The Nightmare (1781), Detroit Institute of Arts (Henry Fuseli)

 

By Tulip Hysteria / Go to albums - https://www.flickr.com/photos/36417567@N03/32380012237/, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111521078

Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fuseli

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HKU25 clade #MERS-related #coronaviruses use #ACE2 as a functional #receptor

 

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is an established receptor for Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses (MERSr-CoVs), while recent studies have identified angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) usage in multiple merbecovirus clades. Yet, receptor usage of many genetically diverse bat MERSr-CoVs remains unclear. Here we show that broadly distributed HKU25 clade merbecoviruses use ACE2, rather than DPP4, as their receptor. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that HsItaly2011 and VsCoV-a7 strains engage ACE2 similarly to HKU5 but with remodelled interfaces and distinct orthologue selectivity, suggesting a shared evolutionary origin of ACE2 recognition. EjCoV-3, a close relative of the DPP4-using BtCoV422, showed broad multi-species ACE2 tropism and preadaptation to human ACE2. Several ACE2 glycans and residues within or near the binding interface were identified as determinants of orthologue selectivity. These viruses remain sensitive to several broadly neutralizing antibodies and entry inhibitors, indicating potential countermeasures for future outbreaks. These findings highlight the versatility of ACE2 as a functional receptor for diverse coronaviruses.

Source: Nature Microbiology, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02152-y

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History of Mass Transportation: The Renault Autorail ABJ4 SNCF X 3600

 

Par Original téléversé par Cheminot sur Wikipédia français. — Transféré de fr.wikipedia à Commons par Bloody-libu utilisant CommonsHelper., GPL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16780226

Source: Wikipedia, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault

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#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, October 1 '25)

 

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#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, October 1 '25)

 

Arch Virol

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   BMC Pediatr

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   Drugs

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   J Exp Med

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   J Immunol

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    N Engl J Med

14. SCOTT J, Abers MS, Marwah HK, McCann NC, et al
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    Vaccine

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    Virology

47. JOHNSON MG, Strizki JM, Hilbert DW, Zhang Y, et al
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History of Mass Transportation: The Brissonneau et Lotz D7122 Diesel Locomotive

 

By CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54505585

Source: WikiMedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alameda_o_Estaci%C3%B3n_Central_de_Santiago_de_Chile,_con_el_Tren_del_Recuerdo_a_la_derecha.jpg

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#Italy, #WNV & #USUV Integrated #Surveillance - Weekly Bulletin No. 16 - 30 October 2025 (Summary)

 

{Summary}

-- During current epidemiological week (from 23 to 29 Oct. 2025), two new human cases of infection with West Nile Virus have been reported. 

-- The cumulative number of confirmed cases this season so far rose to 773 (they were 771 last week), of these: 

- 367 were West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND): 17 in Piedmont, 56 Lombardy, 35 Veneto, 4 Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 1 Liguria, 30 Emilia-Romagna, 11 Tuscany, 1 Marche, 87 Latium, 2 Molise, 83 Campania, 2 Apulia, 2 Basilicata, 5 Calabria, 3 Sicily, 28 Sardinia, 

- 56 were asymptomatic cases detected in blood donors, 

- 339 were West Nile Fever cases (of which: 1 imported from Kenya, 1  from Egypt and 1 from Maldives), 

- 3 asymptomatic cases, 

- 8 unspecified cases. 

-- Among confirmed cases, 72 fatalities have been recorded: 7 in Piedmont, 9 Lombardy, 1 Veneto, 2 Emilia-Romagna, 1 Marche, 19 Latium, 29 Campania, 2 Calabria, 1 Sicily, 1 Sardinia. 

- The Case-Fatality Rate in WNND cases is 19.6% (it was 20% in 2018, 14% in 2024). 

-- Since the start of the epidemic season, 11 confirmed human cases of Usutu virus infection were reported: 2 in Piedmont, 3 Lombardy, 2 Veneto, 1 Tuscany, 3 Latium.

(...)

