ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Previous studies investigating the 1918–1920 influenza pandemic have provided a comprehensive overview of the spread of the pandemic and possible explanations for high mortality rates in Alaska, USA . Our understanding of the role of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is limited, however. To gain an overview of various agencies’ efforts to protect communities during the pandemic, we conducted a mixed-method assessment of a large pool of digitized historical newspapers and archival materials covering Alaska’s local and territorial responses to the pandemic. The study encompassed 14 local units of Alaska that implemented NPIs during October 1918–January 1919 . Analyses indicated that 8 local units avoided the outbreak by implementing NPIs and that the other 6 units controlled the spread of influenza by implementing NPIs after the virus was introduced. In addition, some Indigenous communities escaped the pandemic by implementing mandatory and voluntary restrictions . Informat...

ABSTRACT Several emerging influenza viruses, including H7N9 and H5N6 viruses, trace their origins to reassortment with H9N2 viruses that contributed internal gene segments. However, the evolutionary constraints governing the reassortment of H9N2 viruses remain unknown. In seasonal human influenza A viruses, gene segments coevolve at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Here, we demonstrate that evolutionary relationships between gene segments, including polymerase subunits in human H3N2 viruses, differ from avian H9 viruses . Avian H9 viruses were characterized by little coevolution between gene segments or between polymerase subunits. Strikingly, protein trees built from avian H9 polymerase subunits diverge despite known functional constraints on polymerase evolution. The evolutionary divergence observed between gene segments of avian H9 viruses was consistent across isolates from different continents, suggesting that coevolution between H9 gene segments is not dependent on regi...

  {Excerpt} Time Period: June 01, 2025 - June 07, 2025 - H5 Detection :  4 sites ( 1.1% ) - No Detection :  370 sites ( 98.9% ) - No samples in last week :  73 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

 Sea Otters in Hokkaido Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6551 ____

Abstract Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range . We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses , 69 dead birds , and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infec...

Abstract Bats are the natural reservoirs for a variety of emerging and re-emerging viruses. Among them, rabies virus (genus Lyssavirus, family Rhabdoviridae) is one of the first and most emblematic described in these animals. Since its first description, several new bat lyssaviruses have been regularly identified. In addition to lyssaviruses, other bat rhabdoviruses have also been discovered, including members of the genera Vesiculovirus , Ledantevirus and, more recently, Alphanemrhavirus and Tupavirus . However, the family Rhabdoviridae is one of the most abundant and diverse viral families, with 434 officially recognized species , divided into 5 subfamilies and 56 different genera . The number of rhabdoviruses associated with bats is therefore probably higher than that currently available. In this study, we first developed and validated a combined nested RT-qPCR technique (pan-rhabdo RT-nqPCR) dedicated to the broad detection of animal rhabdoviruses. After validation, this technique ...

Highlights •  Acute COVID-19 usually causes mild illness even in young and immunosuppressed children •  Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with more severe disease •  Concurrent serious bacterial infection is rare in children admitted with acute COVID-19. ABSTRACT Background Management and outcomes of children hospitalised with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may differ throughout the pandemic or with admission type (clinical COVID-19, incidental COVID-19 or nosocomial infection). Objectives Describe the severity, management and outcomes of hospitalised children with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in Australia across the first 4 years of the pandemic and compare between admission types, SARS-CoV-2 variants, age groups and immune status. Study design A multi-centre prospective cohort study of 6,009 children aged 0-16 years between January 2020 to June 2023. Results Most children (84.3%) did not receive respiratory support , 33.4% received antibiotics and 8% were admitted...

Abstract Emerging as a major global health threat, Mpox previously known as Monkeypox has drawn attention due to a worrying surge in cases . This zoonotic disease , native to Central and West Africa , is marked by fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy and is primarily spread through direct contact with infected animals or people and indirectly through contaminated objects. Recent studies have indicated possible sexual transmission , underscoring how human behavior and environmental changes are increasing its prevalence, even though human-to-human transmission is less efficient than that of smallpox . Mpox is endemic in several African countries , and currently, the infection has spread in non-endemic countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya . Democratic Republic of Congo is the epicenter of the current Mpox outbreak. From January 1, 2022, to August 6, 2024, sixteen African countries reported Mpox outbreak. Several factors, including population immunity deficiencies and changes to the ...

