Rapid GeneXpert #surveillance of #influenza A virus in #seabirds and the #environment provides early warning for #wildlife health in #Aotearoa New Zealand

 

Abstract

The global expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus A(H5N1) underscores the need for rapid surveillance at high-risk wildlife interfaces. Taiaroa Head (45.7828 S, 170.7333 E) in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand hosts a plethora of aquatic wildlife including a large red-billed gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus) colony as well as the only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross (Diomedea sanfordi). The Royal Albatross Centre is also a major nature tourism destination, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, thereby creating a dense ecological and human-wildlife interface vulnerable to viral incursion. We evaluated the GeneXpert II platform using the Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV cartridge as a field-deployable tool for avian influenza virus detection in environmental and wildlife-associated samples. The assay detected synthetic influenza A viral RNA and multiple endemic low pathogenic avian influenza virus subtypes (A(H3N8), A(H1N9), A(H5N2) and A(H7N7)) circulating in New Zealand birds. Influenza A virus was reliably identified in spiked environmental water samples with no consistent PCR inhibition as well as naturally occurring avian influenza virus in duck pond water. Field deployment demonstrated that the system could be operated by non-laboratory personnel with minimal training in a non-clinical setting. This study establishes the feasibility of near-real-time environmental monitoring. Repurposing clinical cartridge-based point-of-care diagnostics offers a practical early warning approach for avian influenza virus surveillance at ecologically and economically significant locations.

Competing Interest Statement

Steven G Badman is employed by Cepheid who supplied the Xpert Flu/RSV kits for free. Jo-Ann Stanton is the owner of JStanton Consulting Ltd who contributed in kind resources to the project. JLS has received support from Cepheid and Roche to attend scientific meetings.

Funder Information Declared

Te Niwha, TN/SWC/24/UoOJG

Rutherford Discovery Fellowship, RDF-20-UOO-007

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.23.713605v1

____

#UK, #England: Notified cases of invasive #meningococcal disease - Updated 25 March 2026 (UKHSA, edited)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Daily case figures

-- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when:

- a case is laboratory confirmed

- when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available

- when further epidemiological information is available

__

The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases.

Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026

[Date - Total outbreak confirmed cases - Outbreak confirmed MenB cases (subset of total outbreak confirmed cases) - Outbreak confirmed MenB cases with outbreak strain (subset of outbreak confirmed MenB cases) - Outbreak probable cases - Total outbreak cases]

* 24 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 17 - 2 - 22

* 23 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 17 - 3 - 23

* 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - [note 1] - 9 - 29

* 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - [note 1] - 9 - 29

* 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - [note 1] - 11 - 34

* 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - [note 1] - 11 - 29

* 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - [note 1] - 12 - 27

* 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - [note 1] - 11 - 20

* 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - [note 1] - 1

__

Note 1: Information not reported

Note 2: A case initially classified as a confirmed case may be reclassified or discarded when further laboratory results and clinical information is available. This applies to situations where:

- further testing (including results from specialist reference laboratories) rules out meningococcal disease

and 

- there is an alternative diagnosis or where the clinical picture is no longer consistent with meningococcal infection

__

Note: The case numbers presented in Table 1 were confirmed at specific times of day for each of the releases: 16 March 2026 verified at 5:00pm, 17 March 2026 verified at 3:00pm, 18 March 2026 onwards verified at 12:30pm.

- There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

____

Mild #SARS-CoV-2 #maternal #infection in mice induces transient offspring #neurodevelopmental aberrance

 

Significance

The rising global numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections highlight the need to assess potential neurodevelopmental and psychiatric impact in children born to infected mothers. Human cohorts have provided conflicting conclusions, while mouse studies have focused on moderate-to-severe infection despite most infections in pregnant women being mild or asymptomatic. Our study shows that mild, respiratory tract–restricted SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant mice was sufficient to cause placental inflammation and transient changes in offspring brain gene expression, without altering gross brain structure or behavior under our experimental conditions. These findings suggest that soluble factors induced by maternal respiratory infection mediate placental inflammation and changes in offspring brain gene expression during the fetal and neonatal periods, which resolve in later childhood.

