ETIDIOH - NEW

  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 ____

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 wa...

  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 im...

  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 ACE...

  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 pandemic...

  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 moderat...

  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...

  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 pro...

  Am J Obstet Gynecol DALRYMPLE KV, Tydeman F, Bone JN, Poston L, et al The relationship between virtual antenatal care and pregnancy outcomes in a diverse UK inner-city population; A group-based trajectory modelling approach using routine health records. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 Aug 11:S0002-9378(25)00538. PubMed           Abstract available Br J Anaesth WATSON SL, Fowler AJ, Pearse RM, Abbott TEF, et al The financial cost of postoperative complications: a prospective cohort study with linked health systems data. Br J Anaesth. 2025 Aug 8:S0007-0912(25)00467-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis TURJEMAN A, Drozdinsky G, Leibovici L The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination: A Multi-Year Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Aug 11:108015. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108015. PubMed         ...

  Antiviral Res AL KRAD D, Stegmann KM, Dickmanns A, Kumar P, et al The protease inhibitor Nirmatrelvir synergizes with inhibitors of GRP78 to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jul 29:106247. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106247. PubMed           Abstract available PATEL D, De R, Azadi N, Lee S, et al Discovery of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting viral proteases using in silico structural modeling and cellular analysis. Antiviral Res. 2025;241:106245. PubMed           Abstract available LEBEDIN M, Petrovsky N, Tabynov K, Tabynov K, et al SARS-CoV-2 neutralization and protection of hamsters via nasal administration of a humanized neutralizing antibody. Antiviral Res. 2025;241:106235. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol FERNANDEZ-ROJAS MA, Salazar AM, Ostrosky-Wegman P, Flisser A, et al A feedback loop between DNA damage, genomic ins...

Abstract The continuous evolution and widespread dissemination of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses , particularly clade 2.3.4.4b, pose critical challenges to global pandemic preparedness . In this study, we assessed a low-dose inactivated split virus vaccine derived from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1, formulated with an Alum/CpG adjuvant , using a preclinical mouse model . This vaccine induced potent humoral and cellular immune responses , generating high titers of cross-reactive antibodies targeting both hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins across homologous and heterologous H5 clades. The Alum/CpG adjuvant enabled significant antigen dose-sparing while promoting a balanced Th1/Th2 immune profile . Functional analyses demonstrated strong virus neutralization , neuraminidase inhibition, and potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity . Additionally, the vaccine elicited robust antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and effectively con...

  Abstract A 2023 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in seabirds in Norway caused substantial environmental contamination of grazing areas frequented by local sheep . Eleven months later, 220 sheep were tested for antibodies to type A influenza and H5 subtype using ELISA, haemagglutination inhibition, and microneutralisation assays. One ewe (0.5%) tested positive by all methods, consistent with prior spillover infection . This underscores the importance of restricting livestock access to outbreak areas to mitigate cross-species transmission and zoonotic risk. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.14.670265v1 ____

Abstract Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) pose a significant pandemic threat due to their cross-species transmission potential . However, AIV surveillance at the critical “ migratory birds–poultry-exposed population ” interface remains limited. Between 2021 and 2024, we implemented a prospective One Health surveillance program around Nansi Lake , monitoring AIVs in migratory birds, poultry, and environmental samples, as well as serological investigations against representative AIVs among migratory birds or poultry-exposed subjects. AIVs were detected in 2.1% (30/1417) of migratory bird samples and 10.2% (100/978) of poultry samples . Among these, we identified ten highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 subtype viruses, one HPAI H7N9 virus, and five low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed evidence of frequent genomic reassortment events involving H5 subtype viruses among migratory birds, poultry, and humans . Serological investigation also...

Abstract In early 2024, an unprecedented outbreak of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza was detected in dairy cattle in the USA . As of mid-2025 the epidemic is ongoing, resulting in spillbacks into poultry, wild birds and other mammals including humans . Here, we present molecular and virological evidence that the cattle B3.13 genotype H5N1 viruses rapidly accumulated adaptations in polymerase genes that enabled better replication in bovine cells and tissues, as well as cells of other mammalian species including humans and pigs . We find evidence of several mammalian adaptations gained early in the evolution of these viruses in cattle including PB2 M631L , which is found in all cattle sequences, and PA K497R , which is found in the majority. Structurally, PB2 M631L maps to the polymerase-ANP32 interface, an essential host factor for viral genome replication . We show that this mutation adapts the polymerase to better interact with bovine ANP32 proteins , particularly ANP32A, and ...

  ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected individuals with pre-existing medical conditions , such as neurocognitive disorders. Premorbid neurocognitive conditions compounded by COVID-19 can escalate into COVID-associated neurological complications , leading to severe illness or even death. As COVID-19 continues to persist and vaccines lose efficacy against emerging variants , individuals with neurocognitive disorders often experience prolonged symptoms that are further exacerbated by repeated breakthrough infections of highly diversified viral variants due to emergence of new viral mutations. Despite the significance of neurocognitive disorders as risk factors for COVID-19-related mortality and long COVID, the underlying causes remain largely unknown. In this study, we report a link between ORF3a expression and COVID-associated neuroinflammation and neurocytotoxicity in postmortem brain tissues from COVID-19 patients. These findings...

  Abstract SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are two coronaviruses that have received significant attention due to their high pathogenicity and mortality rates in human populations . In this study, we compared their evolutionary dynamics to provide a One Health perspective on their differences in terms of the results of disease control. The phylogenetic network of SARS-CoVs showed that human isolates gathered into a “super-spreader” cluster and were distinct from civet isolates . In contrast, dromedary camel- and human-isolated MERS-CoVs were clustered together. Thus, most clades of MERS-CoV can infect humans , and MERS-CoVs seem to more easily spill over the animal-to-human interface. Additionally, the civet can be easily controlled , while the intermediate host (dromedary camels) of MERS-CoV is an important livestock species , so it is impossible to eliminate all animals. This further leads to difficulties in disease control in MERS. Although MERS-CoVs are endemic to dromedary camels in both...

Significance An intranasal vaccine offers many unique advantages over traditional intramuscular-delivered vaccines . Here, we developed SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 spike-based monovalent and trivalent vaccines using the live attenuated measles virus (MeV) and mumps viruses (MuV) as vectors . Intranasal immunization of hamsters and mice with monovalent and trivalent vaccines induces robust and broadly neutralizing antibodies , mucosal IgA antibodies , and lung-resident memory T cells , providing complete protection of the lung and nasal turbinate against challenges with SARS-CoV-2 WA1 and Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5, EG.5, and JN.1 . In addition, intranasal immunization efficiently blocks transmission of SARS-CoV-2 WA1 and Omicron XBB.1.5 among the hamsters by direct contact. Therefore, MeV- and MuV-based intranasal vaccines are highly promising next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates that can prevent virus infection and transmission. Abstract The emergence of immune-evasive SARS-CoV...

  Abstract The ongoing panzootic of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has caused the deaths of over half a billion wild birds and poultry, and has led to spillover events in both wild and domestic mammals , alongside sporadic human infections . A key driver of this panzootic is the apparent high viral fitness across diverse avian species , which facilitates an increased interface between wild and domestic species. Columbiformes (pigeons and doves) are commonly found on poultry premises , yet little is known about their potential role in contemporary HPAIV disease ecology. Here we investigated the epidemiological role of pigeons (Columba livia) by determining their susceptibility using decreasing doses of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV (genotype AB). We investigated infection outcomes and transmission potential between pigeons and to chickens. Following direct inoculation , pigeons did not develop clinical signs, and only those inoculated with the highest dose shed vi...

Abstract An extensive survey for the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) H5 in seabird species is reported here . It was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 , in thirteen breeding sites spanning from the northeastern sector of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea , including the coasts of the Bellingshausen Sea and the Amundsen Sea . Nine individuals from Pygoscelis adeliae and Leucocarbo bransfieldensis tested positive for RT-PCR amplification of a H5 segment of HPAIV in two different locations on the Antarctic Peninsula . This study suggests the possibility of the first cases of HPAIV H5 in the Antarctic continent, potentially adding two new species to the list of infected species. It also highlights the southernmost suspected cases identified to date of surveillance, and notably, no cases were detected between the Antarctic Peninsula and the Ross Sea. Source: Scientific Reports,  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-14651-3 ____

  ABSTRACT Influenza A virus (IAV) infection of the respiratory tract can cause both respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms . Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain can occur in persons with seasonal influenza A or novel IAV infections , but the extent to which IAVs can infect and replicate in GI tissues is understudied. The ongoing outbreak of A( H5N1 ) IAV in US dairy cattle associated with sporadic human infections has highlighted the potential public health threat posed by the introduction of infectious virus into materials that may be consumed by humans , such as milk. Here, we review epidemiologic reports documenting the frequency of GI complications in humans infected with seasonal and novel IAVs and present laboratory studies supporting the capacity of IAV to replicate in mammalian GI tissues , with an emphasis on A(H5N1) viruses. Studies assessing the ability of IAV to cause mammalian infection following consumption of virus-contain...