ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Background Avian influenza, a significant threat to public health , requires monitoring for the development of control strategies. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of avian influenza virus in the external environment of Xinjiang from 2021 to 2023, to enhance understanding of its transmission patterns and provide a scientific basis for public health response measures. Methods A total of 3913 avian-related environmental samples were collected from nine monitoring areas in Xinjiang . Sample types included poultry drinking water, meat cutting boards, cage surfaces, feces, and wastewater. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect nucleic acid for H5, H7, and H9 subtypes. Data were statistically analyzed using Excel and SPSS, and spatial distribution was visualized through Kriging interpolation using ArcGIS. Results Among the collected samples, 810 tested positive , with an overall positivity rate of 20.70%. The H9 subtype was predominant , accounting for 85.43% ...

Abstract Genomic sequencing of re-emerging highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus detected in Argentina in February 2025 revealed novel triple-reassortant viruses containing gene segments from Eurasian H5N1 and low pathogenic viruses from South and North American lineages . These findings underscore continued evolution and diversification of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 in the Americas. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.23.655175v1 ____

Abstract Mpox clade Ib is significant as it is associated with human cases and plays a key role in understanding the transmission and public health implications of mpox outbreaks. Here we present a case report of the first confirmed human infection of clade Ib in China , which occurred in December 2025 in Zhejiang Province. The case was a 28-year-old woman from South Africa who had sexual contact with an asymptomatic man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo . She presented with disseminated vesicular lesions on the extremities, face, buttocks, trunk, palms, and dorsum of the hands, but lesions were absent from the oral cavity, perineum, and anus. By the 18th day post-onset (DPO), only vesicles remained on the dorsum of the right foot and in the finger web spaces, with complete resolution by the 24th DPO. Among 59 consecutive samples collected, 55 tested positive for mpox virus . Oropharyngeal swabs turned negative by the 16th DPO, while skin lesion samples, urine samples, and scab...

Abstract Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a significant global concern, causing widespread mortality in wild birds, domestic poultry and most recently wild and domestic mammals . This study presents a retrospective analysis of AIV detections in the Republic of Ireland . Data was sourced from official surveillance databases, peer-reviewed literature and grey literature sources. Spatio-temporal, host-specific and subtype patterns were assessed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, linear regression and kernel density estimations. A total of 2,888 confirmed AIV detections were recorded from 25 of Ireland's 26 counties . Wild birds accounted for 98.7% of detections, with domestic birds comprising 1.3% and two detections in foxes . H5N1 was the most prevalent subtype (96.7%) followed by H5N8 and H6N1 . Spatial clustering was observed in urban areas, particularly Dublin . The highest seasonal peak occurred during summer, contrasting with traditional winter-associated patterns. Se...

Abstract Since 2015, French poultry production is threatened almost every year by a reintroduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses . The duck sector was the most concerned by this crisis but other sectors such as broiler, layer and turkey were also affected by outbreaks. The objective of this work was to assess the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus transmission from one farm to another within the French broiler and layer production network. This study used the WOAH risk assessment framework . After drawing up a scenario tree of virus transmission from one farm to another, data were collected through a literature review or through experts' elicitation. Three questionnaires were developed according to the experts' field of expertise: avian influenza, broiler and layer sectors. The experts' estimates were combined using a beta distribution weighted by their confidence level. A Monte Carlo iteration process was used to combine the different prob...

{Excerpts} Influenza A H5N1 Virus -- Date : 23/05/2025,  -- Location : China*, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,  -- Sex : Female,  -- Age : 53,   -- Clinical Status : Recovered,  -- Virus Subtype : H5N1. (...) Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR,  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk21.pdf ____

Abstract Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting poultry and wild water birds , posing significant global challenges due to its high mortality rates and economic impacts. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks , particularly those caused by H5N1 and its variants , have surged since their first occurrence in 1959. The HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have notably expanded its geographical reach, affecting numerous countries, diverse avian species, and now wild and domestic mammals . Using an ecological niche modelling approach, this study aims to elucidate the environmental factors associated with the increased HPAI H5 cases since 2020, investigate potential shifts in ecological niches , and predict new areas suitable for local viral circulation. Focusing on H5N1 and H5Nx strains, we have developed ecological niche models for HPAI case in both wild and domestic birds while considering two distinct periods: 2015-2020 and 2020-2022. Key environmenta...

