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

 

A wild Whooper Swan in Kastoria Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7433

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Avian #Influenza #Report - Reporting period: April 5 – 11, '26 (Wk 15) (HK CHP April 14, 2026): 2 new #human #H9N2 influenza cases in #China

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

-- Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

- Guangdong Province: 

1) A three-year-old boy with onset on January 20, 2026. 

- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 

2) A 63-year-old man with onset on February 5, 2026. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk15.pdf

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#Population #immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b #H5N1 is dominated by anti - #neuraminidase #antibodies

 

ABSTRACT

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses continue to expand geographically and across mammalian hosts, raising concern about pandemic potential. The degree and specificity of pre-existing immunity in humans are key determinants of this risk. We analyzed hemagglutinin (HA)- and neuraminidase (NA)-specific antibody responses in 300 sera collected from adults in New York City. While HA directed binding antibodies to clade 2.3.4.4b H5 were low and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies were absent, we detected widespread binding and functional NA antibodies against N1 neuraminidases from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. Neuraminidase inhibition (NI) titers were highest against North American D1.1 genotype N1 viruses and correlated strongly with neutralizing activity, whereas HA-binding antibodies did not. An additional N-linked glycosylation site, as found in the NA of a human D1.1 isolate from British Columbia, reduced susceptibility to NI antibodies. Antibodies titer to N5 from H5N5 were low to minimal. These findings indicate that population-level immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses is dominated by NA-directed antibodies, with important implications for pandemic risk assessment.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding how pre-existing human immunity shapes susceptibility to emerging influenza viruses is central to pandemic preparedness. Here, we determined that human sera contain widespread, functional antibodies targeting H5N1 neuraminidase, which correlate with virus neutralization, whereas HA-directed responses are limited. We further show that acquisition of an NA glycosylation site reduces antibody inhibition, highlighting a potential pathway for immune evasion. These results identify neuraminidase-specific immunity as a major immunological barrier to severe H5N1 disease in humans and emphasize the need to incorporate NA antigenicity into influenza surveillance, risk assessment, and next-generation vaccine design.

Source: 

Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00445-26

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#Genomic similarity to quantitatively evaluate the #reassortment #potential of #H7N9 with other subtypes of avian #influenza viruses

 

Abstract

Introduction: 

The H7N9 influenza virus poses a significant public health threat due to its potential for reassortment and cross-species transmission. This study aims to systematically evaluate the genomic similarity between H7N9 and other influenza A subtypes to identify strains with high reassortment potential and characterize their spatiotemporal and host distribution patterns.

Methods: 

We analyzed nearly 4,000 H7N9 sequences from GISAID and NCBI, alongside representative sequences of other influenza A subtypes. Open reading frames were extracted, and a genomic similarity index was constructed using Euclidean distance, dot product, and cosine similarity measures, with weights optimized via principal component analysis. The index was applied to quantify inter-subtype similarity and predict reassortment-prone strains.

Results: 

High sequence similarity was observed between H7N9 and cognate subtypes (e.g., H7N3, H15N9), with H7N3 exhibiting the highest similarity index (1.00). Validation using known reassortant strains, such as A/Yixing/805/2022 (H3N2), confirmed that strains with high reassortment potential showed significantly elevated similarity scores across all gene segments (p< 0.001). High-similarity outliers analysis identified 581 spillover events, temporally concentrated during 2014–2017, and spatially clustered in regions like the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Host analysis highlighted birds—especially chickens, ducks, and turkeys—as key reservoirs for reassortment.

Discussion: 

The genomic similarity index effectively identifies influenza A subtypes with high reassortment potential, supported by retrospective validation and spatiotemporal congruence with documented outbreaks. The concentration of high-similarity strains in specific hosts and regions underscores the role of ecological factors in viral evolution. These findings provide a predictive framework for monitoring emergent reassortants and inform targeted surveillance strategies.