Abstract

Maternal viral infection during pregnancy has been identified as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring. With cumulative SARS-CoV-2 infections now numbering in the hundreds of millions globally, there is a need to evaluate the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on offspring brain development and behavior. We developed a mouse model of mild COVID-19 during pregnancy in which SARS-CoV-2 infection is restricted to the respiratory tract. Infected mothers did not show weight loss or changes in litter size, but did exhibit detectable local and systemic immune responses, including placental inflammation. Characterization of the offspring’s cerebral cortex revealed transcriptomic changes in the fetus at E15 and on postnatal day 5 (P5), but no gross alterations in cytoarchitecture, synaptic density, or microglial abundance. We did not detect any significant changes in open-field or novel object recognition tests in P50 offspring born to SARS-CoV-2-infected dams. These findings suggest that mild maternal respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection induces soluble factors that mediate placental inflammation and transient cerebral cortex alterations in offspring that resolve by later childhood.

Source: 

Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2518294123?af=R

____

Porcine #influenza #mAbs to #H3, #H5, and #H7 hemagglutinins recognize H3 egg adapted site and target the HA stem

 

Abstract

Introduction

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are critical tools for elucidating viral evolution, informing vaccine design, and developing antiviral therapeutics. Large-animal models, such as the pig, that closely mirror human immune responses are essential for understanding influenza immunity.

Methods

Pigs were either infected or sequentially immunized with influenza viruses and monoclonal antibodies directed against H3, H5, and H7 influenza virus haemagglutinins were isolated. Antibody specificity, breadth, epitope targeting (head versus stem), neutralizing capacity, and Fc-mediated activity were assessed across influenza subtypes.

Results

Pigs generated both strain-specific and broadly reactive mAbs targeting haemagglutinin head and stem epitopes. An H3-specific mAb (H3–57) selectively recognized the egg-adapted L194P mutation associated with reduced human vaccine effectiveness. H5 and H7 immunization induced neutralizing antibodies, including cross-group stem mAbs reactive with H1, H3, and H5 haemagglutinins. Fc-mediated activity correlated with antibody binding strength rather than epitope location.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that pigs mount antibody responses closely resembling those observed in humans, including recognition of conserved stem epitopes and adaptive head mutations. Porcine mAbs represent powerful new tools for dissecting influenza immunity, guiding vaccine design, and enhancing pandemic preparedness using a physiologically relevant large-animal model.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/discovimmunology/article/5/1/kyag006/8503709

____

Host-specific functional #evolution of #seal #influenza A virus #NS1 protein following #avian-to-seal #transmission

 

ABSTRACT

Marine mammals, particularly seals, are susceptible to both avian and human influenza A viruses (IAVs), making them potential intermediates for zoonotic virus emergence. In recent decades, repeated transmissions of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) from wild aquatic birds, their natural reservoir, have caused significant mortality in seals. Defining the molecular determinants of viral adaptation in marine mammals, and their implications for replication in human cells, is therefore essential. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of AIV, a key antagonist of the interferon (IFN) response, plays a central role in host adaptation. Here, we analyzed NS1 proteins from seal influenza viruses (H3, H4, H5, H7, and H10 subtypes) and their closest avian relatives isolated between 1980 and 2023, and evaluated their function in seal, avian, and human cells. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed multiple bird-to-seal transmission events. Seal-derived NS1 proteins generally contained few strain-specific amino acid substitutions and showed comparable expression and IFN antagonism to their avian precursors. A notable exception was the seal H10N7 virus isolated in 2014 in Northeastern Europe, which harbored three previously uncharacterized substitutions at NS1 amino acid residues 94, 104, and 171. These amino acid substitutions markedly altered NS1 properties to enhance protein stability, suppress IFN induction, mediate host transcription shut-off, and increase polymerase activity in human cells, without affecting NS1 expression or reducing virus replication in avian cells. Overall, these results reveal how NS1 undergoes host-specific functional evolution following avian-to-seal transmission and provide mechanistic insight into the adaptation of influenza A viruses to mammalian hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulate naturally in wild aquatic birds but occasionally infect mammals, including seals, where they can cause severe outbreaks. Seals are of particular concern because they can harbor both avian and human influenza viruses, creating opportunities for reassortment and the emergence of novel zoonotic strains. Understanding how AIVs adapt to mammalian hosts is therefore critical for anticipating and mitigating future influenza threats. Here, we investigated the role of the NS1 protein, a key viral factor that suppresses host immune responses, in seal-derived AIVs. Overall, NS1 expression and function were conserved across different subtypes and host cells. However, we identified unique amino acid substitutions in the NS1 of a seal H10N7 virus that enhanced protein stability, interferon antagonism, and viral adaptation in human cells. These findings illustrate how minor changes in NS1 protein can drive host adaptation and underscore the need for continued surveillance of AIVs in seals.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01650-25?af=R

