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Abstract Colorectal cancer incidence rates vary geographically and have changed over time1 . Notably, in the past two decades, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer , affecting individuals under the age of 50 years, has doubled in many countries2-5. The reasons for this increase are unknown . Here, we investigate whether mutational processes contribute to geographic and age-related differences by examining 981 colorectal cancer genomes from 11 countries . No major differences were found in microsatellite unstable cancers, but variations in mutation burden and signatures were observed in the 802 microsatellite-stable cases. Multiple signatures, most with unknown etiologies , exhibited varying prevalence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Russia , and Thailand , indicating geographically diverse levels of mutagenic exposure. Signatures SBS88 and ID18, caused by the bacteria-produced mutagen colibactin 6,7, had higher mutation loads in countries with higher colorectal cancer inciden...

{Excerpt} The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 23) received a report of a case of severe paediatric COVID-19 and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection and reminded the public to observe personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. High-risk individuals should receive a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and receive booster doses at appropriate times to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection. The case involves an eight-month-old girl with good past health, who developed a fever and runny nose since April 19 and sought medical attention from a private doctor the next day. She developed cough and shortness of breath on April 21 and sought medical attention from another private doctor. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan on April 22 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on the sam...

Abstract The ecological factors that led to the 1918 influenza pandemic remain unknown. We hypothesise that horses acted as intermediate hosts spreading a pre-pandemic avian-origin virus before 1918. This is supported by reports describing a large epizootic of unusually severe equine influenza beginning in 1915. Furthermore, the high horse demand during WWI resulted in one of the biggest equine mobilisations in North America between 1914 and 1918. This extensive movement of horses provided abundant opportunities for virus reassortment between pre-pandemic avian and human influenza viruses. Archived equine tissues or serum samples will be needed to test this hypothesis. Source: Journal of Infectious Diseases,  https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaf197/8115353?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false ____

ABSTRACT The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b has caused a human outbreak in North America since March 2024. Here, we conducted a serosurveillance study to determine the risk of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b (2024 cattle H5N1) to general population. In the initial screening of 180 serum specimens encompassing all age groups, 2.2% (4/180) had detectable neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers against reverse genetics-derived 2024 cattle H5N1, with all collected from older adults aged ≥60 years old. Further screening showed that 4.2% (19/450) of adults aged ≥60 years old had detectable nAb titers against the 2024 cattle H5N1 . 80% (4/5) serum specimens with nAb titer of ≥40 had detectable HI titer, and there was a positive correlation between nAb titer and HA binding (r = 0.3325, 95% confidence interval 0.2477 to 0.4123; P < 0.0001). The nAb titer against seasonal H1N1 virus was 4.2-fold higher for ≥60 years old individuals with detectable H5N1 nAb titer than those ≥...

Abstract We detected influenza D virus in multiple swine herds in Northern Ireland . Whole-genome sequencing showed several circulating genotypes and novel mutations in the receptor-binding site and esterase domains of the hemagglutinin-esterase fusion protein. Transmission routes of influenza D virus to swine remain to be clarified but could be direct or indirect. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/5/24-1948_article ____

Abstract Several concurrent mpox outbreaks are ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . We report a case of severe clade Ia mpox in an adult woman with indeterminate HIV status who died 16 days after symptom onset. She self-identified as a sex worker and had spent time in the capital city, Kinshasa. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/5/24-1690_article ____

Abstract The introduction and subsequent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry is influenced by the virus replication fitness, transmission fitness, and virulence in poultry. These viral fitness parameters are important for implementing surveillance and control measures for poultry. This study investigates the potential application of an avian in vitro model using primary chicken embryo (CEF) and duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF) to identify the viral fitness for a reference panel of eight dominant HPAI clade 2.3.4.4 virus genotypes : four H5N1 viruses isolated between 2021 and 2024, as well as three H5N8 and one H5N6 virus isolated between 2014 and 2020. Infectious virus titre and cytopathogenicity were measured in the primary cell cultures over time and these data were analysed using a mathematical model which delineates cell populations into susceptible, latent, infectious, and dead compartments. In addition to obtaining traditional virological parameters such...

Abstract We performed serologic surveillance for selected arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) in bats and opossums in the Lacandona Rainforest, Chiapas, Mexico , in 2023–2024. Sera were collected from 94 bats of at least 15 species and 43 opossums of three species. The sera were assayed by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) for antibodies to eight orthoflaviviruses ( dengue viruses 1–4, St. Louis encephalitis virus , T’Ho virus, West Nile virus, and Zika virus ) and one alphavirus (chikungunya virus; CHIKV). Twelve (12.8%) bats and 15 (34.9%) opossums contained orthoflavivirus-specific antibodies . One bat (a Jamaican fruit bat) was seropositive for Zika virus , and 11 bats contained antibodies to an undetermined orthoflavivirus , as did the 15 opossums. All bats and most opossums seropositive for an undetermined orthoflavivirus had low PRNT titers, possibly because they had been infected with another (perhaps unrecognized) orthoflavivirus not included in the PRNTs. Anti...