Source: High Institute of Health, https://www.epicentro.iss.it/westnile/bollettino/Bollettino_WND_2025_16.pdf

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#Chronology of #H3N2 #human #influenza virus surface glycoprotein #adaptation from 1968 to 2019 reveals a surge of adaptation between 1997 and 2002

 

ABSTRACT

Subtype H3N2 influenza A viruses (IAVs), which emerged in 1968 to cause a pandemic, have shown continual circulation and adaptation that has necessitated frequent updates of candidate vaccine viruses. Here, we sought to determine how genetic changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase of 21 antigenically distinct H3N2 IAVs isolated from 1968 to 2019 correlate with mammalian fitness and adaptation. We found a surge of adaptation between 1997 and 2002, resulting in the emergence of A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2) and poor vaccine efficacy, leading to an epidemic during the 2003–2004 season. This surge was characterized by a large reduction in binding to mammalian-type α2,6-linked sialic acids and increased infectivity and replication kinetics in humanized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. HA glycosylation also increased most rapidly from 1968 to 2004 and then plateaued. Symptomatic infections were only evident in mice following inoculation with viruses isolated in the 1970s and A/Aichi/2/1968 (H3N2), which was the most pathogenic. More recent viruses did not cause any detectable symptoms, except for A/Sydney/5/1997 (H3N2), which caused some weight loss. The post-2002 shift to α2,6-linked sialic acid binding, coupled with reduced pathogenicity in mammalian models, underscores H3N2 adaptation to human circulation without affecting immunogenicity, which is a critical consideration for vaccine design. Overall, our data revealed that a surge of mammalian adaptation from 1997 to 2002 gave rise to A/Fujian/411/2002 (H3N2), with subsequent viruses showing more hallmarks of mammalian adaptation, such as increased binding to cells expressing α2,6-linked sialic acids and reduced mammalian pathogenicity.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.01329-25?af=R

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#Tissue #tropism and functional #adaptation of the #SARS-CoV-2 #spike protein in a #fatal case of #COVID19

 

ABSTRACT

Systemic spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to extrapulmonary tissues has been observed following acute infections. Autopsy studies further indicate tissue-specific virus diversity, including in immune-privileged sites. Questions remain on the viral dynamics leading to the tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2, including evolutionary trajectories and functional adaptations that could impact persistence and transmission. In this study, we characterized SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 27 distinct tissues collected from an autopsy case where the patient had a primary immune deficiency. We identified tissue-specific virus genotypes, in some instances coexisting within the same sites, with mutations primarily in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein. Protein simulations and isolation of infectious virus indicate combinations of spike substitutions that would lead to increased protein stability and stronger binding of the virus to host cells. This highlights the importance of studying patients with weakened immune responses where potential tissue reservoirs provide an environment permissive for SARS-CoV-2 evolution and diversification.

Source: Journal of Virology, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/jvi.00857-25?af=R

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Low levels of #influenza #H5N1 HA and NA #antibodies in the #human population are boosted by seasonal #H1N1 infection but not by H3N2 infection or influenza #vaccination

 

ABSTRACT

An increase in the number of human cases of influenza A/H5N1 infection in the USA has raised concerns about the pandemic potential of the virus. Pre-existing population immunity is a key determinant for risk assessment and pandemic potential for any virus. Antibody responses against the bovine A/H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins were measured among a population of influenza-vaccinated or influenza-infected individuals. Modest titers of bovine A/H5N1 HA-binding antibodies and low to undetectable neutralizing antibody titers were detected in a cohort of 73 individuals. Conversely, bovine A/H5N1 NA-binding and neuraminidase-inhibiting antibody titers were comparable to those against a human A/H1N1 NA at baseline. Seasonal influenza vaccination failed to significantly increase antibody titers against both HA and NA glycoproteins of bovine A/H5N1. Recent infection with human A/H1N1 but not A/H3N2 viruses induced significant increases in bovine A/H5N1-neutralizing antibody, as well as increases in NA-binding and NA-inhibiting antibodies to bovine A/H5N1 NA. While the degree of protection afforded by these A/H5N1 cross-reactive antibodies is not known, incorporating NA or enhancing current seasonal vaccine formulations to increase NA-specific antibody titers may increase antibody breadth and protection against both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.

