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  Am J Respir Crit Care Med LAUTRETTE A, Cadoret M, Richard JC, Schwebel C, et al Impact of Visitation Restrictions in ICU on Psychological Symptoms in Family Members: Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jul 23. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202412-2470. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis AKANDE ET, Fowotade AA, Odih EE, Oaikhena AO, et al Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Clin Infect Dis. 2025;80. PubMed           Abstract available STREINU-CERCEL A, Castagna A, Chang SC, Chen YS, et al Efficacy and Safety of Obeldesivir in High-Risk Nonhospitalized Patients with COVID-19 (BIRCH): a Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 22:ciaf406. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available BOSCOLO-RIZZO P, Spinato G, De Colle R, Maniaci A, et al Five-Year...

ABSTRACT Many difficult-to-understand clinical features characterize COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID [LC]). These can include blood pressure instability, hyperinflammation, coagulopathies , and neuropsychiatric complaints . The pathogenesis of these features remains unclear. The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of host cells to initiate infection. We hypothesized that some people convalescing from COVID-19 may produce anti-RBD antibodies that resemble ACE2 sufficiently to have ACE2-like catalytic activity , that is, they are ACE2-like proteolytic abzymes that may help mediate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and LC . In previous work, we showed that some people with acute COVID-19 had immunoglobulin-associated ACE2-like proteolytic activity , suggesting that some people with COVID-19 indeed produced ACE2-like abzymes . However, it remained unknown whether ACE2-like abzymes wer...

  Antiviral Res 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 BMJ ARETOULI E, Malik M, Widmann C, Parker AM, et al Cognitive and mental health outcomes in long covid. BMJ. 2025;390:e081349. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis SIZA C, Plucinski M, Lessa FC, Campelo E, et al Antibody Response in Healthcare Workers During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Gamma Variant Outbreak in Manaus, Brazil. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 16:ciaf318. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available SHOHAM S, Dioverti MV Combination Therapy for Protracted COVID-19: When More is More. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 16:ciaf384. doi: 10.1093. PubMed    ...

Abstract We sequenced sarbecovirus from Rhinolophus spp. bats in Bandarban District , Bangladesh, in a genomic surveillance campaign during 2022–2023. Sequences shared identity with SARS-CoV-1 Tor2, which caused an outbreak of human illnesses in 2003 . Describing the genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of reservoir pathogens can aid in identifying sources of future spillovers. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0071_article ____

Abstract Several studies have documented reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including in farmed mink which are susceptible to human respiratory viruses and are known for serving as a reservoir capable of generating new virus variants in densely populated farms. Here, we present the results of a genomic investigation launched in response to detected human infections with mink-origin SARS-CoV-2 lineages , and show evidence of at least 14 high-confidence introductions of SARS-CoV-2 from humans into farmed mink in Lithuania where sustained transmission in farmed mink lasted up to a year . We estimated the most likely timeframes for these introductions encompassing at least six SARS-CoV-2 lineages , some of which were already extinct in humans , with Bayesian phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses. This study highlights the public health risks posed by fur farms and underscores that passive genomic surveillance systems are ineffective without the active involvement and expertis...

  BMJ HOUSE TA Pandemic response: no one is immune to getting things wrong. BMJ. 2025;390:r1415. PubMed          BHATT N Covid-19: Indian health ministry refutes links between sudden cardiac death and vaccination. BMJ. 2025;390:r1426. PubMed          Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol NEARY M, Quan K, Tjoa T, Bittencourt CE, et al Did universal masking during the COVID-19 pandemic reduce MRSA and MSSA acquisition in the NICU? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2025 Jul 11:1-6. doi: 10.1017/ice.2025.10209. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis BERG J, Linden K, Zaigham M, Domellof M, et al The Association between Antenatal SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and Infant Neurodevelopment at Four Months of Age: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Survey within the COPE Study. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 3:107973. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107973. PubMed        ...

