ETIDIOH - NEW

February 2025  The development of influenza candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs),  coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global  strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness . Selection and development of  CVVs are the first steps towards timely vaccine production and do not imply a  recommendation for initiating manufacture. National authorities may consider the  use of 1 or more of these CVVs for pilot lot vaccine production, clinical trials and  other pandemic preparedness purposes based on their assessment of public health  risk and need. Zoonotic influenza viruses continue to be identified  and evolve both antigenically and genetically, leading to the need for additional  CVVs for pandemic preparedness purposes. Changes in the antigenic and genetic  characteristics of these viruses relative to existing CVVs and their potential risks  to public health justify the need to develop new CVVs. This docume...

Context and significance Wang et al. provided valuable insights into the epidemiological patterns of avian influenza virus (AIV) spillover and the role of H9N2 in the process. Their analysis highlighted the significant contribution of the internal genes (INGEs) from 12 key strains of H9N2 in facilitating human adaptability by reducing the species barrier between poultry and humans , essentially acting as internal genetic donors for AIV spillover . Due to its low pathogenicity, H9N2 has been neglected in poultry vaccination programs , leading to a lack of vaccines specifically targeting the INGEs of these 12 key strains. Their findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of H9N2 is fundamental to mitigating AIV spillover risks. Highlights •  H9N2 exerts a promoting effect on the spillover of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) •  Expansion of AIV spatial and host ranges reveals an emerging risk of its spillover •  Prevalence of AIVs in human -contacted hosts reveals a re-emerg...

ABSTRACT The H5N1 avian panzootic has resulted in cross-species transmission to birds and mammals, causing outbreaks in wildlife, poultry, and US dairy cattle with a range of host-dependent pathogenic outcomes . Although no human-to-human transmission has been observed, the rising number of zoonotic human cases creates opportunities for adaptive mutation or reassortment . This Gem explores the history, evolution, virology, and epidemiology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 relative to its pandemic potential. Pandemic risk reduction measures are urgently required. Source: Journal of Virology,  https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.02209-24?af=R ____

  Am J Med HOLLAND J, Sheehan D, Brown S, O'Flanagan S, et al Immune Response and Cognitive Impairment in Post-COVID Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Am J Med. 2025;138:698-711. PubMed           Abstract available PASCULLI P, Zingaropoli MA, Dominelli F, Solimini AG, et al Insights into Long COVID: Unraveling Risk Factors, Clinical Features, Radiological Findings, Functional Sequelae and Correlations: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Am J Med. 2024 Sep 17:S0002-9343(24)00569-2. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024. PubMed           Abstract available XU J, Wu D, Yang J, Zhao Y, et al Adult Outpatients with Long COVID Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. Part 1: Oral Microbiota Alterations. Am J Med. 2025;138:732-741. PubMed           Abstract available YOO KH, Lee SH, Cho Y, Kim YJ, et al Synergistic Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination on the Risk of Ven...

Summary Background The United States Department of Agriculture has recently released reports that show samples collected from 2022 to 2025 of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) have been detected in mammals and birds . Up to February 2025, the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there have been 67 humans infected with H5N1 since 2024 with 1 death. The broader potential impact on human health remains unclear. Methods In this study, we computationally model 1804 protein complexes consisting of various H5 isolates from 1959 to 2024 against 11 haemagglutinin domain 1 (HA1)- neutralising antibodies . This was performed using AI-based protein folding and physics-based simulations of the antibody-antigen interactions. We analysed binding affinity changes over time and across various antibodies using multiple biochemical and biophysical binding metrics. Findings This study shows a trend of weakening binding affinity of existing antibodies against H5 isol...

  Biochemistry (Mosc) FILIPPOVA TA, Masamrekh RA, Farafonova TE, Khudoklinova YY, et al Determination of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (M(pro)) Activity Based on Electrooxidation of Tyrosine Residue of a Model Peptide. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2025;90:120-131. PubMed           Abstract available BMC Pediatr JAYARATNE K, Illangasinghe P, Wanniarachchi S, Hettiarachchi D, et al Epidemic profile of COVID-19 child deaths in Sri Lanka: a retrospective nationwide analysis. BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:174. PubMed           Abstract available Cell XING L, Liu Z, Wang X, Liu Q, et al Early fusion intermediate of ACE2-using coronavirus spike acting as an antiviral target. Cell. 2025;188:1297-1314. PubMed           Abstract available J Epidemiol Community Health COSTE M, Prah JJ Applying the health capability profile: an analytical study of leading causes of death in the USA and of pressing...

{Summary} Pandemic influenza remains a significant global health threat, as signalled by the circulation and cross-species transmission of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from the clade 2.3.4.4b, including among dairy cattle in the USA since 2024. Although most of the reported human infections from the USA so far1,2 have been mild, the virus can change its profile rapidly. To reduce mortality and morbidity from influenza in humans, vaccines remain the most important intervention. (...) Source: Lancet Respiratory Medicine,  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(25)00052-9/fulltext?rss=yes ____

  Antiviral Res PADEY B, Droillard C, Duliere V, Fouret J, et al Host-targeted repurposed diltiazem enhances the antiviral activity of direct acting antivirals against Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res. 2025 Mar 4:106138. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106138. PubMed           Abstract available INOUE A, Ichikawa T, Wada D, Maruyama S, et al M49L and other drug resistance mutations emerging in individuals after administration of ensitrelvir in Japanese clinical settings. Antiviral Res. 2025;236:106118. PubMed           Abstract available UEHARA T, Yotsuyanagi H, Ohmagari N, Doi Y, et al Ensitrelvir treatment-emergent amino acid substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 3CL(pro) detected in the SCORPIO-SR phase 3 trial. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jan 30:106097. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106097. PubMed           Abstract available Biochem Biophys Res Commun IMBIAKHA B, ...