A small commercial flock of 69 chickens, 23 ducks and 5 geese. Increased mortality reported in chickens as well as a drop in egg production in the ducks. Samples were taken and tested positive for HPAI H5N1. Location:  Kirklees, West Yorkshire, England. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6552 ____

Abstract Since its discovery via metagenomics in 2008, human cosavirus (HCoSV) has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and feces of humans with meningitis , acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), and acute gastroenteritis . To date, 34 HCoSV genotypes have been documented by the Picornaviridae study group. However, the documented genetic diversity of HCoSV in Nigeria is limited. Here we describe the genetic diversity of HCoSV in Nigeria using a metagenomics approach. Archived and anonymized fecal specimens from children (under 15 years old) diagnosed with non-polio AFP from five states in Nigeria were analyzed. Virus-like particles were purified from 55 pools (made from 254 samples) using the NetoVIR protocol. Pools were subjected to nucleic acid extraction and metagenomic sequencing . Reads were trimmed and assembled, and contigs classified as HCoSV were subjected to phylogenetic, pairwise identity, recombination analysis, and, when necessary, immuno-informatics and capsid structur...

Abstract The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is a promising target for next-generation influenza vaccines but standardized protocols for NA-based serological assays are lacking. Previous studies have demonstrated discordant results from haemagglutination inhibition and live virus microneutralization assays when comparing matched serum and plasma samples . It is therefore important to consider is the choice of serum or plasma samples in assays measuring influenza virus NA-specific antibodies . Here, we compared antibody titres against influenza A and B virus NAs in matched serum and different types of plasma using an enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed good correlations between titres determined in serum and different types of plasma. However, there was variable and often poor agreement in the nominal titre values obtained from serum and different kinds of plasma in both ELLA and ELISA, with plasma samples often resulting in...

Abstract Background In Sri Lanka, a high seroprevalence of antibodies against hantaviruses was reported in communities affected by chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu). Recently, two rodent-borne hantaviruses , Lanka virus and Anjozorobe virus , were identified in these areas. However, it is unclear which virus is the source of infection in humans, and its pathogenicity is unknown. Methodology/principal findings A total of 181 sera from febrile patients from two CKDu-endemic regions , Girandurukotte and Polonnaruwa, were examined and Lanka virus genome was detected in two IgM-positive febrile patients . Of 76 serum samples from patients with fever of unknown etiology collected during 2016 examined to identify hantavirus genomes, antibodies, and serotypes, 10 were IgG-positive with five of them having IgM also. They were all without clinical features of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome , but three patients required treatment in the intensive care unit. A serotyping str...

Highlights •  Systematic and routine monitoring antigenic drift and shift of AIV in wild birds and poultry is needed. •  Community-based surveillance is key for improving NiV case detection. •  Integrated surveillance across One Health sectors is required. •  Lab upgrades to BSL-3 are needed for enhanced biosafety and diagnostics. Abstract Nipah and avian influenza viruses (NiV and AIV) are priority zoonotic pathogens in Bangladesh and are also important globally because of their pandemic potential . To understand current strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance preparedness for NiV and AIV in Bangladesh, as part of the USAID STOP Spillover program , 47 relevant stakeholders were surveyed, and two country leads of the primary surveillance systems were interviewed. Data was collected focusing on four different areas: research projects, surveillance systems, laboratories, and outbreak risk management systems. Despite progress in recent years, our ...

