#Italy - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 23 [FINAL]

 

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of laying hens located in the Municipality of Roverbella, Mantova Province, Lombardia region.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of laying hens located in the Municipality of Cerasara, Mantova Province, Lombardia region.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of broiler located in the Municipality of Chivasso, Torino Province, Piemonte region.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of laying hens located in the Municipality of Vigasio, Verona Province, Veneto region.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of laying hens located in the Municipality of Sona, Verona Province, Veneto region.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI), subtype H5N1 - has been detected in a commercial farm of fattening turkeys located in the Municipality of Isola della Scala - Verona Province, Veneto region

{30+ More Poultry Outbreak reported in the F.U. Report for a total of 4,362,092 birds involved.}

(...)

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5925

____

#Circumpolar spread of avian #influenza #H5N1 to southern Indian Ocean islands

 

Abstract

Since 2020, the outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b has turned into the largest documented panzootic 1,3. Here, we describe its arrival into the Indian Ocean sub-Antarctic archipelagos of Crozet and Kerguelen, where we first detected the virus in October 2024 in dead southern elephant seals. While the panzootic is ongoing, it has already caused unprecedented mortalities of marine mammals and seabirds. We collected brain swabs from seal and seabird carcasses and obtained 25 novel HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b sequences. Using phylogeographic analyses, we show that there have been independent introductions of the virus to Crozet and Kerguelen islands, most likely from the distant South Georgia islands in the Southern Atlantic, and not from the more nearby coasts of South Africa. Our results point to a year-long gap in genomic surveillance in the sub-Antarctic region. Locally, our analyses show that the virus is transmitted between different species. Our serological analyses show that some southern elephant seal had mounted an anti-H5 antibody response. Through its circumpolar spread to the Indian Ocean, HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b moves closer to Australia, which remains free from infections with this strain, and represents a major threat to the sub-Antarctic wildlife.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64297-y

____

#Austria - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 1

Wild Mute Swans in the Kärnten Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6821

____

Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 in Raw #Pet #Foods and #Milk: A Growing #Threat to both Companion Animals and #Human #Health, and Potential Raw Pet Food Industry Liability

 

Highlights

• Raw pet foods and raw milk are emerging sources of H5N1 in pets.

• Cats are more severely infected with H5N1 when compared to dogs.

• H5N1 persistence in mammals indicate adaptive variants with increased zoonotic potential.

• No reported pet-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported.

• FDA now requires RMBD makers who are covered under FSMA to assess HPAI risk.

Abstract

The increasing popularity of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) and raw milk feeding in companion animals presents a growing concern for zoonotic disease transmission. Recent evidence has demonstrated that these products can serve as vehicles for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, an emergent viral threat with a host range from birds, dairy cattle, and pets to humans. Since the emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b in 2020, HPAI H5N1 has caused widespread outbreaks in poultry, wild birds, and mammals, including dairy cattle and cats. Transmission to pets has been linked to ingestion of contaminated raw pet food and unpasteurized milk. Notably, multiple outbreaks in cats across Europe, Asia, and North America have been associated with raw pet food products, while recent U.S. cases confirm direct viral transmission from infected pet food, raw milk, and colostrum. Experimental studies have also supported the plausibility of gastrointestinal and respiratory routes of infection in cats and dogs, with felines appearing particularly susceptible, often exhibiting severe clinical disease and high mortality. A number of documented recalls of H5N1-contaminated raw pet food and raw milk in the US underscore the persistence of infectious viruses in cold-stored food products and highlight the risks of feeding raw diets. Although pet-to-human transmission of the HPAI H5N1 virus has not been reported yet, cat-to-human transmission of the H7N2 influenza virus has been reported in the USA. This review presents current evidence on H5N1 in RMBDs and raw milk, its epidemiology in companion animals, outbreaks, and the health implications among pets and humans. By raising awareness among pet owners, industry stakeholders, and veterinarians, this paper highlights the immediate need for stringent surveillance and improved biosecurity in raw food supply chains to minimize viral transmission risks thereby safeguarding pet health and curb the potential spillover to humans.

