encompassing the upper helix and fusion peptide proximal region on S2. This epitope is conserved among sarbecoviruses but remains largely occluded in the closed prefusion conformation of the spikes. As a result, the antibodies exhibited weak neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses, failed to neutralize authentic viruses, and did not provide protection in a lethal mouse challenge model using a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain. These findings highlight a non-neutralizing epitope on S2 capable of eliciting antibodies during SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and provide valuable reagents for probing S2 conformational dynamics and optimizing S2-based vaccine antigens.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1014391

____

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Synergistic #antiviral effect of #Asunaprevir and #Ribavirin in combination against Murray Valley #Encephalitis Virus replication

 

Highlights

    • Renilla luciferase-based MVEV sub-genomic replicon was constructed and applied in antiviral drug evaluation.

    • Removal of Stem Loop I from 3’UTR impairs viral genome replication.

    • Asunaprevir and ribavirin exhibit synergistic antiviral activity against MVEV.

    • A single-round MVEV infectious particle platform was developed.

Abstract

Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus known for causing severe neurological diseases in humans. Despite the rising number of reported infections and high mortality rate among hospitalized patients, no antiviral therapies or licensed vaccines are available. To strengthen preparedness against this reemerging virus, we establish a subgenomic replicon (SGR) platform and a complementary single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) production system, using widely circulating genotype 1 (G1) MVEV as backbone. Stem-loop I(SLI) from 3’UTR stands for the major difference among 4 MVEV genotypes and removal of SLI resulted in mild decrease of genome replication. Through screening a mini anti-flavivirus drug library, we identified that asunaprevir (ASV) and ribavirin (RBV) inhibit MVEV infection independently. Combination of ASV and RBV also showed synergistic activity against MVEV. These results underscore the value of the MVEV replicon system as a versatile tool for evaluating antiviral compounds, supporting the potential of ASV and RBV as a combinatorial therapeutic approach.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166354226001567?via%3Dihub

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A #review of #Bundibugyo virus and the 2026 #outbreak: lessons for #epidemic #preparedness

 

Summary

The ongoing 2026 outbreak of Ebola virus disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has renewed attention to one of the least studied human-pathogenic orthoebolaviruses. Since its discovery in western Uganda in 2007, only two recognised outbreaks of BDBV had been reported, limiting opportunities to define the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical spectrum, and optimal management of BDBV or to develop species-specific countermeasures. The current outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO on May 17, 2026, has also exposed the gap between scientific innovation and operational readiness. Although pan-filovirus diagnostics, investigational vaccines, therapeutics, and adaptive clinical trial platforms are now available, their deployment has been constrained by delayed diagnosis, limited access to species-inclusive diagnostics, insecurity due to conflict, population displacement, and fragile health systems. In this Review, we synthesise evidence on BDBV from its discovery to the current 2026 outbreak, highlighting advances in epidemiology, clinical management, diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and preparedness. More broadly, the outbreak shows that scientific innovation alone is insufficient; its public health impact depends on integrated, species-inclusive systems capable of rapidly detecting, evaluating, and responding to outbreaks caused by any human-pathogenic Orthoebolavirus spp.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00414-7/fulltext

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#Thrombotic and #cerebrovascular events following #SARS-CoV-2 #vaccination: an umbrella #review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

 

Abstract

Rare thrombotic and cerebrovascular events have been reported after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, raising safety concerns. This umbrella review synthesizes evidence from 19 systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining thrombotic outcomes, including acute ischemic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, across different vaccine platforms. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and findings were synthesized by outcome and platform. Evidence consistently shows that thrombotic and cerebrovascular events following vaccination are rare. mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273) were not associated with increased risk beyond background population rates. Adenoviral vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Ad26.COV2.S) were linked to a rare syndrome of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, most commonly presenting as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in younger adults. Evidence for whole-virus vaccines was limited but did not indicate consistent safety concerns. Across all platforms, thrombotic risk was substantially lower than that from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, vaccination benefits outweigh risks, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and transparent communication.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-026-01550-5

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Expedition #cruises, island hopping, and #zoonotic #risk: #governance and operational lessons from the MV #Hondius #Andes hantavirus outbreak

 

Abstract

The Andes orthohantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius expedition cruise illustrates how a probable land-based zoonotic exposure can become a multinational public health event when it intersects with enclosed shipboard environments, delayed clinical recognition, remote navigation, medical evacuation, and international passenger dispersal. Although hantavirus infection is classically associated with exposure to infected rodents or contaminated environments, Andes virus is exceptional among orthohantaviruses because limited person-to-person transmission has been documented, particularly after close and prolonged contact. This Perspective uses the MV Hondius outbreak as an analytical case study to identify governance and operational gaps in expedition-era travel medicine. Existing International Health Regulations, WHO ship-event guidance, and ECDC recommendations provide essential foundations for coordination, notification, isolation, and contact tracing; however, this outbreak exposed expedition-specific gaps in safe port access, medical evacuation, onboard recognition of nonspecific febrile illness, diagnostic escalation, passenger traceability, and post-disembarkation monitoring. We therefore propose an accountability-oriented One Health preparedness model that operationalizes existing guidance through route-level risk assessment, exposure-history assessment, onboard syndromic surveillance, isolation and telemedicine triggers, reference-laboratory pathways, port-of-call agreements, auditable passenger and excursion records, and cross-border post-travel monitoring. The central lesson is not that expedition cruises, birdwatching, or ecological tourism are inherently unsafe, but that their expanding geographic reach requires binding, auditable, and expedition-specific outbreak protocols before passengers embark.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1892006/full

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Pre-existing and Cross-Reactive #Immunity to Avian #Influenza #H5N1 in #Humans: Implications for #Pandemic #Risk and Vaccine Strategies

 

Highlights

    ° Evidence of cross-reactive antibodies to H5N1 in humans.