____

#UK, #England: Notified cases of invasive #meningococcal disease - Updated 24 March 2026 (UKHSA, edited)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Daily case figures

-- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when:

- a case is laboratory confirmed

- when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available

- when further epidemiological information is available

-- The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases.

Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026

[Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases]

* 23 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 20 - 3 - 23

* 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29

* 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29

* 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34

* 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29

* 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27

* 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20

* 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15

__

Note 1: The distinction between a confirmed case and a probable case was not reported

Note 2: A case initially classified as a confirmed case may be reclassified or discarded when further laboratory results and clinical information is available. This applies to situations where:

- there are other negative results, for example, reference unit results 

and 

- there is an alternative diagnosis or where the clinical picture is no longer consistent with meningococcal infection

__

Note: The case numbers presented in Table 1 were confirmed at specific times of day for each of the releases: 16 March 2026 verified at 5:00pm, 17 March 2026 verified at 3:00pm, 18 March 2026 onwards verified at 12:30pm.

There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

____

On the brink of emergence: an evolutionary approach to #Influenza A virus #H5N1 isolated from #humans

 

Highlights

• A detailed phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 HPAIV isolated from humans was performed.

• All strains infecting humans have acquired substitutions in several key proteins.

• All strains have gained specific substitutions to better adapt to the human host.

• Substitutions in key proteins involved in replication and immune evasion were found.

• A significant degree of polymorphic sites was found in the polymerase complex.

• Substitutions in hemagglutinins and neuraminidases from different clades were found.

Abstract

Avian Influenza Viruses (AIVs) pose today a very significant risk to global health given the widespread circulation of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV). After decimating the avian population all over the world, these viruses spill over to many different mammal species, causing also fatal outbreaks. As the virus continues to evolve increasing human cases of H5N1 HPAIV have been reported, causing concern that these viruses may adapt to the human host and became a pandemic new virus. In order to gain insight into this matter, a detailed phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 HPAIV isolated from humans was performed. A significant number of substitutions have been found in the hemagglutinins (HA) and neuraminidases (NA) among the three H5N1 clades already detected in human cases. Some of these substitutions were found to produce changes in the 3D structure of these proteins. Substitutions providing an evolutionary advantage to replicate or evade the immune response in mammals have been found in several non-structural proteins of strains infecting humans, including regulatory proteins, like PA-X or PB1-F2. A significant degree of polymorphic sites was observed in the proteins of the polymerase complex. The results of these studies are discussed in terms of the evolution of H5N1 HPAIV infecting humans and future work to be done to address the pandemic potential of these viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168170226000353?via%3Dihub

____

#Oseltamivir aziridines are potent #influenza #neuraminidase #inhibitors and imaging agents

 

Significance

Influenza remains a major global health threat. We introduce oseltamivir-based aziridines that unite transition-state mimicry for tight binding with aziridine-enabled covalent capture of the catalytic tyrosine. This dual function yields potent, mechanism-based neuraminidase inhibition and enables activity-based quantification of active enzyme directly in complex samples. Across N1, N2, and influenza B enzymes, selected compounds show high potency against diverse viral neuraminidases and in live virus replication assays. By combining a clinically grounded scaffold with a reactivity handle, these molecules bridge therapeutic and diagnostic needs and offer a practical platform for neuraminidase imaging and antiviral development.

