#Investigation of #human #infection with #H5N6 avian #influenza cases in #Sichuan from 2014-24: a retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: 

The objective is to examine the epidemiology and clinical features of human cases infected with H5N6 avian influenza in Sichuan Province from 2014 to 2024, and to offer guidance for the prevention and management of human infections with H5N6 avian influenza.

Methods: 

Epidemiological survey reports of H5N6 avian influenza cases in Sichuan Province from 2014 to 2024 were compiled, and the epidemiological context and characteristics of 16 human cases infected with H5N6 avian influenza in the province were summarized and analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods.

Results: 

From 2014, when the initial human case of H5N6 infection was documented in Sichuan Province, to 2024, there have been 16 human cases of H5N6 avian influenza in the region, resulting in 12 fatalities and a case fatality rate of 75%. The instances were predominantly located in the Chengdu Plain, eastern Sichuan, and southern Sichuan.

Conclusion: 

Human instances of H5N6 avian influenza in Sichuan Province exhibit no discernible periodicity, and entail significant fatality rates. It is essential to enhance the early diagnosis and treatment of avian influenza cases in medical facilities, prioritize farmers with preexisting conditions who have been in contact with deceased poultry, conduct influenza virus testing promptly, and administer antiviral medications at the earliest opportunity. Simultaneously, we must effectively engage in public awareness and education for the populace, manage poultry scientifically, and prevent direct contact with deceased poultries.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1603158/full

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Sixth #Update on #Developments in #Iran (#War) (#IAEA, June 24 '25)

 

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has welcomed today’s announcements regarding the situation in Iran and stressed the need for a resumption of the IAEA’s indispensable safeguards verification work in the country following a 12-day military conflict that severely damaged several of its nuclear sites.

In a letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Abbas Araghchi, Director General Grossi also proposed that they meet soon.

“Resuming cooperation with the IAEA is key to a successful diplomatic agreement to finally resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities. I’ve written to Foreign Minister Araghchi stressing the importance of us working together and proposing to meet soon,” he said.

IAEA inspectors have remained in Iran throughout the conflict and are ready to start working as soon as possible, going back to the country’s nuclear sites and verifying the inventories of nuclear material – including more than 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% - which they last verified a few days before the Israeli air strikes began on 13 June.

Even though the conflict interrupted safeguards inspections in the country, the IAEA has been closely monitoring the impact of the military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at Arak, Esfahan, Fordow and Natanz as well as the possible consequences for human health and the environment, based on relevant information received from Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

“As I have repeatedly stated – before and during the conflict – nuclear facilities should never be attacked due to the very real risk of a serious radiological accident,” Director General Grossi said.

“During these attacks, we have seen extensive damage at several nuclear sites in Iran, including its uranium conversion and enrichment facilities. Our assessment is that there has been some localized radioactive as well as chemical release inside the affected facilities that contained nuclear material – mainly uranium enriched to varying degrees – but there has been no report of increased off-site radiation levels,” he said.  

Still, the IAEA is aware of concerns in the region regarding any radiological consequences as a result of the strikes on nuclear facilities.

“Based on the data available to us, the IAEA can provide assurances that there has been no radiological impact to the population and the environment in neighbouring countries. Crucially in terms of nuclear safety, Iran’s research and power reactors were not targeted,” Director General Grossi said.

In addition to the detailed assessment that Director General Grossi provided to the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday, the IAEA has identified additional impact points at nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz as a result of strikes carried out before today’s announcements on the situation in Iran.

Regarding the additional strikes to Fordow that were reported early on Monday – after the U.S. bombing of the facility early on Sunday – the IAEA assesses that access roads close to the underground facility and one of its entrances were hit.

At Natanz, the IAEA has identified two impact holes from the U.S. strikes above the underground halls that had been used for enrichment as well as for storage. Based on its knowledge of what these halls contained, the IAEA assesses that this strike may have caused localized contamination and chemical hazards.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-6

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#China reported three new #human cases of #infection with #H9N2 #influenza and one case of #H10N3 virus (#HK CHP, June 24 '25)

{Excerpt}

Epi-Week 25 2025

Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

- Henan Province: 

-- 1) A 52-year-old woman with onset on May 10, 2025. 

