#Oropouche virus #outbreaks in northeast #Brazil between 2024–25 are characterized by sustained #transmission and spread to newly affected areas

 

Abstract

Oropouche virus (OROV) has recently expanded in Brazil, establishing transmission in non-endemic regions. This study aims to integrate epidemiological and molecular data to investigate OROV spread in Northeast (NE) Brazil between 2024 and 2025. OROV cases were analyzed regarding ecological risk factors and geographical clustering. Additionally, we sequenced 65 new OROV genomes from the Northeast states of Pernambuco, Paraíba, and Sergipe to infer the virus’s spatiotemporal dynamics in NE Brazil. A total of 2,806 confirmed cases were reported between March 2024 and April 2025, affecting 170 municipalities across eight out of nine NE states, with highly heterogeneous incidence. An ecological shift was observed, with OROV transmission moving from Atlantic Forest areas in 2024 to humid Caatinga zones in 2025. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed multiple independent viral introductions in Northeast in 2024, including two in Pernambuco. The first, originating from the central Amazonas, became the main driver of local transmission and subsequently spread to Sergipe and Paraíba, causing outbreaks in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The second introduction remained restricted within Pernambuco. While several Northeast municipalities reported high OROV incidence, Jaqueira (Pernambuco) emerged as a key hub for regional viral spread. OROV showed sustained transmission in the region over a two-year period, characterized by marked spatiotemporal displacement consistent with short-lived, rapidly spreading outbreaks, followed by cryptic transmission and subsequent dissemination to new areas, ultimately driving renewed intense outbreaks.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014171

____

Predicting highly pathogenic avian #influenza #H5N1 #outbreak #risk using extreme #weather and bird #migration data in machine learning models

 

Abstract

Background. 

Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events (EWEs) with potentially profound consequences for zoonotic disease dynamics, yet the mechanisms linking EWEs to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks remain poorly characterized. The ongoing H5N1 panzootic, responsible for infection in over 500 avian and mammalian species, as well as nearly 1000 human cases and 477 deaths worldwide, provides a critical opportunity to evaluate how climate conditions shape spillover risk at landscape scales. 

Methods. 

We compiled a county-month dataset of confirmed H5N1 detections across the contiguous United States from 2022 to 2024 and integrated it with satellite-derived climate metrics, storm event data, and wild bird activity data. We trained and validated a gradient boosting machine classifier to predict outbreak risk and characterize predictor relationships. 

Results. 

Our model achieved strong discriminative performance (AUC-ROC = 0.856; AUC-PR = 0.237, representing a 7-fold improvement over chance) and high recall (0.726), supporting its utility as an early warning tool. Human population and temperature-related variables were the most influential predictors: cold temperature shocks and prolonged low temperatures were consistently associated with elevated outbreak risk, likely through enhanced environmental viral persistence, wild bird habitat compression, and allostatic stress-driven immunosuppression in reservoir hosts. Among storm variables, high wind coverage elevated risk, potentially via aerosol dispersal of contaminated particulates, while tornado activity showed an inverse relationship, consistent with documented avoidant behavior in migratory birds. Wild bird reservoir density showed a strong positive monotonic relationship with outbreak risk. 

Conclusions. 

Our analyses demonstrate that routinely available environmental and infection data can be used to predict HPAI outbreak risk at fine spatiotemporal scales. These findings demonstrate the divergent roles of short- versus long-term environmental exposures in HPAI spillover dynamics, as well as the potential for machine learning-based surveillance tools to inform targeted biosecurity interventions and early warning systems.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This research was supported by a subaward agreement between prime award recipient Boston University (PI: Gregory Wellenius) and the subaward recipient Regents of the University of Colorado (PI: Elise Grover) under the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, Award Number U24ES035309 -01. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.30.26349797v1

____

#Tropism and #Replication Competence of #Cattle #Influenza #H5N1 Genotype B3.13 Virus in #Human Bronchus and #Lung Tissue

 

Abstract

In 2024, influenza A(H5N1) genotype B3.13 viruses emerged from cattle and caused mild spillover infections in humans. Using human bronchus and lung tissue, we evaluated tropism, replication, and pathogenesis of 2 cattle influenza isolates. Those viruses showed moderate replication competence and induced robust proinflammatory responses, suggesting potential risk for human health.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/5/25-1926_article

____

The emergence and molecular #evolution of #H5N1 #influenza viruses in #USA dairy #cattle

 

Abstract

Prior to 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses circulated predominantly in wild birds and poultry. In 2024 and 2025, 2.3.4.4b genotypes B3.13 and D1.1 were detected in United States dairy cattle. Using whole-genome and segment-specific phylodynamic inference, we estimate that B3.13 and D1.1 spilled over from wild birds into dairy cattle in late 2023 and late 2024, respectively. Spillover occurred shortly after the formation of the reassortant genotypes and was followed by months of cryptic transmission prior to detection. We found that both B3.13 and D1.1 evolved at higher rates in cattle relative to birds, primarily due to relaxed purifying selection. Site-specific analyses identified genomic sites under positive selection in cattle relative to birds, indicating adaptation and likely contributing to improved viral fitness after spillover. Intensified genomic surveillance in dairy cattle is essential as population immunity introduces additional selection pressures, with ever-changing risk for human emergence.

