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  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/winslow-homer/the-lookout-alls-well-1896 ____

Abstract The H5N1 avian influenza virus continues to evolve into genetically diverse and highly pathogenic clades with increased potential for cross-species transmission . Recent scientific advances have included the development of next-generation vaccine platforms , promising antiviral compounds , and more sensitive diagnostic tools , alongside strengthened surveillance systems in both animals and humans. However, persistent structural challenges hinder global readiness. Vaccine production is heavily concentrated in high-income countries, limiting equitable access during potential pandemics. Economic and logistical barriers complicate the implementation of control strategies such as vaccination, culling, and compensation schemes. Gaps in international coordination , public communication, and standardization of protocols further exacerbate vulnerabilities. Although sustained human-to-human transmission has not been documented, the severity of confirmed infections and the rapid global s...

  PHNOM PENH, June 29 (Xinhua) -- A 46-year-old Cambodian mother and her 16-year-old son have been confirmed positive for H5N1 human avian influenza, bringing the total number of cases to 10 so far this year, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Sunday. Both victims live in Lbeuk village of Puok district in northwest Siem Reap province. "According to queries, there were sick and dead poultry at the patients' home and their neighbors' homes as well as in the village, and the patients had been in contact with sick and dead chickens and cooked them for food," it added. Health authorities are looking into the source of the infection and are examining any suspected cases or people who have been in contact with the victims in order to prevent an outbreak in the community. Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug to prevent the bird flu from spreading, was also given out to people who had direct contact with the patients, the statement said. So far this year, the ki...

Abstract Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) continues to pose a significant global threat , affecting wild and domestic avian populations, and mammalian species . In early 2024, H5N1 HPAIV was detected in dairy cattle in the United States of America, where it has continued to circulate, with sporadic detections also reported in other ruminant species . The detection of high viral loads in milk from infected cattle, has resulted in several human infections , underscoring the zoonotic potential of these viruses. In response, several countries have intensified surveillance in non-avian species to evaluate the potential for undetected viral circulation in captive mammals. In Great Britain, bulk milk tank testing of cattle and targeted surveillance of captive mammalian species on an infected premises is undertaken in accordance with the outcome of a rapid risk assessment undertaken to determine the epidemiological links between the poultry and captive mamma...

Abstract The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b has caused severe outbreaks in domestic and wild birds worldwide since its emergence in 2014, and especially since 2020, with outbreaks in Europe and North America . The introduction of the virus into South America was reported for the first time in Colombia in October 2022, followed by outbreaks in other South American countries affecting poultry, wild birds, mammals , and humans . In this study, a phylogenetic and mutation analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of HPAIV H5N1 2.3.4.4b viruses isolated in South America was performed to analyze its evolution and its transmission and zoonotic potential . The analysis shows an increase in the viral effective population size between April and June 2022, which was followed by multiple outbreaks of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in South America . Moreover, the virus variants evolved from a recent common ancestor estimated to have existed in June 2017. The mean rate o...

Di Giorgio Stagni - http://www.stagniweb.it/foto6.asp?File=tee448&righe=1&inizio=45&InizioI=1&RigheI=100&Col=5 , CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=96379237 Source: Wikipedia,  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotrici_FS_ALn_442-448 ____

  Antiviral Res HUSSAIN S, Meijer A, Govorkova EA, Dapat C, et al Global update on the susceptibilities of influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir, 2020-2023. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jun 24:106217. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106217. PubMed           Abstract available Clin Infect Dis HARUN MGD, Sumon SA, Anwar MMU, Mohona TM, et al Infection Prevention and Control Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh During Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Survey. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 25:ciaf246. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available DUONG KS, Henry SS, Duong TQ SARS-CoV-2 infection increases long-term risk of pneumonia in an urban population: an observational cohort study up to 46 months post-infection. Clin Infect Dis. 2025 Jun 25:ciaf345. doi: 10.1093. PubMe...