- Hunan Province: 

-- 2) A 72-year-old woman with onset on May 14, 2025. 

- Sichuan Province: 

--3) A six-year-old boy with onset on May 14, 2025.

Avian influenza A(H10N3): 

- Shaanxi Province: 

-- 1) A 70-year-old woman with onset on April 21, 2025. 

(...)

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk25.pdf

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Increased #contact #transmission of contemporary #Human #H5N1 compared to #Bovine and Mountain Lion #H5N1 in a #hamster model

Abstract

The ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 in the U.S. poses a significant public health threat. To date, 70 human cases have been confirmed in the United States, including two severe cases and one fatality. While suitable animal models are crucial for predicting the potential pandemic risk of newly emerging pathogens in humans, studies investigating contemporary HPAIV H5N1 transmission dynamics remain limited. Here, we investigated the pathogenicity and transmission efficiency of three recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses isolated from a bovine, mountain lion, and a human case using Syrian hamsters. Intranasal inoculation with 104 TCID50 resulted in productive virus replication in the respiratory tract and shedding for all three isolates. Transmission studies showed limited efficiency via direct contact and airborne routes for all three isolates. Although overall transmission was inefficient, the human H5N1 isolate demonstrated relatively greater contact transmissibility than the bovine and mountain lion isolates. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the Syrian hamster model complements existing animal models for influenza A virus research and expands the resources available for investigating the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and efficacy of countermeasures against HPAIV H5N1.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.23.661180v1

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#Cambodia records 7th #human case of #H5N1 avian #influenza in 2025

 

PHNOM PENH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A 41-year-old woman from northwestern Cambodia's Siem Reap province has been confirmed for H5N1 human avian influenza, raising the number of cases to seven so far this year, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Monday night.

"A laboratory result from the National Institute of Public Health showed on June 23 that the woman was positive for H5N1 virus," the statement said.

"The patient has the symptoms of fever, cough, and dyspnea, and she is currently in critical condition," it added.

According to queries, there were sick and dead chickens at the patient's home and her neighbor's homes, and the patient had been in contact with sick and dead chickens and cooked them for food five days before she felt ill.

Health authorities are looking into the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the victim in order to prevent an outbreak in the community.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug to prevent the bird flu from spreading, was also given out to people who had direct contact with the patient, the statement said.

So far this year, the kingdom recorded a total of seven human cases of H5N1 bird flu, with five deaths.

From 2003 to date, there were 79 cases of human infection with H5N1 influenza, including 48 deaths in the Southeast Asian country, according to the ministry.

Source: Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250624/fc3675e7b5cc4a47bd9c9bd5786edd18/c.html

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Genomics insights reveal multi-year maintenance of a new #Deltacoronavirus infecting #Seabirds from Cagarras Island Archipelago Natural Monument, #Brazil

Abstract

Previous studies have identified various pathogens in seabirds, notably coronaviruses (CoVs) and influenza A viruses (IAVs), due to their potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The Cagarras Island Archipelago Natural Monument, located near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serves as nesting site for two species, the magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) and the brown booby (Sula leucogaster). Despite its ecological importance, no prior studies have investigated viral infections in these species, which share habitat interfaces with densely populated human areas. To address this gap, we sampled and tested seabirds for CoVs and IAVs from January 2022 to April 2024. Birds were captured and identified by species, age, and sex. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs, as well as blood samples, were collected. Viral RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit, and the presence of IAVs was screened via real-time RT-PCR, while CoVs were screened using semi-nested RT-PCR. Sanger and metatranscriptomic sequencing were performed to identify viral strains and assess phylogenetic relationships. Of the 153 seabirds sampled, CoVs were detected in 6 individuals (9.1%) of F. magnificens and 16 individuals (18.4%) of S. leucogaster. No IAVs were found in either oropharyngeal or cloacal swabs, and all serum samples were negative for the presence of antibodies against the virus. We recovered two full deltacoronavirus genomes and eight additional draft genomes from S. leucogaster samples obtained from distinct sampling expeditions and additional enteroviruses, passeriviruses, and picornaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected CoVs are closely related to avian deltacoronaviruses from environmental samples of S. leucogaster in the Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago, indicating potential viral exchange between these seabird populations living at these distant islands. Moreover, multiple detections in different individuals at different time points are associated with specific Spike NTD deletions that have been shown to accumulate in immune escape lineages, supporting the long-term maintenance through new infections and reinfection of this virus in these bird populations. This is the first detection of CoVs in F. magnificens, highlighting their circulation in marine ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand the ecological and epidemiological implications, including potential cross-species transmission