Competing Interest Statement

M.A.S. receives contracts from Johnson & Johnson and Gilead Sciences outside the scope of this work. M.U.G.K. received consulting fees from Takeda, Bavaria Nordic, and Google DeepMind for work unrelated to the manuscript.

Funder Information Declared

Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen, G051322N, G051323N

UK Medical Research Council/Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) FluTrailMap-One Health consortium, MR/Y03368X/1

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/DEFRA ‘FluTrailMap’ consortium, BB/Y007298/1

Pirbright Institute’s Strategic Program Grants, BBS/E/PI/230002A, BBS/E/PI/230002B

EMBO Installation Grant, 5305

Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard, 1049

Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, 75N93021C00015, 75N93021C00014

National Institutes of Health, AI135995, AI153044, AI192139

Rockefeller Foundation, PC-2022-POP-005

Health AI Programme from Google.org

Oxford Martin School Programmes in Pandemic Genomics & Digital Pandemic Preparedness

European Union's Horizon Europe, 874850, 101086640

Wellcome Trust, 303666/Z/23/Z, 226052/Z/22/Z, 228186/Z/23/Z

United Kingdom Research and Innovation, APP8583

Medical Research Foundation, MRF-RG-ICCH-2022-100069

UK International Development, 301542-403

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, INV-063472, INV-090281

Novo Nordisk Foundation, NNF24OC0094346

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.30.713641v1

____

Brown and Lesser #noddies as epidemiological #reservoirs and #sentinels of avian #influenza virus in the South-western Indian #Ocean

 

Abstract

Avian influenza virus (AIV) epidemiology is well documented in temperate regions but remains poorly understood in isolated ecosystems like tropical oceanic islands. On these islands, seabirds nest in dense interspecific colonies where the role of different species as reservoirs and dispersers of AIV may vary greatly. Here, we examine the role of noddies (Anous spp.) as potential reservoirs for low pathogenic AIV and evaluate their potential as sentinel species for highly pathogenic AIV introduction on tropical oceanic islands. We analyzed blood samples from 11 seabird species across eight islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean (2015 to 2020). Noddies exhibited high, stable seroprevalence (30 to 45%), comparable to reservoir host species in temperate regions. The detection of two N7 positive noddies, sampled the same year on two distinct islands, provided direct molecular evidence that AIV actively circulates on these island colonies. While most other species showed low exposure, Bridled Terns (Onychoprion anaethetus) had exceptionally high seroprevalence (80%), though their reservoir status requires further investigation due to limited sampling. Given noddies consistent exposure and regional distribution, we recommend prioritizing islands with large noddy populations for AIV surveillance. Continued investigation of viral dynamics within and among islands is now called for to elucidate the ecological drivers of AIV maintenance and transmission.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.31.715511v1

____

Intravenous #immunoglobulin #treatment for #longCOVID: a case report of clinical and immunological findings

 

Summary

A previously healthy 39-year-old man developed highly symptomatic post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) marked by cognitive dysfunction, disabling fatigue, and autonomic symptoms unresponsive to multiple multidisciplinary interventions. Given the presence of markedly elevated serum autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated at 400 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days. After 4 weeks, a maintenance dose of 500 mg/kg was administered for 1 day, followed by two further maintenance cycles consisting of 500 mg/kg per day for 3 consecutive days, each given at 4-week intervals. In parallel, the patient underwent a cognitive stimulation intervention. Neurological symptoms were assessed with the Fatigue Assessment Scale and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and the immunological profile was longitudinally analysed during intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Fatigue scores normalised, neurocognitive performance returned to normal value, and quality of life improved after the first infusion and fully recovered within 1 year. Immunological profiling revealed the presence of an inverted CD4 to CD8 T-cell ratio that persisted during the whole follow-up. We also identified a CD8+ T cell–monocyte complex and spontaneous IFNγ release. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction of these complexes, spontaneous IFNγ and TNF production, markers of endothelial inflammation, and circulating autoantibody titres. This patient provides exploratory evidence that high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was associated with sustained clinical recovery from long COVID over 1 year of follow-up, accompanied by immunological changes consistent with modulation of post-viral immune dysregulation, including a reduction in pathogenic T cell–monocyte synapses. Although causal inference cannot be established from a single patient, these findings suggest that this cellular interaction can contribute to long COVID and that immunomodulation could represent a rational therapeutic approach to be evaluated in selected patients.