Abstract Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV), a member of the family Arenaviridae , is a highly pathogenic virus capable of causing severe systemic infections in humans . The primary host reservoir is the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), with human infections typically occurring through mucosal exposure to virus-containing aerosols from rodent excretions . To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying LASV replication in the respiratory tract, we utilized differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) grown under air–liquid interface conditions, closely mimicking the bronchial epithelium in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that HAECs are permissive to LASV infection and support productive virus replication . While LASV entry into polarized HAECs occurred through both apical and basolateral surfaces , progeny virus particles were predominantly released from the apical surface , consistent with an intrinsic apical localization of the envelope glycoprotein GP...

Influenza A H5N1, New Cases reported, week 16/2025 : - Date: 18/04/2025; - Country: Vietnam;  - Province: Tay Ninh province, Ben Cau district;  - Sex: Female; - Age: 8;  - Clinical condition: Serious; - Subtype: H5N1. (...) Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR,  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk16.pdf ____

Abstract The avian influenza virus (AIV) primarily affects birds and poses an increasing concern due to its growing adaptability to other hosts , heightening zoonotic risks . The adaptability is a key factor in AIV to infect multiple non-avian species, including humans , companion animals , aquatic mammals , carnivores , and other mammals. The virus is evolving through genetic mutations and reassortments , leading to the emergence of AIV strains with enhanced virulence and adaptability in mammals. This highlights the critical need to understand the genetic factors of AIV, including mutations in polymerase proteins , surface antigens , and other regulatory proteins, as well as the dynamics of AIV- host interactions and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, water salinity, and pH that govern the cross-species adaptability of the virus. This review provides comprehensive insights into the molecular/genetic changes AIV undergoes to adapt in mammalian hosts including bovines,...

Abstract The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus among dairy cattle illustrates the adaptability of influenza A viruses (IAV) to infect non-traditional species . While IAV-specific sialic acid (SA) receptors have been identified in the mammary glands of dairy cattle , their presence in pigs, sheep, goats, and alpacas has not been studied until now. The zoonotic transmission of HPAI H5N1 to dairy and poultry farm workers during outbreaks raises public health concerns . This study employed lectin histochemistry to examine the mammary glands of livestock and humans . We found that these tissues were rich in SA α2,6-Gal receptors, followed by SA α2,3-Gal receptors , essential for IAV binding . Notably, the A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus could bind to mammary tissue from both cattle and pigs . These findings highlight the potential for HPAI H5N1 to infect and spread within the mammary glands of production animals and humans. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.bior...

Abstract Influenza A virus poses significant public health challenges , causing seasonal outbreaks and pandemics. Its rapid evolution motivates continuous monitoring of circulating influenza genomes to inform vaccine and antiviral development. Wastewater-based surveillance offers an unbiased, cost-effective approach for genomic surveillance. We developed a novel tiling amplicon primer panel that covers diversity of influenza A virus, targeting segments of the surface proteins HA, NA, and M of subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. Using this panel, we sequenced nucleic acid extracts from 59 Swiss wastewater samples collected at four locations during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 winter seasons. We found that wastewater-based abundance estimates of the dominant H1N1 clades correlated with clinical-based estimates in the 2023/2024 season. Furthermore, wastewater-based sequencing revealed mutations in vaccine and drug target sites , consistent with clinical data. Overall, we demonstrate the effectiveness ...

Abstract High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 2.3.4.4b poses a substantial conservation threat to ecosystems , populations, and species globally, with its continued spread into new regions increasing concern for potential ecological consequences . During surveys in February-March 2025, we confirmed the virus presence at the southern extent of its known range along the Western Antarctic Peninsula, with recorded mortalities in South Polar Skuas Stercorarius maccormicki on distinct islands in Marguerite Bay , as well as one confirmed and one suspected case in Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus . At the time of sampling, no evidence of infection was observed in other seabird or mammal species. Consistent with previous global reports, skuas - here, South Polar Skuas - appear particularly vulnerable, yet broader impacts on the local seabird and mammal community remain unclear. Additionally, our use of rapid antigen tests (VDRG AIV Ag Rapid kit 2.0 Median Diagnostics) in the field demonst...

