Skip to main content

Posts

Swine acute #diarrhea syndrome #coronavirus-related viruses from #bats show potential #interspecies infection

  ABSTRACT Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a bat-originated virus causing severe diseases in piglets . Since the 2016 outbreak , diverse SADS-related CoVs (SADSr-CoVs) have been detected in Rhinolophus bats in China and Southeast Asia , but their potential interspecies infection and pathogenicity remain unknown. Herein, we sequenced the spike (S) genes of bat SADSr-CoVs and classified them into four genotypes . We constructed an infectious SADS-CoV cDNA clone (rSADS-CoV) and nine recombinant viruses by replacing the SADS-CoV S gene with that of bat SADSr-CoVs. Recombinant SADSr-CoVs could replicate efficiently in respiratory and intestinal cell lines and human- and swine-derived organoids and caused varying tissue damage and mortality in suckling mice. These viruses can be classified into at least five serotypes based on cross-neutralization assays . Our findings highlight the potential risk of interspecies infection and provide important information for fut...

#Spike conformational and glycan heterogeneity associated with #furin cleavage causes incomplete #neutralization of #SARS-CoV-2

  Abstract SARS-CoV-2 Spike - the sole neutralization target, is highly resilient to the immune pressure driving genetic evolution . While potency and breadth of neutralization are widely studied, the incomplete neutralization - the mechanism of resistance without needing genetic change - remains unexplored . Several monoclonal antibodies , although potent, showed incomplete neutralization of genetically homogeneous pseudovirus suggesting the existence of distinct spike conformations . The residual infectivity at high antibody concentration indicates a viral fraction with intrinsic resistance to the antibody. Although the published studies on spike glycosylation, structure, and conformations provide evidence of spike heterogeneity the precise mechanism for the incomplete neutralization has not been established. In this study, we devise a method to separate the un-neutralized virion population , called as persistent fraction of infectivity (PF), and characterize the viral spike prot...

Increased #pathogenicity and #transmission of #SARS-CoV-2 #Omicron #XBB.1.9 subvariants, including HK.3 and EG.5.1, relative to BA.2

  ABSTRACT With the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.9 subvariants circulating worldwide, two XBB.1.9 variants, EG.5.1 and HK.3 , spread rapidly and became dominant in mid-2023. However, the spike features, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of HK.3 are largely unknown. Here, we performed multiscale investigations to reveal the virological features of XBB.1.9 subvariants , including the newly emerging HK.3 . HK.3 revealed high replication efficiency and enhanced TMPRSS2 utilization in vitro. The HK.3 spike exhibited enhanced processing, although its infectivity, fusogenicity, and human ACE2 (hACE2) binding affinity were comparable to those of the EG.5 and XBB.1 spikes. All XBB.1.9.1, EG.5.1, and HK.3 strains demonstrated efficient transmission in hamsters , although XBB.1.9.1 exhibited stronger fitness in the upper airways . XBB.1.9.1, EG.5.1, and HK.3 exhibited greater pathogenicity than BA.2 in H11-K18-hACE2 hamsters. Our studies provide insights into the newly emerging pathogens EG.5.1...

Estimated #impact of 2022–2023 #influenza #vaccines on annual #hospital #burden in the #USA

  Significance Annual influenza epidemics in the United States cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations . Quantifying vaccine impact is vital, yet many analyses overlook vaccines’ dual benefits : directly protecting recipients and indirectly protecting their contacts . Using a mathematical model that accounts for both effects, we estimate that vaccination prevented about 70,000 hospitalizations during the 2022–2023 season , with another 19,000 potentially avoidable if coverage met the 70% national target. Despite uncertainty in vaccine effectiveness against infection, our findings suggest that vaccinating younger adults offers substantial indirect protection for older adults. Tailoring annual vaccination campaigns by age group and state could further strengthen their public health impact. Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic early years, infection prevention measures suppressed transmission of seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses . The early onset and moderate s...