Source: Journal of Food Protection, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X25001802?via%3Dihub

____

Pasteurized #Milk Serves as a Passive #Surveillance #Tool for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza Virus in Dairy #Cattle

 

Abstract

The emergence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b in dairy cattle across multiple U.S. states in early 2024 marks a major shift in the virus’s host range and epidemiological profile. Traditionally limited to bird species, the ongoing detection of H5N1 in cattle, a mammalian host not previously considered vulnerable, raises urgent animal and human health concerns about zoonoses and mammalian adaptation. We assessed the feasibility of using commercially available pasteurized milk as a sentinel matrix for the molecular detection and genetic characterization of H5N1 HPAIV. Our aim was to determine whether retail milk could serve as a practical tool for virological monitoring and to evaluate the use of full-length genome segment amplification for extracting genomic sequence information from this highly processed matrix. Our results link HPAIV sequences in store-bought milk to the cattle outbreak and highlight both the potential and the limitations of retail milk as a surveillance window. Together, these findings provide evidence that influenza A virus RNA can be repeatedly detected in retail milk in patterns linked to specific supply chains, with genomic data confirming close relationships with the viruses circulating in cattle.

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/10/1318

____

Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni, Domenico Ghirlandaio (1489 - 1490)

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/domenico-ghirlandaio/portrait-of-giovanna-tornabuoni-1490

 ____

Repeated #oral #exposure to #H5N1 #influenza virus in pasteurized #milk does not cause adverse responses to subsequent influenza #infection

 

Abstract

In March 2024, a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI) clade 2.3.4.4b virus was identified in US dairy cows, with spillover to cats, poultry, and humans. Up to 30% of commercial pasteurized milk tested contained viral genome copies. The impact of residual viral remnants on host immunity is unknown. Orally ingested proteins can stimulate gut-associated lymphoid tissues, potentially inducing tolerance and altering responses to later infection. We found that milk pasteurization fully inactivated pandemic H1N1 and bovine H5N1 influenza viruses yet preserved hemagglutinin (HA) protein integrity. In mice, repeated oral exposure to inactivated virus did not alter mortality after H5N1 virus challenge. Preliminary data showed that naïve mice exposed to improperly pasteurized milk containing live H5N1 virus developed lethal infection, whereas prior H1N1 infection conferred protection. Mice with preexisting H1N1 immunity remained protected when challenged with bovine H5N1 virus after exposure to H5N1 pasteurized in milk. These findings suggest that pasteurized milk containing inactivated H5N1 virus poses minimal health risks.

Source: Science Advances, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3906

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Steam Locomotive No. 7 of the Vitznau-Rigi Railway (1873)

 

Von Hmaag - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9531230

Source: Wikipedia, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizerische_Lokomotiv-_und_Maschinenfabrik

____

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, September 27 '25)

 

Int J Infect Dis

1. TENG Z, Li L, Che T, Liang J, et al
   A Novel Balamuthia Lineage Causing Fatal Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Infant.
   Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Sep 17:108063. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108063.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Med Virol

2. PLICANTI E, Deiana A, Nottoli S, Lottini G, et al
   A Pyrido-Quinoxaline Derivative That Downregulates Reticulon 3 Protein Exhibits Potent Antiviral Activity Against Zika Virus.
   J Med Virol. 2025;97:e70605.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Virol

3. TSUJINO S, Tsuda M, Nao N, Okumura K, et al
   Evolution of BA.2.86 to JN.1 reveals that functional changes in non-structural viral proteins are required for fitness of SARS-CoV-2.
   J Virol. 2025 Sep 23:e0090825. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00908.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
4. HAMMER E, Flynn C, Rossler J, Erder J, et al
   Prediction of COVID-19 disease progression by multiparametric analysis of circulating extracellular vesicles with flow cytometry.
   J Virol. 2025 Sep 23:e0118925. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01189.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   JAMA

5. ANDERER S
   Nasal Spray May Help Prevent COVID-19 Infection.
   JAMA. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.13883.
   PubMed        
   