Source: mBio, https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.02145-25?af=R

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#Genetic and #antigenic characteristics of #zoonotic #influenza A viruses and development of candidate #vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness (#WHO, Oct. 31 '25)

 

September 2025 

The development of influenza candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs), coordinated by WHO, remains an essential component of the overall global strategy for influenza pandemic preparedness. Selection and development of CVVs are the first steps towards timely vaccine production and do not imply a recommendation for initiating manufacture. National authorities may consider the use of one or more of these CVVs for pilot lot vaccine production, clinical trials and other pandemic preparedness purposes based on their assessment of public health risk and need. 

Zoonotic influenza viruses continue to be identified and evolve both antigenically and genetically, leading to the need for additional CVVs for pandemic preparedness purposes. 

Changes in the antigenic and genetic characteristics of these viruses relative to existing CVVs and their potential risks to public health justify the need to develop new CVVs. This document summarizes the antigenic and genetic characteristics of recent zoonotic influenza viruses and related viruses circulating in animals{1} that are relevant to CVV updates. 

Institutions interested in receiving these CVVs should contact WHO at gisrs-whohq@who.int or the institutions listed in announcements published on the WHO website.{2} 

Influenza A(H5) 

Since their emergence in 1997, high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 haemagglutinin (HA) lineage have become enzootic in many countries, have infected wild birds and continue to cause outbreaks in poultry and sporadic human and other mammalian infections across a wide geographic area. 

A(H5) HA gene segments have paired with a variety of neuraminidase (NA) subtypes (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N8 or N9). These viruses have diversified genetically and antigenically, leading to the need for multiple CVVs. This summary provides updates on the characterization of A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage A(H5) viruses and the status of the development of influenza A(H5) CVVs. 

Influenza A(H5) activity from 25 February  to 22 September 2025 

Since 2003, 17 A(H5), 7 A(H5N8), 93 A(H5N6) and 979 A(H5N1) human infections or detections have been reported. 

Since 25 February 2025, 24 human infections with A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage viruses have been reported to WHO. 

A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage A(H5) viruses have been detected in both domestic and wild birds with spillover to mammals in many countries (...). 

Genetic and antigenic characteristics  of influenza A(H5) viruses 

Twenty-four new human infections or detections with A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage viruses were reported. 

Most infected individuals had recent exposure to birds. The human cases included 4 A(H5N1) clade 2.3.2.1a infections, 2 in Bangladesh and 2 fatal infections in India. 

Bangladesh reported additional single A(H5) and A(H5N1) cases where clade designations could not be determined due to lack of sequence data. 

The HA of the 2.3.2.1a viruses from Bangladesh and India had up to 1 and 7 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Victoria/149/2024 CVV, respectively. 

Antigenic analyses of the viruses from the human cases are pending, but a genetically related virus from poultry in Bangladesh reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised against the A/Victoria/149/2024 CVV. 

Two human cases of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection were detected; 1 in China in an individual with recent travel history to Viet Nam, and 1 fatal case in Mexico. 

The A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus from China had an HA with 4 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Jiangsu/ NJ210/2023 CVV. The virus from the human case in Mexico had an HA with 3 amino acid substitutions 

(...)

relative to the A/Astrakhan/3212/2020 and A/Ezo red fox/Hokkaido/1/2022 CVVs, however, 1 of the substitutions added a putative glycosylation site in antigenic site B. Antigenic analyses are pending. 

Cambodia reported fifteen human cases of A(H5N1) of which 6 were fatal. Viruses from twelve cases were confirmed as belonging to A(H5N1) clade 2.3.2.1e; clade designations could not be determined for the other 3 due to lack of sequence data. 

One human infection with an A(H5N1) clade 2.3.2.1e virus was identified in Viet Nam. 

The HAs of the human viruses from Cambodia and Viet Nam had, at most, 4 amino acid differences relative to the A/Cambodia/SVH240441/2024 CVV. Ferret antisera raised against A/Cambodia/SVH240441/2024 and the A/Cambodia/SVH240441/2024 CVV reacted well with virus isolated from the human case detected in Viet Nam but less well with a virus from a Cambodian human case. 

Ferret antisera raised against A/duck/Vietnam/NCVD-1584/2012 and the clade 2.3.2.1f A/chicken/ Ghana/20/2015 CVV reacted well with the Cambodian virus. Antigenic characterisation of other viruses isolated from human cases in Cambodia is pending.

A(H5) viruses from birds and non-human mammals belonged to the following clades Clade 2.3.2.1a viruses were detected in poultry and wild birds in Bangladesh and in poultry, wild birds, captive tigers and leopards, and domestic cats in India. 