#Influenza at the #human - #animal #interface - Summary and #risk #assessment, from 30 September to 5 November 2025 (#WHO)

  • New human cases {1,2}:  -- From 30 September to 5 November 2025 , based on reporting date, the detection of influenza A(H5N1) in one human , A( H5N2 ) in one human and A( H9N2 ) in two humans were reported officially.   • Circulation of influenza viruses with zoonotic potential in animals :  -- High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) events in poultry and non-poultry animal species continue to be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).{3}  -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also provides a global update on avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential.{4}  • Risk assessment {5}:  -- Sustained human to human transmission has not been reported in the above human infection events.  -- Based on information available at the time of this risk assessment update , the overall public health risk from currently known influenza A viruses detected at the human-animal interface has not changed...

First #assessment of #plague in terrestrial small #mammals and #fleas from Makira Natural Park and surroundings, North-eastern #Madagascar

  Abstract Background Plague, a zoonosis caused by Yersinia pestis, is endemic in Madagascar but knowledge on the epidemiological situation in the northern focus remains unclear . The aim of this study was to investigate the circulation of Y. pestis in terrestrial small mammals in north eastern Madagascar, where suspected plague outbreaks have been reported. Methods Sampling of terrestrial small mammals and their fleas was carried out in 22 trapping sites within 9 localities of the two sectors (1 and 3) of Makira Natural Park (MNP) and surroundings, from 2020 to 2022. Yersinia pestis was investigated in terrestrial small mammal spleen samples and their fleas using bacteriological, serological and molecular methods. Results A total of 614 terrestrial small mammals composed of eight species and 1,754 individual fleas were collected following 4,880 trap-nights. The black rat (Rattus rattus) represented the majority (87.8%) of the small mammal species caught. Flea infestation rate was ...

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

A slaughter turkeys operation in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7012 ____

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

  {Hessen Region} laying hens (500), broilers (200), ducks for fattening (200), geese for fattening (700), turkeys for fattening (500) Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7021 ____

#Portugal - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5 viruses (#poultry) (Inf. with) - Immediate notification

  {Porto Region} Small farm keeping 197 mixed species poultry and 187 captive birds of exotic species. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7015 ____

#Cambodia's #capital has reported its first #death from avian #influenza #H5N1 this year (Nov. 17 '25)

  Phnom Penh, November 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Ministry of Health confirmed on the 16th that a young man residing in Phnom Penh had died from avian influenza (H5N1). Authorities urged the public to be vigilant and take effective preventative measures. According to the report, the 22-year-old man experienced severe symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing . Despite the medical team's best efforts, his condition rapidly deteriorated, and he died on the 15th of this month . This is the first reported human death from avian influenza in the country's capital this year. Following the incident, the Cambodian Ministry of Health immediately activated its emergency response mechanism . Local professional teams are conducting a comprehensive and detailed epidemiological investigation to trace the source of infection and identify close contacts . To prevent further spread of the epidemic in the community, authorities have urgently allocated and ...

#Cambodia Man Dies from #H5N1 #Birdflu (Nov. 17 '25)

  A 22-year-old Cambodian man died of H5N1 bird flu , the Ministry of Health said in a statement released Sunday, November 16, 2025, as reported by Xinhua and quoted by Antara. "Laboratory results from the Cambodian National Institute of Public Health on November 15, 2025 , showed that the man was positive for H5N1 virus infection," the Cambodian Ministry of Health said in a statement. (...) Source: Tempo,  https://www.tempo.co/internasional/pria-kamboja-tewas-akibat-flu-burung-h5n1-2090146 ____

Safety and immunogenicity of a #Nipah virus #vaccine (HeV-sG-V) in adults: a single-centre, randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1 study

  Summary Background First discovered in 1999 in Malaysia, Nipah virus (NiV) causes yearly outbreaks throughout south and southeast Asia with associated mortality rates of 40–75 %. Due to the structural and sequence similarities between the NiV and Hendra virus (HeV) attachment G glycoproteins , and the extensive extant evidence of the ability of a recombinant soluble glycoprotein G (HeV-sG) to provide heterologous cross-protective immunity when used as vaccine (HeV-sG-V), this study aimed to evaluate HeV-sG-V for safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity against NiV. Methods We conducted a phase 1, single-centre, randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study . Eligible participants were aged 18–49 years, healthy, and not pregnant; participants were ineligible if they were immunocompromised, had received blood products within 6 months of enrolment, had potential exposure to NiV or HeV, or had known allergies to components of the vaccine. Participants were randomly assigned in...

