Christ driving the Traders from the Temple (El Greco, 1600)

 

Public Domain.

Source: WikiArt, https://www.wikiart.org/en/el-greco/christ-driving-the-traders-from-the-temple-1600

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Single-dose avian #influenza #H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b hemagglutinin–Matrix-M® nanoparticle #vaccine induces neutralizing responses in nonhuman #primates

Abstract

With the recent rise in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b infection in humans and animals, there is an associated increase in the risk of human-to-human transmission. In this study, we characterize a recombinant A(H5N1) A/American Wigeon/South Carolina/22/000345-001/2021 (A/AW/SC/2021) clade 2.3.4.4b vaccine. Purified recombinant A/AW/SC/2021 HA trimers formulated with Matrix-M® adjuvant, saponin-cholesterol-phospholipid combination arranged in cage-like particles, are found to non-covalently anchor to the vertices of the Matrix-M and form A(H5N1) HA–Matrix-M nanoparticles (H5-MNPs). In naïve female mice, two intranasal (IN) or intramuscular (IM) doses of A/AW/SC/2021 H5-MNP vaccine induces robust antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies against A(H5N1). In non-human primates (NHPs) primed with seasonal influenza vaccine, a single IM or IN dose of the A/AW/SC/2021 H5-MNP vaccine induces geometric mean serum A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b pseudovirus neutralizing titers of 1:1160 and 1:54, respectively; above the generally accepted seroconverting neutralizing titer of 1:40. Immunization with H5-MNP vaccine induces antibody responses against conserved epitopes in the A(H5N1) HA stem, vestigial esterase subdomain, and receptor binding site. This A(H5N1) H5-MNP IN and IM vaccine is immunogenic in female rodents and NHPs as a potential A(H5N1) pandemic single-dose vaccine.

Source: Nature Communications, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61964-y

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Local B-cell #immunity and durable memory following live-attenuated #influenza intranasal #vaccination of #humans

Abstract

Seasonal influenza vaccines are most frequently delivered as intramuscular inactivated vaccines which elicit systemic responses against the immunodominant hemagglutinin (HA) head domain. An intranasally administered, live-attenuated influenza vaccine designed to stimulate mucosal immunity, FluMist, is the sole intranasal vaccine approved in the United States. However, FluMist has lower systemic immunogenicity and efficacy in adults compared to intramuscular formulations. In this study, human mucosal and systemic immunity were examined following seasonal intramuscular or intranasal vaccination. Nasopharyngeal swabs of adenoid tissue were used to longitudinally sample the upper airway. Notably, FluMist induced substantial increases in upper respiratory tract IgG+ and IgA+ HA-specific memory B cells, which displayed an activated CD27+CD21- phenotype. H1, H3, and influenza B virus HA-specific memory B cells were all detected in the upper airway after intranasal immunization and remained elevated at 6-months post-vaccination. Recently activated upper airway memory B cells were not readily detected in intramuscular vaccinees, despite marked elevation of systemic antibody and memory B cells. Thus, despite minimal immune response detected in circulation, live-attenuated influenza vaccine can generate substantial local antigen-specific memory B cell responses in adults. These findings have implications for improving influenza vaccines and for mucosal vaccination against other respiratory pathogens.

Competing Interest Statement

S.C. has no competing interests related to influenza vaccines. The other authors declare no competing interests. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has filed patent applications relating to SARS-CoV-2 serological assays, NDV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines influenza virus vaccines and influenza virus therapeutics which list FK as co-inventor and FK has received royalty payments from some of these patents. Mount Sinai has spun out a company, Kantaro, to market serological tests for SARS-CoV-2 and another company, Castlevax, to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. FK is co-founder and scientific advisory board member of Castlevax. FK has consulted for Merck, GSK, Sanofi, Curevac, Gritstone, Seqirus and Pfizer and is currently consulting for 3rd Rock Ventures and Avimex. The Krammer laboratory is also collaborating with Dynavax on influenza vaccine development.