Source: 

Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2026.1777911/full

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ONWARD: a #OneHealth, pan - #European multidisciplinary #network advancing #surveillance, #research, clinical management and control of zoonotic #hepeviruses

 

Highlight

• HEV remains the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in Europe

• Surveillance and diagnostics for HEV are heterogeneous across EU/EEA

• Zoonotic HEV circulates widely in pigs, wildlife and food chains

• Rat HEV expands the zoonotic spectrum and clinical burden in Europe

• ONWARD integrates One Health surveillance, research and capacity building

Abstract

Zoonotic hepeviruses, particularly hepatitis E virus (HEV, species Paslahepevirus balayani) represent a major yet underestimated public health challenge in Europe. Despite being the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis, surveillance, diagnostic practices and prevention strategies remain heterogeneous across EU/EEA countries, limiting comparability and hindering accurate burden estimates. Underdiagnosis is further compounded by extrahepatic manifestations and the growing impact of chronic HEV infection in immunocompromised patients. At the human–animal–environment interface, zoonotic HEV circulates widely in domestic pigs, wildlife and food products, while coordinated surveillance and control measures remain inconsistently implemented. The recent recognition of ratHEV (species Rocahepevirus ratti) as a cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in Europe further expands the spectrum of zoonotic hepevirus infections and underscores the need for integrated One Health approaches. To address these challenges, the One Health Zoonotic Hepevirus Network (ONWARD; COST Action CA24140) was launched in 2025 as a pan-European, multidisciplinary collaboration uniting experts across human, veterinary, food safety and environmental health sectors. ONWARD aims to harmonise diagnostic tools, strengthen clinical research, integrate multisectoral surveillance, promote capacity building and support evidence-based policy development. By fostering coordination with European stakeholders ONWARD provides a structured framework to strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response to zoonotic hepevirus threats across Europe.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653226000338?dgcid=rss_sd_all

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The Raising of Lazarus, Rembrandt (1630)

 

Public Domain.

Source: 

Link: https://www.wikiart.org/en/rembrandt/the-raising-of-lazarus-1630

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Historical #Pandemic and Contemporary #Influenza A Viruses Reveal #PB2 M631L as a Convergent #Adaptation to #Human ANP32

 

Abstract

Understanding the genetic changes that allow avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) to switch their natural hosts and establish productive infection in humans is important for pandemic risk assessment. Adaptations in the IAV polymerase are required to overcome species-specific restrictions imposed by host ANP32 proteins. Notably, avian virus polymerase is generally only poorly supported by human ANP32 proteins due to species-specific differences. Consequently, efficient polymerase adaptation to the binding interface of human ANP32 requires distinct amino acid changes, such as PB2 E627K. A separate adaptation, PB2 M631L, has recently been reported in mammalian-adapted IAV; however, its functional role across divergent viral lineages and its relationship to host ANP32-dependent adaptation remain incompletely defined. Here, we examine PB2 M631L in the polymerases of a 1918 pandemic strain, a recombinant contemporary H1N1pdm09, and a recent clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus. Using polymerase activity and protein-interaction assays, we show that PB2 M631L enhances polymerase activity and ANP32 binding in human—but not avian—contexts, and that this effect is conserved across multiple viral backgrounds. In H1N1pdm09, PB2 M631L also increased virus replication in mammalian cells. These findings indicate that PB2 M631L contributes to enhanced polymerase compatibility with human ANP32 proteins and are consistent with a role in adaptation across multiple influenza virus lineages. Our results highlight how analysis of historical pandemic strains can inform risk assessment for future emerging viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/14/4/859

____

History of Mass Transportation: The Vagónka Studénka Krokodýl (Crocodile) Autorail (1962–68)

By Vít Javůrek - http://www.mujweb.cz/www/mhd_jama/vlaky3/Krasa10/olrepc1.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6311434

Source: 

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Czech_locomotive_classes

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   Epidemiol Infect

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   J Infect Dis

5. ULANOWICZ CJ, Alarcon PC, Damen MSMA, Wayland JL, et al
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   N Engl J Med

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   Pediatrics

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Predicting the #antigenic #evolution of seasonal #influenza viruses using phylogenetic #convergence

 

Abstract

The antigenic evolution of human seasonal influenza viruses is primarily driven by single amino acid substitutions immediately adjacent to the receptor binding site in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. The ability to predict these substitutions would allow vaccine strains to be selected with an understanding of likely future antigenic variation. Here, we estimate the effect of HA substitutions on viral fitness using measurements of convergent evolution in a large phylogeny. We show that the substitutions which have historically caused major antigenic changes in H3N2 influenza viruses were nearly always one of few substitutions near the HA receptor binding site estimated to be under positive selection in sequences collected before the antigenic transition, based on convergent acquisition of the substitution in multiple independent lineages. Furthermore, this signal predates the establishment of the major clade containing the antigenic substitution by more than one year, so is highly informative for prospective prediction.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, https://ror.org/043z4tv69, 75N93021C00014

