ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Background .  Understanding the interference patterns of respiratory viruses could be important for shedding light on potential strategies to combat these human infectious agents.  Objective .  To investigate the possible interactions between adenovirus type 2 (AdV2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) and influenza A/H1N1 pandemic (H1N1pdm09) using the A549 cell line .  Methods .  Single infections, co-infections, and superinfections (at 3 and 24 h after the first virus infection) were performed by varying the multiplicity of infection (MOI). Virus replication kinetics and the mRNA expression of IFN-α, IL-1α and IL-6 were assessed by real-time qPCR.  Results .  Co-infection experiments showed different growth dynamics , depending on the presence of the specific virus and time. AdV2 replication remained stable or possibly enhanced in the presence of co-infection with each of the two H1N1pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses ...

Abstract The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus in dairy cattle marks a troubling new chapter in the ongoing battle against zoonotic diseases . Since its initial detection in 1955, the H5N1 virus has primarily been associated with poultry , posing significant threats to both animal and human health . However, recent outbreaks in U.S. dairy herds across nine states have revealed an alarming expansion of the virus , with over 190 herds affected as of September 2024. This unprecedented spread in cattle has sparked intense concern among scientists and health officials, especially with reports indicating that up to 20% of dairy products may contain traces of the virus . The implications of the H5N1 virus establishing itself in cattle populations are profound. This potential endemic presence could transform dairy farms into reservoirs of the virus , facilitating its evolution and increasing the risk of human transmission . Mutations enhancing viral replication...

Abstract The duck CD8+ T-cell response effectively defends against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection , but the recognized peptide is rarely identified. Here, we found that the ratio of CD8+ T cells and the expression of IFN-γ and cytotoxicity-associated genes , including granzyme A/K, perforin and IL2, at 7 days post-infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from B1 haplotype ducks significantly increased in the context of defending against H5N1 AIV infection in vivo. Moreover, similar results were observed in cultured and sorted H5N1 AIV-stimulated duck CD8+ T cells in vitro. Next, we selected 109 epitopes as candidate epitopes on the basis of the MHC-I restriction binding peptide prediction website database and further identified twelve CD8+ T-cell epitopes that significantly increased IFN-γ gene expression after stimulating B1 haplotype duck memory PBMCs. In particular, NP338−346, NP473−481, M2−10, PB1540−548 and PA80−88 were highly conserv...

Abstract The global spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus poses a serious pandemic threat , necessitating the swift development of effective vaccines. The success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology in the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by its rapid development and scalability , demonstrates its potential for addressing other infectious threats , such as HPAI A(H5N1). We therefore evaluated mRNA vaccine candidates targeting panzootic influenza A(H5) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, which have been shown to infect a range of mammalian species , including most recently being detected in dairy cattle . Ferrets were immunized with mRNA vaccines encoding either hemagglutinin alone or hemagglutinin and neuraminidase , derived from a 2.3.4.4b prototype vaccine virus recommended by the World Health Organization. Kinetics of the immune responses , as well as protection against a lethal challenge dose of A(H5N1) virus, were assessed. Two doses of mRNA vaccination elicited...

Abstract Since 2016, epizootics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus have threatened the poultry sector in Europe . Because conventional prevention and control measures alone were insufficient in some contexts, the European Commission authorized poultry vaccination in 2023 . Subsequently, France launched a nationwide duck vaccination campaign combined with a comprehensive surveillance plan. We used a mathematical model to simulate the transmission of HPAI viruses in vaccinated duck flocks and assess the effectiveness of a wide range of surveillance strategies. Sampling and testing dead ducks every week (enhanced passive surveillance) was the most sensitive (≈90%) and the most timely strategy. Active surveillance through monthly testing of a cross-sectional sample of live ducks was the least sensitive and timely strategy. Thus, we advise focusing HPAI surveillance efforts on enhanced passive surveillance and reducing active surveillance of live ducks. Source: Emerging Infec...

According to CCTV News, on December 18 local time, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California to deal with the increasingly serious avian influenza epidemic . Although there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission in California , 61 people have been infected with avian influenza in the United States, 34 of which are from California . Newsom emphasized that although the risk is low, the government will continue to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus and open funds to support the emergency response of relevant agencies. According to Xinhua News Agency, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement on the 18th saying that the United States reported the first severe case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus . The patient was hospitalized and his infection may be related to contact with sick and dead poultry raised in private backyard farms. The CDC said in a statement that the pati...