   

   
   Nature

6. LENHARO M, Ledford H
   Hotly anticipated US vaccine meeting ends with confusion - and a few decisions.
   Nature. 2025 Sep 20. doi: 10.1038/d41586-025-03054.
   PubMed        
   
   

   
   Radiologia (Engl Ed)

7. SORIANO AGUADERO I, Ezponda Casajus A, Paternain Nuin A, Vidorreta M, et al
   Prognostic value of the extent of affected lung parenchyma in COVID-19 pneumonia patients: Visual estimation versus automatic quantification by artificial intelligence.
   Radiologia (Engl Ed). 2025;67:101612.
   PubMed         Abstract available

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, September 27 '25)

 

Am J Med

1. WAHID L, Kwon T, Kreuziger LB, Kasthuri RS, et al
   Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 at Time of Discharge is Not Associated with Improvement in Quality of Life.
   Am J Med. 2025;138:1464-1468.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Biochem Biophys Res Commun

2. ZHANG L, Li Y, Ye K, Wang P, et al
   Article I. metformin affects H1N1-induced apoptosis in lung epithelial cells by the miR-130a-5p-regulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
   Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2025;782:152526.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Gen Virol

3. HA Y, Lee YH, Jo HS, Kwon TW, et al
   Susceptibility of different mouse strains to SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain protein-induced lung inflammation: a comparative study.
   J Gen Virol. 2025;106.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect Dis

4. GAILLET A, Layese R, Fourati S, Celante H, et al
   Clinical Phenotypes and Outcomes Associated With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Greater Paris Area Hospitals, 2017-2023.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:679-690.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
5. LI K, Bont LJ, Weinberger DM, Pitzer VE, et al
   Relating In Vivo Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Kinetics to Host Infectiousness in Different Age Groups.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:691-699.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. LI K, Pitzer VE, Weinberger DM
   Exploring RSV Transmission Patterns in Different Age Groups in the United States.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:700-708.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
7. DOSS CR, Osborn MJ, Stark S, Rhein J, et al
   Wastewater Measures of SARS-CoV-2 Accurately Predict Frequency of Symptomatic Infections in the Community.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:e459-e465.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
8. HAMILTON F, Butler-Laporte G, Davey Smith G
   Mendelian Randomization and Infection: Pitfalls and Promises.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:525-533.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
9. WANG C, Yuan HY, Lau EHY, Cowling BJ, et al
   Impact of Population Immunity and Public Health Measures on the Transmission of Omicron Subvariants BA.2 and BA.5 in Hong Kong.
   J Infect Dis. 2025;232:e476-e485.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
10. KNOX JJ, Lee I, Blumberg EA, Rosenfeld AM, et al
    B-Cell Subset Representation Predicts SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Response in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.
    J Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 3:jiaf250. doi: 10.1093.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
11. LIM SY, Lee J, Kwon JS, Chang E, et al
    Disparate kinetics of viable virus shedding in immunocompromised patients: SARS-CoV-2 versus influenza virus - a prospective real-world cohort study.
    J Infect Dis. 2025 Sep 15:jiaf479. doi: 10.1093.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
12. ALEMNJI G, Sangthong A, Espy N, Bartee M, et al
    PEPFAR Laboratory Implementation Strategy as a Component of PEPFAR's 5-Year Strategy.
    J Infect Dis. 2025;232.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
13. OKOYE M, Okoi C, Espy N, Mba N, et al
    Leveraging PEPFAR- and Global Fund-Supported Laboratory Network for Integrated Disease Testing: Lessons From Integrated HIV, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19 Testing in Nigeria.
    J Infect Dis. 2025;232.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    J Virol

