#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, August 6 '25)

 

Am J Respir Crit Care Med

1. MATTHAY MA, Zhou H, Sarma A, Alipanah-Lechner N, et al
   Treatment with Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Moderate to Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multi-Center, Phase 2b Clinical Trial (STAT).
   Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202411-2254.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Ann Intern Med

2. FELDMAN CH, Santacroce L, Bassett IV, Thaweethai T, et al
   Social Determinants of Health and Risk for Long COVID in the U.S. RECOVER-Adult Cohort.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-01971.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Antiviral Res

3. PATEL D, De R, Azadi N, Lee S, et al
   Discovery of broad-spectrum antivirals targeting viral proteases using in silico structural modeling and cellular analysis.
   Antiviral Res. 2025;241:106245.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
4. AL KRAD D, Stegmann KM, Dickmanns A, Kumar P, et al
   The protease inhibitor Nirmatrelvir synergizes with inhibitors of GRP78 to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication.
   Antiviral Res. 2025 Jul 29:106247. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106247.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Clin Infect Dis

5. PONCE D, Westercamp M, Soto G, Lessa FC, et al
   COVID-19 Exposure, Protective Measures, Symptom Assessment, and Risk Perception Among Healthcare Workers in Peru: A Longitudinal Cohort Study (2020-2021).
   Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 29:ciaf343. doi: 10.1093.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. HUNDIE GB, Ashengo TA, Stender SC, Abraha M, et al
   Assessing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Uptake and Incident Infections Among Ethiopian Healthcare Workers, Addis Ababa-2022: Implications for Public Health Preparedness.
   Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 29:ciaf341. doi: 10.1093.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
7. PARRA G, Lessa FC, Campelo E, Amorim Ramos TC, et al
   Incidence of and Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Vaccinated Healthcare Workers During Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Gamma Variant in the Amazon Region, Brazil, 2021.
   Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 30:ciaf339. doi: 10.1093.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Int J Infect Dis

8. MASI P, Lescroart M, Veinstein A, Desmedt L, et al
   Antifungal Concentrations in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients With or Without ECMO: The CAPADOSE observational retrospective multicenter Study.
   Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Jul 25:107996. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107996.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

9. MALLINSON PA, Dasi T, Banjara SK, Lieber J, et al
   Impact of distribution of facemasks on community incidence and outcomes of COVID-19: A cluster randomised trial in India.
   J Infect. 2025 Jul 23:106557. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106557.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
10. CHRISTIANSEN CH, Sogaard KK, Dam-Dalgeir G, Dessau RB, et al
    Surveillance of invasive beta-haemolytic streptococci in Denmark, 2012 to 2023: A nationwide study.
    J Infect. 2025 Jul 24:106559. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106559.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    J Med Virol

11. LI Y, Zhao W, Xu Y, Yu P, et al
    Comparison Across Species: SARS-CoV-2 Infection Leads to More Significant Myopathological Changes in A Rhesus Monkey Model.
    J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70512.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
12. BIRD PW, Nazareth J, Gardener J, Mreh A, et al
    Norovirus Epidemiology 2017-2023: Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.
    J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70528.
    PubMed        
    
    
13. ZHENG S, Zhou W, Sun Y, Lu X, et al
    Impact of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Epidemiology and Seasonal Patterns of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children.
    J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70522.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    J Virol

14. ZHAO Y, Guo G, Sun Y, Zhang M, et al
    Membrane protein CRISPR screen identifies RPSA as an essential host factor for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus replication.
    J Virol. 2025 Jul 30:e0064925. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00649.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
15. O'CONNOR JJ, Roy A, Khattabi R, Kerr C, et al
    Mutations differentially affecting the coronavirus Mac1 ADP-ribose binding and hydrolysis activities indicate that it promotes multiple stages of the viral replication cycle.
    J Virol. 2025 Jul 30:e0062325. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00623.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    JAMA