Circulation of viruses with clade 2.3.2.1a HAs in these countries has continued despite the introduction of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. 

The HA of viruses detected in poultry in Bangladesh and India had up to 1 and 5 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Victoria/149/2024 CVV, respectively. No antigenic data are available for these viruses. Viruses collected in the previous reporting period had HAs genetically similar to either the A/Victoria/149/2024 or A/duck/Bangladesh/17D1012/2018 CVVs and reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised against at least 1 of the available clade 2.3.2.1a CVVs. 

Clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were detected in birds in Africa, North and South America, Antarctica, Asia and Europe. A(H5N1) viruses circulated in birds in most regions; A(H5N6) viruses were detected in poultry in China; A(H5N5) viruses were detected in Europe and North America; A(H5N8) viruses continued to circulate in Egypt; and A(H5N2) viruses were detected in wild birds in Japan. 

Infections in wild and captive mammals have been reported in many countries and the outbreak in dairy cattle continued in the USA. 

The HAs of A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in birds in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil were similar to viruses circulating in the region during previous reporting periods with up to 6 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/American wigeon/South Carolina/22-000345-001/2021 CVV. No antigenic data were available. 

Although some heterogeneity was observed, A(H5N1) viruses from birds and mammals in Bangladesh, Japan and the USA and multiple countries in Africa and Europe generally reacted well with post-infection ferret antisera raised against at least 1 of the available clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs; a virus from Crozet Islands and an increasing number of viruses from Egypt reacted less well. 

The A(H5N6) and A(H5N1) viruses identified in China had 2 to 14 HA amino acid substitutions relative to clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs and most reacted well with post-infection ferret antisera raised against CVV-like viruses. 

The HAs of A(H5N5) viruses detected in Europe and North America were genetically related to viruses detected in previous reporting periods and reacted well to ferret antisera raised against at least 1 of the available clade 2.3.4.4b CVVs. 

Clade 2.3.2.1e viruses were detected in poultry in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Viet Nam. The HAs of these viruses were similar to viruses detected in previous periods in the region, with 1 to 9 amino acid substitutions relative to the recommended clade 2.3.2.1e A/Cambodia/ SVH240441/2024 CVV. Antigenic analyses are pending.

Clade 2.3.2.1g viruses were detected in poultry in multiple islands of the Republic of Indonesia. These viruses had HAs genetically similar to those of viruses circulating in the previous reporting period (...). Currently, there is no CVV proposed for this clade. These viruses accumulated many amino acid substitutions when compared to the sequences of CVVs of closely related clades. 

Antigenic analyses showed these viruses reacted poorly with post-infection ferret antisera raised against the clade 2.3.2.1e A/duck/Vietnam/ NCVD-1584/2012 and the clade 2.3.2.1a A/duck/Bangladesh/17D1012/2018 CVVs. 

Some of the recent Indonesian viruses reacted well to post-infection ferret antiserum raised against the clade 2.3.2.1f A/chicken/ Ghana/20/2015 CVV. 

Influenza A(H5) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on current genetic, antigenic and epidemiologic data, no new CVVs are proposed. The available and pending A(H5) CVVs are listed in Table 2. 

Influenza A(H9N2) 

Influenza A(H9N2) viruses are enzootic in poultry in many parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with the majority of viruses belonging to either the B or G HA lineage.{3} 

Since the late 1990s, when the first human infection was identified, sporadic detections of A(H9N2) viruses in humans and pigs have been reported, with associated mild disease in most human cases and no evidence for sustained human-to-human transmission. 

Influenza A(H9N2) activity from 25 February  to 22 September 2025 

Twenty-four human infections with A(H9N2) viruses have been identified in China, 4 with disease onset dates in the previous reporting period. 

A(H9N2) viruses were detected in poultry in multiple countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and in an illegally imported poultry product in Japan. 

Genetic and antigenic characteristics  of influenza A(H9N2) viruses 

The HAs of the 15 sequenced human viruses belonged to clade B4.7. Fourteen of these viruses belonged to clade B4.7.2 and had up to 25 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Anhui-Tianjiaan/11086/2022 CVV. 

The other human virus had a clade B4.7.4 HA with 14 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018 CVV. 