Abstract

Influenza neuraminidase (NA) is a critical target for seasonal and pandemic antivirals, including the strains of current concern. Current treatments, such as Zanamivir and Oseltamivir, are limited by noncovalent binding and emerging resistance. We hypothesized that Oseltamivir aziridines would unite transition-state mimicry for tight binding, with aziridine-enabled covalent capture of the catalytic tyrosine, thereby supporting both therapy and activity-based quantification. Here, we present oseltamivir-based aziridines, inspired by cyclophellitol chemistry, that act as covalent inhibitors and activity-based probes via an N-acylaziridine warhead. Free-energy calculations, and NMR observations, indicate a 4H5 half-chair preference consistent with the NA transition state, and selected analogues inhibit multiple NA subtypes with low nanomolar binding constants. Diverse evidence establishes covalency: time-dependent inactivation, inhibitor washout, intact-mass shifts, MS/MS identification of a tyrosine adduct, and QM/MM reaction profiles, while cryoEM of N1 aligns with the proposed binding mode, revealing an elimination product. The inhibitors demonstrate formidable activity against diverse viral neuraminidases, including H5N1, and further enable imaging and quantification of active NA. With their dual therapeutic and diagnostic potential, these first-in-class inhibitors indeed benefit from transition state mimicry and covalency, and thus offer a powerful platform for antiviral development and neuraminidase imaging, addressing urgent global health needs in influenza treatment and prevention.

Source: 

Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2504045123

____

Mapping #global emergence of #pathogens with #epidemic and #pandemic #potential to inform and accelerate pandemic #prevention, #preparedness, readiness and response

 

Abstract

Introduction 

Increasing occurrence of epidemics and pandemics and concurrent emergence of different pathogens calls for multi-sectoral, multi-pathogen preparedness actions. Data on various factors that drive emergence of diverse pathogens can inform evidence-based preparedness by identifying geographies at-risk. When leveraging evidence within a One Health approach, multiple pathogens can be addressed simultaneously, thereby strengthening countries pandemic preparedness efforts. 

Methods 

For seventeen priority pathogens (avian influenza viruses, zoonotic coronaviruses including COVID-19, hemorrhagic fever viruses including Ebola, Henipaviruses, and arboviruses including yellow fever and Zika), we identified global evidence on animal reservoirs, vectors, environmental suitability, and reported human cases. We discriminated geospatially recorded pathogen detections from a background sample and constructed maps using these datasets to generate an evidence-based assessment of emergence risk globally. 

Results 

Seventeen pathogen-specific assessments were combined into a global composite map. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have evidence supporting emergence risk for the greatest number of pathogens (included areas at-risk of all pathogens) and scored highest when strength-of-evidence weightings were factored. The Americas had the lowest tally of considered pathogens. Environmental suitability analyses received the highest weights, reservoir ranges the lowest. 

Discussion 

Preparedness and readiness must consider the range of global biological threats. Our methodology is capable of incorporating changing evidence on emergence potential for multiple pathogens to identify geographies at higher risk with different pathogen combinations. Our maps can contribute to existing decision-support structures, guiding shared interventions and strategic allocation of resources for spillover prevention and pandemic preparedness, thereby enhancing local response capacities applying a multidisciplinary approach.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This work was concluded in 2024 and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) before January 22, 2025, the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Government of France.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.20.26347940v1

____

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

 

There is an observation of death of several numbers (30) of crows in the jungle of Tribhuvan University premises.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7387

____

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

Frequent sightings of wild birds were reported in the vicinity of the farm. The farm comprises multiple poultry sheds having birds of different age (4-56 weeks) groups. On 15 March, a sudden mortality event occurred in one shed, where approximately 100 commercial layer birds died acutely. Since that incident, mortality has been observed across all sheds on the farm.

