ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Background From 1918 to 1920, the largest influenza A virus (IAV) pandemic known to date spread globally causing between 20 to 100 million deaths . Historical records have captured critical aspects of the disease dynamics , such as the occurrence and severity of the pandemic waves . Yet, other important pieces of information such as the mutations that allowed the virus to adapt to its new host can only be obtained from IAV genomes. The analysis of specimens collected during the pandemic and still preserved in historical pathology collections can significantly contribute to a better understanding of its course. However, efficient RNA processing protocols are required to work with such specimens. Results Here, we describe an alternative protocol for efficient ancient RNA sequencing and evaluate its performance on historical samples, including a published positive control. The phenol/chloroform-free protocol efficiently recovers ancient viral RNA , especially small fragments , an...

Abstract H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) is a globally prevalent pathogen that causes economic losses in poultry and poses zoonotic threats . Due to antigenic drift and shift, traditional inactivated vaccines often show reduced efficacy . This study presents a novel subunit vaccine based on a conserved HA6 scaffold derived from the hemagglutinin stem domain and coupled with a fusion peptide epitope (fPE) via Snoopligase-mediated ligation. The HA6 protein was validated by its binding to the broad-spectrum antibody CR6261, and the fPE-HA6 fusion construct incorporated T- and B-cell epitopes. Immunization trials in a chicken demonstrated that fPE-HA6 induced stronger humoral and cellular immune responses than individual immunogens. Upon challenge with H9N2 strains YZ4 and SN, the fusion vaccine significantly reduced viral shedding, demonstrating broad-spectrum protection. These findings highlight the potential of HA6 as a modular scaffold for influenza vaccines and the utility of Snoopli...

Abstract Avian influenza A(H5N1) poses a public health risk due to its pandemic potential should the virus mutate to become human-to-human transmissible . To date, reported influenza A(H5N1) human cases have typically occurred in the lower respiratory tract with a high case fatality rate . There is prior evidence of some influenza A(H5N1) strains being a small number of amino acid mutations away from achieving droplet transmissibility , possibly allowing them to be spread between humans. We present a mechanistic within-host influenza A(H5N1) infection model , novel for its explicit consideration of the biological differences between the upper and lower respiratory tracts . We then estimate a distribution of viral lifespans and effective replication rates in human H5N1 influenza cases. By combining our within-host model with a viral mutation model, we determine the probability of an infected individual generating a droplet transmissible strain of influenza A(H5N1) through mutation. For ...

Abstract H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, presents pandemic risks due to its ability to adapt and spread among mammalian species . Vaccination may control its spread, but the effectiveness of existing H5N1 vaccines against circulating strains, especially clade 2.3.4.4b, remains uncertain . In this study, we assess neutralizing antibody responses to global circulating H5N1 strains, using sera from individuals vaccinated with an inactivated H5N1 vaccine (NCT00535665). Neutralization is measured against 17 pseudoviruses, representing circulating and vaccine H5 strains. Our results indicate that broad protective effects are observed only when high antibody titers are achieved by vaccination. Correlation analysis estimates that a pseudovirus-based neutralization titer of at least 1:980 is required to achieve a cross-protection rate above 60%. The findings suggest that the current H5N1 vaccine can elicit cross-neutralization of circulating H5N1 strains , if high antibody tite...

Abstract Zoonotic diseases pose global public health threats, prompting various interventions to limit their emergence and spread . One increasingly common response by governments has been to ban wildlife hunting , trade and consumption. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of wildlife trade bans . Here we assess compliance with Nigeria’s wildlife trade ban—enacted to curb the spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox)—by analysing approximately 4.5 years of wild meat sales data from 19 vendors in southeast Nigeria (988 vendor-months) alongside interviews with vendors and law enforcement officials. After matching the sales data by time of year, we found no significant differences before and after the ban in the number of vendors selling wild meat per week, the weekly mass of wild meat sold, or the weekly price per kilogram of wild meat; however, the total weekly sales price was higher post-ban. These findings, supported by interview insights, indicate widespread non-complia...

Abstract Avian H15 influenza viruses are closely related to H7 viruses, but feature a unique 9-amino acid insertion in their hemagglutinin head domain , creating an additional site for antigenic variation . Here, we characterized a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against the A/wedge-tailed shearwater/Western Australia/2576/1979 ancestral strain , and a human mAb isolated from an H7N9 vaccinee . We found differences in binding and neutralization profiles against the ancestral strain and drifted strains of H15 isolated after 2008. MAbs that have hemagglutination inhibition activity against the ancestral strain do not show binding to drifted strains , hinting at antigenic differences in the receptor binding site . We show that the mAbs protect in vivo and elucidate mAb-antigen interactions using negative stain and cryo-electron microscopy. The characterization of H15 antigenicity and mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization expands our knowledge of this rare avian...