  Antimicrob Agents Chemother MENG X, Zhang C, Wang X, Shi J, et al A branched peptide targets virus and host to block influenza virus and rhinovirus entry. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025 Jun 25:e0002425. doi: 10.1128/aac.00024. PubMed           Abstract available Antiviral Res HUSSAIN S, Meijer A, Govorkova EA, Dapat C, et al Global update on the susceptibilities of influenza viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors and the cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir, 2020-2023. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jun 24:106217. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106217. PubMed           Abstract available Biochemistry PANKRATOVA Y, Hong M Side Chain Structures of the Proton-Selective Histidine and Gating Tryptophan in Influenza BM2 Reveal Both Conservation and Variation of the Proton Conduction Mechanism. Biochemistry. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00242. PubMed          ...

  Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses subtype H5N1 (HPAIV H5N1), subclade 2.3.4.4b infect multiple avian and mammalian species , posing a potential pandemic risk . Here we describe the outcomes of infection of ferrets with a HPAIV H5N1 virus, isolated from a European grey seal in 2023, compared with an older HPAIV H5N1 (A/Indonesia/05/2005). Overall, infection of ferrets with A/grey seal/Netherlands/302603/2023 caused more rapid mortality than infection of ferrets with A/Indonesia/05/2005. Animals developed severe pneumonia and irreversible hypothermia , associated with high levels of virus replication and histopathological changes in the respiratory tract and peripheral organs. As animal models for severe avian influenza virus infections in humans play a key role in the development of intervention strategies against these infections, these findings highlight the importance of using updated ferret models based on circulating virus strains. Source: Journal of Infect...

  Radiation levels in the Gulf region remain normal following the 12-day conflict that severely damaged several nuclear facilities in Iran , Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today. Citing regional data reported regularly to the IAEA through the International Radiation Monitoring System (IRMIS), Director General Grossi noted that this 48-nation network would have detected an important radioactive release from any damaged nuclear power reactor. “From a nuclear safety perspective, Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor represented our main concern as any strike affecting those facilities – including their off-site power lines – could have caused a radiological accident with potential consequences in Iran as well as beyond its borders in the case of the Bushehr plant. It did not happen, and the worst nuclear safety scenario was thereby avoided,” Director General Grossi said. Stressing again that nuc...

Abstract Background/Objectives : H5N1 influenza viruses are spreading worldwide and threaten global public health. Preparedness is necessary to mitigate the worst-case scenario should an H5N1 influenza pandemic occur and justify the development of vaccines against circulating H5N1 viruses of concern.  Methods :  The production and characterization of egg-based split and inactivated H5Nx of three distinct monovalent antigens from clades 2.3.4.4b, 2.3.2.1c, and 2.3.4 were performed at an industrial scale. These antigens were formulated and their immune responses, when combined or not with IB160 squalene-based oil-in-water emulsion adjuvant in a rat model, were evaluated in a one- or two-dose immunization schedule. IgG antibodies, hemagglutination inhibitions, and microneutralization titers were measured for vaccine-induced immunity and cross-reactivity.  Results :  Three monovalent vaccines from clades 2.3.4.4b, 2.3.2.1c, and 2.3.4 were produced at an industrial scale ...

{Summary) KEY FIGURES   {Area - Number of reported confirmed cases - Number of deaths among confirmed cases - Number of reporting countries} -- Global (1 Jan – 31 May 2025)* - 24 672 - 82 - 75  Key countries (01 Jan – 22 June 2025) - Democratic Republic of the Congo - 12 208 - 22 - ... - Uganda - 5636 - 31  - ... - Sierra Leone - 4294 - 28 - ... - Burundi - 1079 - 0 - ... {*} Most recent global surveillance data available. Highlights • In May 2025, a total of 6823 confirmed mpox cases and 16 deaths (Case Fatality Ratio: 0.2%) were reported from 49 countries across all WHO regions. • The majority of mpox cases continue to be reported from the WHO African Region , with 18 countries currently experiencing active ongoing transmission. • Since the last report, Ethiopia and Italy have reported their first cases of mpox due to clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV). In addition, North Macedonia, the Republic of the Congo, and Togo have reported their first cases of mpox clade IIb MPXV ...

Abstract The ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in animals and occasional spillover to humans have raised concerns about a potential H5N1 pandemic. Although recent studies have shown that pre-existing human antibodies can recognize H5N1 neuraminidase , there is a lack of molecular understanding of how this cross-reactivity develops. Using a phage display antibody library derived from 245 healthy donors , this study isolates an antibody, known as HB420 , that cross-reacts with the neuraminidases of human H3N2 and avian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses and confers protection in vivo. Cryo-EM analysis shows that HB420 targets the neuraminidase active site by mimicking sialic acid binding through a single Asp residue. Additionally, the inferred germline of HB420 is N2-specific but acquires cross-reactivity to H5N1 neuraminidase through somatic hypermutations . Overall, our findings provide insights into how neuraminidase antibody evolves breadth, which...