Abstract Although vaccines and treatments have strengthened our ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic , new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge in human populations. Because the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by mutation , a better understanding of its mutation rate and spectrum could improve our ability to forecast the trajectory of the pandemic . Here, we use circular RNA consensus sequencing (CirSeq) to determine the mutation rate of six SARS-CoV-2 variants and perform a short-term evolution experiment to determine the impact of these mutations on viral fitness. Our analyses indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 genome mutates at a rate of ∼1.5 × 10−6/base per viral passage and that the spectrum is dominated by C → U transitions. Moreover, we find that the mutation rate is significantly reduced in regions that form base-pairing interactions and that mutations that affect these secondary structures are especially harmful to viral fitness. In this work, we show that the biased mutat...

Highlights •  This study evaluated differences in SARS-CoV-2 variant severity from 2020-2023 •  SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing from 6,916 respiratory swabs was performed •  Four conserved kmer sequences associated with severity were identified •  Infections from the Delta variant had highest likelihood of severe infection •  Omicron BA.4/5 variant was more severe than BA.1 in children, vice-versa in adults Abstract We performed virus whole-genome sequencing of 6,916 upper respiratory swabs from adults and children from March 2020 through May 2023 and collected clinical metadata to assess differences in SARS-CoV-2 variant severity and symptomatology. Multivariable logistic regression showed a severity peak with Delta , which had the highest likelihood of severe infection. In children , another peak was observed with BA.4/BA.5 , which was associated with more severe infection than both prior ( BA.1 ) and later ( BQ.1, BF.7, and XBB ) Omicron variants . In cont...

Summary Background mRNA-1283 is an investigational, next-generation COVID-19 vaccine that encodes only the immunodominant regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein —the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the N-terminal domain rather than the full-length spike used in currently authorised mRNA vaccines. We evaluated the relative vaccine efficacy (rVE), immunogenicity, and safety of mRNA-1283 compared to the first-generation vaccine (mRNA-1273). Methods This randomised, observer-masked, active-controlled, phase 3 trial (NextCOVE) was conducted in individuals (aged ≥12 years) with no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 90 days of screening in the USA, the UK, and Canada. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one 10 μg dose of the bivalent formulation of mRNA-1283 (original plus omicron BA.4/BA.5) or 50 μg of the bivalent mRNA-1273, encoding the same variants. Randomisation was stratified by age (12–17 years, 18–64 years, and ≥65 years). Primary objectives comparin...

  Am J Respir Crit Care Med MICHELS EHA, Peters-Sengers H, de Brabander J, Schuurman AR, et al The Plasma Proteome in Community-acquired Pneumonia: Pathophysiology, Outcome and 10-Year Risk. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jul 2. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202502-0325. PubMed           Abstract available Ann Intern Med CROSLEY E, Martin GS In COVID-19 acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, awake prone positioning vs. supine positioning increases survival without intubation. Ann Intern Med. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-02004. PubMed           Abstract available BMJ COOPER N, Agius S, Freeman K, Church H, et al Impact of physician assistants on quality of care: rapid review. BMJ. 2025;390:e086358. PubMed           Abstract available KIRKLAND A, Greer SL The antivaccine movement threatens health in the US and worldwide. BMJ. 2025;390:r1383. PubMed     ...

ABSTRACT The threat to global health security posed by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and emerging MERS-like coronaviruses highlights the need to develop safe and efficient vaccines. Viral vector vaccines have been shown to be effective and are widely used to prevent various viral diseases because they mimic natural infection and induce a more comprehensive immune response. Herein, we developed a novel bat influenza A virus-based vaccine vector by replacing the open reading frame of either bat influenza hemagglutinin or neuraminidase with that of the hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion gene from influenza D virus , which can infect multiple species, including humans and camels . We then generated a temperature-sensitive, cold-adapted, and attenuated MERS vaccine candidate expressing the clade A MERS-CoV spike S1, referred to as Len_S1, using the developed bat influenza vector and demonstrated its safety and immunogenicity. A single-dose intranasal immunization with L...

  Antiviral Res HUSSAIN S, Meijer A, Govorkova EA, Dapat C, et al Global update on the susceptibilities of influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir, 2020-2023. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jun 24:106217. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106217. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis HARUN MGD, Sumon SA, Anwar MMU, Mohona TM, et al Infection Prevention and Control Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh During Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Survey. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 25:ciaf246. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available DUONG KS, Henry SS, Duong TQ SARS-CoV-2 infection increases long-term risk of pneumonia in an urban population: an observational cohort study up to 46 months post-infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 25:ciaf345. doi: 10.1093. PubMe...