Funder Information Declared

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, AI142742

NIH NIAID CIVIC, 75N93019C00051

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.14.664794v1

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History of Mass Transportation: The FdS ADe Autorail

 

Di Gianni Careddu - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38983387

Source: Wikipedia, https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotrice_ARST_ADe

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, July 19 '25)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, July 19 '25)

 

Ann Intern Med

1. CROSLEY E, Martin GS
   In COVID-19 acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, awake prone positioning vs. supine positioning increases survival without intubation.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 Jul 1. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-02004.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
2. JACOBS JW, Booth GS, Lewis-Newby M, Saifee NH, et al
   Medical, Societal, and Ethical Considerations for Directed Blood Donation in 2025.
   Ann Intern Med. 2025 May 13. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-00815.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Arch Virol

3. NEMOTO M, Kawanishi N, Kambayashi Y, Bannai H, et al
   Growth properties of recombinant equine influenza viruses with different backbones generated by reverse genetics in embryonated chicken eggs.
   Arch Virol. 2025;170:181.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMC Pediatr

4. SOMERS J, Hansen B, Burger J, Aronoff S, et al
   Newborn RSV immunization rates and reasons compared to family COVID-19 and influenza immunization status.
   BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:555.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
5. RUPP N, Schobi N, Duppenthaler A, Casaulta C, et al
   Pediatric respiratory syncytial virus rehospitalization rate - a retrospective observational study from Switzerland.
   BMC Pediatr. 2025;25:550.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMJ

6. ARETOULI E, Malik M, Widmann C, Parker AM, et al
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Drug Saf

7. SANKAR C, Evans S, Meyer JC, Gunter HM, et al
   Signal Monitoring for Adverse Events Following Immunisation with COVID-19 Vaccines During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Evaluation of the South African Surveillance System.
   Drug Saf. 2025;48:909-922.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Eur J Epidemiol

8. HOOGENDIJK EO, van Schoor NM, Qi Y, Visser M, et al
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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Exp Med

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   J Infect Dis

10. BASSIOUNI SS, Foster-Tucker JE, Callear AP, Godonou ET, et al
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11. SIMOES EAF, Suss RJ, Raje D
    Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Respiratory Hospitalizations and Outcomes in Colorado Adults >/=50 Years of Age: 2016-2023.
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12. LOUBET P, Guitton S, Rolland S, Lefrancois LH, et al
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    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

33. KOREN O, Weidmann NB
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    Vaccine

34. ODZIEMCZYK-STAWARZ I, Perek-Bialas J
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37. REEVES EL, Dascomb K, Irving SA, Klein NP, et al
    Effectiveness of 2023-2024 seasonal influenza vaccine against influenza-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters among pregnant and non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Virology

40. HU X, Gao M, Ren X, An L, et al
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    

The intracellular #virus-host #interface of #henipaviruses

ABSTRACT

The Henipavirus genus comprises five viral species, of which the prototype members, Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), are reported to infect humans. In humans and other spill-over hosts, HeV/NiV can cause severe respiratory and/or encephalitic disease, with mortality rates exceeding 50%; currently, there are no approved human vaccines and only limited therapeutic options. As members of the family Paramyxoviridae, henipaviruses have six “core” structural proteins and typically three additional accessory proteins that are expressed from the P gene. Several of these proteins are multifunctional, with roles in forming intracellular interfaces with the host (in particular, M, P, V, W, and C proteins), to modulate processes including antiviral responses, supporting viral replication. Understanding the molecular basis of these interfaces and their functions is critical to delineate the mechanisms of pathogenesis and may inform new strategies to combat infection and disease. Recent research has significantly advanced the understanding of the functions and interactions of multifunctional intracellular henipavirus proteins, including revealing novel roles in subverting the nucleolar DNA damage response (DDR) and modulating the functions of 14-3-3 proteins. This review will discuss the intracellular virus-host interface, focusing on the M, P, V, W, and C proteins of HeV/NiV, with a focus on recently identified functions and interactions.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.00770-25?af=R

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 18 '25)

 

{Excerpt}

Time Period: July 06, 2025 - July 12, 2025

-- H5 Detection: 2 sites (0.5%)

-- No Detection: 395 sites (99.5%)

-- No samples in last week: 51 sites

(...)

