ETIDIOH - NEW

  {Summary} In summer 2025, the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 sublineage became dominant with more resistant variants, such as XFG, LP.8.1, and NB.1.8.1 . COVID-19 mRNA boosters were therefore updated for the 2025–2026 season to target the LP.8.1 spike .1 Previous boosters, particularly the WA1/2020+BA.5 bivalent booster , were characterised by substantial boosting of the ancestral strain , a phenomenon known as immune imprinting .2,3 We therefore evaluated whether the phylogenetically more distant LP.8.1 mRNA booster would preferentially boost currently circulating strains. Recent data from European and Asian populations have reported the immunogenicity of the LP.8.1 mRNA booster .4,5 Herein, we report the immunogenicity of the LP.8.1 mRNA booster in a US population with a different exposure history and high population immunity. We show that the LP.8.1 mRNA booster induced neutralising antibody (NAb) and binding antibody responses, primarily to the vaccine-matched L.P.8.1 variant and other curr...

  Abstract We examined 89 travel-related clade Ib monkeypox virus cases detected in 33 countries during August 2024–July 2025 . Most cases were among men ; about one third led to secondary transmission . Secondary transmission risk was highest among sexual, then household, contacts. Those groups should be the focus of response strategies and interventions. Source:  Link:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/2/25-1530_article ____

  Significance Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remains the most lethal human coronavirus , with continued zoonotic transmission from wild naturally infected dromedary camels , posing a persistent risk of spillover to humans. Despite this ongoing threat , no specific antiviral treatment has been approved. In this study, we characterize the antibody response to MERS-CoV in naturally infected dromedaries, the primary animal reservoir, and identify a panel of nanobodies (Nbs) exhibiting potent neutralizing activity . These Nbs recognize a previously unreported binding and neutralizing site on the virus spike receptor-binding domain (RBD). Their distinctive genetic, structural, and functional properties make them promising candidates for the development of effective and therapeutic interventions against MERS-CoV, as strongly advocated by global health authorities. Abstract Wild dromedary camels in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa have harbored antibodies against ...

  Abstract The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle poses substantial risks to public health, economic sustainability of farming, and global food systems . Using a Computable General Equilibrium model , we simulate its short- to medium-term impacts on Gross Domestic Product and other macro-economic outcomes for the US and its main trading partners . We simulate impacts under the current situation and realistic and reasonable worst-case scenarios . We estimate domestic economic losses ranging between 0.06% and 0.9% of US GDP , with losses to the dairy sector ranging between 3.4% and 20.6%. Trading partners increase dairy production to compensate for the loss. Current government subsidies are about 1.2% (95% HDI: 1% to 1.4%) of output losses, and likely insufficient to incentivise farmers to step up surveillance and biosecurity for mitigating the possible emergence of H5N1 strains with pandemic potential into human populations. Source:  Link:...

  Abstract The polymerase acidic (PA) protein is a subunit of the trimeric influenza A virus (IAV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the target of the anti-influenza drug baloxavir marboxil (BXM). As with other direct-acting antivirals , treatment with BXM can lead to selection of viruses carrying resistance mutations . If these mutations have negligible fitness costs, resistant viruses can spread widely and render existing treatments obsolete . Multiple BXM resistance mutations in the nuclease domain of PA have been identified, with I38T and I38M amino acid substitutions occurring frequently. These mutations have minimal to no effects on viral polymerase activity , virus replication , or transmission . However, for reasons that are not well understood, viruses with BXM resistance substitutions have not been able to compete with parental wild-type strains . The IAV genome segment encoding PA also encodes the host shutoff nuclease PA-X, which shares the endonuclease domain with PA bu...

  Highlights •  Randomized trial of 1st and 2nd mRNA SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination in advanced age •  Higher anti-RBD IgG level and neutralizing capacity with full-dose mRNA-1273 than BNT162b2 •  Decrease in viral neutralization capacity after 12 months against all 25 tested SARS-COV-2 variants •  Oldest population in a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination study (mean 81 yrs) ABSTRACT Background To determine long-term immunogenicity and reactogenicity of different SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccines in a population ≥75 years in a randomized trial. Methods Participants were randomised to receive either BNT162b2 30µg or double booster dose mRNA-1273 , i.e.100µg, as 3rd and 4th vaccination (1st and 2nd booster). Primary endpoint was rate of 2-fold geometric mean titre (GMT) antibody increase 14 days after vaccination targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) region of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Secondary endpoints included neutralising capacity against wild-type and 25 variants at 14 days (D...