16. BAKER LD, Espeland MA, Whitmer RA, Snyder HM, et al
    Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive Function: The US POINTER Randomized Clinical Trial.
    JAMA. 2025 Jul 28:e2512923. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.12923.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
17. RUBIN R
    SARS-CoV-2 Variants Challenge Surveillance Efforts and COVID-19 Vaccines.
    JAMA. 2025 Aug 1. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.12273.
    PubMed        
    
    

    
    Nature

18. KOZLOV M
    'Sleeping' cancer cells in the lungs can be roused by COVID and flu.
    Nature. 2025 Jul 30. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-02420.
    PubMed        
    
    
19. SWANSON K, Wu W, Bulaong NL, Pak JE, et al
    The Virtual Lab of AI agents designs new SARS-CoV-2 nanobodies.
    Nature. 2025 Jul 29. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09442.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
20. CHIA SB, Johnson BJ, Hu J, Valenca-Pereira F, et al
    Respiratory viral infections awaken metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs.
    Nature. 2025 Jul 30. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09332.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    

Analysis of the metagenomic assembled #genome of #MERS-CoV and Alpha-CoV from #Camelus dromedarius in #Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background

Dromedary camels are known carriers of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This study aimed to identify respiratory RNA viruses circulating in the nasal cavities of camels that could potentially cause disease in humans.

Methods

Shotgun metagenomic paired-end sequencing was performed on four pools of nasal swabs collected from 40 camels originating from Sudan and Djibouti, using the MiSeq platform.

Results

Alphacoronavirus 229E was commonly detected in the camel pools. MERS-CoV was found in both pools from Sudan and one from Djibouti. Camel parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3) was detected in the male camel pool from Sudan. Furthermore, near-complete (99.9 %) metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) of alphacoronavirus 229E (SIAU MAG01) and MERS-CoV (SIAU MAG02) were retrieved from the female camel pool from Sudan. Another MAG of alphacoronavirus 229E (SIAU MAG03) was recovered from a male camel pool imported from Sudan. In the phylogenetic analysis, SIAU MAG02 clustered with MERS-CoV genome sequences retrieved from humans and camels in the Middle East. The alphacoronavirus 229E MAGs from camels formed a distinct clade separate from the human alphacoronavirus 229E lineage. SIAU MAG04 clustered with PIV3 sequences recovered from Camelus dromedarius in the United Arab Emirates.

Conclusions

Overall, respiratory viruses belonging to alpha and beta coronaviruses, notably MERS-CoV, recognized by the World Health Organization as an emerging infectious disease of critical concern, were observed in dromedary camels from African origins, potentially posing a risk of transmission to humans.

Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034125002576?via%3Dihub

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Attachment #Patterns of Avian #Influenza #H5 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Respiratory Tracts of Marine #Mammals, North #Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infections have caused substantial mortality events in marine mammals in recent years. We hypothesized that the high number of infections and disease severity could be related to cell tropism in respiratory tracts. Therefore, we examined the attachment pattern of an H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus (H52022) as a measure for cell tropism in the respiratory tracts of harbor seals, gray seals, harbor porpoises, and bottlenose dolphins and compared it with an H5N1 clade 2.1.3.2 virus (H52005) and a human seasonal H3N2 virus using virus histochemistry. Both H5 viruses attached abundantly to olfactory and respiratory mucosa in the upper respiratory tract of both seal species. H52022 attached more abundantly than H52005 to epithelial cells in the lower respiratory tract of all species. The observed attachment possibly explains the susceptibility of marine mammal species for recent H5N1 viruses and the observed development of severe disease.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/9/25-0499_article

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Identification and characterization of novel #bat #coronaviruses in #Spain

Abstract

The zoonotic transmission of bat coronaviruses poses a threat to human health. However, the diversity of bat-borne coronaviruses remains poorly characterized in many geographical areas. Here, we recovered eight coronavirus genomes by performing a metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from hundreds of individual bats captured in Spain, a country with high bat diversity. Three of these genomes corresponded to potentially novel coronavirus species belonging to the alphacoronavirus genus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that some of these viruses are closely related to coronaviruses previously described in bats from other countries, suggesting a shared viral reservoir worldwide. Using viral pseudotypes, we investigated the receptor usage of the identified viruses and found that one of them can use human ACE2, albeit with lower affinity than SARS-CoV-2. However, the receptor usage of the other viruses remains unknown. This study broadens our understanding of coronavirus diversity and identifies research priorities for the prevention of zoonotic viral outbreaks.