The majority of human viruses tested antigenically reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised against the A/Anhui-Tianjiaan/11086/2022 or the A/Anhui-Lujiang/39/2018 CVV. 

(...)

A(H9N2) viruses from birds belonged  to the following clades: A Clade B4.6 virus was detected in an imported poultry product in Japan. The HA of this virus was genetically similar to viruses previously reported in China, Lao PDR and Singapore. There is currently no CVV for clade B4.6, but the virus reacted well to post-infection ferret antisera raised against both the clade G5.5 A/Oman/2747/2019 and clade B-like A/chicken/Hong Kong/G9/97 CVVs. 

Clade B4.7 viruses were detected in poultry in Cambodia and Viet Nam. The HAs of these viruses continued to diversify genetically and accumulated up to 21 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Anhui-Tianjiaan/11086/2022 CVV. No antigenic data were available from these viruses. 

Clade G5.5 viruses were detected in poultry in Israel, Nigeria and Togo. Moreover, viruses belonging to clade G5.5 were identified in poultry in Mauritania and Senegal, although from samples collected in the previous reporting period. The HAs of the viruses from Israel had accumulated 8 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Oman/2747/2019 CVV. The HAs of viruses from Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo were genetically related to viruses circulating in West Africa in the previous period and had up to 12 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Oman/2747/2019 CVV. 

Ferret antiserum raised against the A/Oman/2747/2019 CVV reacted well with a virus from Togo. No antigenic data were available for the other G5.5 viruses. 

Clade G5.6 viruses were detected in poultry in Egypt. These viruses had up to 35 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Oman/2747/2019 CVV. Ferret antisera raised against either the A/Hong Kong/G9/97 or A/Oman/2747/2019 CVVs, however, reacted well with the majority of the viruses tested. 

Clade G5.7 viruses were detected in poultry in Bangladesh and India, although from samples collected during the previous reporting period. The HAs of viruses identified in India were genetically related to those circulating during previous reporting periods and had accumulated up to 28 amino acid substitutions relative to the A/Bangladesh/0994/2011 CVV with 8 amino acid substitutions occurring in putative antigenic sites. 

Ferret antiserum raised against the A/Bangladesh/0994/2011 CVV reacted well with the majority of Bangladesh viruses tested, however, some viruses with mutations in putative antigenic sites reacted less well. 

Clade Y8 viruses were detected in poultry in France and Madagascar, and in wild birds in Europe and North America. The HA sequences of viruses detected in Madagascar were similar to previously reported viruses in the country. The HA sequence of the virus from France was genetically similar to viruses previously reported in Europe. No antigenic data were available for these viruses and there is currently no CVV for this clade. 

Influenza A(H9N2) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available antigenic, genetic and epidemiologic data, no new CVVs are proposed. The available and pending A(H9N2) CVVs are listed in Table 3. 

Influenza A(H10) 

A(H10) viruses are frequently detected in poultry in many regions of the world and are considered endemic in poultry in China, with rare human infections reported. 

Prior to this reporting period, 4 A(H10N3), 1 A(H10N5) and 3 A(H10N8) human infections were detected in China and A(H10N7) viruses were detected in individuals with conjunctivitis or mild upper respiratory tract symptoms in Australia (n=2) and Egypt (n=2). 

Influenza A(H10) activity from 25 February  to 22 September 2025 

Two human A(H10N3) virus infections were identified in China. 

(...)

Antigenic and genetic characteristics  of influenza A(H10N3) viruses 

One of the human A(H10N3) viruses was sequenced and had an HA that was genetically similar to human A(H10N3) viruses from 2024, maintaining avian virus signatures at key receptor binding sites. As with previous viruses, the recent A(H10N3) virus had some gene segments derived from A(H9N2) viruses. No virus was recovered from the clinical material. 

A(H10N3), A(H10N4) and an A(H10N8) virus were detected in ducks and chickens in Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces of China, some with collection dates during the previous reporting period. The HAs of these viruses formed subtype-specific phylogenetic clades with those of the A(H10N3) viruses being genetically similar to the human A(H10N3) viruses. 

A(H10N7) viruses, genetically similar to those detected in previous periods, were detected in ducks in Cambodia. 