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.19.660416v1

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Fifth #Update on #Developments in #Iran {#War} (#IAEA, June 22 '25)

 

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can confirm that the Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan have been hit, following U.S. aerial attacks overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Based on an analysis of the information available to it, the IAEA assessed that there has been extensive additional damage at the sprawling Esfahan site, which had already been struck several times by Israel since it began targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities on 13 June, Director General Grossi said.

The IAEA had previously reported that several buildings at the Esfahan complex were damaged, some of which may have contained nuclear material.

“The latest attacks early this morning damaged other buildings in Esfahan. In addition, we have established that entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” Director General Grossi said.

The extent of damage to the Fordow uranium enrichment facility – built deep inside a mountain in central Iran – was not immediately possible to assess in view of its underground location and the penetrating nature of the bombs used.

“It is clear that Fordow was also directly impacted, but the degree of damage inside the uranium enrichment halls can’t be determined with certainty,” Director General Grossi said.

Iran’s other enrichment site, Natanz, which has previously been extensively damaged, was again attacked during the strikes last night with ground-penetrating munitions.

The Director General said the IAEA has been informed by the Iranian regulatory authorities that there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels after the latest attacks on the three Iranian nuclear sites.

Director General Grossi stressed the paramount importance of the countries involved urgently embarking on a diplomatic path aimed at ending the hostilities.

This would also enable the IAEA to resume its crucial verification activities in Iran, including of its stockpile of more than 400 kg of highly enriched uranium, which Agency inspectors last verified a few days before the military conflict began.

“We need to try to go back to the negotiating table as soon as possible. We have to allow the IAEA inspectors to return. The IAEA is ready to play its indispensable role in this process. We have been talking to Iran, we have been talking to the United States. We have to work for peace,” Director General Grossi said.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-5

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Solly Madonna, Raphael (c.1502)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/raphael/solly-madonna

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Fourth #Update on #Developments in #Iran [War] (#IAEA, June 22 '25)

 

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said he will call an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors on Monday in light of the “urgent situation” in Iran following the latest attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities.

“In view of the increasingly serious situation in terms of nuclear safety and security, the Board of Governors will meet in an extraordinary session tomorrow, which I will address,” Director General Grossi said.

The Director General said the IAEA has been informed by the Iranian regulatory authorities that there has been no increase in off-site radiation levels after the recent attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordow uranium enrichment site.

“As of this time, we don’t expect that there will be any health consequences for people or the environment outside the targeted sites,” he said. “We will continue to monitor and assess the situation in Iran and provide further updates as additional information becomes available.”

According to the most recent information verified by the IAEA before the attacks on Iran began on 13 June, the three sites targeted by the United States – also including Esfahan and Natanz – contained nuclear material in the form of uranium enriched to different levels, which may cause radioactive and chemical contamination within the facilities that were hit.

As he did in his statement to the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Director General Grossi reiterated his call for military restraint and “indispensable work towards” a diplomatic solution.

“I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” he said.

There is a need for a cessation of hostilities so that the IAEA can resume its vital inspection work in the country, including the necessary verification of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, he added.

Director General Grossi also stressed the importance of a continued and timely exchange of information with Iran regarding issues related to nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-4

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Third #Update on #Developments in #Iran {War} (June 22 '25)

A large nuclear complex in Esfahan has been targeted for a second time during Israel’s attacks on Iran over the past nine days, with several more buildings struck, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

The site in central Iran was first hit on 13 June when four buildings were damaged: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion facility, a reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and an enriched uranium metal processing facility under construction. No increase of off-site radiation levels was reported.

Based on information available to the IAEA today, six other buildings at the same site have now also been attacked: a natural and depleted uranium metal production facility which had not yet begun operations, a fuel rod production facility, a building with low-enriched uranium pellet production as well as a laboratory and nuclear material storage, another laboratory building, a workshop handling contaminated equipment and an office building with no nuclear material.