Author summary

Bats carry many different viruses, some of which can infect humans. Among these, bat coronaviruses are of particular concern. To be better prepared for future pandemics, it is important to understand how many of these viruses exist and their ability to infect different hosts. However, research in this area has often focused on certain parts of the world, while other regions remain underexplored. Spain has a rich diversity of bats, but very few studies have looked for coronaviruses in bats from the Iberian Peninsula. Here, we used viral metagenomics to test for the presence of coronaviruses in more than 200 bat samples collected across Spain. We identified eight coronavirus genomes, three of which may constitute new species. We also examined how closely related they are to previously known viruses, and whether they can use the same cellular receptors as known coronaviruses. Notably, we found that one of the viruses could use human ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Our findings reveal that bats in Spain host a diverse range of coronaviruses, including some that could potentially infect humans. This highlights the importance of studying coronavirus diversity more broadly worldwide.

Source: PLoS Pathogens, https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1013371

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#Ireland - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

On 30th July 2025 HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a young chicken in a backyard flock in Co Donegal. The bird was submitted to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory and virological testing confirmed HPAI at the CVRL. Control measures were put in place following detection on 30th July 2025. The 7 remaining birds of the backyard flock were euthanised and have tested negative for AI PCR. Further results to follow. Update: report updated to reflect the control measures applied (stamping out applied) as per the above report.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6691

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

{Scotland, Aberdeenshire} Commercial layer flock with approx. 88,000 laying hens. Increased mortality and other clinical signs reported. Samples taken were found positive for HPAI H5N1.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6695

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First Isolation and Characterization of #LiaoNing Virus from #Aedes Vexans #Mosquitoes in #Hokkaido, #Japan, in 2022

Abstract

Background: 

The Liao ning virus (LNV), belonging to the genus Seadornavirus within the family Sedoreoviridae, is a mosquito-borne virus. It was originally isolated from Aedes dorsalis mosquitoes in China. The original LNV strain, LNVS-NE97-31, was reported to infect several mammalian cell lines and cause hemorrhagic symptoms in mice. Subsequently, another LNV strain, LNV NSW B115745, was isolated from Australian mosquitoes; it was reported to exhibit insect-specific infection.

Materials and Methods: 

Virus isolation was performed on mosquitoes collected in northern Hokkaido, Japan, in 2022. The isolated virus was subjected to genomic and growth kinetics analyses.

Results: 

A LNV strain was isolated from Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the new strain as 22WN03, and it formed a robust clade with the original Chinese strain, LNVS-NE97-31. Growth kinetics analysis did not reveal any mammalian or avian cell line susceptible to infection by the strain 22WN03.

Conclusion: 

Overall, the results suggested that the strain 22WN03 has insect-specific infection characteristics, similar to as the Australian strain. Taken together, our findings could expand our knowledge of not only the diversity and geographical distribution of seadornaviruses in Asia but also the ecology of LNV.

Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/15303667251364143

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Trained ILCs confer adaptive #immunity-independent #protection against #influenza