National Institutes of Health, https://ror.org/01cwqze88, R01AI165818

Medical Research Council, https://ror.org/03x94j517, MR/Y004337/1

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.10.717627v1

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Respirable #Aerosol #Production and Reduction of Avian #Influenza #Transmission #Risk during #Chicken Processing, #Bangladesh

 

Abstract

In Bangladesh, influenza A(H5N1) viruses are endemic in poultry. Processing infected chickens can aerosolize viruses, increasing the risk for human infections. We evaluated particulate matter (PM2.5) mass concentration during slaughtering and defeathering methods used in live bird markets in Bangladesh to identify solutions to reduce aerosol exposure. We slaughtered 675 chickens using cones and barrels with 3 lid types and defeathered 45 chickens using a defeathering machine with 5 lid types. We interviewed 3 slaughterers to understand method preference. For slaughtering, barrels with a solid or star-cut lid reduced PM2.5 mass concentrations by 65%–73% compared with uncovered barrels. For defeathering, machines fully covered by a solid lid or lid with a hole and pivot door reduced PM2.5 mass concentrations by 50% compared with machines with no lid. Slaughterers preferred barrels covered with solid lids and defeathering machines covered with solid or hinged lids. Those methods might reduce aerosol exposure during poultry processing.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/4/25-1878_article

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Avian #Influenza #H9N2 - #Italy (#WHO, D.O.N., April 10 2026)

 

Situation at a glance

-- On 21 March 2026, the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Focal Point for Italy notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the identification of a human case of avian influenza A(H9) in an adult male returning from Senegal. 

- Next generation sequencing confirmed Influenza A(H9N2). 

- According to epidemiological investigations, the patient had no known history of exposure to poultry or any person with similar symptoms prior to the onset of symptoms. 

- Authorities in Italy have implemented a series of measures aimed at monitoring, preventing and controlling the situation. 

- According to the IHR (2005), a human infection caused by a novel influenza A virus subtype is an event that has the potential for high public health impact and must be notified to the WHO. 

- This is the first imported human case of avian Influenza A(H9N2) reported in the European Region. 

- Based on currently available information, WHO assesses the current risk to the general population posed by A(H9N2) viruses as low but continues to monitor these viruses and the situation globally.

Description of the situation

-- On 21 March 2026, the National IHR Focal Point for Italy notified WHO of the identification of a human case of avian influenza A(H9) in an adult male.

-- The patient had been in Senegal for more than six months and traveled to Italy in mid-March. Upon arrival, he visited the emergency department with a fever and a persistent cough.

-- On 16 March, a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen was collected, which showed a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis result, as well as detection of un-subtypeable influenza A virus. The patient was placed in a negative-pressure isolation room with airborne precautions. He was treated with antitubercular medication and antiviral oseltamivir. By 9 April, his condition was stable and improving.

-- On 20 March, a regional reference laboratory identified the A(H9) subtype, and on 21 March, next-generation sequencing confirmed influenza A(H9N2). Initial genetic findings suggest the infection was likely acquired from an avian source linked to Senegal. Additional samples have been sent to Italy’s National Influenza Center, where further characterization confirmed virus subtype Influenza A(H9N2), with close genetic similarity to strains previously identified in poultry in Senegal.

-- No direct exposure to animals, wildlife or rural environments was identified. There was also no reported contact with symptomatic or confirmed human cases. Further epidemiological investigations on the source of exposure are ongoing.

-- Contacts identified in Senegal were asymptomatic. All identified and traced contacts in Italy have tested negative for influenza and completed the period of active monitoring for the onset of symptoms and the quarantine required by national guidelines. They also received oseltamivir as a preventive measure. 

Epidemiology

-- Animal influenza viruses normally circulate in animals but can also infect people. Infections in humans have primarily been acquired through direct contact with infected animals or through indirect contact with contaminated environments. Depending on the original host, influenza A viruses can be classified as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other types of animal influenza viruses.