Commercial Layers of various age (4-56 weeks) group affected since 15 March, 2026 and a large number of chicken appear slightly droopy or depressed, and die suddenly.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7386

____

#Denmark - #Influenza A #H5N5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{A black headed gull. By © Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5548312}

__

According to article 10.4.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Member Countries should not impose bans on the trade in poultry commodities in response to notification on the presence of any influenza A virus in birds other than poultry

A wild black-headed gull.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7385

____

#UK, #England: Notified cases of invasive #meningococcal disease - Updated 23 March 2026 (UKHSA, edited)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Daily case figures

-- The number of confirmed and probable cases can change when:

- a case is laboratory confirmed

- when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available

- when further epidemiological information is available

-- The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new confirmed or probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases.

Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026

[Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases]

* 22 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 -9 - 29

* 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29

* 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34

* 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29

* 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27

* 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20

* 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15

__

Note 1: The distinction between a confirmed case and a probable case was not reported

Note 2: A case initially classified as a confirmed case may be reclassified or discarded when further laboratory results and clinical information is available. This applies to situations where:

- there are other negative results, for example, reference unit results 

and 

- there is an alternative diagnosis or where the clinical picture is no longer consistent with meningococcal infection

__

Note: The case numbers presented in Table 1 were confirmed at specific times of day for each of the releases: 16 March 2026 verified at 5:00pm, 17 March 2026 verified at 3:00pm, 18 March 2026 onwards verified at 12:30pm.

-- There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

____

Defining #influenza-specific B cells in #vaccine #responders, non-responders and influenza breakthrough #infections

 

Abstract

Although seasonal influenza vaccination programs are effective at a population level, our data from inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) cohorts in years 2015-2022 reveal that 50-60% of individuals do not seroconvert following immunization. The underlying mechanisms of vaccine non-responsiveness are far from understood. In this study, we sought to define key determinants of optimal B cell immune responses elicited by seasonal influenza vaccination, and to explore why some individuals fail to elicit humoral immunity following immunization. Immune responses associated with seroconversion and vaccine failure from individuals immunized with IIVs were compared at cellular and molecular levels using single-cell transcriptomics. We analyzed HA-specific B cell immunity across vaccine-responders, breakthrough infections and patients hospitalized with acute influenza. Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing and VDJ-sequencing of influenza-specific B cells from stored PBMCs was performed using 10x Genomics. Our results show that atypical B cells are the major subset of B cell responses in vaccine non-responders on day 28 post-vaccination. Conversely, individuals who seroconvert had diverse B cell phenotypes. The use of recombinant influenza-specific HA probes allowed us to dissect expression patterns on influenza HA-specific B cells. We found that HA-specific B cells of vaccine non-responders for A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 components displayed elevated atypical-like markers (CD11c, FcRL-5) at baseline, compared to responders. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between responders and non-responders identified differential expression of HLA-DR, CD74, CD83, and CXCR3 genes. We subsequently demonstrated reduced frequencies of HLA-DR-, CD74- and CD83-expressing B cells in patients hospitalized with influenza, compared to healthy participants. Hospitalized influenza patients also had significantly higher proportions of atypical CD21-CD27- B cells. Overall, our data demonstrate an association between elevated frequencies of atypical-like B cells with both lack of seroconversion following immunization and severe influenza infection. These findings broaden our understanding of humoral immunity in influenza vaccination and infection, providing novel insights for vaccination strategies and design.