The same Esfahan complex includes a centrifuge manufacturing workshop that the IAEA earlier today reported had also been hit by Israel.

The facilities targeted today either contained no nuclear material or small quantities of natural or low enriched uranium, meaning any radioactive contamination is limited to the buildings that were damaged or destroyed.

“This nuclear complex in Esfahan – one of the key sites of the Iranian nuclear programme – has repeatedly been attacked and extensively damaged. Based on our analysis of the nuclear material present, we don’t see any risk of off-site contamination. Nevertheless, as I have repeatedly stated, nuclear facilities should never be attacked,” Director General Grossi said.   

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency,  https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-3

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Counting Cases, Conserving #Species: Addressing Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza in #Wildlife

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has become a critical threat to wildlife, shifting from a seasonal epizootic to a persistent, year-round panzootic with global consequences. Here, we summarize the origin, evolutionary mechanisms, and expanding host range of the current H5N1 virus (clade 2.3.4.4b) and assess its impact on wildlife. Over the past five years, HPAI has caused the deaths of millions of wild birds, causing dramatic population declines in several seabird species. However, comprehensive quantitative mortality data remain scarce, as existing records are often anecdotal, focus on localized mass die-offs, and thus represent only a fraction of the true magnitude of mortality. This gap in data limits the ability to predict outbreak dynamics and mitigate long-term consequences. Using the Northwestern European Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) population as a case study, we demonstrate the value of integrating mortality data with ecological, serological and genetic data before, during and after an outbreak. This approach uncovered age-specific vulnerability, selective mortality, and population immunological responses. In addition, insights gained with respect to the role of breeding density, carcass removal, and host adaptation in modulating outbreak dynamics are likely to be generalizable across seabird species. The absence of a centralized and standardized wildlife mortality monitoring framework, on the other hand, remains a major barrier to effective outbreak forecasting and conservation planning. We argue that integrating field-based mortality data, population monitoring, serological assays, and genetic analyses within a One Health framework is essential to enable early detection, targeted mitigation, and robust evaluation of outbreak impacts. Without a proactive and data-driven approach to conservation, HPAI will continue to threaten global wildlife populations, with cascading ecological, economic and public health consequences.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.18.660293v1

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Resurgence of #human #metapneumovirus in the post #COVID19 era: #pathogenesis, epidemiological shifts, clinical #impact, and future #challenges

Summary

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory pathogen identified in 2001, is a substantial cause of community-acquired respiratory infections across all age groups. This Review explores the impact of hMPV after the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasising its resurgence as a public health concern. Epidemiological shifts, as well as unusual seasonal patterns, increased co-infection rates, and altered age distributions, have been observed globally. Phylogenetic analysis has shown the variation across three distinct periods, especially before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of genotypic distribution. Clinical manifestations of hMPV infection range from asymptomatic to severe lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations. Specific antivirals or vaccines are currently unavailable; consequently, treatment remains supportive. The development of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines leveraging cross-protective strategies against hMPV and related viruses is underway. This Review advocates prioritising research and public health measures to address the evolving epidemiological and clinical challenges associated with hMPV in the post-COVID-19 era.

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00240-3/abstract?rss=yes

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Efficacy of #baloxavir marboxil against #bovine #H5N1 virus in mice

Abstract

Since the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in U.S. dairy cattle in early 2024, the virus has spread rapidly, posing a major public health concern as the number of human cases continues to rise. Although human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, experimental data suggest that the bovine H5N1 virus can transmit via respiratory droplets in ferrets, highlighting its pandemic potential. With no vaccines currently available, antiviral drugs remain the only treatment option. Here, we investigate the efficacy of the polymerase inhibitor baloxavir marboxil (BXM) against this virus in mice. We find that early treatment post-infection is effective, but delayed treatment significantly reduces BXM efficacy and increases the risk of BXM resistance, underscoring the importance of timely BXM administration for effective treatment.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60791-5

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Highly pathogenic avian #influenza A (#H5N1) virus outbreaks in South #America in 2022–2024: a comprehensive review of an ongoing #panzootic

Highlights

• Outbreaks of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in South America have challenged animal and public health.