{Excerpt} The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has detected the first presumptive positive human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Barron County . The human case follows an infected flock of commercial poultry identified in Barron County. The person had exposure to the infected flock . The case was identified through testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH) and is pending confirmation at CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). DHS, in coordination with Barron County Health and Human Services, is monitoring farm workers who may have been exposed to the virus and has provided them with information to protect their health. The risk to the general public in Wisconsin remains low. People who work with infected animals, or have recreational exposure to them, are at higher risk. (...) Source: Department of Health,  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/121824.htm ____

December 18, 2024-- A patient has been hospitalized with a severe case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus ("H5N1 bird flu") infection in Louisiana.  This marks the first instance of severe illness linked to the virus in the United States. The case was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, December 13.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada , and Washington state . This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencin...

 {Excerpt} Abstract   Between 21 September and 6 December 2024 , 657 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) and A(H5N5) virus detections were reported in domestic (341) and wild (316) birds across 27 countries in Europe . Many HPAI outbreaks in domestic birds were clustered in areas with high poultry density and characterised by secondary farm-to-farm spread . Waterfowl , particularly the mute swan , were primarily affected during this reporting period, with HPAI virus detections focused on south-eastern Europe . Notably, A(H5N5) viruses expanded their geographic and host range, resulting in a surge in detections and mortality events described in gulls and crows . No new HPAI virus detections in mammals were reported in Europe during this reporting period, but the number of dairy cattle farms reportedly affected in the United States of America (USA) rose to > 800 in 16 States, and HPAI virus was identified in two pigs in a mixed-species farm. Between 21 September ...

Abstract Using a prion amplification assay , we identified prions in tissues from wild pigs (Sus scrofa) living in areas of the United States with variable chronic wasting disease (CWD) epidemiology . Our findings indicate that scavenging swine could play a role in disseminating CWD and could therefore influence its epidemiology, geographic distribution, and interspecies spread. Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-0401_article ____

 {Excerpt} Exposure Source [ State -  Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations: Dairy Herds (Cattle) - Poultry Farms and Culling Operations - Other Animal Exposure† - Exposure Source Unknown‡ -  State Total ] 1) California -  33 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  34 2) Colorado -  1 - 9 - 0 - 0 -  10 3) Louisiana -  0 - 0 - 1 - 0 -  1 {+1} 4) Michigan -  2 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  2 5) Missouri -  0 - 0 - 0 - 1 -  1 6) Oregon -  0 - 1 - 0 - 0 -  1 7) Texas -  1 - 0 - 0 - 0 -  1 8) Washington -  0 - 11 - 0 - 0 -  11 -- Source Total -  37 - 21 - 1 - 2 - 61 {+1} NOTE : One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. {†} Exposure was related to other animals such as backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals {‡...

Abstract Influenza A is a zoonotic disease that affects dogs, pigs, horses, poultry, and birds . In this report, a meta-analysis according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was conducted. Studies of influenza A viruses in dogs providing prevalence or seroprevalence in any location worldwide were included. The results in this study show that the seroprevalence for the H3N8 influenza subtype was 7.96% (95% CI: 2.03–16.8, p < 0.001), for the H3N2 subtype was 7.44% (95% CI: 4.51–10.5, p < 0.001), and for the H1N1 subtype was 3.10% (95% CI: 0.890–6.01, p < 0.001). In the case of the prevalence analysis, a prevalence of 0.395% (95% CI: 0.160–2.44) for the H3N8 subtype. For the H3N2 subtype, a prevalence of 17.8% (95% CI: 6.66–32.6, p < 0.001) was found. No publication bias was observed in the studies evaluating seroprevalence in the H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes. In the H3N8 subtype, Begg’s test indicated publication bias, but Egger’s test sh...

In an update on the mutating virus - known as H5N1 – Dr. Madhur Dhingra from the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, said that it had “spilled over into wildlife”.  More than 500 bird species have been infected along with at least 70 mammalian species , including the endangered California condor and polar bears .  In regions that are heavily reliant on poultry as a primary source of protein, the FAO medic insisted that avian influenza “poses a serious threat to food and nutrition security”. Economic damage Dr Dhingra warned that hundreds of millions of people’s livelihoods have been affected by the virus – an economic burden on farmers that could prevent them from investing in adequate biosafety measures. Following the emergence of H5N1 influenza virus in dairy cattle , the WHO has joined calls for strengthened surveillance and biosecurity on farms, to keep animals and people safe. The UN health agency said that in 2024, 76 people have been infected with the H5 avian influ...