14. MA Y, Ye C, Khalil AM, Mahmoud SH, et al
    A luminescent attenuated SARS-CoV-2 for the identification and validation of drug-resistant mutants.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 7:e0082125. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00821.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
15. KARIMI A, Lieber CM, Sakamoto K, Plemper RK, et al
    SARS-CoV-2 causes chronic lung inflammation and impaired respiratory capacity in aged Roborovski dwarf hamsters.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 11:e0075525. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00755.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
16. BATY JJ, Drozdick AK, Pfeiffer JK
    Pseudomonas aeruginosa rhamnolipids stabilize human rhinovirus 14 virions.
    J Virol. 2025;99:e0093125.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
17. HU J, Zheng H, Ran W, Wang X, et al
    Mucosal vaccination with long-form TSLP induces migratory cDC1-mediated adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 19:e0123125. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01231.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
18. EL ZOWALATY ME, Taylor LJ, Son Y, Lee H, et al
    Discovery, phylogenetic, and comparative genomic analysis of novel avian gammacoronaviruses identified in feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica).
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 20:e0111225. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01112.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
19. ZHANG H, Deng X, Dai R, Fu J, et al
    Inadequate immune response to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine among older people living with HIV: a prospective cohort study.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 21:e0068825. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00688.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
20. CHI X, Liang X, Vaddadi K, Zhang X, et al
    SARS-CoV-2 Nsp15 endoribonuclease subverts host defenses to enhance viral fitness in lung cells.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 21:e0117525. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01175.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
21. HU Z, Tian S, Zhou Y, Wang Y, et al
    Nanoparticle vaccine based on the pre-fusion F glycoprotein of respiratory syncytial virus elicits robust protective immune responses.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 26:e0090325. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00903.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
22. VERMA A, Kamboj H, Kumar G, Khandelwal N, et al
    TGF-beta inhibitor SB431542 suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication through multistep inhibition.
    J Virol. 2025 Aug 29:e0052925. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00529.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
23. GRACIE NP, Aggarwal A, Luo R, Spicer M, et al
    An RGD motif on SARS-CoV-2 Spike induces TGF-beta signaling and downregulates interferon.
    J Virol. 2025 Sep 4:e0043525. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00435.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
24. JANZEN GM, Inderski BT, Chang J, Arendsee ZW, et al
    Sources and sinks of influenza A virus genomic diversity in swine from 2009 to 2022 in the United States.
    J Virol. 2025;99:e0054125.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
25. ZHU B, Fung K, Feng HH, Beatty JA, et al
    The hemagglutinin proteins of clades 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibit comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues.
    J Virol. 2025 Sep 23:e0097625. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00976.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS Comput Biol

26. LIM D, Ko KT, Hong H, Lee H, et al
    A history-dependent approach for accurate initial condition estimation in epidemic models.
    PLoS Comput Biol. 2025;21:e1013438.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
27. HODGSON D, Hay J, Jarju S, Jobe D, et al
    serojump: A Bayesian tool for inferring infection timing and antibody kinetics from longitudinal serological data.
    PLoS Comput Biol. 2025;21:e1013467.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS Med

28. PREISS A, Bhatia A, Aragon LV, Baratta JM, et al
    Effect of Paxlovid treatment during acute COVID-19 on Long COVID onset: An EHR-based target trial emulation from the N3C and RECOVER consortia.
    PLoS Med. 2025;22:e1004711.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS One