  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/frederick-mccubbin/home-again-1884 ____

  By Gabriele Fontana - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabry1970/5175636373/ , CC BY-SA 2.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109273634 Source: Wikipedia,  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotiva_FS_D.445 ____

  AJR Am J Roentgenol SCHMITT JE, Smerconish S Beyond the AJR: Demystifying COVID-19-Related Brain Fog With Perfusion MRI. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2025 May 21. doi: 10.2214/AJR.25.32998. PubMed          Br J Anaesth WELLER JM, Long J, Moore M, Henderson K, et al Effects of a national team training intervention for operating theatre teams on patient and staff outcomes: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial and mixed-methods study. Br J Anaesth. 2025 May 16:S0007-0912(25)00230-2. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2025. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis NADIG N, Bhimraj A, Cawcutt K, Chiotos K, et al 2025 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the Treatment and Management of COVID-19: Vilobelimab. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 May 22:ciaf235. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis HUANG Q, Kang L, Wei X, ...

  Am J Med LIPPI G, Sanchis-Gomar F, Lavie CJ The recent (2018-2022) US monthly mortality for acute myocardial infarction still peaks in December and January. Am J Med. 2025 Jan 18:S0002-9343(25)00035-X. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025. PubMed           Abstract available STAHLBERG M, Fischer K, Tahhan M, Zhao A, et al Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Prevalence of Peripheral Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Associations With NT-ProBNP Dynamics. Am J Med. 2025;138:1019-1028. PubMed           Abstract available ZHOU T, Sawano M, Arun AS, Caraballo C, et al Internal Tremors and Vibrations in Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Med. 2025;138:1010-1018. PubMed           Abstract available SANAL-HAYES NEM, Mclaughlin M, Hayes LD, Berry ECJ, et al Examining Well-Being and Cognitive Function in People With Long COVID and ME/CFS, and Age-Matched Healthy Controls: A...

{Summary} World Organisation for Animal Health (2025) . – The State of the World’s Animal Health 2025 . Paris, 124pp. https://doi.org/10.20506/woah.3586. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO. Foreword Animal health is inextricably linked to human  health , the stability of ecosystems and the strength of economies. In a world facing increasingly complex global challenges – emerging infectious diseases, climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity – ensuring the health of animals is crucial. This first iteration of The State of the World’s Animal Health report is a landmark publication released by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for its 92nd General Session of the World Assembly, which reflects our commitment to evidence-based decision-making and data-driven action. Drawing  on WOAH’s comprehensive information systems and the collective expertise of its Members and expert network, this report offers a clear, objective and timely analysis of the global animal...

Abstract The Eurasian avian-like swine (EA) H1N1 virus has been widely prevalent in the Chinese swine population and has caused infections in human . However, knowledge regarding its pathogenic mechanisms remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the pathogenic determinants of two G4 genotype EA H1N1 viruses (A/Swine/Guangdong/SS12/2017 and A/Swine/Jiangxi/1110/2017) with differing pathogenicity by constructing a series of reassortant and mutant viruses . The HA-G219A mutation was found to be determinant of pathogenicity in mice. Subsequent analyses revealed that this mutation enhances viral replication in human cells , improves thermal stability , reduces HA activation pH, and alters receptor-binding properties . Furthermore, HA-G219A mutation may be an adaptive mutation that facilitates influenza virus adaptation to swine , with its prevalence increasing in the swine population. This mutation may support cross-species transmission of EA H1N1 swine influenza viruses or genetic excha...

Abstract In 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) heavily affected gulls in Europe. In July, a mass mortality event was reported in the Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) breeding colony at Ekkerøy in Northern Norway . The cause was confirmed to be infection with the HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus , genotype EA-2022- BB. We describe the outbreak in Kittiwakes, including pathological and virological investigations , and discuss the management and zoonotic potential . With more than 15,000 dead birds reported , we estimate that the outbreak caused a reduction in the Kittiwake population at Ekkerøy of at least 50%. Diseased birds exhibited neurological signs . Necropsy of ten birds revealed a peracute fatal systemic disease , with severe lesions in the brain and pancreas co-localizing with the presence of viral RNA and antigen. Vascular expression of α2,3-linked sialic acids and viral RNA/antigen may reflect hematogenous virus spread . Further studies should investigate th...