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html

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#Spain - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

 

A poultry farm in Extremadura Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6639

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#Influenza D Virus in Domestic and Stray #Cats, Northern #China, 2024

Abstract

Influenza D virus infects primarily cattle, but infrequent reports of infections in cats occur. We detected influenza D virus antibodies in 8 of 360 cats in northern China. Domestic cats showed higher susceptibility than strays. Our results suggest a previously overlooked aspect of epidemiology of this virus in companion animals.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0042_article

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Notes from the Field: Early-Season #Human #Plague Transmitted from an Infected #Cat — #Oregon, January 2024

 

Summary

-- What is known about this topic?

- Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted primarily through fleas from rodents. This case highlights an off-season transmission of plague. Plague is most often identified during May–August.

-- What is added by this report?

- An Oregon man sought care at an emergency department for signs and symptoms of plague on January 30, 2024, the earliest calendar date of plague recorded in the state’s history, possibly indicating a shift in the seasonality of plague incidence. The patient did not have direct contact with rodents, but did have contact with his infected cat after cutting his finger.

-- What are the implications for public health practice?

- Public health messaging and diagnostic efforts regarding plague are warranted year-round in areas with endemic disease.

Abstract

Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected rodent flea or handling of infected animals. Plague is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness in the western United States, occurring in bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic forms, primarily affecting rural populations, and is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7426a2.htm?s_cid=mm7426a2_e&ACSTrackingID=USCDC_921-DM148456&ACSTrackingLabel=Week%20in%20MMWR%3A%20Vol.%2074%2C%20July%2017%2C%202025&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM148456

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Genomic #Surveillance Detection of #SARS-CoV-1–Like Viruses in Rhinolophidae #Bats, Bandarban Region, #Bangladesh

Abstract

We sequenced sarbecovirus from Rhinolophus spp. bats in Bandarban District, Bangladesh, in a genomic surveillance campaign during 2022–2023. Sequences shared identity with SARS-CoV-1 Tor2, which caused an outbreak of human illnesses in 2003. Describing the genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of reservoir pathogens can aid in identifying sources of future spillovers.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0071_article

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#Antiviral #therapy for #HPAI and reported #oseltamivir #resistance in #Canada

{Excerpt}

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5Nx) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have been circulating in North America since late 2021. Since their initial incursion, they have been associated with unprecedented mortality in wild birds, domestic poultry, and marine mammals throughout the Americas, and are now seen across all global regions except Oceania. Furthermore, transmission among dairy cattle and poultry in the United States has led to growing numbers of human cases, and there was a severe human case in Canada with no known infected animal exposure (1,2).

(...)

Source: Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada, https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/jammi-2025-0307

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#Clinical features of a #fatal case of acute #encephalitis associated with a novel influenza #H3N2 #recombinant virus possessing human-origin #H7N9 internal genes: a descriptive study

ABSTRACT

Newly emerging or “re-emerging” influenza viruses have been regarded as a huge global threat to human public health. However, there are few reports of human deaths caused by newly emerging influenza viruses derived from pigs and poultry. Here, we described the clinical and virological features of a fatal encephalitis caused by a novel H3N2 reassortant virus generated from swine H3N2 and human H7N9 viruses. A 7-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute encephalitis in Yixing, China, in August 2022. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed mild pneumonia. Brain CT indicated acute encephalitis companied brain parenchyma swelling. Haematological examinations revealed a markedly elevation of lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and cytokines. Pathogenic analysis confirmed that a novel H3N2 virus (A/Yixing/805/2022, YX805) was responsible for this case. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the surface protein-coding genes were originated from swine-origin H3N2 viruses, whereas the internal protein-coding genes were derived from human-origin H7N9 viruses. This virus triggers stronger cytokines storm than these genetically related H7N9 viruses and has a natural resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors. The YX805 virus is highly pathogenic to mice. Our study highlights the urgent need to enhance epidemiological surveys for reassortment events between swine and avian influenza virus by full genome sequencing.