29. SALDIVAR L, Rajabi T, Li W, Lopa S, et al
    Recurrent venous thromboembolism and clot distribution in COVID-19 infection: A review by variant type.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0331283.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
30. SAW HW, Kapteyn A
    Personality traits, panel tenure, survey topic, and context as predictors of survey nonresponse patterns in high-frequency online longitudinal surveys.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332902.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
31. BASHORUN AO, Kotei L, Jallow AF, Jawla O, et al
    Human papillomavirus, sexually transmitted infections, and antimicrobial resistance in West Africa: Estimating population burden and understanding exposures to accelerate vaccine impact and drive new interventions: The PHASE survey protocol.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332842.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
32. SHIMIZU IS, Freire SF, Sousa MLA, Ferreira JC, et al
    Knowledge, attitudes, and practice about protective ventilation among physical therapists.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0331949.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
33. LU W, Liu Q, Li H
    Confidence, animal spirits, and the macroeconomy in China: Based on mixed-frequency data models.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332909.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
34. WANG J, Liu Y, Li N, Zhu Y, et al
    Hand hygiene after the COVID-19 pandemic: Is it still at a high level?
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332634.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
35. EDU-QUANSAH DA, Bandoh DA, Edu-Quansah EP, Appiah AB, et al
    Evaluation of the performance of the Influenza-like Illness (ILI) surveillance system in the Okai Koi North District, Greater Accra Region, 2022.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332334.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
36. BOEVER C, Zech E, Arcand L, Verdon C, et al
    What does it mean to have experienced the death of a relative in a context of social and funeral restrictions? Lessons from the pandemic for bereavement research and clinical practice.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0331946.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
37. SWANSON B, Bishop-Royse J, Keshavarzian A, Balk R, et al
    Examination of unique volatile organic compound signatures in nasopharyngeal test swab viral transport media using an electronic nose.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332399.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
38. REITERMAN M, Chin AI, Bang H
    Adverse outcomes post-COVID-19 hospitalization among ESRD patients: A retrospective cohort study in 5 California university medical centers.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332203.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
39. PAYNE LA, Edelman A, Darney BG, Benhar E, et al
    Brief report: Older adolescents and young adults may be at higher risk for changes to menstrual cycle length with COVID-19 vaccination.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0331346.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
40. POLISHCHUK V, Kostinov capital EM, Cyrillic, Ryzhov capital A, Cyrillic, Dagil Y, et al
    Immunogenicity of one dose and two doses of adjuvanted influenza vaccine in lung transplant candidates.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332346.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
41. PEREZ-MORALES AM, Jimenez-Juarez RN, Morales-Rios OM, Reyes-Lopez A, et al
    Antibacterial consumption before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Mexico.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0329220.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
42. KAYA MG, Karaman K
    Clinical parameters associated with mortality in elderly patients with COVID-19.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332800.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
43. MONGE M, Hurtado R, Infante J
    Time trends and persistence of the return difference between growth and value investment strategies.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332690.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
44. WANG Y, Gao YD, Jiang CH, Xi Y, et al
    Characterisation of a novel chicken-derived H3N3 avian influenza virus detected in China in 2023: Pathogenicity and immunogenicity.
    PLoS One. 2025;20:e0332213.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

45. YOSHIDA A, Uekusa Y, Suzuki T, Bauer M, et al
    Enhanced visualization of influenza A virus entry into living cells using virus-view atomic force microscopy.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025;122:e2500660122.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Vaccine

46. SCHERM MJ, Holzl R, Gonzalez-Dominguez I, Hjorth R, et al
    Assessment of critical bioprocess parameters for broadly cross-reactive chimeric hemagglutinin influenza virus vaccines.
    Vaccine. 2025;64:127671.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
47. HARIT D, Sawant S, Spreng RL, Gurley S, et al
    Qualification of a reporter virus microneutralization assay for evaluation of influenza specific antibodies in human clinical trials.
    Vaccine. 2025;64:127699.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
48. HUI S, He R, Li H, Li Y, et al
    Revealing dynamic transcriptomic and immune cell signatures underlying heterogeneous responses to influenza vaccination.
    Vaccine. 2025;64:127777.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
49. PALACHE B, Fyyaz H, Thomson D, Taylor B, et al
    The IFPMA IVS seasonal influenza vaccine dose distribution survey 2022-2023: evidence of the need for committed national investment in and uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination.
    Vaccine. 2025;64:127747.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
50. SARTORI AL, Buffarini R, Bertoldi AD, da Silveira MF, et al
    Association between maternal influenza vaccination and childhood vaccination among participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort.
    Vaccine. 2025;64:127761.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Virus Res