ABSTRACT

Seasonal influenza causes 290,000–650,000 deaths annually, with vaccination efficacy ranging from 10 to 60%. The emergence of drug-resistant and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses underscores the urgent need for novel protective strategies. Epidemiological observations have long suggested that certain vaccines, such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), can provide protection against diverse pathogens (S. Biering-Sørensen, P. Aaby, N. Lund, et al., Clin Infect Dis 65:1183–1190, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cix525; M.-L. Garly, C. L. Martins, C. Balé, et al., Vaccine 21:2782–2790, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0264-410x(03)00181-6; C. A. G. Timmermann, S. Biering‐Sørensen, P. Aaby, et al., Trop Med Int Health 20:1733–1744, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1111/tmi.12614). While the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such protection remain incompletely understood, emerging research offers critical insights into innate immune system modulation (B. Cirovic, L. C. J. de Bree, L. Groh, et al., Cell Host Microbe 28:322–334, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2020.05.014; L. Kong, S. J. C. F. M. Moorlag, A. Lefkovith, et al., Cell Rep 37:110028, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110028; H. Mohammadi, N. Sharafkandi, M. Hemmatzadeh, et al., J Cell Physiol 233:4512–4529, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.26250; S. J. C. F. M. Moorlag, Y. A. Rodriguez-Rosales, J. Gillard, et al., Cell Rep 33:108387, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108387). We investigated whether a trained innate immune system with non-replicating adenoviruses could provide protection against diverse influenza virus strains. We demonstrated that replication-defective human adenoviruses can effectively train the innate immune system, conferring protective immunity in mice against multiple influenza virus strains, including H1N1, H3N2, H5N2, H7N9, and H9N2. In addition, bovine and chimpanzee adenoviruses can also activate human innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and confer protection against challenge with influenza H3N2 virus in mice. Remarkably, this protection occurs in the complete absence of influenza-specific adaptive immune responses (influenza virus-specific hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and influenza nucleoprotein-specific CD8 T cells). Key protective mechanisms include increased activation of ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3 populations, enhanced expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), upregulation of antiviral signaling pathways, and metabolic reprogramming of ILC subsets. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that trained ILCs were sufficient to protect against influenza H1N1 infection in ILC-deficient mice. This research establishes a novel strategy for enhancing innate antiviral immunity, offering broad-spectrum protection against diverse influenza strains, a promising approach for not only pandemic preparedness but also against emerging infectious diseases. Training innate lymphoid cells through non-replicating adenoviral vectors represents a promising approach to enhancing broad-spectrum antiviral immunity, complementing traditional vaccination strategies.

IMPORTANCE

The findings represent a potential game-changer for fighting influenza, which kills hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year despite our best vaccination efforts. Current flu vaccines often provide limited protection because they must be reformulated annually to match circulating strains, and their effectiveness varies dramatically from year to year. The scientists discovered something remarkable: common adenoviruses (which typically cause mild cold-like symptoms) can essentially “train” our immune system’s first line of defense to recognize and fight off multiple types of flu viruses simultaneously. This protection works through a completely different mechanism than traditional vaccines—it does not rely on creating specific antibodies against flu proteins. Instead, the treatment activates special immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which act like the body’s rapid response team. These trained cells provide broad protection against various flu strains, including dangerous bird flu variants that could cause future pandemics. The significance lies in potentially creating a universal flu protection strategy that could work against unknown future flu strains, offering hope for better pandemic preparedness and reducing seasonal flu’s devastating global impact.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.00532-25

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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of #niclosamide nanohybrid for #treatment of patients with mild to moderate #COVID19

Abstract

Effective and reliable treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections are a key part of global COVID-19 management. Based on vitro studies, niclosamide has been considered as a potential drug candidate for SARS-CoV-2, but its clinical development has been limited due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Here we report results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 300 patients (Clinical Trial Registration Number: KCT0007307) that assessed the efficacy and safety of the niclosamide nanohybrid CP-COV03 at two different doses. Oral CP-COV03 was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in any treatment group. The primary endpoints demonstrated that CP-COV03 significantly alleviated all 12 FDA-recommended COVID-19 symptoms, with symptom improvement sustained for more than 48 h. Additionally, CP-COV03 reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load by 56.7% within 16 h of the initial dose compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints, including time to sustained symptom resolution, time to return to usual health, and reduction in hospitalization risk, also showed favorable results in the CP-COV03 group compared to placebo. These findings indicate that CP-COV03 is a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 and represents a promising advancement in the repurposing of niclosamide through nanohybrid engineering.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62423-4