Gordale Scar, James Ward (c.1812 - 1814)

  Public Domain. Source: WikiArt,  https://www.wikiart.org/en/james-ward/gordale-scar-a-view-of-gordale-in-the-manor-of-east-malham-in-craven-yorkshire-the-property-of-1814 ____

History of Mass Transportation: #Autorail Renault VH preserved a the City of Trains Museum

  Par ignis — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1256653 Source: Wikipedia,  https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autorail_Renault ____

#Ethiopia confirms first #outbreak of #Marburg virus disease (#WHO AFRO, Nov. 15 '25)

  14 November 2025 Addis Ababa—Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the South Ethiopia Region, the first of its kind in the country , following laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever. Genetic analysis by the Ethiopia Public Health Institute revealed that the virus is of the same strain as the one that has been reported in previous outbreaks in other countries in East Africa .  A total of nine cases have been reported in the outbreak that has affected Jinka town in the South Ethiopia Region. The national authorities are scaling up response including community-wide screening, isolation of cases, treatment, contact tracing and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the Marburg virus, which is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola virus disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are supporting the government as it intensifies response to halt the sp...

#Coronavirus Disease Research #References (by AMEDEO, Nov. 15 '25)

  Int J Infect Dis SILVA CAC, Bomfim AP, Medeiros JD, Silva JJ, et al Nasal Microbiota and Clinical Features in Acute Flu-Like Illness: COVID-19 Status and Long COVID Follow-Up. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 11:108196. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108196. PubMed           Abstract available SONG J, Jeong S, Chun AY, Jung J, et al Incidence of Respiratory Infections after the COVID-19 Pandemic (2023-2024) and Its Association of Vaccination Among Entire Populations in Korea. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 7:108194. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108194. PubMed           Abstract available VERGORI A, Matusali G, Lepri AC, Cimini E, et al Supporting equitable booster strategies: one-year real-world immunogenicity data in people with HIV (PWH) receiving different variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccines. Int J Infect Dis. 2025 Nov 7:108189. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2025.108189. PubMed           Ab...

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (by AMEDEO, Nov. 15 '25)

  Arch Virol WANG P, Fu J, Wu H, Zhu L, et al Amino acid substitutions associated with adaptation of novel H10N3 and H10N5 avian influenza viruses to mice. Arch Virol. 2025;170:242. PubMed          Drug Saf WONG J, Donegan K, Harrison K, Jan T, et al Implementation and Results of Active Vaccine Safety Monitoring During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK: A Regulatory Perspective. Drug Saf. 2025;48:1365-1385. PubMed           Abstract available VAN HOLLE L Observed Versus Expected Analysis-How Does It Fit in the Pharmacovigilance Toolkit? Drug Saf. 2025;48:1325-1330. PubMed           Abstract available Drugs LEE A Onradivir: First Approval. Drugs. 2025;85:1609-1612. PubMed           Abstract available J Clin Microbiol HOGAN CA, Le AT, Khan A, Su LD, et al Comprehensive metabolomics combined with machine learning for the identificatio...

History of Mass Transportation: The BBÖ 1070, BB Brissonneau e Lotz Vollert SNCF Y 8000 Shunters

  By Smiley.toerist - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52071432 Source: Wikipedia,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Brissonneau_et_Lotz_locomotives ____

#Human #Infection with Avian #Influenza #H10N3 Virus, #China, 2024

  Abstract We describe the clinical symptoms and epidemiologic characteristics of a patient infected with avian influenza A(H10N3) virus in Guangxi Province , China, in December 2024. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the virus was highly homologous to a virus from Yunnan Province . H10 subtype viruses should be monitored for potential zoonotic or reassortant events. Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/11/25-0847_article ____

#USA, #Washington State: #H5N5 Avian #influenza confirmed in Grays Harbor County resident (DoH, Nov. 15 '25)

  For immediate release: November 14, 2025   (25-138) First detection of this strain in a human, risk to the public remains low Contact: DOH Communications A Grays Harbor resident who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November has been confirmed to have influenza A H5 , a type of avian influenza.  Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an avian influenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans .  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low. The person is an older adult with underlying health conditions and remains hospitalized.  The affected person has a mixed backyard flock of domestic poultry at home that had exposure to wild birds .  The domestic poultry or wild birds are the most likely source of virus exposure; however, public health investigation is ongoing .  The Washington State Department ...