51. SHI X, Wang J, Li C, Du S, et al
    Single amino acid substitution at position 614 in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein alters viral assembly and infectivity.
    Virus Res. 2025;360:199624.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
52. GONG T, Zhang X, Lin H, Li J, et al
    Mutation profiling, evolution analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and functional characterization of Omicron sub-strains.
    Virus Res. 2025;360:199626.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
53. RAMASAMY S, Bustamante F, LaBella LC, Cole SD, et al
    Spillover of SARS-CoV-2 to domestic dogs in COVID-19-positive households: A one health surveillance study.
    Virus Res. 2025;360:199629.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
54. CHAVOIX C, Massin P, Briand FX, Louboutin K, et al
    Identification of H1N2 influenza viruses in turkeys after spillover from swine and in vitro characterization.
    Virus Res. 2025 Sep 21:199634. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2025.199634.
    PubMed         Abstract available

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, September 26 '25)

 

{Summary}

Time Period: September 14, 2025 - September 20, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 3 sites (0.7%)

-- No Detection: 429 sites (99.3%)

-- No samples in last week: 33 sites

(...)

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

____

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

{Di Donna Dewhurst - This image originates from the National Digital Library of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=269880}

The affected wild animals {Anatidae spp.} belonged to a conservation foundation; they got sick after sharing water bodies with migratory birds. Location: Izabal Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6814

____

#Italy, Integrated #WNV & #USUV #Surveillance - Weekly Bulletin No. 11, September 25 '25 (ISS, Summary)

 

{Summary}

-- During current surveillance week (from 18 to 24 Sept. '25), 33 new confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus have been detected. 

-- Since the beginning of the epidemic season, there have been 680 cases in total, (they were 647 last week); of these: 

- 321 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND): 15 in Piedmont, 44 Lombardy, 27 Veneto, 2 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 1 Liguria, 25 Emilia-Romagna, 8 Tuscany, 1 Marche, 83 Latium, 2 Molise, 79 Campania, 2 Apulia, 2 Basilicata, 5 Calabria, 1 Sicily, 24 Sardinia), 

- 54 were asymptomatic cases in blood donors, 

- 296 were West Nile Fever cases (1 imported from Kenya, 1 Egypt and 1 Maldives), 

- 3 asymptomatic cases,  

- 6 unspecified cases. 

-- Among confirmed cases, there were 48 deaths: 7 in Piedmont, 5 Lombardy, 2 Emilia-Romagna, 17 Latium, 14 Campania, 2 Calabria, 1 Sardinia. 

- The Case-Fatality Rate among WNND cases was 14.9% (it was 20% in 2018 and 14% in 2024). 

-- During current surveillance week, nine new confirmed human cases of Usutu virus have been confirmed: 2 in Piedmont, 2 Lombardy, 2 Veneto, 3 Latium).

(...)

Source: High Institute of Health, https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2025_11.pdf

____

Understanding avian #influenza #mortality

 

{Excerpt}

Highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by H5N1 viruses emerged in East Asia in the late 1990s and spread to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, circulating in wild and domestic birds and occasionally spilling over into mammals and humans. These viruses are classified into genetic lineages called clades based on differences in the gene encoding hemagglutinin, a key surface protein involved in cell entry. In 2021, one such lineage, clade 2.3.4.4b, crossed from Europe to Canada. It spread rapidly, reaching the southern tip of South America in less than 2 years and causing massive mortality in seabirds and marine mammals, including South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) (1). However, human mortality has been markedly lower in the present H5N1 outbreak than in past ones. If the virus evolves the capacity to transmit from human to human, understanding this reduction will be essential for mounting an effective response.

(...)

Source: Science, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adx7159

____

#Childhood immunological #imprinting of cross-subtype #antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin head domain of #influenza viruses

 

Abstract

Influenza virus cross-subtype antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin (HA) head are rare. Here, we found that a large proportion of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from individuals immunized with the 2021-22 seasonal influenza vaccine bound to an epitope on the HA head of both the H1N1 vaccine strain and H3N2 strains from the mid-1990s. These H1/H3 cross-reactive antibodies were also found in polyclonal sera, but only in samples from individuals born in the 1990s. Ferrets sequentially exposed to an H3N2 virus from the 1990s and a contemporary seasonal influenza vaccine produced the same type of H1/H3 cross-reactive antibodies. We found evidence that H1N1 viruses are currently evolving within the human population to abrogate the binding of these antibodies. Together, our study demonstrates how prior influenza virus exposures can influence the specificity of antibodies elicited by entirely different influenza virus subtypes, and how viruses evolve to escape these types of antibodies.