-- Avian influenza virus infections in humans may cause diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more severe diseases and can be fatal. Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.

-- Laboratory tests are required to diagnose human infection with influenza. WHO periodically updates technical guidance protocols for the detection of zoonotic influenza using molecular methods. 

-- Human infections with influenza A(H9) viruses have been reported from countries in Africa and Asia, where these viruses are also detected in poultry. The majority of cases of human avian influenza A(H9N2) infection have been reported from China. This is the first imported human case of avian Influenza A(H9N2) virus infection reported in the European Region. 

Public health response

-- Contact tracing procedures have been initiated, and relevant authorities in Italy, as well as internationally (National IHR Focal Point for Senegal, WHO, and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)) have been informed through IHR channels. Once avian influenza was suspected, the response moved quickly from hospital-level management to regional laboratory confirmation and national coordination. Additionally, the regional surveillance system was notified, integrated within the One Health avian influenza reporting framework.

WHO risk assessment

-- Most reported human cases of A(H9N2) virus infection have been linked to exposure to infected poultry or contaminated environments, with the majority of cases experiencing mild clinical illness. Sporadic human cases following exposure to infected birds or contaminated environments can be expected since the virus remains enzootic in poultry populations. Avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses have been detected in poultry and environmental samples collected at live bird markets in Senegal and authorities in the country reported a human case of infection with an A(H9N2) virus in 2020.

-- Current epidemiological and virological evidence indicates that none of the characterized influenza A(H9N2) viruses thus far have acquired the ability for sustained transmission among humans. Thus, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human spread is low at this time. Infected individuals traveling internationally from affected areas may be identified in another country during or after arrival. However, if this were to occur, further community-level spread is considered unlikely. The risk assessment would be revisited if and when further epidemiological and virological information becomes available.

WHO advice

-- This case does not change the current WHO recommendations on public health measures and surveillance of influenza.

-- The public should avoid contact with high-risk environments such as live animal markets/farms or surfaces that might be contaminated by poultry feces. Respiratory protection is highly recommended for those handling live or dead (including slaughtering) poultry in occupational or backyard-farming settings. Good hand hygiene, i.e. frequent washing of hands or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended. WHO does not recommend any specific additional measures for travelers.

-- Under Article 6 of the IHR, all human infections caused by a new subtype of influenza virus are notifiable. The case definition for notification of human influenza infection caused by a new subtype under the IHR is provided here. State Parties to the IHR are required to immediately notify WHO of any laboratory-confirmed case of a human infection caused by such an influenza A virus.

-- WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event. 

Further information

-- WHO fact sheet on Influenza (avian and other zoonotic): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic)

-- WHO Global influenza programme, human-animal interface: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza

-- WHO Monthly Risk Assessment Summary: Influenza at the human-animal interface: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/avian-influenza/monthly-risk-assessment-summary

-- Protocol to investigate non-seasonal influenza and other emerging acute respiratory diseases: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/WHO-WHE-IHM-GIP-2018.2

-- World Health Organization. Public health resource pack for countries experiencing outbreaks of influenza in animals: revised guidance: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076884

-- Implementing the integrated sentinel surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential by the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240101432

-- Case definitions for the four diseases requiring notification in all circumstances under the International Health Regulations (2005): https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/case-definitions-for-the-four-diseases-requiring-notification-to-who-in-all-circumstances-under-the-ihr-(2005)

-- Mosaic Respiratory Surveillance Framework: https://www.who.int/initiatives/mosaic-respiratory-surveillance-framework/

-- Practical interim guidance to reduce the risk of infection in people exposed to avian influenza viruses: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/B09116

-- Antigenic and molecular characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses in sub-Saharan Africa from 2017 through 2019: https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-03213105v1

-- Genetic and Molecular Characterization of Avian Influenza A(H9N2) Viruses from Live Bird Markets (LBM) in Senegal: https://doi.org/10.3390/v17010073

-- Genetic characterization of the first detected human case of low pathogenic avian influenza A/H9N2 in sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal: https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2020.1763858

-- ECDC. First human case of influenza A(H9N2) infection imported in the EU: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/first-human-case-influenza-ah9n2-infection-imported-eu

