#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly #Update (CDC, Oct. 27 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominated

 

{Extracts}

(...)

    According to data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the domestic influenza epidemic is currently in its peak season. 

    During week 42 (October 18th-24th), there were 101,746 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a decrease of 18.8% compared to the previous week, mainly due to outpatient closures caused by the typhoon holiday. 

    Last week (October 20-26), 85 new cases of severe influenza complications were reported (79 H1N1, 6 unidentified A cases) and 28 deaths (27 H1N1, 1 unidentified A case). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 93.4%. 

    This flu season (2026-2027) has seen a cumulative total of 391 severe cases (380 H1N1, 9 unidentified A cases, 2 type B cases) and 57 deaths (54 H1N1, 3 unidentified A cases). 

    The majority of severe cases are among those aged 65 and above (69.1%) and those with a history of chronic illness (85.2%), and 99.7% of those who did not receive the flu vaccine this season. 

    While the number of COVID-19 cases has continued to decline recently, severe cases and deaths are still occurring. 

    In week 42 (October 18-24), there were 2,534 outpatient and emergency room visits related to COVID-19, a 35.3% decrease compared to the previous week (October 11-17). 

    Last week (October 20-26), there were 8 new severe cases and 4 new deaths. 

    This quarter (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027) has seen a cumulative total of 64 severe cases, including 10 deaths. 

    In the past four weeks, the most common local variant strain has been PQ.16.1.1, followed by NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/bducEkV6VKgqlJ2iaiFxiA?typeid=9

____

#Nirmatrelvir / Ritonavir Versus #Remdesivir #Therapy for #SARS-CoV-2 #Infection in #Kidney #Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study

 

Abstract

Background: 

The prognosis of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in solid organ transplant recipients is extremely poor. The efficacy and safety of various treatments used in COVID-19 have not been fully explored in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir versus remdesivir in adult KTRs infected with COVID-19. 

Methods: 

This single-center, retrospective, comparative study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital, enrolled adult KTRs with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 infection receiving nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir from April 2021 to October 2023. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants with COVID-19-related hospitalization within 28 days post-treatment completion. Secondary endpoints included graft rejection, patient and graft survival, worsening COVID-19 stage, and drug–drug interactions. 

Results: 

The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir groups consisted of 32 and 115 participants, respectively. The primary endpoint demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the groups. More patients in the remdesivir group progressed to a worse COVID-19 stage (0% vs. 12.7%, p < 0.05). The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group experienced statistically more significant drug–drug interactions compared to the remdesivir group (90% vs. 0%, p < 0.05), mainly with calcineurin inhibitors. 

Conclusions: 

No statistically significant difference was found between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir in reducing COVID-19-related hospitalization among adult kidney transplant recipients.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/v18111187

____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (AMEDEO, Oct. 24 '26)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (AMEDEO, Oct. 24 '26)

 

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Effects of prolonged #SARS-CoV2 #spike protein #exposure in #longCOVID and a mouse model of the disease

 

ABSTRACT

We addressed the question: can the SARS-CoV2 spike protein persist in ACE2+ endothelia in the CNS/other sites and induce a prolonged microvasculature injury syndrome? People who died from COVID-19, with age-matched controls, and people with long COVID with symptoms persisting from 1-5 years, with controls of people who had recovered from COVID-19, were studied. Also compared were WT mice injected with the spike protein sacrificed at day 5 versus 1.5 months. The ACE2+ microvasculature density in the CNS increased 19-fold in the mice exposed to spike for 1.5 months. Human fatal COVID-19 cases showed an ACE2+ CNS density of 13.2/3.9 versus 2.1/0.9 for the controls. Long Covid cases showed an ACE2 microvasculature density of 11.9/3.0 versus 3.5/0.9 for the people who recovered from COVID (each p value < 0.001). Viral spike microvasculature density in the CNS was similar in the fatal COVID-19 cases (6.9/2.1) and mice (7.0/4.0) and in the skin of long-COVID cases (6.0/1.9) and less in people who recovered from COVID-19 (0.9/0.3) (each p < 0.001). Microvasculature collagen 1 deposition was only evident in fatal COVID, long COVID, and in the mice exposed to S1 for 1.5 mo. Thus, SARS-CoV2 spike (S1) protein can persist for months/years with an associated microvasculature pro-inflammatory state and a restrictive fibrosing microangiopathy; and exposure to high dose S1 markedly increases ACE2 endothelial density.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpath.2026.09.009

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly #Report (CDC, Oct. 20 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 variant predominated

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic is slowing but still high and in its peak season. 

    During week 41 (October 11-17), there were 123,820 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a 5.4% decrease from the previous week. 

    Last week (October 13-19), 159 new cases of severe influenza were reported (151 H1N1, 7 unidentified A, and 1 B), and 44 deaths were reported (42 H1N1 and 2 unidentified A). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 92.7%. 

    This flu season (2026-2027) has seen a cumulative total of 307 severe cases (298 H1N1, 7 unidentified A, and 2 B) and 42 deaths (40 H1N1 and 2 unidentified A). 