Competing Interest Statement

S.E.H. is a co-inventor on patents that describe the use of nucleoside-modified mRNA as a vaccine platform. S.E.H reports receiving consulting fees from Sanofi, Pfizer, Lumen, Novavax, and Merck. S.D.B. has consulted for Regeneron, Sanofi, Novartis, Genentech, Visterra, and Janssen on topics unrelated to this study, is a scientific co-founder of Immunera Inc., and owns stock in AbCellera Biologics Inc.

Funding Statement

This project has been funded with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. 75N93021C00015 (S.E.H., S.D.B., I.A.W., A.B.W., S.S.L., E.T.M.).

Source: MedRxIV, https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.24.25335646v1

____

#Pediatric #Influenza-Associated #Encephalopathy and Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy — #USA, 2024–25 Influenza Season (#CDC MMWR)

 

Summary

-- What is already known about this topic?

- Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is a rare, severe neurologic complication of influenza.

-- What is added by this report?

- During the high-severity 2024–25 influenza season, 109 U.S. pediatric IAE cases were identified; 55% of affected children were previously healthy. Thirty-seven IAE cases were subcategorized as acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a severe form of IAE characterized by rapid neurologic decline and a poor prognosis. Overall, 74% of IAE patients were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 19% died; 41% of ANE patients died. Only 16% of vaccine-eligible IAE patients had received the 2024–25 influenza vaccine.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- All children are at risk for severe neurologic complications of influenza. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged ≥6 months to prevent influenza and associated complications, potentially including IAE.

Abstract

In January 2025, CDC received several reports of deaths among children aged <18 years with a severe form of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) termed acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). Because no national surveillance for IAE currently exists, CDC requested notification of U.S. pediatric IAE cases from clinicians and health departments during the 2024–25 influenza season, a high-severity season with a record number of pediatric influenza-associated deaths. Among 192 reports of suspected IAE submitted to CDC, 109 (57%) were categorized as IAE, 37 (34%) of which were subcategorized as ANE, and 72 (66%) as other IAE; 82 reports did not meet IAE criteria and were categorized as other influenza-associated neurologic disease. The median age of children with IAE was 5 years and 55% were previously healthy, 74% were admitted to an intensive care unit, and 19% died; 41% of children with ANE died. Only 16% of children with IAE who were vaccination-eligible had received the 2024–25 influenza vaccine. Health care providers should consider IAE in children with encephalopathy or altered level of consciousness and a recent or current febrile illness when influenza viruses are circulating. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged ≥6 months to prevent influenza and associated complications, potentially including severe neurologic disease such as IAE and ANE.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7436a1.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7436a1_w

____

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

 

A poultry farm in Gyeonggi-do Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6805

___

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

 

{By Sanchezn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3019282}

Three wild mute swans in Dolnośląskie Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6815

____

The #global, regional, and national burden of #cancer, 1990–2023, with #forecasts to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

 

Summary

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally. Accurate cancer burden information is crucial for policy planning, but many countries do not have up-to-date cancer surveillance data. To inform global cancer-control efforts, we used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 framework to generate and analyse estimates of cancer burden for 47 cancer types or groupings by age, sex, and 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, cancer burden attributable to selected risk factors from 1990 to 2023, and forecasted cancer burden up to 2050.

Methods

Cancer estimation in GBD 2023 used data from population-based cancer registration systems, vital registration systems, and verbal autopsies. Cancer mortality was estimated using ensemble models, with incidence informed by mortality estimates and mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Prevalence estimates were generated from modelled survival estimates, then multiplied by disability weights to estimate years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were estimated by multiplying age-specific cancer deaths by the GBD standard life expectancy at the age of death. Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were calculated as the sum of YLLs and YLDs. We used the GBD 2023 comparative risk assessment framework to estimate cancer burden attributable to 44 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. To forecast cancer burden from 2024 to 2050, we used the GBD 2023 forecasting framework, which included forecasts of relevant risk factor exposures and used Socio-demographic Index as a covariate for forecasting the proportion of each cancer not affected by these risk factors. Progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 aim to reduce non-communicable disease mortality by a third between 2015 and 2030 was estimated for cancer.