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#UK - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

{England, Norfolk} Commercial indoor unit with 59562 turkeys. Increased mortality and other clinical signs were reported. Samples were taken and were tested positive for HPAI H5N1.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6693

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#Hungary - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

By Diliff - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1385555

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Two wild Greylag Geese in Győr-Moson-Sopron Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6687?reportId=175652&fromPage=event-dashboard-url

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Assessment of #serum #parameters caused by the #outbreak of #mycoplasma pneumoniae #pneumonia in #children after #COVID19

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumonia pneumonia(MPP) is a common respiratory disease that often occurs in children. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, the first outbreak after the prevalence of COVID-19 epidemic. Meanwhile, this study also analyzed the predictive value of serum protein indicators and coagulation parameters in the MPP group, as well as the correlation between these indicators. Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae admitted to the pediatric ward of Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital from May 2023 to March 2024 were selected. After screening, 411 children who met the research criteria were selected as the study subjects. All of the blood samples were tested for coagulation function, procalcitonin, serum protein and glucose among MPP group and control group. All data were processed for statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism 10.2.3. Comparison of the serum proteins and coagulation function between the MPP group and control group showed that prothrobin time(PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen(Fbg), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ration(INR), D-Dimer(DD) were significantly higher(P < 0.05) in MPP group. Total protein, albumin, prealbumin, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, adanosine deaminase, glucose, platelet, procalcitonin also were significantly higher(P < 0.05) in MPP group. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the children in MPP group were a statistically significant difference in comparison of TT, Fbg, total protein, albumin, glucose, platelet expression in predicting the development. Then we analyzed the area under the ROC curve and correlation of serum parameters with significant differences in MPP group children. These results indicate that the coagulation function and serum protein of MPP patients who first broke out after the COVID-19 epidemic are different from the previous clinical characteristics, which can be used as a reference for auxiliary diagnosis.

Source: Scientific Reports, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-13555-6

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Venus Anadyomene, Titian (c.1520)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/titian/venus-anadyomene

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Impact of #COVID19 #vaccination #coverage on global #disability burden of #GBS

Abstract

The global burden of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an immune-mediated neuropathy, remains poorly characterized during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed age-standardized years lived with disability (YLD) for GBS from 1990 to 2021 using GBD 2021 data and COVID-19 vaccination coverage from Our World in Data, focusing on 2020–2021. During the pandemic, GBS YLD rates rose dramatically, with greater increases seen in low-SDI regions, females and individuals aged 15–29 years. Higher vaccination coverage was inversely associated with GBS disability burden, exhibiting a non-linear protective effect at moderate to high coverage levels. Causal mediation analysis indicated that 44.6% of this association was mediated by reductions in COVID-19 incidence, highlighting both direct and indirect neuroprotective benefits of vaccination programs. These results underscore the importance of sustaining and expanding the vaccine rollout to mitigate the secondary neurological burden associated with emerging infections.

Source: npj Vaccines, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01239-1

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Stabilization of #H5 highly pathogenic avian #influenza #hemagglutinin improves #vaccine-elicited neutralizing #antibody responses

Abstract

Transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza from H5 clade 2.3.4.4b has expanded in recent years to infect large populations of birds and mammals, heightening the risk of a human pandemic. Influenza viruses adapted to transmission in birds and some other animals tend to have a less stable hemagglutinin (HA) than seasonal influenza viruses, enabling membrane fusion at comparatively high pH levels. Here, we combine five mutations within H5 HA that dramatically increase its melting temperature and promote stable closure of the HA trimer. Structural analysis by cryo-electron microscopy revealed that the stabilizing mutations create several new hydrophobic interactions, while maintaining local HA structure. We found that vaccinating mice with stabilized H5 HA immunogens resulted in higher hemagglutination inhibition and neutralization titers than non-stabilized comparators. Epitope mapping of vaccine-elicited polyclonal antibody responses using negative stain electron microscopy and deep mutational scanning showed that site E on the side of the HA receptor binding domain was immunodominant across all groups; however, the stabilized immunogens shifted responses toward the receptor binding site (RBS), eliciting a higher proportion of neutralizing antibodies. These findings highlight that H5 HA-stabilizing mutations enhance the quality of antibody responses across different vaccine formats, underscoring their potential to improve pandemic preparedness vaccines targeting viruses from this widely circulating clade.