 {Excerpt} He had recently returned from a trip to Congo and died on Monday evening from a suspected case of hemorrhagic fever . The victim is a 55-year-old man from Trevignano , in the province of Treviso. The news was communicated by the Public Health Hygiene Service of the Azienda Ulss 2 Marca trevigiana and diagnostic tests are underway in collaboration with the Spallanzani Institute of Rome to trace the origins of the death. (...) Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano (in Italian),  https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2024/12/17/treviso-55enne-morto-febbre-emorragica-rientrato-congo/7808209/ _____

Abstract Antigenic variability among influenza virus strains poses a significant challenge to developing broadly protective, long-lasting vaccines . Current annual vaccines target specific strains, requiring accurate prediction for effective neutralization. Despite sequence diversity across phylogenetic groups, the hemagglutinin (HA) head domain's structure remains highly conserved. Utilizing this conservation, we designed cross-group chimeric HAs that combine antigenic surfaces from distant strains. By structure-guided transplantation of receptor-binding site (RBS) residues, we displayed an H3 RBS on an H1 HA scaffold . These chimeric immunogens elicit cross-group polyclonal responses capable of neutralizing both base and distal strains . Additionally, the chimeras integrate heterotrimeric immunogens , enhancing modular vaccine design. This approach enables the inclusion of diverse strain segments to generate broad polyclonal responses. In the future, such modular immunogens may s...

 {Excerpt} According to the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC), in close collaboration with international health authorities, it maintains enhanced epidemiological surveillance at Noi Bai airport to quickly detect any suspected cases and implement preventive measures adapted to the evolution of the global and local health situation. (...) Source: Vietnam+,  https://fr.vietnamplus.vn/surveillance-epidemiologique-renforcee-a-laeroport-de-noi-bai-pour-prevenir-une-maladie-apparue-en-rdc-post237120.vnp   ____

 {Excerpt} (Xinhua) 13:20, December 17, 2024 LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of California has recalled raw milk produced and packaged by Valley Milk Simply Bottled , a local dairy company based in Stanislaus County, due to detection of bird flu virus . The recall order came following the detection of Influenza-A H5N1 (bird flu) virus in samples taken from a raw milk bulk tank at the Valley Milk Simply Bottled dairy farm , said the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) in a release. The order applies to all "Valley Milk Simply Bottled Raw Cow Milk" and "DESI Milk Raw Cow Milk" distributed in quart, half-gallon, and one-gallon plastic jugs with a code date marked on the container of DEC 23 2024 through DEC 30 2024. CDFA urged consumers not to consume any product remaining in their refrigerators. No illnesses have been reported in the state yet. (...) Source: People's Daily,  http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/1217/c90000-20254910.html   __...

ABSTRACT Following two human infections with the H10N3 avian influenza virus (AIV) in 2021 and 2022, a third case was discovered in Yunnan, China , in 2024, raising concerns about the potential for future pandemics . Recent studies have indicated that novel H10N3 viruses are highly pathogenic in mice and can be transmitted between guinea pigs via respiratory droplets without prior adaptation. However, the biological characteristics of novel H10N3 in poultry have not been fully elucidated. Our findings revealed that H10 subtype AIVs are predominantly prevalent in waterfowl . Notably, H10N8 and H10N3 viruses that have infected humans were primarily isolated from chickens . For the first time, double basic hemagglutinin cleavage sites (motif PEIKQGR↓GL) were identified in novel H10N3 AIVs, which exhibit enhanced replication in chickens , and can be transmitted between chickens through direct contact and respiratory droplets . Animal experimental studies demonstrated that ducks are also su...

 {Excerpt} WASHINGTON, December 16, 2024 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.  This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Louisiana during this outbreak, which began in February 2022. Samples from the flock were tested at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Louisiana on a joint incident response and will provide appropriate support as requested.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.  As a reminder, the ...

Abstract Sepsis , characterized as life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from dysregulated host responses to infection , remains a significant challenge in clinical practice . Despite advancements in understanding host-bacterial interactions , molecular responses, and therapeutic approaches, the mortality rate associated with sepsis has consistently ranged between 10 and 16%. This elevated mortality highlights critical gaps in our comprehension of sepsis etiology. Traditionally linked to bacterial and fungal pathogens, recent outbreaks of acute viral infections , including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( MERS-CoV ), influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ), among other regional epidemics, have underscored the role of viral pathogenesis in sepsis, particularly when critically ill patients exhibit classic symptoms indicative of sepsis. However, many cases of viral-induced sepsis are frequently underdiagnosed because standar...