Influenza A(H10N3) candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available genetic and epidemiologic data, no new CVVs are proposed. The pending A(H10N3) CVV is listed in Table 4. 

Influenza A(H1)v{4} 

Influenza A(H1) viruses are enzootic in swine populations in most regions of the world. The genetic and antigenic characteristics of the viruses circulating in different regions are diverse. Viruses isolated from human infections with swine influenza A(H1) viruses are designated as A(H1) variant ((H1)v) viruses and have been previously detected in the Americas, Asia and Europe. 

Influenza A(H1)v activity from 25 February  to 22 September 2025 

One case of infection with an A(H1N1)v virus was detected in Germany. Multiple clades of A(H1) viruses were detected in swine populations globally (...). 

(...)

Antigenic and genetic characteristics  of influenza A(H1N1)v viruses 

The A(H1N1)v virus case from Germany was sequenced and had an HA belonging to clade 1C.2.2 similar to other 1C.2.2 viruses detected in swine in the region. The HA had 27 amino acid substitutions compared to the clade 1C.2.2 CVV, A/Hessen/47/2020. No antigenic data were available. 

Influenza A(H1)v candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available antigenic, genetic and epidemiologic data, no new A(H1)v CVVs are proposed. The available and pending A(H1)v CVVs are listed in Table 6. 

Influenza A(H3N2)v 

Influenza A(H3N2) viruses with diverse genetic and antigenic characteristics are enzootic in swine populations in most regions of the world. Human infections with influenza A(H3N2)v viruses originating from swine have been previously documented in the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. 

Influenza A(H3N2)v activity from 25 February  to 22 September 2025 

No cases of infection with A(H3N2)v viruses were detected in this reporting period. A(H3N2) viruses were detected in swine in Canada, France, Italy, Portugal, Russian Federation and the USA (Table 7). 

(...)

Influenza A(H3N2)v candidate vaccine viruses 

Based on the available antigenic, genetic and epidemiologic data, no new CVVs are proposed. The available A(H3N2)v CVVs are listed in Table 8

(...)

Acknowledgements 

Acknowledgement goes to the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) which provides the mechanism for detection and monitoring of zoonotic influenza viruses. We thank the National Influenza Centres of GISRS who contributed information, clinical specimens and viruses, and associated data; WHO collaborating centres of GISRS for their in-depth characterisation and analysis of viruses and preparation of CVVs; WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories of GISRS; and WHO H5 Reference Laboratories for their complementary analyses and preparation of CVVs. We acknowledge the WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU) laboratories for their in-depth characterization and comprehensive analysis of viruses and other national public and veterinary health institutions for contributing information and viruses. We also acknowledge the GISAID Global Data Science Initiative for the EpiFluTM database, and other sequence databases which were used to share gene sequences and associated information. 

{1} For information relevant to other notifiable influenza virus infections in animals refer to https://wahis.woah.org/#/home 

{2} See https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/vaccines/who-recommendations/zoonotic-influenza-viruses-and-candidate-vaccine-viruses  

{3} See https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/8/23-1176_article 

{4} Standardization of terminology for the influenza virus variants infecting humans: Update (https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/influenza/global-influenza-surveillance-and-response-system/nomenclature/standardization_of_terminology_influenza_virus_variants_update.pdf?sfvrsn=d201f1d5_6).

Source: World Health Organization, Weekly Epidemiological Record (WER), https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/af989289-7535-4a61-89b9-5db72aa5e829/content

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#Bulgaria - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification [FINAL]

 

{By Subramanya CK - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17954283}

Two Western Marsh Harrier wild birds in Burgas Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6955

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

 

A fattening duck holding in Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6959

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#Slovenia - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

A wild Mute Swan in Savinjska Region.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6964

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#Finland - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

{By https://www.flickr.com/photos/sbern/ - https://www.flickr.com/photos/sbern/13471929904/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36391956}

A wild bird belonging to the Common Goldeneye Species.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6956

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#Mpox Multi-country external #situation #report no. 59 published 30 October 2025 (#WHO, summary)

 

Highlights   

• This Situation report will now be published monthly. 

• All clades of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) continue to circulate. When mpox outbreaks are not rapidly contained and human-to-human transmission is not interrupted, there is a risk of sustained community transmission.  