Highlights •  A large B19V French outbreak of an unexpected magnitude occurred, with a monthly rate that has reached 21.4%. •  During this outbreak, 50% of infected pregnant women exhibited fetal complications. •  Phylogenetic analysis revealed the co-circulation of several B19V lineages of genotype 1a, the main epidemic lineage of which emerged in 2017. Abstract Background The human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infections cycle occurs in 3- to 4-year periods and is responsible for benign childhood erythema infectiosum . It is also associated with transient aplastic crisis in patients with underlying hemolytic diseases and with severe fetal sometimes fatal infection . This study investigated the epidemiological, clinical and molecular characteristics of an unusually large 2023-2024 outbreak of B19V. Methods . Laboratory-confirmed cases were retrospectively and prospectively recorded at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, France , between January, 2018 and November, 2023 an...

  Am J Respir Crit Care Med BALTE PP, Kim JS, Sun Y, Allen N, et al Associations of Pre-Pandemic Lung Function and Structure with COVID-19 Outcomes: The C4R Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2025 Apr 16. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202408-1656. PubMed           Abstract available Antiviral Res KELLY JA, Aida-Ficken V, McMullan LK, Chatterjee P, et al Mechanisms of action of repurposed Ebola virus antivirals - the roles of phospholipidosis and cholesterol homeostasis. Antiviral Res. 2025 Apr 15:106167. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106167. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis MESSCHENDORP AL, Zaeck LM, Bouwmans P, van den Broek DAJ, et al Replacing Mycophenolate Mofetil by Everolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients to Increase Vaccine Immunogenicity: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Apr 15:ciaf107. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           ...

  Am J Med BILC M, Cramer H Use of Complementary Medicine Among US Adults with Post-COVID-19: Results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. Am J Med. 2025;138:862-869. PubMed           Abstract available MAURO M, Cegolon L, Bestiaco N, Zulian E, et al Heart Rate Variability Modulation Through Slow-Paced Breathing in Health Care Workers with Long COVID: A Case-Control Study. Am J Med. 2025;138:870-883. PubMed           Abstract available NAIK H, Wilton J, Tran KC, Janjua NZ, et al Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in Working-Age COVID-19 Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Med. 2025;138:850-861. PubMed           Abstract available PALACIO A, Bast E, Klimas N, Tamariz L, et al Lessons Learned in Implementing a Multidisciplinary Long COVID Clinic. Am J Med. 2025;138:843-849. PubMed           Abstract avail...

Abstract Background Avian influenza virus (AIV), a zoonotic pathogen found worldwide , includes multiple subtypes, one of which is the H4 subtype frequently detected in wild birds and poultry . Despite its prevalence, research on H4 subtype AIV has been scarce, with a focus predominantly on the H4N2 and H4N6 subtypes. The zoonotic potential of H4N1 has not been investigated to date. Methods In this study, we used gene sequencing in conjunction with bioinformatics methodologies to analyze wild-type H4N1 AIV strain and mutant strains emerging from serial passaging in cell culture . Furthermore, we assessed the zoonotic potential of H4N1 and the alterations caused by mutations via a series of phenotype assays, including evaluation of receptor binding affinity, immunofluorescence assays, analyses of growth kinetics across different animal cell cultures, and in vivo pathogenicity studies. Results Our research reveals that H4N1 AIV can bind to human receptors and exhibits an affinity for hum...

Abstract Gammacoronavirus (γ-CoV) primarily infects poultry, wild birds, and marine mammals . The widespread distribution and circulation of γ-CoV in the ecological environment may lead to sustained transmission and economic loss . To better understand the diversity of γ-CoV in wild birds , we collect 482 wild-bird fecal samples from Yunnan , encompassing fourteen bird species . We detected twelve γ-CoV positive samples in five bird species, with the characterization of five complete genomes - HNU5-1, HNU5-2, HNU5-3, HNU6-1, and HNU6-2 -indicating that these genomes represent two viral species . The HNU5 strains were derived from Black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), while the HNU6 strains were came from Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and both of those were recombinant. The HNU5 strain exhibited the highest sequence identity (95.45%) with a γ-CoV strain isolated from Numenius phaeopus (GenBank accession: PP845452). Similarly, the HNU6 strain showed 95.18% nucleotide identity w...

Abstract Pigeons (Columba livia) are usually kept as free-ranging or racing birds, and they have direct contact with livestock, poultry, and humans . Therefore, they may have an important role in the ecology of influenza virus among various species. In the present study, we bring together all available sequence data of pigeon avian influenza virus (AIV) from public databases to address the current understanding of the genomic characteristics and emergence of each subtype of AIV in pigeons. Collectively, we identified 658 pigeon AIV strains in 21 countries across the world, which were mainly distributed in Europe, Asia, and North America. H1 (2), H2 (1), H3 (8), H5 (71), H6 (16), H7 (16), H9 (543), and H11 (1) AIV subtypes have been identified in pigeons. In addition, we interrogate features of the H5, H6, H7, and H9 subtypes of pigeon AIV, which are relatively common in pigeons. It is particularly noteworthy that the H5 AIV strains identified in pigeons are all classified as HPAIV. For...