    Furthermore, the domestic COVID-19 epidemic has remained below the epidemic threshold for two consecutive weeks, indicating that the epidemic period has ended. 

    In week 41 (October 11-17), there were 3,873 outpatient and emergency room visits for COVID-19, a 27.7% decrease compared to the previous week (October 4-10). 

    In the past seven days (October 13-19), there were 25 new severe cases and 5 deaths. 

    This season (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027), there have been a cumulative total of 56 severe cases, including 6 deaths. 

    In the past four weeks, the most common local variant strain has been PQ.16.1.1, followed by NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/NmSGjiosphPs1mla9qRq6Q?typeid=9

____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (AMEDEO, Oct. 17 '26)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (AMEDEO, Oct. 17 '26)

 

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    PLoS Biol

20. NIU C, Huang X, Yan Q, Liu B, et al
    R1-32-like public antibodies acquire tolerance to SARS-CoV-2 antigenic drift through somatic hypermutation.
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    PLoS One

21. BHUKHAI K, Tanhuad N, Srimorkun P, Manopwisedjaroen S, et al
    Omicron SARS-CoV-2 shows NRP1-linked susceptibility in adipose-derived MSCs and alters primitive cord blood CD34(+) HSPCs.
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22. SADIQ M, Wasim B, Khatoon A, Kumar A, et al
    Whole-exome sequencing identifies a missense variant in the cytoskeletal gene SVIL implicating actin remodeling in COVID-19 severity in a Pakistani cohort.
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23. REZENDE LMT, Silva KVC, Cuadro A, Signes VM, et al
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24. LI X, Ding J, Zhang Y, Hu T, et al
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27. NGAMALEU MR, Tene H, Djounda R, Minomo R, et al
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Evaluating the effects of #population #mobility on #transmission during the #COVID19 #pandemic

 

Abstract

Changes to community mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic, together with unprecedented availability of surveillance and mobility data, provide a unique opportunity to quantify the effect of mobility on respiratory infection transmission. We present a renewal model that incorporates epidemiological mechanisms influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission along with a non-mechanistic scaling process. We compare models with and without mobility using epidemic data from 122 countries and quantify the influence of mobility through reductions in non-mechanistic scaling. In several countries, this non-mechanistic process closely tracks mobility trends and varies substantially less when mobility is incorporated. This is especially evident in Western Europe and North America, but not in several countries of West Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Google and Facebook data produce similar findings, and parks is frequently assigned the lowest weight in the multi-location Google analysis. Mobility trends are strongly aligned with short-term transmission dynamics in many high-income settings, although between-country heterogeneity remains.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78247-9

____

Strong #Protein #Responses to Acute #Infection Control General Post-Viral #Sequelae and #SARS-CoV-2-specific #Neurocognitive Sequelae

 

Abstract

After serious infections, many survivors fully recover while others face persistent symptoms including neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiopulmonary instabilities and disabling fatigue, classified broadly as Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (PAIS). Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID19 (PASC) is one special case. To test whether acute infection initiates PAIS, we analyzed proteins in 173 saliva samples collected during severe respiratory viral infections and tracked patient outcomes for five years. We discovered 44 proteins, all derived from interferon stimulated genes, that respond strongly to acute infection. Rates of post-acute syndromes were similar regardless of infection, but the types of Sequelae differed by virus. High expression of 19 proteins predict low General Sequelae rates across all viruses. High expression of 23 overlapping proteins predict low Neurocognitive Sequelae rates only with SARS-CoV-2 infections. We propose that low expressions of these proteins, which control viral replication, innate immunity, and secondary autoimmunity, combine to precipitate PAIS and PASC.

Competing Interest Statement

Theodore G. Liou, Judy L Jensen and Kristyn A Packer received research funding from Anagram, Aridis, BioMX, Calithera, Clarametyx, Judy L Jensen and Kristyn A Packer received research funding from Anagram, Aridis, BioMX, Calithera, Clarametyx, Gilead, Insmed, Laurent, Novartis, Sionna, SpliSense, the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Therapeutic Development Network and Vertex for performance of clinical studies during the study and manuscript preparation period. Theodore Liou is a member and Rhonda Szczesniak is vice-chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Clinical Research Committee. Theodore Liou and Frederick Adler, through the University of Utah, are named as inventors on the following patent applications related to the proteins identified in this manuscript: (1) a provisional patent application titled "DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENTS FOR ACUTE AND POST-VIRAL DISEASE BASED ON INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSES TO SARS-COV-2 INFECTION," serial number 63/792,687, filed 4/22/2025; (2) a provisional patent application titled "ADDITIONAL INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSES WITH DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT POTENTIAL FOR POST-ACUTE SEQUELAE OF COVID19 SYNDROME AND FOR POST-ACUTE INFECTION SYNDROME," serial number 63/979,883, filed 2/10/2026; (3) a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application titled "METHODS FOR PREDICTING POST-ACUTE SEQUELAE OF VIRAL INFECTIONS USING INTERFERON STIMULATED GENE PROTEINS," serial number PCT/US2026/024520, filed 4/21/2026, which incorporates subject matter from (1) and (2); and (4) a provisional patent application titled "ADDITIONAL ACUTELY EXPRESSED PROTEINS PROTECTIVE AGAINST NEUROCOGNITIVE AND GENERAL POST-VIRAL SEQUELAE," serial number 64/102,461, filed 6/30/42026. The applicant on all applications is the University of Utah.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.27.26361488v2