• Outbreaks across South America affect poultry industry and wild species.

• Surveillance strategies with One Health approach for avian flu is needed

Abstract

The outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in South America, which began in 2022, have had significant repercussions across the continent and have led to significant challenges in animal and public health. This review explores the virus's transmission across South America, highlighting the spread of this panzootic through migratory birds and its severe impact on the poultry industry and various wild species, including mammals. The underreporting of influenza cases in poultry underscores the need for enhanced national regulations and strategies to promote reporting within the productive sector. Additionally, the review emphasizes the necessity for active case finding and genomic surveillance in the animal sector to manage better and control the virus. The economic and public health impacts of a potential future pandemic are also considered, emphasizing the need for strengthened surveillance strategies with the One Health approach to mitigate these risks.

Source: Virology, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0042682225002156?via%3Dihub

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Man in #Cambodia dies of #H5N1 avian #influenza #H5N1

 

PHNOM PENH, June 21 (Xinhua) -- A 52-year-old man from southeastern Cambodia's Svay Rieng province had died of H5N1 human avian influenza, becoming the fifth human death from the virus so far this year, the Ministry of Health said in a press statement on Saturday.

"A laboratory result from the National Institute of Public Health showed on June 20 that the man was positive for H5N1 virus," the statement said.

Health authorities are looking into the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the victim in order to prevent an outbreak in the community, it added.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug to prevent the bird flu from spreading, was also given out to people who had direct contact with the patient, the statement said.

The Southeast Asian country recorded a total of six human cases of H5N1 so far this year, with five deaths.

Source: Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20250621/e94aafa92dbc4466b525637b72559528/c.html

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Second #Update on #Developments in #Iran {War} (#IAEA, June 21 '25)

 

A centrifuge manufacturing workshop has been hit in Esfahan, the third such facility that has been targeted in Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear-related sites over the past week, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today, citing information available to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The workshop – which made the machines used to enrich uranium – was previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the Joint  Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including with installed Agency cameras.

“We know this facility well. There was no nuclear material at this site and therefore the attack on it will have no radiological consequences,” Director General Grossi said.

It came a few days after the IAEA on 18 June reported that the Tehran Research Center, where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested, had been hit, as had a workshop in the city of Karaj where different centrifuge components were manufactured. There was no radiological impact, internally or externally.

The IAEA has closely been monitoring the situation at Iran’s nuclear sites since Israel began its attacks early on 13 June, providing regular updates on military strikes on facilities in Arak, Esfahan, Karaj, Natanz and Tehran.

Director General Grossi told the United Nations Security Council on Friday that “attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security” in the country, adding: “Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur.”

 Source: IAEA, https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/update-on-developments-in-iran-2

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History of Mass Transportation: Rome's Tram 7000 Series

 

Di Bernhard Studer - Opera propria, Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18132189

Source: Wikipedia, https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tram_ATAC:_motrici_Stanga

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   Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Resistant Infection Burden in U.S. Hospitals : Retrospective Cohort Study of Trends and Risk Factors.
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   Drug Saf

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#Glial cells promote #infection by #neurotropic #Influenza A viruses in vitro

Abstract

Although influenza A viruses (IAV) are notorious respiratory pathogens, some IAV strains can reach and replicate in the central nervous system (CNS) in vivo. In particular, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) pose a threat for future pandemics and are linked to greater neurotropic potential. Moreover, neurotropic IAV strains have shown a more significant impact on the onset and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). However, despite its clinical relevance, the dynamics and cellular tropism of IAV infection in the CNS are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the replication of HPAIV H7N7 in vitro using a primary murine triple co-culture system comprising neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. We found that microglia become highly infected early on and induce a strong pro-inflammatory response before undergoing apoptosis. Using fluorescence microscopy with automated single-cell profiling, we found that, in contrast to non-neurotropic H3N2, the H7N7 nucleoprotein accumulated in neuronal somata throughout the infection without being transported into dendrites or axons. A combination of single-cell and co-culture replication assays led us to conclude that astrocytes are the primary virus producers of HPAIV H7N7 in the CNS. Our results illuminate the acute phase of neurotropic IAV infection, highlighting its implications for the association between IAV and the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.20.660606v1

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