ETIDIOH - NEW

  {Summary} Situation at a glance On 17 May 2025, the Timor-Leste government reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) a fatal human case of rabies from Ermera Municipality.  Between May and mid-June 2025, Timor-Leste confirmed four human rabies deaths in the municipalities of Bobonaro (n=2), Ermera (n=1) and Oecusse (n=1).  All cases involved individuals exposed to dogs' bites months prior to symptom onset, with rabies virus confirmed via Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing.  Since March 2024, a total of 106 animal rabies cases —mostly in dogs—have been reported, and over 1400 dog bites or scratches have occurred, with a total of six fatalities .  Access to and completion of post-exposure prophylaxis remains limited.  The spread of rabies into non-border areas like Ermera signals a growing public health concern.  The public health response is ongoing and includes vaccination of dogs , risk communication, training of ...

Abstract Previous research efforts on highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) suggest that different avian species exhibit a varied severity of clinical signs after infection. Waterfowl, such as ducks or geese , can be asymptomatic and act as silent carriers of H5N1, making detection harder and increasing the risk of further transmission, potentially leading to significant economic losses. For backyard hobby farmers , passive reporting is a common HPAI detection strategy. We aim to quantify the effectiveness of this strategy by simulating the spread of H5N1 in a mixed-species, small-population backyard flock. Quantities such as detection time and undetected burden of infection in various scenarios are compared. Our results indicate that the presence of ducks can lead to a higher risk of an outbreak and a higher burden of infection . If most ducks within a flock are resistant to H5N1, detection can be significantly delayed. We find that within-flock infection dynamics can heavily ...

By Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden - Larus canus 2203, CC BY 2.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49877446 Wild birds {Herring Gulls} found dead through SAGIR network. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6672 ____

Highlights •  High seropositivity in dogs to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 virus in the Netherlands during HPAI H5 endemicity in wild birds. •  HPAI H5-seropositivity higher in hunting -training dogs than companion dogs.  •  HPAI H5-seropositivity in hunting-training dogs associated with recent bird contact in/near water. •  High seropositivity in dogs to human H1N1pdm2009 influenza A virus (IAV). •  H1N1pdm2009-seropositivity higher in companion dogs than hunting-training dogs. Abstract Dogs are susceptible to the currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 and human H1N1pdm2009 (pandemic H1N1) viruses, yet little is known about the extent to which dogs are exposed to both these viruses. Here we investigated HPAI H5 and human H1N1pdm2009 virus exposure in domestic dogs–including dogs that participated in hunting-training– and investigated lifestyle factors associated with HPAI H5 virus exposure. We screened sera from 538...

Abstract Outbreaks of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (HPAIVs) in animals pose a threat to humans immunologically naïve to avian influenza viruses. However, annual vaccination, such as for seasonal influenza is not planned because the number of human patients infected with H5 HPAIVs is small, and the possibility of human-to-human transmission of H5 HPAIVs is low at present. However, various clades of H5 HPAIVs have emerged continuously . Therefore, a vaccine that confers long-term and cross-clade immunity is required. To examine the long-term effectiveness and cross-clade reactivity of an H5 influenza virus vaccine, cynomolgus macaques were infected with an H5N1 HPAIV 5 years after two subcutaneous vaccinations with inactivated H5N1 whole-virus particles (H5 clade classical/outlier), which showed higher immunogenicity than did split vaccines in our previous studies. Neutralization titers against the vaccine strain were maintained for 5 years , and a recall immune respons...

Editor’s summary The vast majority of the human population has immunity to influenza A virus (IAV) by prior infection, vaccination, or both . However, protection is generally subtype-specific , and it is not clear whether prior infection against one subtype could confer protection against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 IAVs , which are currently circulating in birds and dairy cows . Here, Restori et al. demonstrated that prior infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 IAV was protective against subsequent direct infection with H5N1 IAV in ferrets. Moreover, prior immunity reduced susceptibility to infection by transmission from an infected donor ferret. These data suggest that prior immunity to IAV, especially to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus, may offer a degree of protection against H5N1 infection. —Courtney Malo Abstract Zoonotic infections with emerging influenza viruses occur in the context of population-wide immunity to seasonal strains . Because of the worldwide spread of highly pathogenic clade...