Abstract Background .  Sudan virus (SUDV) has caused multiple outbreaks in Uganda over the past two decades, leading to significant morbidity and mortality . The recent outbreaks in 2022 and 2025 highlight the ongoing threat posed by SUDV and the challenges in its containment. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological patterns and phylogenomic evolution of SUDV outbreaks in Uganda, identifying key factors influencing transmission and disease severity.  Methods .  We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing epidemiological and genomic data from SUDV outbreaks in Uganda between 2000 and 2025. Epidemiological data were collected from official sources, including the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, supplemented with reports from public health organizations. Genomic sequences of SUDV were analyzed to investigate viral evolution and identify genetic variations associated with pathogenicity and transmissibility.  Results...

{Excerpt} Time Period: May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025 -- H5 Detection :  18 sites ( 4.5% ) -- No Detection :  381 sites ( 95.5% ) -- No samples in last week :  59 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

Abstract Since their first detection in 1996, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses with H5 haemagglutinin of the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (Gs/Gd) lineage have caused outbreaks in domestic and wild animals associated with mass morbidity and mortality , and economic losses as well as sporadic human infections . These viruses have spread to hosts across the European, Asian, African, and North and South American continents, and most recently Antarctica , representing a major threat to wildlife, domestic animals and humans . Owing to continuous circulation in poultry, Gs/Gd lineage viruses have diversified into numerous distinct genetic and antigenic (sub)clades , and genetic diversity has further increased by extensive reassortment with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses of wild birds. In this Review, we discuss the historical emergence of Gs/Gd lineage viruses and their evolution and geographical spread . An overview of the major determinants of host range and cross-species trans...

ABSTRACT Long-distance migratory ducks play a critical role in the maintenance and dissemination of A(H5N1) viruses . Comparative pathogenicity studies were conducted on blue-winged teal (BWTE; Anas discors) using three distinct genotypes of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses (A1, B1.3, and B4.1) isolated from wild ducks in Canada . Twenty-four hours post-intranasal infection of BWTE, contact turkeys and chickens were introduced into each of the groups to evaluate viral transmission. The levels of viral shedding in BWTE increased from 3 to 7 days post-infection (dpi) and continued at lower levels until 14 dpi. The A1 genotype virus (MALL/NS/22) was found to be the least pathogenic to BWTE compared to the reassortant genotypes, B4.1 (RBME/BC/22) and B1.3 (BWTE/MB/22). The B1.3 genotype was the most virulent to BWTE and caused 66.7% mortality compared to 12.5% mortality caused by the B4.1 genotype. The extent of transmission from infected BWTE to contact turkeys and chickens showed variation...

Abstract Oropouche virus (OROV), historically endemic to the Amazon, had spread to nearly all Brazil states by 2024 ; Espírito Santo emerged as a transmission hotspot in the Atlantic Forest biome . We characterized the epidemiologic factors driving OROV spread in nonendemic southeast Brazil, analyzing environmental and agricultural conditions contributing to viral transmission. We tested samples from 29,080 suspected arbovirus-infected patients quantitative reverse transcription PCR for OROV and dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Mayaro viruses . During March‒June 2024, the state had 339 confirmed OROV cases, demonstrating successful local transmission . Spatial analysis revealed that most cases clustered in municipalities with tropical climates and intensive cacao, robusta coffee, coconut, and pepper cultivation . Phylogenetic analysis identified the Espírito Santo OROV strains as part of the 2022–2024 Amazon lineage. The rapid spread of OROV outside the Amazon highlights its adaptive pot...

Summary Background The JYNNEOS modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine is effective in preventing clade IIb mpox disease . However, vaccine effects on mpox severity are poorly understood. We aimed to assess associations between reported clinical characteristics and vaccination status among individuals with laboratory-confirmed mpox. Methods We conducted a case–control study using data collected from public health surveillance interviews of people with mpox in California . Eligible participants for primary analyses were men who were cisgender and participated in telephone interviews with complete responses recorded about anatomical sites where they had lesions. We estimated JYNNEOS vaccine effectiveness against progression to disease involving disseminated lesions via the adjusted odds ratio of vaccination, comparing participants who reported lesions disseminated across multiple anatomical regions (cases) with participants who reported lesions contained to a single anatomical region (con...