• In September 2025, 42 countries, across all WHO regions, reported a total of 3135 confirmed cases, including 12 deaths (case fatality ratio [CFR] 0.4%). More than 80% of these cases were reported in the African Region. Four regions (African Region, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Region of the Americas, and the Western Pacific) observed a declining trend in confirmed cases reported per month, while the European and South-East Asian regions observed an increase in cases in September 2025.

• Seventeen countries in Africa have experienced ongoing active transmission of mpox in the last six weeks (14 Sep – 19 Oct 2025), with 2862 confirmed cases, including 17 deaths (CFR 0.6%) reported during this period. Countries reporting the highest number of cases in this period are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Kenya and Ghana; with upward trends in Kenya and Liberia, sustained declining trends in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and very early indications of a downward trend in Ghana. 

• Since the last edition of this report, Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain have reported detection of clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV) for the first time.   

• New imported cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV detected among travellers have been reported in Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Qatar and Spain. 

• Six countries outside Central and East Africa have reported clade Ib MPXV cases among individuals without travel links, indicating local circulation of the virus in Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United States of America. In addition to countries in Africa, these countries are now also classified as experiencing community transmission of clade Ib MPXV.  

• Since the last report, at least five cases of mpox due to clade Ib MPXV have been detected among individuals who self-identify as men who have sex with men. These cases provide the first evidence of previously undetected circulation, of this virus strain within this at-risk population, in which only clade IIb MPXV had been reported since 2022, and across different regions.  

• In light of expanding community transmission of clade Ib MPXV and its detection among men who have sex with men, WHO currently assesses the public health risk as moderate for men who have sex with men and low for the general population in contexts outside historically endemic areas. 

(...)

Source: World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-mpox--external-situation-report--59---30-october-2025

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Avian #influenza causes age-related #mortality in a long-lived #seabird

 

Abstract

Recently, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have caused mass mortality events in seabirds worldwide, raising concern for long-lived species with low reproductive rates. Using individual-level data from the 2022 mass mortality event in northwestern European Sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis), we show that older individuals were disproportionately more affected, while no sex bias was observed. This age-specific mortality likely removed the most experienced individuals from the population. Our findings highlight a previously underappreciated mechanism through which HPAI outbreaks may impair the resilience of long-lived avian populations.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN)

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.30.685500v1

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Post-infection #pig and #ferret antisera show similar #antigenic profiles for #human #influenza #H1N1pdm09 viruses

 

Abstract

Background: 

Monitoring antigenic drift in human influenza A viruses is essential for vaccine strain selection and ensuring protection against circulating strains. Antigenic drift is traditionally assessed using ferret antisera, which provide monospecific responses, and human vaccinee sera, which reflect exposure to multiple antigens. In this study we evaluated the pig as an alternative source of antisera to study antigenic drift compared to immune responses in ferrets and humans. We included seasonal influenza A(H1N1pdm09) human viruses that had shown different antigenic characteristics when using ferret or human antisera. 

Methods: 

Pairs of pigs were inoculated with six human A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating between 2019 and 2023, a period of marked antigenic drift. Pig and ferret antisera were analysed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays. 

Results: 

Pigs were successfully infected with all strains, shedding virus and producing antibody responses, confirming their susceptibility to human influenza A viruses. Antigenic reactivity of pig antisera was qualitatively comparable to ferret antisera in both HI and VN assays, although maximum homologous antibody titres were significantly higher in ferrets. The antisera raised against viruses in circulation in 2019 and before, exempified by A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019, clade 5a.1, were clearly differentiated by both ferret and pig antisera from those in clade 5a.2 and its derivatives that became predominant. 

Conclusions: 

Ferrets and pigs showed comparable responses and both distinguished clade 5a.1 from clade 5a.2. However, neither model recognised antigenically drifted variants from 2019/2022, including subclades 5a.2 C, 5a.2a C.1/C.1.9, and .5a.2a.1 C.1.1/D, which were distinguishable using human post-vaccination antisera.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, https://ror.org/00cwqg982, BB/X511134/1 , BBS/E/PI/230002A, BBS/E/PI/230002B, BBS/E/PI/23NB0004, BBS/E/PI/23NB0003, BB/Y007298/1

Medical Research Council, https://ror.org/03x94j517, CC1114

Cancer Research UK, CC1114

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.30.685573v1

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