Competing Interest Statement

Katherine Kedzierska has received paid honoraria from Pfizer. Hayley McQuilten has a consultancy role for Ena Therapeutics

Funder Information Declared

NHMRC

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.19.710321v1

____

Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of #monoclonal #antibodies against #H5N1 #influenza virus

 

Highlights

• mAbs could enhance our armamentarium against H5N1 in support of pandemic preparedness

• Several mAbs have shown prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against H5N1 in animal models

• Anti-IAV mAbs that have advanced in clinical trials could be evaluated against H5N1

• Resistance emergence during mAb treatment was infrequent in pre- and clinical studies

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 continues to pose a serious zoonotic and pandemic threat due to its increasing cross-species transmission and high virulence in humans. Despite the availability of vaccines and antivirals for seasonal influenza, effective prophylactic and treatment options for H5N1 remain limited. Herein we explore the potential action of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H5N1, focusing on those with demonstrated efficacy in animal models. Most of these mAbs target conserved hemagglutinin epitopes and function as broad neutralizing fusion/entry inhibitors; notably, CR9114 targets both groups 1 and 2 influenza A strains as well as B lineages. Other mAbs prevent viral release by targeting neuraminidase, and those directed against the M2 ectodomain and nucleoprotein function through Fc receptor-mediated pathways. These mAbs have shown robust protection against lethal H5N1 challenge in mice, ferrets, and/or non-human primates. Compounds such as CR6261, MEDI8852, and TCN-032 have been evaluated in clinical trials for seasonal influenza, yielding encouraging safety and pharmacokinetics results and notably, no reported emergence of resistance. Despite these positive results their clinical development was prematurely discontinued. Integrating these highly effective mAbs into our H5N1 pandemic preparedness arsenal is a logical next step to provide a robust prophylactic and therapeutic option at the early stages of an outbreak. Future efforts must address regulatory and logistical barriers, invest in stockpiling and emergency use protocols, and support adaptive clinical trial frameworks to ensure rapid deployment when needed.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924857926000737?via%3Dihub

____

The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena, Francesco Guardi (1766 - 1770)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/francesco-guardi/the-doge-on-the-bucintoro-near-the-riva-di-sant-elena-1770

____

#UK, #England: Notified cases of invasive #meningococcal disease (UKHSA, Updated 22 March 2026)

{Excerpt}

(...)

Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026

[Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases]

* 21 March 2026 - 20 [note 2] - 19 - 9 - 29 {-5} 

* 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34 {+5} 

* 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29 {+2}

* 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27 {+7}

* 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20 {+5}

* 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4 - [note 1] - 15

__

Note 1: The distinction between a confirmed case and a probable case was not reported

Note 2: A case initially classified as a confirmed case may be reclassified or discarded when further laboratory results and clinical information is available, that is:

- where there are other negative results, for example, reference unit results 

and 

- where there is an alternative diagnosis or where the clinical picture is no longer consistent with meningococcal infection

The case numbers presented in Table 1 were confirmed at specific times of day for each of the releases: 16 March 2026 verified at 5:00pm, 17 March 2026 verified at 3:00pm, 18 March 2026 onwards verified at 12:30pm.

There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

____

#Dispersal, #adaptation and #persistence of #H5N1 in the sub-Antarctic and #Antarctica

 

Abstract

High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 reached the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica in 2023, subsequently spreading to remote locations within this region where it had devastating impacts on seal, penguin and albatross populations. The threat to marine wildlife over this broad area exemplifies the need to understand H5N1 long-distance dispersal and evolution. We obtained 104 novel viral genomic sequences from samples that we collected at South Georgia, Kerguelen, Crozet, Prince Edward, Falklands/Malvinas Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula in a region spanning 8,000 kilometers. Using recent phylogeographic modeling advances we show that H5N1 spread encompassed numerous transmission events between distant locations, accumulating mammalian-adaptive mutations in the process. Seals are the most affected species, but we reveal that the long-distance eastward virus dispersal better aligns with the long-distance movements of large petrels and albatrosses. The risk of H5N1 endemisation, dispersal to other locations and ongoing evolution are highly concerning.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.20.713283v1

____

#UK, #England: Notified cases of invasive #meningococcal #disease - Updated 21 March 2026 (UKHSA)

 

Overview

-- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been investigating an invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreak first detected in March 2026.

-- This release provides an up-to-date count of confirmed or probable notified cases connected to the incident, and will be updated regularly.

-- Case numbers will be recorded at 12:30pm each day, and will include only those defined as either confirmed or probable. These figures will be published the following day at 9:30am.