    ° Seasonal influenza may induce partial H5N1 cross-protection.

    ° H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b shows expanded host range and spread.

    ° Role of viral glycoproteins in immune cross-reactivity.

    ° Implications of baseline immunity for H5N1 pandemic risk.

Abstract

Due to the continuous evolution of Influenza A viruses (IAVs), novel strains with efficient human-to-human transmission may emerge and cause future pandemics. Among these, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 remains a major concern because of its impact on wildlife, livestock, and human health. The widespread circulation of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, detected in hundreds of bird species and numerous mammals worldwide, highlights important changes in viral ecology and transmission, increasing its zoonotic and pandemic potential. This review summarizes current evidence on cross-reactive and cross-protective immunity to H5N1 in humans, focusing primarily on humoral immune responses. We examine the presence of pre-existing H5N1-reactive antibodies in individuals without known exposure and discuss how previous seasonal influenza infection or vaccination may contribute to their development. Particular attention is given to antibodies targeting conserved regions of hemagglutinin (HA), especially the stalk domain, as well as neuraminidase (NA), which may provide heterosubtypic protection. We also evaluate the ability of seasonal influenza vaccines and infections to induce cross-reactive responses against H5N1 and their potential role in partial protection or immune priming. Finally, we review current and emerging H5N1 vaccination strategies, including adjuvanted and mRNA-based platforms, and identify priorities for surveillance, population immunity assessment, and the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines.

Source: 

Link: https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(26)00148-9/fulltext

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#Zoonotic neglected tropical #diseases at the animal-human interface in the Greater #Mekong Subregion: Two decades of surveillance in #Laos and #Cambodia

 

Abstract

Zoonotic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a substantial but under-recognised source of human morbidity and economic concern in the Greater Mekong Subregion, particularly in settings characterised by close human–animal interaction. This article represents a narrative synthesis of zoonotic disease research conducted in Laos and Cambodia between 2000 and 2025. The review integrates published literature with findings from long-term surveillance programmes conducted by the authors and collaborating institutions in Laos, with comparative insights from Cambodia, to examine the presence, distribution, diversity, and drivers of zoonotic pathogens at the human–animal interface. Evidence demonstrates the endemic presence of a wide range of parasitic, bacterial, and viral zoonoses, including Taenia solium, Trichinella spp., Streptococcus suis, rickettsial infections, melioidosis, hepatitis E virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. Some of these pathogens are sustained within smallholder livestock systems, informal slaughter, farming practises, food networks, and wet market environments, where limited diagnostic capacity and fragmented surveillance obscure true disease presence. Surveillance innovations, including abattoir-based sampling, cross-sectoral serological studies, environmental surveillance approaches, and molecular diagnostic tools, have improved pathogen detection but have also highlighted persistent structural and behavioural barriers to control. Socio-cultural practices, occupational exposure, wildlife trade, and economic dependencies reinforce transmission dynamics, indicating that biomedical interventions alone are insufficient. Instead, zoonotic disease persistence reflects the interaction of livestock production systems, environmental conditions, diagnostic limitations, and entrenched human behaviours. This review emphasises the need for integrated One Health approaches that combine strengthened surveillance, improved diagnostics, behavioural interventions, and regional collaboration. Addressing zoonotic NTDs in Laos and Cambodia requires coordinated strategies that account for both biological complexity and socio-economic context to achieve sustainable disease control and improved public health outcomes.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014584

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Assessment of Quantitative #Genetic #Distances Supports the Separation of #H17N10 and #H18N11 Subtypes of #Influenza a Virus into a Distinct Species

 

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the H17N10 and H18N11 influenza A viruses isolated from bats remains unclear due to the absence of quantitative classification criteria at this taxonomic level. A total of 3328 representative IAV genomes, encompassing all eight protein-coding segments, were analysed. Various genetic distance-based metrics were assessed at the pairwise level, including intra- and intergroup nucleotide distances, dN/dS ratios, and transition/transversion ratios, to facilitate the differentiation of the Alphainfluenzavirus genus into distinct taxa. Pairwise distances for seven of the eight segments (PB2, PB1, PA, NP, M, NA, NS) consistently differentiated the H17–H18 group from H1–H16. Across segments, intergroup nucleotide divergence was consistently above a lower bound of ~25%, with segment-specific values extending to higher levels (up to ~40% in PB2 and PA), while intragroup divergence remained substantially lower. The HA segment did not conform to this pattern, which is consistent with the hypothesis of ancient reassortment. The distribution of pairwise dN/dS values for the PB2, PB1, PA, and NP segments is evidently bimodal. Intergroup comparisons were consistently higher across all segments, whereas intragroup values remained lower. A similar lower boundary of approximately 0.12 was observed across segments, while the upper range of intergroup values varied by gene. Overall, the results support a consistent gene-specific separation pattern. Previously demonstrated absence of reassortment compatibility between bat viruses (H17–H18) and canonical influenza A (H1–H16) viruses indicates that these lineages have evolved independently over an extended period. These consistent genomic patterns provide support for the hypothesis that H17N10 and H18N11 viruses may represent a separate species within the genus Alphainfluenzavirus.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/8/838

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