  {Excerpts} Time Period: June 15, 2025 - June 21, 2025 - H5 Detection :  3 sites ( 0.8% ) - No Detection :  367 sites ( 99.2% ) - No samples in last week :  55 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/h5-monitoring/index.html ____

Highlights •  Antiviral susceptibility to NA inhibitors and PA inhibitor baloxavir was determined for seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses circulating globally during 2020–2023. •  Low global frequencies (0.1-0.2%) of seasonal influenza viruses with reduced or highly reduced inhibition by NAI inhibitors were observed as in previous years. •  Low global frequencies of seasonal influenza viruses (∼ 0.1%) with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir were observed, with the rate in Japan elevated (3.3%) in 2022–2023, as has been seen previously. •  For zoonotic viruses, 2.7% contained genetic markers associated with reduced or highly reduced inhibition to NA inhibitors and none contained markers associated with reduced susceptibility for baloxavir. •  For the treatment of influenza , NA inhibitors and baloxavir remain suitable. ABSTRACT Antiviral susceptibility of influenza viruses is monitored by the World Health Organization Global Influenza Surveillance and Respon...

Summary - What is already known about this topic? -- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in school-aged children . In the United States, M. pneumoniae infection prevalence decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained low through 2023. - What is added by this report? -- The number of hospital discharges of children with M. pneumoniae –associated CAP from U.S. pediatric hospitals increased sharply in 2024, accounting for approximately one half of hospitalized children with CAP. This number included children aged <5 years , a group in which M. pneumoniae infections have historically been less commonly reported. Data on length of hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions indicate that M. pneumoniae infections in 2024 were not more severe than 2018–2023 infections. - What are the implications for public health practice? -- Increased awareness among health care providers might improve diagnosis and could guide treatment of M. pneum...

{Pembrokeshire, Wales} A backyard flock of 120 laying hens . Increased mortality and other clinical signs consistent with avian influenza (AI) were reported. Samples were collected and tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6579 ____

Simple Summary The present commentary deals with the pandemic risk brought about by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus . Such a pandemic alarm is justified, among others, by the progressively and rapidly expanding range of virus-susceptible hosts , including humans alongside a significant number of domestic and wild avian and mammalian species , several of which appear to be geographically and phylogenetically distant from each other. Despite its well-established zoonotic potential , no clear-cut evidence of a sustained and efficient HPAI A(H5N1) virus interhuman transmission has thus far been reported. Should this happen in a more or less near future, it could pave the way for a new pandemic. Based upon the above, a “ One Health, One Earth, One Ocean ”-focused, holistic approach would be the necessary prerequisite to deal in an appropriate way with the HPAI A(H5N1) virus-associated zoonotic and pandemic risk. Abstract The focus of this commentary is represented...

Credit: Wikipedia. By Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden - Larus canus 2203, CC BY 2.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49877446 ___ On the 16th of January 2025, a herring gull was found dead near a wildlife care station. The gull was received at National Reference Laboratory on the 13th of May 2025, and samples from the bird tested positive for HPAI H5N1 on the 20th of June 2025. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6574 ____

Highlights •  The characteristics of plasma metabolome in H7N9 patients were first revealed. •  It was discovered that lipid-like molecules were downregulated in death group. •  Metabolites of the tryptophan metabolic pathway were elevated in death group. •  The metabolite-based machine learning achieved an AUC of 0.929 on the test set. Abstract Objectives Avian influenza such as H7N9 is currently a major global public health risk, and at present, there is a lack of relevant diagnostic and treatment markers. Methods We collected plasma samples from 104 confirmed H7N9 patients , 31 of whom died. Plasma metabolites were detected by UHPLC-HRMS, and a survival prediction model based on metabolites was constructed by machine learning models. Results A total of 1536 metabolites were identified in the plasma samples of H7N9 patients, of which 64 metabolites were up-regulated and 35 metabolites were down-regulated in the death group. The enrichment analysis of Tryptophan met...