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Serologic #Testing for #MERS #Coronavirus and #SARS-CoV-2 Cross-Reactive Immune Responses, the #Netherlands

 

Abstract

Cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies could compromise the specificity of MERS-CoV serology, potentially leading to misclassification of infection history. SARS-CoV-2 exposure induced MERS-CoV antibodies primarily targeting the conserved S2 domain, with occasional neutralizing capacity. Combining MERS-CoV S1 binding with neutralization, however, limited the influence of SARS-CoV-2–induced cross-reactivity on MERS-CoV serology.

Source: 

Link: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3211.260690

____

#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly Surveillance #Report (CDC, Oct. 13 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus and #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominated

 

{Excerpts}

(...)

    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic is slowing down but is still in its epidemic period. 

    In week 40 (October 4-10), there were 128,847 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a decrease of 8.9% from the previous week. 

    Last week (October 6-12), there were 144 new cases of severe influenza complications (132 H1N1, 10 untyped A, and 2 B) and 46 deaths (all H1N1). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 91.8%. 

    This influenza season (115-116) saw a total of 149 severe cases (139 H1N1, 9 untyped A, and 1 type B) and 15 deaths (all H1N1). 

    The previous influenza season (114-115) saw a total of 1,887 severe cases (1,259 H1N1, 511 H3N2, 25 untyped A, and 92 type B) and 409 deaths (278 H1N1, 107 H3N2, 12 untyped A, and 12 type B). 

    Among the severe cases, the majority were elderly people over 65 years old (66.3%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.6%). 67.1% of the patients had not received the seasonal influenza vaccine. 

    The domestic COVID-19 epidemic is declining. 

    In the 40th week (October 4-10), there were 5,261 outpatient and emergency room visits for COVID-19, a 35.2% decrease compared to the previous week (September 27-October 3). 

    Last week (October 6-12), there were 21 new severe cases and 15 deaths. 

    This quarter (October 1, 2026-September 30, 2027) has seen a cumulative total of 31 severe cases, including 5 deaths. 

    In the previous quarter (October 1, 2025-September 30, 2026), there were a cumulative total of 783 cases of COVID-19 complicated by severe illness, including 173 deaths. 

    The majority of severe cases were among the elderly aged 65 and above (73.7%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.0%). 83.8% of them had not received the COVID-19 vaccine this season. 

    In the past four weeks, the most common local variants have been PQ.16.1.1 and NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/qCnfUYmbvj-LcuzLkB2GZg?typeid=9

____

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#Taiwan, Seasonal #Influenza and #COVID19 #Epidemics - Weekly Situation #Update (CDC, Oct. 6 '26): #H1N1pdm09 flu virus & #SARS-CoV-2 PQ.16.1.1 predominate

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

    According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic influenza epidemic remains stable and is still in its epidemic period. 

    In week 39 (September 27 - October 3), there were 139,060 outpatient and emergency room visits for influenza-like illnesses, a slight decrease of 1.4% from the previous week. 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 219 new cases of severe influenza complications (210 H1N1, 1 H3N2, 7 unidentified A cases, and 1 B case) and 44 deaths (41 H1N1, 1 H3N2, and 2 unidentified A cases). 

    Laboratory surveillance data shows that the influenza virus currently circulating in the community is predominantly type A, with type A H1N1 accounting for 90.7%. 

    This flu season (2025-2026) saw a total of 30 severe cases (all H1N1); the previous flu season (2024-2025) saw a total of 1,862 severe cases (1,225 H1N1, 511 H3N2, 35 unidentified A cases, and 91 B cases) and 378 deaths (247 H1N1, 107 H3N2, 12 unidentified A cases, and 12 B cases). 

    Among the severe cases, the majority were elderly people over 65 years old (66.4%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.6%), and 67.2% had not received the flu vaccine for this season. 

    Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has declined, but it is still in the epidemic period. 

    In the 39th week (September 27 - October 3), there were 7,836 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID-19, a decrease of 26.7% compared with the previous 7 days (September 24 - September 30). 

    Last week (September 29 - October 5), there were 37 new local severe cases and 16 local deaths. 

    This quarter (October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027) saw a cumulative total of 12 local severe cases, with no deaths. 

    In the previous quarter (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026), there were a cumulative total of 781 local cases of COVID-19 complicated with severe illness, of which 163 died. 

    The majority of severe cases were among the elderly aged 65 and above (73.6%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.0%). 83.9% of these cases had not received the COVID-19 vaccine that quarter. In the past four weeks, the most common local case variants were PQ.16.1.1 and NB.1.8.1.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/tC7VIc05_kkg8wOlIPpQIw?typeid=9

____