Findings

In 2023, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, there were 18·5 million (95% uncertainty interval 16·4 to 20·7) incident cases of cancer and 10·4 million (9·65 to 10·9) deaths, contributing to 271 million (255 to 285) DALYs globally. Of these, 57·9% (56·1 to 59·8) of incident cases and 65·8% (64·3 to 67·6) of cancer deaths occurred in low-income to upper-middle-income countries based on World Bank income group classifications. Cancer was the second leading cause of deaths globally in 2023 after cardiovascular diseases. There were 4·33 million (3·85 to 4·78) risk-attributable cancer deaths globally in 2023, comprising 41·7% (37·8 to 45·4) of all cancer deaths. Risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 72·3% (57·1 to 86·8) from 1990 to 2023, whereas overall global cancer deaths increased by 74·3% (62·2 to 86·2) over the same period. The reference forecasts (the most likely future) estimate that in 2050 there will be 30·5 million (22·9 to 38·9) cases and 18·6 million (15·6 to 21·5) deaths from cancer globally, 60·7% (41·9 to 80·6) and 74·5% (50·1 to 104·2) increases from 2024, respectively. These forecasted increases in deaths are greater in low-income and middle-income countries (90·6% [61·0 to 127·0]) compared with high-income countries (42·8% [28·3 to 58·6]). Most of these increases are likely due to demographic changes, as age-standardised death rates are forecast to change by –5·6% (–12·8 to 4·6) between 2024 and 2050 globally. Between 2015 and 2030, the probability of dying due to cancer between the ages of 30 years and 70 years was forecasted to have a relative decrease of 6·5% (3·2 to 10·3).

Interpretation

Cancer is a major contributor to global disease burden, with increasing numbers of cases and deaths forecasted up to 2050 and a disproportionate growth in burden in countries with scarce resources. The decline in age-standardised mortality rates from cancer is encouraging but insufficient to meet the SDG target set for 2030. Effectively and sustainably addressing cancer burden globally will require comprehensive national and international efforts that consider health systems and context in the development and implementation of cancer-control strategies across the continuum of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Funding

Gates Foundation, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, and St Baldrick's Foundation.

Source: The Lancet, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673625016356?dgcid=rss_sd_all

____

#Remdesivir: Effectiveness and Safety in Hospitalized #COVID19 #Patients—Analysis of Retrospectively Collected Data from Daily Practice in #Omicron Variant Era and Comparison with the Pre-Omicron Period

 

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impacted global health. Remdesivir was approved based on clinical trials demonstrating improved outcomes in hospitalized patients. The ReEs-COVID19 study provides real-world evidence on its effectiveness and safety across two periods: Pre-Omicron and Omicron. This retrospective, observational cohort study included 1610 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, treated with remdesivir during Pre-Omicron (September 2020–February 2021; n = 606) and Omicron (June 2022–March 2023; n = 1004) periods. Primary endpoint: time to discharge; Hepatic/renal function abnormalities were also investigated. In the Omicron period patients were older and had more comorbidities but remdesivir was initiated earlier (median: 2 days from symptom onset) compared to the Pre-Omicron period (8 days). ICU admissions rates and direct COVID-19-related deaths were significantly lower, but overall 30-day mortality was higher during the Omicron period. Earlier remdesivir administration was associated with faster discharge. Abnormal liver tests and acute kidney injury were rare across both periods. ReEs-COVID19 confirmed remdesivir’s effectiveness and safety in real-world clinical settings during both periods, underscoring its importance in treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, especially when initiated earlier in the disease course. Further research is needed to evaluate its utility in specific subgroups (e.g., immuno-compromised) and in combination with other treatments.

Source: Microorganisms, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/10/2242

____