  Abstract Influenza D virus (IDV), primarily found in livestock species, has demonstrated cross-species transmission potential , yet its threat to humans remains poorly understood . Here, we curated a panel of IDV isolates collected during field surveillance from 2011 to 2020 from swine and cattle to assess their ability to infect human airway cells as a proxy for zoonotic threat assessment. Using lung epithelial cell lines , primary well-differentiated airway epithelial cultures, and precision-cut lung slices , we demonstrated that IDV efficiently propagates in cells and tissues from the human respiratory tract , reaching titers comparable to human influenza A virus (IAV). Infection kinetics in primary porcine airway cultures and respiratory tissues mirrored those from human , suggesting similar infectivity across species. To define host responses to IDV infection, we evaluated innate immune sensing and downstream interferon signaling in human respiratory cells. IDV infection res...

  ABSTRACT The H1N1 influenza virus is a major pandemic and seasonal pathogen with a broad host range , posing a substantial threat to human health and underscoring the need for continuous surveillance . Wild birds , as natural reservoirs of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), carry H1N1 strains capable of reassorting with other influenza viruses, which can drive pandemic emergence. The global migration of wild birds facilitates the spread of these viruses, and their interactions with poultry increase the risk of cross-species transmission , further amplifying the public health threat. However, knowledge of H1N1 genetic diversity in wild birds remains limited. Database analysis shows 80% of avian-origin H1N1 isolates come from wild birds across over 40 countries , mainly in North America, Europe and Asia . This study characterized the molecular traits and genetic evolution of four H1N1 AIVs isolated from common teal and spot-billed ducks during 2019–2021 . Phylogenetic and sequence ana...

  Antiviral Res YURGELONIS I, Rai DK, Li Z, Washington B, et al Analysis of Ibuzatrelvir's Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 Circulating Variants and In Vitro Resistance Mutations. Antiviral Res. 2026 Jan 30:106352. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106352. PubMed           Abstract available BMJ LEI Z Reduced disease detection during covid-19. BMJ. 2026;392:s236. PubMed          Clin Infect Dis MA KC, Surie D, Dean N, Paden CR, et al Integrating genomic data into test-negative designs for estimating lineage-specific COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 2:ciag059. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis MICHELI G, Mondi A, Roen A, Taramasso L, et al Did the COVID-19 pandemic shift the landscape of late HIV diagnosis? Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Jan 28:108437. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108437. PubMed        ...

  Antimicrob Agents Chemother LLORENTE J, Sempere J, Llamosi M, Perez-Garcia C, et al Emergence of antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in children, Spain. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025 Dec 31:e0153025. doi: 10.1128/aac.01530. PubMed           Abstract available J Infect Dis VILLAFUERTE D, Fall A, Akin E, Werner AP, et al Genomic Evolution of Influenza A Virus During the 2024-2025 Season, the Johns Hopkins Health System: Antigenic Drift Reduces Serum Neutralization. J Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 4:jiag069. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Pediatrics GAGO CM, Ruggiero CF, Gundewar A, Rose W, et al Parent Perspectives on the Interactive Role of Charitable and Federal Nutrition Assistance. Pediatrics. 2026 Jan 6:e2025072664. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-072664. PubMed           Abstract available SALTHOUSE AL, Tann...

  Abstract Influenza (flu) is a common respiratory virus with seasonal global spread. Zoonotic viruses can occasionally cross species, leading to pandemic-level spread , and for flu viruses, this is considered an “antigenic shift ”. The flu can be particularly severe during pregnancy due to immune system adaptations that occur during pregnancy, with prior global pandemics causing excess hospitalizations, deaths, and other complications in the mothers and the neonates. We aim to review the current literature with respect to novel avian H5N1 and the potential impact of infection with flu during pregnancy. A systematic literature search was conducted. Here we provide a rapid summary of epidemiology and understanding of viral spread , published risks of H5N1 in pregnancy, the unique physiologic, cellular, and molecular adaptations making H5N1 infection unique in pregnancy, implementation of an effective vaccine program in event of a pandemic specific to pregnant individuals, optimizing...

  Abstract A case of H5N6 avian influenza was reported in Anhui Province, China . The viral titers in the patient's lungs and pharynx decreased rapidly after oseltamivir treatment , yet it still fatal . The whole genome sequencing suggested that it derived from four distinct sources and classified within the 2.3.4.4b clade . Source:  Link:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1684118226000034?via%3Dihub ____

  Highlights •  74% pooled MERS-CoV seroprevalence in African dromedaries •  Highest MERS-CoV RNA incidence (15.3%) observed in juvenile dromedaries •  2.4% pooled MERS-CoV seroprevalence in camel -exposed humans •  African MERS-CoV clade C exhibits unique polymorphisms •  Clade-specific features might explain low MERS-CoV infection rates in Africa Abstract Objective We explored factors contributing to the low human MERS-CoV prevalence in Africa by assessing MERS-CoV epidemiological and genomic features. Methods We followed the PRISMA guidelines. We searched for articles on epidemiological and virological MERS-CoV characteristics in humans and camels in Africa until August 2025. We used a generalised linear mixed-effects model to calculate pooled proportions. We identified relevant polymorphisms in African MERS-CoV lineages compared with the prototypic EMC/2012 and contemporary Arabian MERS-CoV (clade B5). Results We included 53 articles, with 31 used in th...