Source: 

Link: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(26)00063-0/abstract?rss=yes

____

Broad #protection against #Influenza A Viruses via an adjuvant-free #mucosal microparticle #vaccine with conserved CD8/CD4 bispecific peptides

 

Abstract

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause substantial global morbidity and mortality and are responsible for most known viral pandemics. Their rapid antigenic evolution enables escape from natural and vaccine-induced immunity, requiring annual vaccine reformulation, which offers limited breadth and variable effectiveness. Although a universal influenza vaccine remains a critical objective, most strategies have focused on conserved viral glycoproteins to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies, with comparatively fewer efforts targeting conserved T cell antigens to achieve cross-subtype protection. Current T cell-based approaches often rely on individual CD8+ epitopes, which are limited by peptide instability, delivery constraints, and dependence on adjuvants. Here, we demonstrate a T cell-focused vaccine strategy that uses evolutionary consensus of IAV M1 and NP from the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes to predict, map, and screen conserved regions enriched with multiple CD8+ and CD4+ epitopes. We selected the top-performing peptides from immunogenicity screening. We encapsulated them in polylactic-co-glycolic acid microparticles (PLGA-MPs) engineered for selective uptake by APCs and pH-dependent sustained release. Intranasal delivery of this vaccine formulation targeted the primary site of infection and induced robust mucosal immunity without the need for conventional adjuvants. Both human and murine influenza-experienced T cells mounted potent recall responses to the vaccine. In mice, immunization elicited strong CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses and conferred broad protection against homologous H1N1 and H3N2 as well as heterologous H5N1 IAV subtypes. These findings collectively establish a mucosal, T cell-based vaccine platform that is adjuvant-free and capable of providing broad protection against IAV and other viruses with pandemic potential.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

DBT-ENDFLU, BT/IN/EU-INF/15/RV/19-20

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.29.715080v1

____

Antiviral activities of multiple #antivirals against highly pathogenic avian #influenza A #H5N1 in vitro and in mice

 

ABSTRACT

In 2024, a bovine H5N1 strain was first isolated from dairy cows in Texas and confirmed to transmit cross-species to humans. Therefore, research on treatments for human infection should be accelerated. In our study, the antiviral effects of baloxavir acid (BXA), oseltamivir carboxylate (OSC), EIDD-1931 (NHC), and ribavirin (RBV) against five H5N1 strains were evaluated in vitro. Cell viability and viral replication were measured to assess the antiviral effects. The results showed that the EC50 of BXA treatment was the lowest. The BXA/NHC and BXA/OSC combination treatments showed more potent inhibitory effects than each monotherapy. The 15 mg/kg baloxavir marboxil (BXM) / 125 mg/kg molnupiravir (MNP) and the 15 mg/kg BXM / 10 mg/kg oseltamivir phosphate (OSP) were tested in BALB/c mice. The mice were inoculated with 10 times the 50% mouse lethal dose (10 MLD50) of bovine H5N1 virus. Treatments began 1-day post-infection (1 dpi) and were administered orally twice daily for 5 or 7 days. Changes in body weight, clinical signs, and survival were monitored; lung and brain tissues were collected for virological, immunological, and histological analyses. Most mice died from severe neurological symptoms. Compared with the 5-day treatment, the 7-day treatment effectively inhibited viral replication and increased survival rates to 50% in BXM, BXM/MNP, and BXM/OSP treatments. Mice treated with BXM/MNP or BXM/OSP combination therapy showed lower viral yields in the lungs than those treated with BXM alone. The results provide a reference for human treatment, and extending the 7-day combination treatment should be considered.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/temi20

Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2026.2645843

____

Confirming #ERVEBO #Vaccination to Support #Ebola Virus #Surveillance

 

Abstract

Accurate confirmation of Ebola vaccination (ERVEBO) is essential for interpreting serologic data and assessing vaccine coverage during Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreaks. Current GP1,2-based assays cannot reliably distinguish vaccine-induced immunity from responses generated by natural infection. We developed a multiplex Luminex assay incorporating EBOV GP1,2, secreted glycoprotein (sGP), and a modified vesicular stomatitis virus nucleoprotein (VSV-P-N), a vector antigen encoded by ERVEBO but absent from wild-type EBOV. By using samples from US vaccinees and controls and a small comparison set from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we found sGP and VSV-P-N demonstrated 100% sensitivity and >97.6% specificity for identifying vaccinees. In samples collected after a ring vaccination campaign in Guinea, combined sGP and VSV-P-N positivity confirmed vaccination in 94.8% of persons with written and 90.8% of persons with verbal confirmation of vaccination history. Our findings show that sGP and VSV-P-N provide a reliable signature of ERVEBO vaccination and support improved Ebola surveillance.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/4/25-1906_article

____

Prompt and Intensive #Antiviral #Chemoprophylaxis in Nursing Home #Influenza #Outbreaks

 

Key Points

-- Question:  Is initiation of antiviral chemoprophylaxis with oseltamivir for 70% or more of eligible nursing home (NH) residents within 2 days of outbreak detection associated with lower 14-day and 30-day mortality and hospitalization compared with a nonintensive approach?

-- Findings:  In this cohort study of 404 influenza outbreaks across 318 NHs with 35 086 resident-trial observations using a sequential target trial emulation and the randomize-censor-weight approach, hospitalization but not death was lower at 14 days post outbreak in NHs that implemented intensive antiviral chemoprophylaxis; 30-day estimates were directionally similar but less precise.

-- Meaning:  Results of this study suggest that clinicians should promptly initiate antiviral chemoprophylaxis in at least 70% of NH residents within 2 days of an influenza outbreak to markedly reduce influenza-related hospitalizations.

Abstract

Importance  

Influenza outbreaks in nursing homes (NHs) can cause high morbidity and mortality. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis with oseltamivir is recommended, yet optimal implementation strategies remain unclear.