Source: Emerging Microbes and Infections, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2528536

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#Argentina - #Influenza A #H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

The Official Veterinary Services received a notification concerning bird mortality and signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard in the Buenos Aires province. On the same day, the suspicion was addressed and samples were taken for analysis. The samples were analysed by the Official Laboratory and came back positive for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4. The affected premises are adjacent to bodies of water, so contact with wild birds is presumed

On 14/07/2025, the Official Veterinary Services received a notification concerning bird mortality and signs consistent with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard in the town of Lezama, in the Buenos Aires province. On the same day, the suspicion was addressed and samples were taken for analysis. On 15/07/2025 the samples were analysed by the Official Laboratory and came back positive for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4. The species involved are chickens, peacocks, pheasants and guinea fowl. The affected premises are adjacent to bodies of water, so contact with wild birds is presumed. Stamping out and disposal of all the birds will be carried out, as well as cleaning and disinfection of the premises. We will update the population information in subsequent follow-up reports.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6630

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#Henipavirus in Northern Short-Tailed #Shrew, #Alabama, #USA

{Excerpt}

To the Editor: The article “Henipavirus in northern short-tailed shrew, Alabama, USA,” (1), describing the discovery of Camp Hill virus (family Paramyxoviridae) in the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), sparked major media attention and raised concerns about zoonotic transmission and potential pandemic risk. However, it would be advisable to reevaluate this virus discovery within the broader context of related viruses. The increase in identified henipa-like viruses in various shrew species (2–4) led the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses to classify these henipa-like viruses into a distinct genus, Parahenipavirus (5), acknowledging their genetic difference from the highly pathogenic Hendra and Nipah virus.

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Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0401_article

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#Nipah Virus #Antibodies in #Bats, the #Philippines, 2013–2022

Abstract

In 2014, an outbreak of zoonotic Nipah virus (NiV) occurred on Mindanao Island, the Philippines. We investigated the prevalence of NiV in Philippine bats. Because neutralizing antibodies were detected in insectivorous bats on Siargao Island, public health officials should consider that the distribution range of NiV is not limited to Mindanao Island.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0210_article

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Isolation of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Virus from #Cat #Urine after Raw #Milk Ingestion, #USA

Abstract

In 2024, 3 domestic cats in California, USA consumed raw milk contaminated with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. Fever and neurologic signs developed; 2 cats died. The surviving cat’s urine tested positive for H5N1 virus by reverse transcription PCR. Raw dairy products pose a risk to both animal and human health.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/25-0309_article

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Community-Scale Surveillance of #SARS-CoV-2 and #Influenza A Viruses in Wild #Mammals, #USA, 2022–2023

Abstract

Sampling of mammal communities across the United States during 2022–2023 detected evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 3 new species and 2 previously described species and evidence of influenza A antibodies in 2 previously described species. Our analysis provides surveillance and sampling guidance for detection of rare exposure events.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/24-1671_article

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Multidisciplinary #Tracking of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 #Outbreak in Griffon #Vultures, Southern #Europe, 2022

Abstract

Since 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus has affected wild bird populations globally. Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), a species hitherto considered unexposed, experienced an HPAI H5N1 outbreak in 2022 in southern Europe, leading to moderate mortality and reduced breeding success. The integration of virological, serologic, phylogenetic, and ecologic data revealed a short yet intense viral circulation and a probable common source of infection. The dissemination across Spain and France was likely caused by frequent interpopulation movements of birds. This integrated overview of the 2022 HPAI outbreak in vultures provides novel insights into the role of large-scale movements of wild birds in the spread of such disease. Understanding the epidemiologic dynamics of HPAI H5N1 in these scavenger species is crucial because the birds play vital roles in ecosystem functioning. Their susceptibility to this virus highlights potential broader ecologic effects of the ongoing outbreaks.

Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/24-1456_article

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