Competing Interest Statement

AD, MK, and NPK are inventors on University of Washington licensed patents related to influenza vaccines. NPK consults for AstraZeneca. JDB and BD are inventors on Fred Hutch licensed patents related to deep mutational scanning of viral proteins. JDB consults for Apriori Bio, Invivyd, GSK, Pfizer, and the Vaccine Company.

Funder Information Declared

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, P01 AI167966, U19 AI181881, R01 AI141707, 75N93021C00015

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.30.667762v1

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History of Mass Transportation: The FS E636 Electric Locomotive

 

Di PetrS. - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12034659

Source: Wikipedia, https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotiva_FS_E.636

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (US #CDC, August 1rst '25)

 

{Excerpt}

Time Period: July 20, 2025 - July 26, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 4 sites (1.0%)

-- No Detection: 391 sites (99.0%)

-- No samples in last week: 38 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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#Surveillance on #California dairy #farms reveals multiple #sources of #H5N1 #transmission

Abstract

Transmission routes of highly pathogenic H5N1 between cows or to humans remain unclear due to limited data from affected dairy farms. We performed extensive air, farm wastewater, and milk sampling on 14 H5N1 positive dairy farms across two different California regions. Virus was detected in the air in milking parlors and from exhaled breath of cows. Infectious H5N1 virus was detected in the air and water streams; sequence analysis revealed viral variants on a farm in these locations. Longitudinal analysis of milk from the individual quarters of cows revealed a high prevalence of subclinical H5N1 positive cows and a heterogeneous distribution of infected quarters that maintained a consistent pattern over time. Our data highlight potential modes of H5N1 transmission on dairy farms.

Competing Interest Statement

SSL and LCM receive funds from Flu Lab and NIH. ASL receives funds from Flu Lab, NIH, and CDC. ASL receives consulting fees and research support from Roche, outside of the submitted work.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.666798v1

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Estimating #measles susceptibility and #transmission #patterns in #Italy: an epidemiological assessment

Summary

Background

Identifying measles transmission patterns and the most susceptible populations is crucial for anticipating and preventing outbreaks. The aim of this study was to assess the current epidemiology of measles in Italy to provide key metrics to anticipate and prevent future transmission risks.

Methods

In this epidemiological assessment study, we analysed measles epidemiological data from the National Integrated Measles and Rubella Surveillance System coordinated by the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Italy from Jan 1, 2013, to Dec 31, 2022. We analysed individual case records to assess the proportion of transmission that occurred in different settings; we also used pairs of measles cases to estimate the generation time and the proportion of transmission episodes between population groups defined by age and vaccination status. All suspected cases meeting the measles case definition were included in our analysis. Data, complemented with 2023 and 2024 incidence records, were used in a catalytic model to estimate the age-specific proportion of individuals susceptible to measles and the effective reproduction number (Re) in Italy in 2025 at the national level and for each Italian region.