Abstract Sudan virus (SUDV) causes highly lethal outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease throughout Africa , but there has yet to be an approved vaccine or therapeutic to combat this public health threat. The most common route of natural exposure to filoviruses is through mucosal contact which greatly impacts initial viral replication. Historically, SUDV animal models used an intramuscular infection route . Here, we sought to further characterize an animal model using mucosal challenge routes and compared the impact that intramuscular, intranasal, or aerosol exposure had on SUDV pathogenicity in a ferret model . We determined that the route of infection did not significantly impact overall SUDV pathogenicity; only subtle changes were detected in magnitude of viremia and oral viral shedding. Additionally, we sought to determine if preexisting Lloviu virus (LLOV) immunity could protect ferrets from lethal SUDV infection. We found that the previous immunity elicited by LLOV infection was not suf...

Abstract Avian influenza viruses undergo frequent genetic reassortment, which can coincide with phenotypic changes in transmission, pathogenicity, and host species niche . Since 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have driven a global panzootic , causing mass mortality in wild birds, poultry , and, for the first time, repeated spillover infections in a variety of mammalian species . This resurgence of H5 HPAIV has coincided with a dramatic increase in the number of circulating reassortant strains ; however, the scale, impact and drivers of these reassortants remain unknown. Here, we combined statistical and phylodynamic modelling to reconstruct the global evolutionary dynamics of H5Nx viruses across four epizootic seasons (2020-2024). We identified 209 genetically distinct reassortants , stratified into three transmission categories based on their phylogenetic and epidemiological profiles. Accounting for sampling depth and HPAIV incidence, we est...

Abstract Mpox was first identified against the backdrop of the smallpox eradication campaign. Monkeypox virus (MPXV), the causative agent of mpox, has been maintained in animal reservoirs in the forested regions of West and Central Africa as 2 distinct clades ; clade I has historically caused more severe infection in Central Africa than clade II , historically found in West Africa . However, rapid reemergence and spread of both MPXV clades through novel routes of transmission have challenged the known characteristics of mpox. We summarize mpox demographic distribution , clinical severity , and case-fatality rates attributed to genetically distinct MPXV subclades and focus on MPXV clade Ib, the more recently identified subclade. Broad worldwide assistance will be necessary to halt the spread of both MPXV clades within mpox endemic and nonendemic regions to prevent future outbreaks. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/8/24-1551...

ABSTRACT Tumors of infectious origin globally represent 13%. Oncogenic DNA viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are responsible for approximately 60% of these tumors . These oncoviruses are extensively studied to understand their role in cancer development, particularly through viral genome integration into the host DNA . Retroviruses require integration mediated by viral integrase for persistence, whereas DNA oncoviruses do not need integration for replication ; instead, integration occurs incidentally. This process often targets fragile sites in the human genome, causing structural rearrangements that disrupt genes, activate proto-oncogenes, and increase genomic instability , all contributing to tumorigenesis. Integration near promoter regions and active genes is closely linked to carcinogenesis, highlighting its importance in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes viral integration’s role ...

Abstract Nipah virus (NiV) causes a severe neurological disease in humans . The first NiV outbreak, in Malaysia , involved pig-to-human transmission , that resulted in significant economic losses to the local pig industry. Despite the risk NiV poses to pig-dense regions, no licensed vaccines exist . This study therefore assessed three NiV vaccine candidates in pigs: (1) adjuvanted soluble NiV (s)G protein, (2) adjuvanted pre-fusion stabilised NiV (mcs)F protein, and (3) adenoviral vectored NiV G (ChAdOx1 NiV G). NiV sG induced the strongest neutralising antibody response , NiV mcsF induced antibodies best able to neutralise cell-cell fusion, whereas ChAdOx1 NiV G elicited CD8+ T-cell responses. Despite differences in immunogenicity, prime-boost immunisation with all candidates conferred a high degree of protection against NiV infection. Follow-up studies demonstrated longevity of immune responses and broadly comparable immune responses in Bangladeshi pigs under field conditions. These ...

Abstract In March 2024, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses were first detected in U.S. dairy cattle . Similar viruses have since caused 70 zoonotic human infections . To assess changes to zoonotic potential , we characterized A( H5N1 ) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses isolated from cows’ milk and birds . Bovine-derived viruses are lethal in mice and ferrets and transmit to direct but not airborne contact ferrets. All viruses replicate in human bronchial epithelial cells despite preferentially binding avian virus-like receptors. The bovine-derived viruses remain susceptible to FDA-approved antivirals , and they are inhibited by sera from ferrets vaccinated with WHO-recommended candidate vaccine viruses (CVV) or human sera from clade 2.3.4.4c vaccinees. While 2.3.4.4b viruses induce severe disease in mammalian models , they retain many avian virus-like characteristics. Combined, we conclude that the risk of contemporary bovine-derived viruses to humans not in contact ...