Objective  

To examine whether initiating antiviral chemoprophylaxis for 70% or more of eligible NH residents within 2 days of influenza outbreak detection is associated with lower all-cause mortality and hospitalization at 14 and 30 days.

Design, Setting, and Participants  

Retrospective cohort study using a sequential cluster-randomized target trial emulation and randomize-censor-weight approach for influenza outbreaks (September 1, 2018–May 31, 2022) in 12 US NH corporations. Eligibility criteria were age 18 years or older, present on the outbreak-detection day, no antiviral use in the preceding 7 days, no influenza in the past 14 days, and complete baseline data. Residents were followed up until hospitalization or death, an NH discharge to a nonacute-care location, or the end of follow-up. Data were analyzed from February 2023 to January 2026.

Exposures  

Intensive antiviral chemoprophylaxis with oseltamivir (≥70% of eligible residents within 2 days of outbreak detection) or nonintensive antiviral chemoprophylaxis (0% to <70% of eligible residents).

Main Outcomes and Measures  

Outcomes were all-cause death and hospitalizations within 14 and 30 days of outbreak detection. Discrete-time hazard models with pooled logistic regression were applied to estimate weighted risks, risk differences (RDs), and risk ratios (RRs).

Results  

Among 404 outbreaks in 318 NHs, 35 086 resident-trial observations (29 683 residents; median age 78 [IQR, 68- 86] years; 60% women; 81% White; 76% vaccinated) met eligibility criteria. Intensive oseltamivir prophylaxis was randomized to 17 155 observations; 17 931 were randomized to nonintensive care. At 14 days, intensive prophylaxis vs nonintensive yielded an RD of –0.06% (95% CI, −0.73% to 0.93%) and an RR of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.56-1.57) for death, and an RD of –0.96% (95% CI, −1.78% to −0.19%) and an RR of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.64-0.96) for hospitalization. At 30 days, the hospitalization differences persisted but were less precise and there continued to be no difference in death.

Conclusions and Relevance  

Study results suggest that clinicians should initiate antiviral chemoprophylaxis for at least 70% of eligible NH residents within 2 days of outbreak detection to lower risk of hospitalization.

Source: 

Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2846967

____

Paralytic #rabies #outbreak mimicking #GBS in French #Amazonia

 

Abstract

Background

In the Amazonian region, vampire bats are the primary reservoir of rabies virus, causing sporadic and lethal human rabies cases that often remain unnoticed. Managing human cases in this region is challenging and further complicated by atypical clinical forms and the potential exposure to various toxic compounds, particularly among gold miners.

Methods

We carried out clinical, electrical, biological and histological analysis of concurrent cases of progressive motor neuronopathy and fatal encephalitis in a context of regular exposure to bat bites of gold miners living in a small and remote gold mine camp in Amazonia, in French Guiana, South America.

Findings

We analyzed a spatio-temporal cluster of three suspected rabies cases in 2024 with a fatal outcome, with concomitant onset of acute bilateral lower-limb paralysis without demyelination, two of which occurred presumably two weeks after a bat-bite. Electroneuromyography suggested the involvement of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, as described in furious forms of rabies. None of the cases exhibited other cardinal signs of the furious form. Confirmation of rabies was obtained for them on sera and brain biopsies collected ante- and post-mortem respectively.

Interpretation

The concurrent occurrence of disease, the axonal motor neuropathy mimicking the motor form of Guillain Barré syndrome in the context of paralytic rabies, lead to diagnostic-wandering. This underscores the importance of thinking about vampire bat rabies virus in the presence of any atypical neurological picture in patients living in exposed areas in Latin America.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014149

____

#AI - guided multi-omics #analysis identifies NPC1-modulated susceptibility to #SARS-CoV-2 #infection under #PM2.5 exposure

 

Abstract

Exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to increased risk of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, by leveraging a fine-tuned foundation model of single-cell transcriptomics, we uncover shared transcriptional signatures between PM2.5 exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection. We further validate this association using population-level epidemiological analyses and perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic variants that modulate infection risk under PM2.5 exposure. In addition, we identify NPC1 as a key modulator involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection efficiency under virus-laden PM2.5 exposure through integrative functional genomic analyses and in vitro experiments. Our findings suggest that PM2.5 facilitates viral entry through an NPC1-modulated endo-lysosomal pathway, providing a mechanistic explanation for observed pollution-related susceptibility. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-guided transcriptomics, epidemiology, GWAS, functional genomics, and in vitro verification, our study elucidates how environmental and genetic factors jointly influence SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. This work highlights how AI-assisted multi-omics integration systematically decodes the health impacts of environmental exposures from molecular to population levels and informs air quality policy and infectious disease preparedness.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71196-3

____

A Live Attenuated #Vaccine Candidate against Emerging Highly Pathogenic #Cattle-Origin 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 [#Influenza] Viruses

 