-- Ministry of Health, Italy. Influenza A (H9N2) virus case identified in Lombardy. Routine surveillance and prevention procedures activated: https://www.salute.gov.it/new/it/comunicato-stampa/virus-influenzale-h9n2-identificato-caso-lombardia-attivate-le-ordinarie/

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Citable reference: World Health Organization (10 April 2026). Disease Outbreak News: Avian Influenza A(H9N2) in Italy. Available at: https://www/who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON597

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON597

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (#CDC, April 10 '26, summary)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Time Period: March 29, 2026 - April 04, 2026

-- A(H5) Detection: 7 site(s) (1.6%)

-- No Detection: 430 site(s) (98.4%)

-- No samples: 125 site(s)

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html

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#USA, Weekly #US #Influenza #Surveillance #Report: Key Updates for Week 13, ending April 4, 2026 (#CDC, summary)

 

(...)

Key Points

-- Seasonal influenza activity continues to decrease in most areas of the country. 

- Influenza A activity is low across all HHS regions while the amount of and trends in influenza B activity vary by region.

-- Influenza A(H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported influenza viruses overall this season.

-- Among 2,166 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since September 28, 2025, that underwent additional genetic characterization at CDC, 92.8% belonged to subclade K.

-- The cumulative influenza-associated hospitalization rate overall in FluSurv-NET is the third highest since the 2010-2011 season. 

- Children younger than 18 years have the second highest cumulative hospitalization rate for that age group since the 2010-2011 season.

-- Twelve influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2025-2026 season were reported to CDC this week, bringing the season total to 139 reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths.

-- Among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and with known vaccination status, approximately 85% of reported pediatric deaths this season have occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

-- CDC's in-season severity assessment framework classified the season as moderate across all ages. 

- CDC also assesses severity by three age groups: pediatric (0-17 years), adult (18-64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). 

- At this point in the season, the pediatric age group is classified as having high severity, while both the adult and older adult age groups are classified as having moderate severity. 

- These assessments are conducted each week during the season, and the season's severity assessment can change if activity should increase again.

-- CDC estimates that there have been at least 31 million illnesses, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 23,000 deaths from flu so far this season.

-- Influenza (flu) vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications. 

- There is still time to get vaccinated against flu this season. 

- Approximately 135 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the United States this season.

-- There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for flu-related complications.1

-- Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC provides updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.

-- No new avian influenza A(H5) infections were reported to CDC this week. To date, person-to-person transmission of influenza A(H5) viruses has not been identified in the United States.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-13.html

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#Investigation and #impact of mammalian #adaptation markers on #H5N8 high pathogenicity avian #influenza #polymerase activity

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic H5Nx viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b have spread worldwide, causing major economic losses and increased human exposure. Since 2020, multiple mammalian infections have been reported, raising concerns about further adaptation to mammalian hosts. We analyzed influenza A virus sequences from the Influenza Virus Database at the National Center for Biotechnology Information to identify new mammalian adaptation markers in the polymerase complex and nucleoprotein, using recursive partitioning. These markers were grouped into “proteotypes” to assess their co-occurrence and association with host origin. This analysis revealed distinct groups of proteotypes linked to mammalian adaptation, including those seen in historical and pandemic human strains. Identified mutations were introduced alone or in combination into a 2.3.4.4b H5N8 virus to evaluate their impact on polymerase activity in mammalian cells using a minigenome assay. PB1 V336I and PB2 K702R increased polymerase activity in human cells, particularly with PB2 E627K, supporting enhanced surveillance of 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses. These findings highlight mutation combinations relevant for enhanced surveillance of 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-026-00188-3

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Easily Scalable, Rapidly Deployable Mechanical Ventilator for Pandemic Health Crises in Resource-Limited Areas

 

Abstract

Background: 

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical shortages of mechanical ventilators, particularly in low-resource settings. Disruptions in global supply chains and dependence on specialized components highlighted the need for scalable, locally manufacturing alternatives for emergency respiratory support. 

Aim: 

To describe and evaluate a simplified, supply-chain-independent mechanical ventilator assembled from widely available automotive and simple hardware components, and intended as a last-resort solution. 