ABSTRACT Many difficult-to-understand clinical features characterize COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID [LC]). These can include blood pressure instability, hyperinflammation, coagulopathies , and neuropsychiatric complaints . The pathogenesis of these features remains unclear. The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of host cells to initiate infection. We hypothesized that some people convalescing from COVID-19 may produce anti-RBD antibodies that resemble ACE2 sufficiently to have ACE2-like catalytic activity , that is, they are ACE2-like proteolytic abzymes that may help mediate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and LC . In previous work, we showed that some people with acute COVID-19 had immunoglobulin-associated ACE2-like proteolytic activity , suggesting that some people with COVID-19 indeed produced ACE2-like abzymes . However, it remained unknown whether ACE2-like abzymes wer...

  {Excerpt} Avian influenza A(H9N2) :  -- Guangdong Province : - 1) An individual with onset on May 28, 2025.  -- Hubei Province :  - 2) An individual with onset on June 21, 2025.  (...) Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR,  https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/resources/29/332.html ____

  WHO condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on a building housing WHO staff in Deir al Balah in Gaza, the mistreatment of those sheltering there, and the destruction of its main warehouse . Following intensified hostilities in Deir al Balah after the latest evacuation order issued by Israeli military, the WHO staff residence was attacked three times today.  Staff and their families, including children , were exposed to grave danger and traumatized after airstrikes caused a fire and significant damage.  Israeli military entered the premises , forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict .  Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint .  Two WHO staff and two family members were detained .  Three were later released , while one staff member remains in detention.  Thirty-two people , including women and children, were collected and evacuated to the...

Abstract The H1N1 virus commonly causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, which have a self-limited course in most cases . Neurological complications are rare, especially in adults. This case illustrates H1N1-associated acute leukoencephalopathy in a young adult with a favorable outcome and no lasting neurological deficits . The initial presentation included fever, sore throat, and myalgia , evolving into neurological symptoms , including dysarthria, nystagmus, and left-sided motor weakness . Comprehensive laboratory tests ruled out common bacterial, viral, or autoimmune causes, while MRI findings suggested acute leukoencephalopathy of infectious or toxic etiology. Although the urine toxicology screen showed traces of phenol , clinical evidence did not correlate with toxic exposure and pointed towards an infectious origin. A throat swab for Influenza/H1N1 PCR confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with oseltamivir and methylprednisolone led to symptomatic improvement with no sequ...

Abstract Introduction :  In 2023 and 2024, mass mortalities of swans occurred on the Caspian coast of Kazakhstan , which affected more than seven hundred birds of a local population of 10–15 thousand. It is widely known that viral infections significantly affect the microbiome content of various organisms , but the influence of H5N1 infection in the gut microbiota of wild birds remains little studied. Almost no information is available on postmortem microbial changes after the devastating impact of H5N1 influenza. Methods :  In addition to standard routine virological studies , we were interested in investigating the microbiological changes resulting from infection with the highly pathogenic H5N1 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results :  Virological studies of samples taken from the dead swans identified the highly pathogenic influenza virus H5N1 subtype as the primary cause of mortality. 16S analysis of samples from freshly dead swans revealed patterns of microbial dysb...

Abstract The H1N1 swine influenza viruses CQ91 and CQ445, isolated from pigs in China, exhibited distinct virulence in mice despite sharing similar genomic constellations. CQ91 demonstrated higher pathogenicity (MLD50: 5.4 log10 EID50) and replication efficiency in mice compared to CQ445 (MLD50: 6.6 log10 EID50). Through reverse genetics, we found that the attenuation of CQ445 was due to a single substitution of glutamic acid (E) with lysine (K) at position 343 in the PB2 protein . Introducing the CQ445-PB2 (343K) into CQ91 significantly reduced viral replication and pathogenicity in mice, while replacing CQ445-PB2 with CQ91-PB2 (343E) restored virulence. In vitro studies showed that the K343E mutation impaired viral replication in MDCK and A549 cells and reduced polymerase activity in minigenome assays. Mechanistically, the amino acid at position 343 in the PB2 affects the transcription stage of the viral replication process . Structural modeling indicated that the charge reversal cau...

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

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 geometr...