Abstract

Influenza viruses present a significant public health risk, causing substantial illness and death in humans each year. Seasonal flu vaccines must be updated regularly, and their effectiveness often decreases due to mismatches with circulating strains. Furthermore, inactivated vaccines do not provide protection against shifted influenza viruses that have the potential to cause a pandemic. The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is prevalent among wild birds worldwide and is causing a multi-state outbreak affecting poultry and dairy cows in the United States (US) since March 2024. In this study, we have generated a NS1 deficient mutant of a low pathogenic version of the cattle-origin human influenza A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1, namely LPhTXdNS1, and validated its safety, immunogenicity, and protection efficacy in a prime vaccination regimen against wild-type (WT) A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. The attenuation of LPhTXdNS1 in vitro was confirmed by its reduced replication in cultured cells and inability to control IFNβ promoter activation. In C57BL/6J mice, LPhTXdNS1 has reduced viral replication and pathogenicity compared to WT A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. Notably, LPhTXdNS1 vaccinated mice exhibited high immunogenicity that reach its peak at weeks 3 and 4 post-immunization, leading to robust protection against subsequent lethal challenge with WT A/Texas/37/2024 H5N1. Altogether, we demonstrate that a single dose vaccination with LPhTXdNS1 is safe and able to induce protective immune responses against H5N1. Both safety profile and protection immunity suggest that LPhTXdNS1 holds promise as a potential solution to address the urgent need for an effective vaccine in the event of a pandemic for the treatment of infected animals and humans.

Competing Interest Statement

The A.G.-S. laboratory has received research support from GSK, Pfizer, Senhwa Biosciences, Kenall Manufacturing, Blade Therapeutics, Avimex, Johnson & Johnson, Dynavax, 7Hills Pharma, Pharmamar, ImmunityBio, Accurius, Nanocomposix, Hexamer, N-fold LLC, Model Medicines, Atea Pharma, Applied Biological Laboratories and Merck. A.G.-S. has consulting agreements for the following companies involving cash and/or stock: Castlevax, Amovir, Vivaldi Biosciences, Contrafect, 7Hills Pharma, Avimex, Pagoda, Accurius, Esperovax, Applied Biological Laboratories, Pharmamar, CureLab Oncology, CureLab Veterinary, Synairgen, Paratus, Pfizer and Prosetta. A.G.-S. has been an invited speaker in meeting events organized by Seqirus, Janssen, Abbott, Astrazeneca and NovavaxA.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. All other authors declare no commercial or financial conflict of interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.28.646033v2

____

Use of #baloxavir as adjunctive #antiviral #therapy to neuraminidase inhibitors in severely immunocompromised individuals infected with #influenza

 

ABSTRACT

Immunocompromised patients are at risk of developing severe influenza, with protracted viral shedding and development of resistance-associated mutations under antiviral treatment. We report a case series of severely immunocompromised hematology patients, including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients, treated with both baloxavir and oseltamivir and describe clinical and virological outcomes and the safety profile of prolonged combination therapy. Allogeneic HCT recipients with influenza infection treated with baloxavir were retrieved via institutional databases. All hospitalized allogeneic HCT patients treated with a combination therapy of baloxavir and oseltamivir over five influenza seasons between October 2019 and May 2025 were included. Six influenza-infected hematology patients (5/6 allogeneic HCT recipients) were treated with combination therapy of oseltamivir and baloxavir. All patients presented with lower respiratory tract infections. Oseltamivir treatment duration ranged from 5 to 31 days, and the number of administered baloxavir doses ranged between one and five. Baloxavir administration was well tolerated, and no adverse events could be attributed to the administered antiviral treatment. All-cause mortality at 3 months post-infection was 66% (4/6), mainly driven by underlying disease. In two patients with protracted shedding, combination therapy did not prevent the development of resistance mutation(s). Combination treatment with prolonged courses of oseltamivir and repeated doses of baloxavir was well tolerated. No definitive conclusions on the efficacy of this approach could be drawn from this study. More data are required on the best treatment of hematology patients infected with influenza.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aac.01659-25

____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 28 '26)

 

Emerg Infect Dis

1. FENG PI, Phares CR, Pratt R, Self JL, et al
   Tuberculosis before and during COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, 2010-2023.
   Emerg Infect Dis. 2026;32:388-396.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol

2. SCHWEI RJ, Ikenberry H, Griffin M, Werner N, et al
   Optimizing antimicrobial stewardship during operational upheaval: lessons in resiliency from the COVID-19 pandemic.
   Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2026 Mar 26:1-10. doi: 10.1017/ice.2026.10415.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Int J Infect Dis

3. JANG S, Cheong C, Choi WS, Kim KH, et al
   Transitioning to Routine Immunization: Cost-Effectiveness of a National COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Older Adults in South Korea.
   Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 23:108585. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108585.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
4. XU Y, Kwek EC, Gene KTE, Conceicao EP, et al
   Trends and Outcomes of COVID-19 Hospital Admissions 'For' vs. 'With' COVID-19 in Singapore: A Retrospective Cohort Study using the SingHealth COVID-19 Registry.
   Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 19:108559. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108559.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Intensive Care Med

5. WEISS SL, Peters MJ, Oczkowski SJW, Belley-Cote E, et al
   Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children 2026.
   Intensive Care Med. 2026 Mar 23. doi: 10.1007/s00134-026-08360.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Med Virol