Methods: 

The ventilator is based on a reciprocating air pump driven by an automotive windshield wiper motor coupled to parallel shaft bellows and readily assembled passive membrane valves, only requiring materials available from standard hardware retailers, minimal tools, and basic manual skills. Ventilator performance was assessed through bench testing using a patient model simulating severe lung disease in an adult (R=20 cmH2O*s/L, C=15 mL/cmH2O) and pediatric (R=50 cmH2O*s/L, C=10 mL/cmH2O) patients. Realistic proof of concept was performed in four mechanically ventilated 50-kg pigs. 

Results: 

The device delivered tidal volumes up to 600 mL and respiratory rates up to 45 breaths/min with PEEP up to 10 cmH₂O, covering pediatric and adult ventilation ranges. In vivo testing showed that the ventilator maintained arterial blood gases within the targeted range. Technical details for ventilator construction are provided in an open-source video tutorial. 

Discussion: 

This low-cost ventilator demonstrated adequate performance under demanding conditions. Although not a substitute for commercial intensive care ventilators, its simplicity, autonomy, and independence from fragile supply chains provide a potentially life-saving option in resource-constrained emergency scenarios.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This work was partially supported by Sociedad Espanola de Neumologia y Cirugia Toracica (SEPAR) (grant 1381-2022). SEPAR had no involvement other than providing funding for the independently submitted research project.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.04.08.26350386v1

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#Species - and #variant - specific #ACE2 compatibility shapes #SARS-CoV-2 #spillover potential in North American #cervids

 

Abstract

Free-ranging white-tailed deer (WTD) are established SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs, but the susceptibility of other cervid species remains unclear. Here we integrate receptor analysis, structural modeling, and field surveillance to assess SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility across North American cervids. We identify species- and variant-specific differences in ACE2–spike compatibility. Elk ACE2 exhibits weak binding to the ancestral strain (Wuhan-Hu-1) and Delta spike receptor-binding domains (RBDs), likely due to a unique K31N substitution. In contrast, it shows stronger binding to Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Omicron RBDs containing N501Y. Biophysical assays, gel filtration chromatography, and cryo-EM confirm stable complex formation between elk ACE2 and Alpha RBD, but not RBD from the ancestral strain. Despite weak binding, elk ACE2 supports viral entry and replication in vitro. However, surveillance revealed limited evidence of infection in the United States, contrasting with widespread WTD transmissions. These findings demonstrate that ACE2 compatibility alone is insufficient to predict reservoir potential and provide a framework for assessing species susceptibility to emerging coronaviruses.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71623-5

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

{A Canada Goose}

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{A Greylag Goose}

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A wild Greylag Goose and a wild Canada Goose in Innlandet and Østfold Regions.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7424

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#Preclinical evaluation of an #mRNA #vaccine developed from the first #human isolate of #bovine #H5N1

 

Highlights

• SM102 and DB-Y ionizable lipids deliver H5 mRNA vaccine with high efficiency and safety

• Vaccine-induced antibody and T cell response protect mice from H5N1 challenge

• Pre-existing H1 immunity does not diminish H5-specific immunogenicity

• Vaccine fully protects chicken against clade 2.3.4.4b/h H5 virus challenge

Summary

Given the global threat posed by H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza, rapid development of effective vaccines is imperative. We design an mRNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin (HA) from A/Texas/37/2024, the first bovine-to-human strain. In murine models, both wild-type and cleavage-site-modified HA vaccines elicit robust and durable humoral immunity, along with a balanced Th1/Th2 response, conferring complete protection against lethal homologous viral challenge. The vaccine, along with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended candidate (A/Astrakhan/3212/2020), elicits cross-clade binding antibody responses and demonstrates improvement against specific clades at a 1 μg dose. Pre-existing H1 immunity does not diminish H5-specific immunogenicity. In avian species, the vaccine also provides full protection against lethal clades (2.3.4.4b and 2.3.4.4h). Formulated with another ionizable lipid, the vaccine elicits responses comparable to benchmark lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and shows a favorable safety profile in rats. This work establishes a rapidly adaptable mRNA-LNP vaccine prototype for pandemic preparedness against evolving avian influenza threats.

Source: 

Link: https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-medicine/fulltext/S2666-3791(26)00119-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2666379126001199%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

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