-- As this is a live incident, there will be additional suspected cases notified to UKHSA, which need to be actively investigated. These will not be reported until the investigation determines that they should be included as either confirmed or probable cases, or discarded as not related to the incident.

-- Case counts attached to the incident are provisional and subject to change (upwards or downwards) as intelligence about their connection to the incident improves, clinical assessment changes, or further microbiological characterisation becomes available. In outbreaks, case definitions are updated as new intelligence comes to light, which may affect the counts.

Notified cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent

-- As of 12:30pm on 20 March 2026, UKHSA has been notified of 23 confirmed and 11 probable cases of invasive meningococcal disease with epidemiological links to Canterbury, Kent.

- 18 of the 23 confirmed cases are meningococcal group B (MenB).

- All cases have been hospitalised.

- There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

Daily case figures

-- The number of probable cases can change when:

- a case is laboratory confirmed

-- when the clinical assessment changes, including when new laboratory results are available

- when further epidemiological information is available

-- The figures in Table 1 cannot be used to identify the number of new probable cases from one day to the next. This also applies to total cases.

Table 1. Cases of invasive meningococcal disease linked to Canterbury, Kent by day from 16 March 2026

[Date - Total confirmed cases - Confirmed MenB cases (subset of total confirmed cases) - Probable cases - Total cases]

* 20 March 2026 - 23 - 18 - 11 - 34

* 19 March 2026 - 18 - 13 - 11 - 29

* 18 March 2026 - 15 - 9 - 12 - 27

* 17 March 2026 - 9 - 6 - 11 - 20

* 16 March 2026 - [note 1] - 4  - [note 1] - 15

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Note 1: The distinction between a confirmed case and a probable case was not reported

- The case numbers presented in Table 1 were confirmed at specific times of day for each of the releases: 16 March 2026 verified at 5:00pm, 17 March 2026 verified at 3:00pm, 18 March 2026 onwards verified at 12:30pm.

- There have been 2 deaths since the start of the incident.

Definitions

-- Confirmed MenB case

- For the purposes of the official counts related to the outbreak detected in Kent, a confirmed MenB case is counted only where an individual meets the following criteria:

* a clinical diagnosis of meningitis, sepsis, or other invasive disease (for example orbital cellulitis, septic arthritis)

and at least one of the following:

* Neisseria meningitidis isolated from a normally sterile site

* Gram-negative diplococci identified in a normally sterile site

* meningococcal DNA in a normally sterile site

* meningococcal antigen in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or urine

and

* a confirmed meningococcal group B result from the Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU), UKHSA or accredited laboratory

and

* an onset of infection since 1 March 2026

and

* an epidemiological link to the outbreak (see definition below)

-- Confirmed case (awaiting microbiological group)

- As above, awaiting microbiological group result.

-- Probable case

- For the purposes of the official counts related to the outbreak detected in Kent, a probable case is counted only where an individual meets the following criteria:

* a clinical diagnosis of meningitis or sepsis or other invasive disease where a doctor and/or microbiologist considers that meningococcal infection is the most likely diagnosis

and

* an onset of infection since 1 March 2026

and

* an epidemiological link to the outbreak (see definition below)

-- Epidemiological link to the outbreak

- For the purposes of the official counts related to the outbreak detected in Kent, a case is considered to have an epidemiological link to the outbreak only where the individual meets any of the following criteria:

* lived in or visited Canterbury, Kent since 1 March 2026

or

* close contact with an outbreak confirmed or outbreak probable case

or

* close contact with an individual who, since 1 March 2026, has lived in or visited Canterbury, Kent

or

* close contact with an individual who falls into one or more groups who have been offered chemoprophylaxis as part of this outbreak

-- Data quality assurance

- Data quality was assured via a manual checking process. Case counts attached to the incident are provisional and subject to change (upwards or downwards) as intelligence about their connection to the incident improves, clinical assessment changes or further microbiological characterisation becomes available.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/invasive-meningococcal-disease-statistical-releases/notified-cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease

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