  Abstract Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified as a human pathogen in 2012 and causes ongoing sporadic infections and outbreak clusters . Despite case fatality rates (CFRs) of over 30% and considerable pandemic potential , a safe and efficacious vaccine has not been developed. Here we report the design, characterization, and preclinical evaluation of MERS-CoV antigens . Our lead candidate comprises a stabilized spike displayed on a self-assembling ferritin nanoparticle that can be produced from a high-expressing, stable cell pool . This vaccine elicits robust MERS-CoV pseudovirus and authentic virus neutralizing antibody titers in BALB/c mice. Immunization of male non-human primates (NHPs) with one dose of Alhydrogel-adjuvanted vaccine elicited a > 103 geometric mean titer of pseudovirus neutralizing antibodies that was boosted with a second dose. Sera from these NHPs exhibited cross-reactivity against spike-pseudotyped lentiviruses from MERS-C...

  Abstract Of 19 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection detected during January 2023–March 2025 in Cambodia , 12 (63%) were detected directly by surveillance for severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) or indirectly by testing ill close contacts . SARI surveillance can supplement other surveillance sources for identifying H5N1 cases. Source:  Link:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/3/25-0832_article ____

  ABSTRACT Oropouche virus (OROV), a neglected arbovirus, has historically been considered a self-limiting infection associated with febrile illness . However, the recent surge in cases since late 2023 has been marked by atypical outcomes , highlighting its underestimated clinical impact . Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea have also been reported, but the prevalence and mechanistic insight remain largely elusive. Here, through a meta-analysis of 12 identified clinical studies , we revealed a pooled prevalence of diarrhea as 15% (95% CI, 10%–20%) among the Oropouche patient population. In primary human intestinal organoid-based experimental models , we demonstrated productive infection by both a recent patient isolate (OROV-2024) and a historical strain (Be An19991). This is shown by the accumulation of intracellular OROV RNA, release of infectious particles, and immunostaining of OROV glycoprotein Gc. Interestingly, OROV infection mildly triggered the expression of type II...

  Abstract Introduction Seasonal influenza causes significant global morbidity, mortality, and economic burden . Ongoing viral evolution can lead to vaccine mismatch and the emergence of antiviral resistance , highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance. The 2024–2025 influenza season was characterized by high incidence and increased hospitalizations. Methods We analyzed influenza A virus (IAV) genomes and clinical characteristics from the 2024–2025 season . Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 648 influenza A–positive clinical specimens collected between October 2024 and April 2025. Results Hemagglutinin (HA) sequences were recovered from 74.23% (481/648) of samples and used for subtyping and phylogenetic analysis. A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses co-circulated , representing 55.5% and 44.5% of cases, respectively. Among A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, the HA1 substitution T120A , located near the Sa antigenic site , increased more than twofold compared with the prior season. Ci...

  Abstract Background Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains a key driver of community spread , with secondary attack rates in Thai households reaching approximately 50 %. There is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in this context. Methods The phase 2/3, open-label, (1:1) cluster-randomized controlled trial in Thailand , 168 household close contacts from 76 index cases were enrolled to receive either favipiravir-PEP (FPV-PEP) (1600–2000 mg/day for 7 days) or usual care. The efficacy of FPV-PEP was investigated in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after contact with index cases. Results The incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower in the FPV-PEP group than in the usual care group (7.32 % vs. 14.47 %), although the difference was not statistically significant . A trend toward fewer early positive rapid diagnostic test results on day 3 was observed in the FPV-PEP group. Symptom development was less frequent among FPV...

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has spread to over 1,080 dairy farms across 18 states in the United States, resulting in 41 human infections and posing serious risks to both animal and public health . To address these risks, a hemagglutinin-based mRNA–lipid nanoparticle vaccine was developed , and its safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in high-yielding lactating dairy cows were evaluated. The vaccine was well tolerated, had no adverse effects on health or milk production , and induced strong antibody responses . Two weeks after the second immunization, all the immunized cattle were fully protected against a high-dose H5N1 virus challenge . Notably, two-thirds of the cattle were still completely protected even at the 19th week after the first vaccination , when their serum antibody levels were very low. These data demonstrate that the mRNA vaccine confers robust, lasting protection against H5N1 virus in lactating dairy cows, providing a foundatio...

  {Summary} Recent headlines about influenza have reported a “super flu” causing a “record-breaking season” that is “overwhelming hospitals.” Although less dramatic, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal substantial influenza activity : the agency estimated that there were more than 20 million cases of influenza illness, 270,000 influenza-related hospitalizations , and 11,000 deaths from influenza in the United States through January 24, 2026. These numbers aren’t extraordinary as compared with those from previous seasons, but some indicators of influenza activity and severity have been remarkable. (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2600395?query=TOC ____