Two poultry farms affected in North West and Mpumalanga Regions. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6585?reportId=175014&fromPage=event-dashboard-url ____

Abstract Viral pandemics such as COVID-19 have demonstrated long-term neurological consequences , including memory impairment and depression , emphasizing the importance of understanding virus-brain interactions [1]. Similar concerns have been raised for Influenza A virus (IAV), which has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders [2, 3]. In this study, we investigated the neuropathological effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H5N8 strains in a mouse model . Although viral RNA was detected in the brain post-infection, no viral proteins were found, suggesting limited or transient brain replication . Despite this, infected brains showed significant neuronal damage , including axonal loss and nuclear condensation , as evidenced by immunofluorescence and Nissl staining. We also observed pathological changes in TDP-43, including conformational alterations and increased phosphorylation, which required antigen retrieval for detection, features reminiscent of those ...

Highlights •  In a landscape of a very narrow arsenal of influenza antivirals, resistance mutations are a significant threat. •  Resistance mutations were present in 0.5-5% in A and B influenza viruses during the last 15 years. •  However, S247N resistance mutation in the NA gene sharply increased during 2023-2024 season. •  While this mutation does not confer strong resistance by itself, their fixation could increase the risk of resistance in the future if other resistance mutations appears or get fixed together with it. Abstract The therapeutic arsenal against influenza is extremely limited and resistance often arises due to the emergence of mutations , especially in the neuraminidase (NA) gene. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of NA mutations over 15 years in Spain . To do so, we used the GISAID database from which we downloaded a total of 11,125 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), B/Victoria and B/Yamagata NA virus sequences , and analyzed the resistance m...

ABSTRACT The threat to global health security posed by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and emerging MERS-like coronaviruses highlights the need to develop safe and efficient vaccines. Viral vector vaccines have been shown to be effective and are widely used to prevent various viral diseases because they mimic natural infection and induce a more comprehensive immune response. Herein, we developed a novel bat influenza A virus-based vaccine vector by replacing the open reading frame of either bat influenza hemagglutinin or neuraminidase with that of the hemagglutinin-esterase-fusion gene from influenza D virus , which can infect multiple species, including humans and camels . We then generated a temperature-sensitive, cold-adapted, and attenuated MERS vaccine candidate expressing the clade A MERS-CoV spike S1, referred to as Len_S1, using the developed bat influenza vector and demonstrated its safety and immunogenicity. A single-dose intranasal immunization with L...

ABSTRACT The unprecedented global spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in wild birds, poultry, and mammalian species has challenged our control efforts. Alternative approaches to limit avian influenza viruses (AIV) include the development of resilient or resistant chickens . Genetically resilient birds may become infected but can overcome disease, whereas resistant birds prevent virus attachment or entry and do not become infected. The most intensively studied host gene is myxovirus-resistance (Mx), which is expressed via the interferon pathway . Both sensitive and resistant chicken Mx genotypes have been described, but this only provides limited resilience . Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member A (ANP32A) has been demonstrated as a host cofactor for AIV replication via interaction with the polymerase. Small nucleotide changes within this gene have demonstrated some promise for the establishment of disease resilience. Certain MHC-defined genetic chicke...

  PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A 36-year-old woman from northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province has been confirmed for H5N1 human avian influenza, raising the number of the cases to 11 so far this year , the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Tuesday. "A laboratory result from the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia showed on June 30 that the woman was positive for H5N1 virus," the statement said. "The patient has the symptoms of fever, cough, and dyspnea , and she is currently being rescued by a team of doctors." The victim lives in Doun Keo village of Puok district. There were sick and dead chickens at the patient's home. She had been in contact with those dead chickens and took them to bury. 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 victim in order to prevent an outbreak in the community. Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug to prevent the bird f...

  {Excerpt} [Date of report - Country - Province / Region - District - City - Sex - Age - Condition at time of reporting  - Subtype of virus]  1) 24/06/2025 - Cambodia - Siem Reap province  - F - 41 - Critical  - H5N1  2) 29/06/2025 - Cambodia -  Siem Reap province  - F - 46 - Stable - H5N1  3) 29/06/2025 - Cambodia -  Siem Reap province  - M - 16 - Stable - H5N1  4) 30/06/2025 - Cambodia -  Takeo province - M - 19 months  - Deceased - H5N1  (...) Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR,  https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2025_avian_influenza_report_vol21_wk26.pdf ____

Abstract In 2022-23, the world witnessed the largest recorded outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Neurological manifestations were reported alongside the detection of MPXV DNA and MPXV-specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Here, we analyze the susceptibility of neural tissue to MPXV using human neural organoids (hNOs) exposed to a clade IIb isolate . We report susceptibility of several cell types to the virus, including neural progenitor cells and neurons . The virus efficiently replicates in hNOs, as indicated by the exponential increase of infectious viral titers and establishment of viral factories . Our findings reveal focal enrichment of viral antigen alongside accumulation of cell-associated infectious virus , suggesting viral cell-to-cell spread . Using an mNeonGreen-expressing recombinant MPXV, we confirm cell-associated virus transmission . We furthermore show the formation of beads in infected neurites, a phenomenon associated with neurodegenerative diso...

  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 ____