6. WU W, Rippee-Brooks MD, Adam A, Weinstein KH, et al
   Variant-Specific tRNA-Derived Fragments Induced By Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: Implications for Disease Outcome Differentiation.
   J Med Virol. 2026;98:e70881.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Virol

7. CHEN C, Su G, Wang Y, Xiong Y, et al
   PEX19 restricts porcine deltacoronavirus replication through farnesylation-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
   J Virol. 2026 Mar 24:e0209725. doi: 10.1128/jvi.02097.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
8. BAYUROVA E, Kostyushev D, Tikhonov A, Chulanov V, et al
   Broad-acting antivirals: the pursuit of pan-viral therapeutics in the era of pandemics.
   J Virol. 2026 Mar 23:e0007726. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00077.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Lancet Infect Dis

9. BIJUKCHHE SM, Marchevsky NG, Kibengo F, Sharma AK, et al
   Optimising DTwP-containing vaccine infant immunisation schedules in Uganda and Nepal (OptImms): two open-label, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trials.
   Lancet Infect Dis. 2026 Mar 19:S1473-3099(26)00053.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, March 28 '26)

 

Antimicrob Agents Chemother

1. ZHOU J, Yan S, Zhao Y, Zhang H, et al
   A phase I study to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics and safety of suraxavir marboxil: a novel oral antiviral for influenza.
   Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2026 Mar 23:e0166825. doi: 10.1128/aac.01668.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Arch Virol

2. KIM S, Kim JW, Ayoobi A, Lee S, et al
   A plant gallotannin pentagalloyl d-glucose elicits antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses through multi-targeting mechanisms.
   Arch Virol. 2026;171:139.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Epidemiol Infect

3. JACKSON C, Wijlaars L, Abdullahi F, Liu M, et al
   Paediatric infection hospital admissions in England before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
   Epidemiol Infect. 2026;154:e33.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
4. TADA A, Otake S, Kusano T, Hoshino T, et al
   Clinical features and trends of severe paediatric group A streptococcal infections in Japan in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
   Epidemiol Infect. 2026;154:e35.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Gen Virol

5. CHIU HP, Yeo YY, Lai TY, Hung CT, et al
   SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15 facilitates immune evasion and viral replication by limiting multiple host innate immune pathways, including cGAS-STING.
   J Gen Virol. 2026;107.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. AMARBAYASGALAN S, Takahashi T, Sugiura Y, Shimizu K, et al
   Bovine respiratory syncytial virus utilizes the human insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor in the late stages of infection.
   J Gen Virol. 2026;107.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

7. MAZARAKIS N, Toh ZQ, Neal E, Nguyen C, et al
   Immunogenicity and efficacy over 12 months following a fourth dose of a bivalent mRNA or protein-based COVID-19 vaccine: A randomised controlled trial in Australia.
   J Infect. 2026;92:106727.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
8. ZHANG H, Kang Z, Zhang Y, Yang Y, et al
   Evolutionary dynamics and global spread of macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis during the post-pandemic pertussis resurgence.
   J Infect. 2026 Mar 7:106718. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106718.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Virol

9. BUTH SA, Marin M, Zhang Y, Avinoam O, et al
   Cyclosporine A rescues the influenza virus fusion with IFITM3-expressing cells by relocating the restriction factor to intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies.
   J Virol. 2026 Mar 25:e0204525. doi: 10.1128/jvi.02045.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
10. KURYSHKO M, Luttermann C, Bayoumi M, Mostafa A, et al
    Host-specific functional evolution of seal influenza A virus NS1 protein following avian-to-seal transmission.
    J Virol. 2026 Mar 24:e0165025. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01650.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
11. LI S, Liu DX
    Interaction of coronavirus E protein with BRD2 plays important regulatory roles in viral replication and induction of pro-inflammatory response.
    J Virol. 2026 Mar 3:e0220125. doi: 10.1128/jvi.02201.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
12. NOORUZZAMAN M, Butt SL, Rani R, Ye C, et al
    The ORF6 accessory protein contributes to SARS-CoV-2 virulence and pathogenicity in the naturally susceptible feline model of infection.
    J Virol. 2026 Feb 27:e0064425. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00644.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
13. LIN S, Chen X, Luo M, Cui X, et al
    DIDS modulates VDAC1 oligomerization to suppress intrinsic apoptosis and attenuates in vitro and in vivo RSV infection.
    J Virol. 2026;100:e0220025.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
14. YAO Q, Mahase V, Hou W, Cruz-Cosme R, et al
    Computational and experimental identification of potential neutralizing peptides derived from human ACE2 against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
    J Virol. 2026 Jan 30:e0146825. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01468.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Lancet

15. JERNIGAN DB, Rivers CM
    Learning from swine influenza, Ebola virus disease, and Legionnaires' disease in 1976.
    Lancet. 2026 Mar 19:S0140-6736(26)00460-5. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00460.
    PubMed        
    
    