  Am J Obstet Gynecol KOENIG LR, Raymond EG, Upadhyay UD, Frye LJ, et al Effectiveness and safety of medication abortion with vs. without screening ultrasonography or pelvic exam. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 Jun 11:S0002-9378(25)00387. PubMed           Abstract available J Med Virol YIN L, He H, Zhang H, Shang Y, et al Revolution of AAV in Drug Discovery: From Delivery System to Clinical Application. J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70447. PubMed           Abstract available TANG X, Zhou Y, Sun Y, Ding T, et al Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Characteristics of the Rhesus Macaque Lung Infected With Original SARS-CoV-2, Delta, and Omicron Variants. J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70446. PubMed           Abstract available WU F, Zhang Z, Lun Q, Hong X, et al Papain-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 Induces Intestinal Inflammation via the ISG15 Pathway: Identification of Natural Compound Inhibi...

Abstract Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic virus that causes acute respiratory disease after transmission via close contact with camels . In contrast to the incidence of MERS-CoV human infections in the Middle East , MERS-CoV infections in the Horn of Africa have been rarely reported despite the high number of camels and common camel–human interactions in the area. Whether passive cross-sectional sampling misses active human cases is a significant gap in our understanding of MERS-CoV epidemiology and its impact in the Horn of Africa. To address this gap, we conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at Laisamis Catholic Hospital in northern Kenya’s camel pastoralist community . A total of 942 patients with acute respiratory symptoms were enrolled over 18 months (August 2022–February 2024); 54% of these individuals reported frequent contact with camels and consumption of camel products. Testing via reverse transcriptase – polymerase chain reaction ...

ABSTRACT Betacoronaviruses, which have caused three human outbreaks within the last two decades, are thought to originate from bats , raising the concern that bat coronaviruses could cause a novel human outbreak in the future. To determine whether the bat merbecovirus EjCoV-3 strain , previously detected in Eptesicus japonensis in Japan , has the potential to infect humans, we analyzed its cellular entry mechanism. Cellular entry of EjCoV-3 via the spike protein requires protease treatment and is mediated by an unknown receptor, other than DPP4 or ACE2 . We generated cultivable recombinant EjCoV-3 using bacterial artificial chromosome-based reverse genetics and found that it efficiently replicated in human respiratory and intestinal cell cultures as well as nasal ciliated epithelium in hamsters. These findings suggest that bat merbecovirus with ACE2- and DPP4-independent cell entry has the potential to cause human infections , highlighting the importance of extensive bat surveillance f...

Abstract Background :  The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has differed across continents. We hypothesized that regional differences in SARS-CoV-2 immunity might explain this observation. We therefore established the WWW Consortium in Ghana , W Africa; Jamaica , W Indies ; and W London . Here, we describe the extent to which antibody immunity differs between these geographic locations.  Methods :  The WWW Consortium harmonises across the HERITAGE (Accra, Ghana), WINDFall (Kingston, Jamaica) and Legacy (London, UK) studies, establishing sharing frameworks for samples , metadata, and data; related permissions and oversight; and associated physical and cloud infrastructure. With centralised testing, we performed serological assessments across all three locations at two snapshots in 2024 (April 1st - August 18th; August 19th - December 31st) using high-throughput live virus neutralization and anti-nucleocapsid IgG, including n=763 individuals.  Findings :  We fo...

  Antiviral Res CHANG CW, Oswal N, Murugan M, Goldgirsh K, et al A novel cellular tool for screening human pan-coronavirus antivirals. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jun 10:106212. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106212. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis LEE R, Kim N, Kim WB, Im KI, et al Effectiveness and safety of Autologous Virus-Specific T Cell Therapy for Persistent COVID-19 in People with Immunocompromise: A Clinical Trial Study. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 10:ciaf302. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available SUDNIK P, Walsh EE, Branche AR, Islam M, et al Comprehensive Analysis of Cardiovascular Events and Risk Factors in Patients Hospitalized with RSV. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 12:ciaf310. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis WEE LE, Ho RWL, Lim JT, Chiew CJ, et al Long-term multi-systemic sequelae post-hospitalizat...