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza causes substantial poultry losses and zoonotic concerns globally . Duck vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza began in France in October 2023. Our assessment predicted that 314–756 outbreaks were averted in 2023–2024, representing a 96%–99% reduction in epizootic size, likely attributable to vaccination. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/7/24-1445_article ____

Abstract Background :  Research on monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting conserved internal proteins of influenza is limited.The matrix protein 1 (M1), the most abundant and conserved internal protein, serves as an endoskeleton bridging cytoplasmic tails of envelope glycoproteins haemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein 2 (M2) with viral ribonucleoprotein particles (vRNPs). Clinical studies reveal significant M1 antibody responses post-infection and vaccination, with demonstrated B and T cell recognition . Our study examines 2B-B10-G9, our lab-synthesized mAb targeting conserved linear epitope of M1 at the C-terminal domain (CTD).  Methods :  Binding of 2B-B10-G9 to the purified influenza A viruses (IAV) and influenza B viruses (IBV) were assessed using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting with Image J analysis. Purified viruses included IAV (H1N1, Pandemic ( H1N1 ) 2009 (H1N1pdm09), and H3N2 subtypes) and IBV which was first isolated in 1940 (B/Lee/40), and B/...

Key Points -- Question:   In adults with influenza requiring admission to hospital, is oseltamivir treatment within the first 2 days of admission, when compared with supportive care without oseltamivir, associated with a decreased risk of death in hospital? -- Findings:  In this cohort study of 11 073 patients hospitalized with influenza, oseltamivir treatment was associated with an adjusted risk reduction of 1.8% for in-hospital mortality when compared with supportive care. -- Meaning:  The findings of this study support current guidelines that recommend oseltamivir treatment for patients admitted to hospital with influenza; clinical trials should be conducted to generate better quality evidence. Abstract Importance    Current guidelines recommend oseltamivir treatment for all patients hospitalized with influenza, but this guidance is based on suboptimal evidence. Objective    To evaluate outcomes associated with oseltamivir treatment when compared wi...

ABSTRACT A cocktail of human monoclonal antibodies 1C3 and 1C11 previously protected macaques from a lethal exposure to either Ebola virus (EBOV) or Sudan virus (SUDV). 1C3 is of particular interest because its paratope strongly binds with unique stoichiometry to the glycoprotein head of several orthoebolaviruses , resulting in neutralization of EBOV and SUDV . Therefore, we evaluated the protective activity of 1C3 as a standalone therapeutic in macaques exposed to either EBOV or SUDV. Two doses of 1C3 monotherapy, administered 4 and 7 days post-exposure, did not protect SUDV-exposed macaques and partially protected EBOV-exposed macaques . Notably, in a macaque that succumbed to EBOV infection, we identified two mutually exclusive escape mutations that emerged immediately after the first dose and resulted in two amino acid changes at the 1C3 binding site . We also detected a subconsensus treatment-emergent mutation likely affecting the 1C3 binding site in all three deceased SUDV-expose...

ABSTRACT Understanding viral evolutionary dynamics is crucial to pandemic responses, prediction of virus adaptation over time , and virus surveillance for public health strategies. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has enabled fine-grained studies of virus evolution in the human population . Serial passaging in vitro offers a complementary controlled environment to investigate the emergence and persistence of genetic variants that may confer selective advantage . In this study, nine virus lineages , including four “ variants of concern ” and three former “ variants under investigation ,” were sampled over ≥33 serial passages (range 33–100) in Vero E6 cells . WGS was used to examine virus evolutionary dynamics and identify key mutations with implications for fitness and/or transmissibility. Viruses accumulated mutations regularly during serial passaging. Many low-frequency variants were lost , but others became fixed, suggestin...

 A wild Peregrine falcon in Kagoshima Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6545 ____

Abstract Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are prime examples of emerging viruses in humans and animals. IAV circulation in domestic animals poses a pandemic risk as it provides new opportunities for zoonotic infections. The recent emergence of H5N1 IAV in cows and subsequent spread over multiple states within the USA, together with reports of spillover infections in humans, cats and mice highlight this issue. The horse is a domestic animal in which an avian-origin IAV lineage has been circulating for >60 years . In 2018/19, a Florida Clade 1 (FC1) virus triggered one of the largest epizootics recorded in the UK , which led to the replacement of the Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) Florida Clade 2 (FC2) lineage that had been circulating in the country since 2003. We integrated geographical, epidemiological, and virus genetic data to determine the virological and ecological factors leading to this epizootic. By combining newly-sequenced EIV complete genomes derived from UK outbreaks with existi...