    
    PLoS One

16. MA X
    Optimizing online teaching effectiveness in elementary education: Exploring multifaceted pathways based fsQCA analysis.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345463.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
17. ATAYA F, Alamro A, Alghamdi A, Fouad D, et al
    Identification of polyphenols as novel neuropilin-1 cendR pocket inhibitors to block SARS-CoV-2 entry and enhance variant resistance.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345051.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
18. MIKI M, Shimazu Y, Obara RD, Nagamine T, et al
    Assessment of a baloxavir marboxil treatment protocol for high pathogenicity avian influenza in Okinawa Rails, an endangered species endemic to Japan.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345055.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
19. MATTHYS A, Amelinck L, Smet A, Ysenbaert T, et al
    Internal gene segments from a mouse-adapted influenza B virus confer increased pathogenicity to mice.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0335324.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
20. WANG L, Xia Y, Goh EH, Chen M, et al
    A smoothing and bootstrap-based framework for early outbreak detection.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345088.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
21. NUNES BP, Crochemore-Silva I, Mielke GI, Vidaletti LP, et al
    Social inequalities in the misbelief of chloroquine's protective effect against COVID-19: results from the EPICOVID-19 study in Brazil.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0341666.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
22. FREITAS NL, Oliveira RD, Santos AKDS, Cunha-Filho M, et al
    Risk assessment for cardiovascular adverse drug events in the ICU: Case study on COVID-19 patients.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345280.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
23. CORONADO GD, Dickerson JF, Tsou MH, Shivaprakash N, et al
    Temporal and geographic analyses of colorectal cancer screening during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in a federally qualified health center.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345248.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
24. SUN X, Cappelleri JC, Lupton LL, Moran MM, et al
    Assessment of long COVID symptom burden in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a nationwide retail pharmacy.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345639.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
25. CALANCIE L, Pan Y, Bassarab K, Stowers KC, et al
    Association between local food policy council coverage and longitudinal household food insufficiency during COVID-19, stratified by race, ethnicity, and income.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345654.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
26. DAGHER M, Abboud A, Saad GE, Itani R, et al
    Predictors of employment attrition in Lebanon during multifaceted crises: The role of chronic diseases - a national cross-sectional study.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0328028.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
27. KAWABATA J, Goto K, Maeda M, Fukuda H, et al
    Comparison of post-discharge mortality and medical expenditures in COVID-19 patients according to mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use: The LIFE study.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345939.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
28. SIRAPHATWONGKORN A, Methiyothin T, Onuean K, Chinnasarn K, et al
    Forecasting Thailand's mobility trends using Feature Engineered XGBoost for pandemic crisis movement management.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0345547.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

29. SMITH E, Blaabaek EH, Reimer D, Jaeger MM, et al
    Gender gaps in reading increase during unplanned and planned school closures.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2523152123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
30. BATRA H, Luo S, Saunders KO, Higgins JS, et al
    Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron broadly neutralizing humanized antibodies in different single human V(H)1-2-rearranging mouse models.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2537053123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
31. VRIENDS MBL, Moran E, Calvelo M, Hansen T, et al
    Oseltamivir aziridines are potent influenza neuraminidase inhibitors and imaging agents.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2504045123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
32. BALAKRISHNAN K, Chakraborty S, Chiang C, Stratton CM, et al
    Inhibition of coronaviral exoribonuclease activity by TRIM-mediated SUMOylation.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2528398123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
33. KADAM RU, Juraszek J, Brandenburg B, Garg D, et al
    Small molecule-constrained paratope mimetic bicyclic peptides as potent inhibitors of group 1 and 2 influenza A virus hemagglutinins.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2537533123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
34. HARIT A, Mor M, Yefet R, Izhaki-Tavor LS, et al
    Monoclonal antibodies from COVID-19 convalescent patients target cryptic epitopes for broad SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2523864123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
35. VENTURA PC, Dam Jeong Y, Litvinova M, Kummer AG, et al
    VIBES: A multiscale modeling approach integrating within-host and between-hosts dynamics in epidemics.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2523055123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Vaccine

36. FRAWLEY JE, Hutchens J, Wiley K, Mahimbo A, et al
    Uptake of Commonwealth funded influenza vaccines for Australian children aged 6-months to <5 years during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Vaccine. 2026;79:128514.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Virus Res

37. FERREIRO I, Hurtado J, Bruno A, Cristina J, et al
    On the brink of emergence: an evolutionary approach to Influenza A virus H5N1 isolated from humans.
    Virus Res. 2026 Mar 21:199717. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199717.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    

Three decades of #discovery: An overview of #Hendra virus, the original #Henipavirus

 