Findings

During the study period, 14 946 measles cases (7426 females and 7520 males) were reported to the National Integrated Measles and Rubella Surveillance System. The mean generation time estimated from 795 measles infection episodes was 11·7 days (95% credible interval 11·3–12·0). 707 (88·9% [bootstrap 95% CI 86·8–91·1]) of 795 infection episodes originated in unvaccinated individuals, 265 (33·3% [30·1–36·7]) of 795 infection episodes involved individuals aged 20–39 years, and only 12 (8·5% [4·3–13·5]) of 141 transmission episodes with available information on setting were linked to school contacts. We estimated that, in 2025, 9·2% (95% prediction interval 8·9–9·3) of the Italian population remains susceptible to measles, including 11·8% (11·8–11·8) of individuals younger than 20 years. Despite marked geographical heterogeneities, immunity gaps among individuals aged 20–40 years (ie, those born in the 1980s and 1990s) were consistently observed across all regions. The average Re estimated for 2025 ranged from 1·31 to 1·78 across regions, consistent with reproduction numbers associated with national epidemics and local outbreaks between 2013 and 2019. Higher Re values were found in regions with a large fraction of susceptible adults (eg, Emilia-Romagna 1·78 [1·34–2·27]) or more than 15% susceptible individuals younger than 20 years (eg, South Tyrol 1·53 [1·11—2·02]).

Interpretation

Unvaccinated adults contribute substantially to measles transmission in Italy. Heterogeneous immunity gaps exist across regions, with some regions showing persistently low vaccine uptake in children and other regions showing a high proportion of susceptible adults. These results emphasise the need for tailored vaccination strategies, including catch-up campaigns for adults. By integrating routine surveillance data with modelling techniques, this study presents a resource-efficient approach to quantifying immunity and transmission risks, providing a scalable framework for countries aiming to refine their immunisation policies.

Funding

NextGenerationEU-MUR PNRR Extended Partnership Initiative on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(25)00293-2/abstract?rss=yes

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Seasonal #Influenza #Exposure Elicits Functional #Antibody and T-cell Responses to #H5 Influenza Viruses in #Humans

Abstract

Background. 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses pose a pandemic threat, with a history of zoonotic spillovers into humans that are presumed immunologically naive. Whether the general population is currently immunologically naive to circulating A(H5) influenza viruses is unknown. 

Methods. 

To evaluate the presence of cross-reactive immune responses to emerging A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4b influenza viruses in the general population, we conducted comprehensive immune profiling on cross-sectional samples from healthcare workers (n=107). Samples were collected in August and September 2024 in the scope of an ongoing prospective follow-up study: Surveillance of rEspiratory viruses iN healThcare and anImal workers in the NethErLands (SENTINEL). 

Findings. 

Low-level antibody responses directed against the A(H5) hemagglutinin (HA) head were detected in a limited number of individuals, but without hemagglutination inhibition activity. Nevertheless, we detected in most participants A(H5)-reactive antibodies with Fc-effector functions, likely directed at the conserved HA stalk. Additionally, we observed abundant neuraminidase (NA) inhibiting antibodies against avian N1s and T-cell responses against HAs and NAs from A(H5) influenza viruses. These responses correlated strongly with immune responses targeting an A(H1N1) seasonal influenza virus, indicating they were likely induced by prior exposures. 

Interpretation. 

Together, our findings suggest that partial cross-reactive immunity to A(H5) influenza viruses exists in humans, which may play an important role during future outbreaks, potentially by blunting disease severity. Characterizing such baseline immunity is crucial for accurate pandemic risk assessment and preparedness planning. 

Funding. 

Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), European Union EU4Health program DURABLE, Dutch Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and Health, Welfare and Sport, National Institute of Health - National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIH-NIAID). The funding sources had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of the data, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Competing Interest Statement

A.S. is a consultant for Alcimed, Arcturus, Darwin Health, Desna Therapeutics, EmerVax, Gilead Sciences, Guggenheim Securities, Link University, and RiverVest Venture Partners. LJI has filed for patent protection for various aspects of T cell epitope and vaccine design work. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

Funding Statement

The study was funded by the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw, NCOH Pandemic Preparedness Research Kickstarter, grant agreement 10710022210003), European Union EU4Health program DURABLE (grant number 101102733), and the Dutch Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and Health, Welfare and Sport. This project has been additionally funded with Federal funds from the National Institute of Health - National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIH-NIAID) contract no.75N93024C00056 and 75N93021C00014. The funding sources had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of the data, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.25331995v1

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