Abstract

Hendra virus (HeV) emerged in Australia in 1994, causing a devastating outbreak among horses in Brisbane with spread to humans, resulting in one death. This nonsegmented, negative-stranded RNA virus belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae and represents the first zoonotic paramyxovirus isolated from bats. Flying foxes (genus Pteropus) serve as the natural reservoir, with all four mainland Australian species carrying antibodies with no apparent disease. HeV initiates infection by binding ephrin-B2 receptors on vascular endothelial cells, driving characteristic pathology involving vasculitis, thrombosis, and neurological complications. Horses are amplifying hosts, shedding virus abundantly in respiratory secretions and posing transmission risks to humans during invasive procedures. To date, seven confirmed human infections have been documented, with a 57% fatality rate, presenting as severe respiratory disease or progressive encephalitis. Two genetic variants are now recognized: the original HeV genotype 1 and the emerging HeV genotype 2, identified in limited equine cases. Recent surveillance of bat roosts revealed substantial viral diversity, with peak shedding occurring during winter—coinciding with equine spillover peaks. Prevention integrates multiple strategies: the licensed equine vaccine Equivac which provides One Health protection for both horses and human contacts; biosecurity measures including proper PPE; and habitat restoration to reduce nutritional stress in bat populations. Emerging therapeutics include monoclonal antibodies, with m102.4 showing cross-protective activity against both HeV and the closely related Nipah virus. No licensed human vaccines currently exist, though candidates are in development. Future prevention strategies increasingly recognize the importance of Indigenous-led conservation approaches alongside biomedical interventions. This review will focus on the history of HeV, virus replication and diversity, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, as well as ecological and interdisciplinary countermeasures.

Author summary

Hendra virus (HeV) was first detected in 1994, with two outbreaks occurring within 2 months of that year. One was the index outbreak in the Brisbane suburb of Hendra, and the other was retrospectively diagnosed in the following year. This review examines the discoveries that have been made in the 30 years since its discovery.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0014138

____

The temporal #sequence of #influenza #H1N1 and #Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection causes disease severity in Syrian hamster models

 

Abstract

Introduction: 

Influenza H1N1 virus is one of the most prevalent subtypes among influenza viruses, and co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is frequently documented in clinical respiratory infections. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying the temporal sequence of H1N1-Mp co-infection remain poorly characterized, and relevant animal models are lacking.

Methods: 

In this study, we established a model of influenza H1N1 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection in Syrian hamsters and infected two pathogens in interval of 72 hours. Clinical manifestations, body temperature, body weight, pathogen loads in nasal, pharyngeal, and anal swabs, as well as blood cytokine profiles were dynamically monitored over 14 days post-infection (dpi). Additionally, tissue pathogen loads, histopathological changes, routine blood parameters, and blood biochemistry indicators were evaluated at 7 and 14 dpi.

Results: 

The results demonstrated that hamsters first infected with H1N1 followed by Mp (F-M group) exhibited significantly more severe histopathological lesions (assessed by HE staining), higher pathogen loads, and dysregulated cytokine responses compared to other infection groups.

Conclusion: 

Our findings highlight the critical role of infection order in determining the severity of H1N1-Mp co-infection, providing novel insights into the temporal dynamics and pathogenic mechanisms of respiratory co-infections.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1787294/full

____

#Evolution and viral properties of the #SARS-CoV-2 #BA32 #subvariant

 

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.3.2 descends from BA.3. It emerged two years after BA.3 ceased to circulate and differs by 39 spike mutations from BA.3. Similar to BA.2.86, which circulated at low levels before giving rise to JN.1, BA.3.2 shows a low but persistent circulation globally. Here, we characterize the phylogenetic origin, infection in cell culture, and neutralization of BA.3.2 using live virus and blood plasma samples collected in South Africa at different stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Like the Omicron BA.2.86 subvariant, we find that BA.3.2 likely emerged in Southern Africa. We also find that an 871 bp deletion removed ORF7 and ORF8. In H1299-ACE2 cells, BA.3.2 has lower cytotoxicity measured as plaque area compared to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 but similar to the co-circulating LP.8.1 Omicron subvariant with which it also shares similar replication and infection focus size. BA.3.2 and LP.8.1 exhibit complete escape from neutralization from pre-Omicron collected plasma samples, have low levels of neutralization by plasma collected in 2024, and higher neutralization by plasma collected in 2025, with BA.3.2 showing moderately lower neutralization than LP.8.1. The emergence of long branch subvariants like BA.3.2 without intermediates likely indicates that unmonitored persistent infections continue to drive large evolutionary shifts in this virus.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/ve/article/12/1/veag011/8490867

____

Deciphering #HPAI #Influenza A Virus #H5N1: Molecular Basis of #Pathogenicity, Zoonotic Potential, and Advances in #Vaccination Strategies

 

Abstract

The ongoing panzootic of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, dominated by clade 2.3.4.4b, constitutes a significant global threat to wildlife, animal health, and public health. Once characterized by sporadic outbreaks, H5N1 has evolved into a sustained, year-round infection with an expanded host range that now includes numerous mammalian species. Its high pathogenicity is primarily driven by the acquisition of a polybasic haemagglutinin cleavage site, enabling systemic viral spread, alongside emerging endothelial and neurotropic properties that contribute to severe disease and high mortality in mammals. Although zoonotic transmission remains limited, H5N1 continues to accumulate mutations associated with mammalian adaptation, particularly within the haemagglutinin and polymerase complex. Notably, recent outbreaks in U.S. dairy cattle highlight the emergence of novel mammalian reservoirs with increased human exposure risk. Concurrently, vaccination strategies are advancing beyond traditional adjuvanted inactivated vaccines toward next-generation platforms, including mRNA and virus-like particle vaccines, designed for rapid deployment and broader immune protection. However, ongoing viral evolution, constrained vaccine availability, and gaps in coordinated surveillance underscore the urgent need for an integrated One Health approach to reduce panzootic risk.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/4/410

____