ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract The emergence and broad circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in wild birds and its spillover into dairy cows with sustained transmission in this species pose a major risk to felines , which are highly susceptible and often succumb to the infection . Here, we developed a novel recombinant hemagglutinin H5-based vaccine and evaluated its safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy against HPAI H5N1 virus in domestic cats . Immunization of cats with H5-vaccine candidate elicited robust levels of neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 virus and protection against disease, mortality, and infection upon H5N1 virus challenge. The vaccine-elicited immunity significantly reduced virus shedding and viremia , limiting systemic spread and disease severity in immunized animals. Importantly, beyond protecting susceptible felids, vaccinating cats against the H5N1 virus could also reduce the risk of human exposure - underscoring the One Health impact of i...

  A layer poultry farm (located near small rivers, ponds, and migratory birds) began showing clinical signs of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in its hens. These signs included pale combs and wattles, followed by increased mortality. The farm owner contacted the veterinary clinic in Taji, near Baghdad. A team of veterinarians was formed, samples were taken, and sent to the central laboratory for PCR testing. Control measures were initiated, including a ban on the movement of poultry. The entire flock will be culled in accordance with the procedures stipulated in Animal Health Law No. 32 of 2013, which mandates the culling of poultry infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7181 ____

  A breeding goose holding in Nógrád Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7185 ____

Mallards in Saldus Region.  Birds tested in frame of EFSA call project for Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7187 ____

  Abstract Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become attractive tools for both the treatment and prevention of influenza A viruses due to their ability to target several viral components, which confers broad therapeutic potential. Advances in biotechnology, such as hybridoma technology , phage display technology , B cell immortalization , and artificial intelligence (Al)-driven antibody design, have significantly accelerated the development of effective mAbs. Clinical trials have shown that mAbs can improve clinical outcomes particularly in high-risk and immunocompromised populations by lowering viral loads and reducing disease severity. However, high production costs, the need for intravenous administration , and the risk of viral escape mutations are some of the obstacles to widespread clinical adoption. Post-marketing surveillance serves as a valuable source of information regarding safety, real-world effectiveness, and patterns of resistance. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnA...

  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/titian/the-tribute-money-1516 ____

  Highlights •  Nonspecific early signs hinder prompt diagnosis of H10N3 infection. •  H10N3 human infection remains rare but with high clinical severity. •  All patients had bird exposure and developed fever, cough, and dyspnoea. •  Diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing; imaging revealed viral pneumonia. Abstract Background Since the first human case of H10N3 Avian Influenza in Jiangsu, China (April 2021), three cases have been reported globally. However, clinical and treatment data remain limited. Therefore, we describe the fourth patient’s epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, treatment. Case presentation A 23-year-old woman, previously well , presented on 12 Dec 2024 with fever, dry cough and breathlessness after pig and chicken contact . CT showed bilateral pneumonia . Despite high-flow oxygen and broad-spectrum antibiotics she deteriorated , requiring intubation, lung-protective ventilation and VV-ECMO . Bronchoalveolar lavage isolated H10N3 ...

  BMJ FLINDERS M, Cairney P, Elliott IC Delivering change after the UK covid inquiry. BMJ. 2026;392:s18. PubMed          YAMEY G, Shaffer J Trump and RFK Jr are dismantling public health-aided and abetted by powerful doctors. BMJ. 2026;392:s19. PubMed          Clin Infect Dis RAO A, Johnson L, Bassit L, Sullivan J, et al Independent Testing to Accelerate the Development of Lateral Flow Assays for Influenza A, Influenza B and SARS-COV-2. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Jan 9:ciaf660. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available WANG XF, Calabrese C, Calabrese L Target Trial Emulation of Oral Antivirals for B-Cell-Depleted COVID-19 Patients-Reply to Chen et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2026 Jan 9:ciaf718. doi: 10.1093. PubMed          PURPURA L, Heisler T, Palmer S, Shah J, et al Overlapping Clinical Presentation of Long COVID and Postacute COVID-19 Vacc...

  Ann Intern Med TERAN-PLASENCIA JM, Kalil AC In adults hospitalized with acute HF, predischarge influenza vaccination reduced a composite of mortality or readmission at 1 y. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Jan 6. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-04799. PubMed           Abstract available TONG SYC, Gibney KB In older adults, high- vs. standard-dose influenza vaccine reduced hospitalization for influenza or pneumonia. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Jan 6. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-05209. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol YAN Y, Pan Z, Mao L, Niu P, et al Genome surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB subvariants in Wuhan in June 2023. Arch Virol. 2026;171:38. PubMed           Abstract available Biochem Biophys Res Commun HUANG A, Li C, Wu H, Sun W, et al Development of human single-domain antibodies against influenza based on NA-targeting IgG. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2026;798:153238...

  Abstract Influenza B viruses cause substantial respiratory disease and seasonal outbreaks. Despite decades of circulation in humans , only the B/Victoria lineage persisted after the COVID-19 pandemic. Continual evolution has generated hemagglutinin deletion variants at residues 162-164 that drive successive epidemics , yet their functional consequences remain poorly understood. Using integrated phylodynamics and reverse genetics , we show that Clade V1A.1 viruses carrying a two-amino acid deletion exhibit enhanced replication and increased virulence compared with ancestral viruses lacking deletions. The recently prevailing Clade V1A.3 , which harbors a three-amino acid deletion together with the K136E substitution, has completely displaced V1A.1 and causes more severe disease in mice . Both clades bound efficiently to alpha 2-3 and 2-6 sialylated glycans and exhibited broad tolerance to acidic pH and elevated temperatures . These findings reveal that specific combinations of HA d...

  Di maurizio messa - Flickr: FS ETR401, CC BY-SA 2.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20276434 Source:  Link:  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Ferroviaria ____

  Abstract Influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy (IAE) is a severe neurological complication characterized by central nervous system dysfunction and structural damage following influenza virus infection . Predominantly affecting infants and young children , IAE exhibits its highest incidence in those under five years of age . Key clinical manifestations of IAE include acute seizures, sudden high fever, and impaired consciousness , frequently progressing to coma . Neuroimaging , particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), often reveals multifocal brain lesions involving multiple brain regions, including the cerebellum, brainstem, and corpus callosum . The prognosis of IAE is poor , with a mortality rate reaching 30%. Current diagnosis relies heavily on clinical presentation and characteristic neuroimaging findings, as the precise pathogenesis of IAE remains elusive . While various research models, including cell lines, brain organoids, and animal models , have been dev...

  {Excerpt} Time Period: December 28, 2025 - January 03, 2026 -- H5 Detection :  3 site(s) ( 0.7% ) -- No Detection :  428 site(s) ( 99.3% ) -- No samples in last week :  111 site(s) (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

  {A barnacle goose} By Andreas Trepte - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32487518 ___ In accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Article 10.4.1, point 4, this outbreak does not change the disease-free status of Sweden as these are wild birds or birds kept in a single household, and therefore do not fall within the WOAH definition of poultry. {Sjöbo Region} A barnacle goose was killed. It was sent to the Swedish Veterinary Agency for laboratory analysis as part of the national surveillance program for avian influenza. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7180 ____

  Affected avian species were grazing ducks in Davao del Sur Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7105 ____

  ABSTRACT Current U.S. surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in humans prioritizes individuals with known animal exposures , potentially missing community-acquired infections . To address this gap, we implemented universal H5 subtyping of all influenza A-positive respiratory samples collected within our hospital system , regardless of patient exposure history. Between August 2024 and April 2025, we subtyped 4,488 influenza A-positive samples and identified two cases positive for H5 RNA in Alameda County, California, USA . The first case was a 14-month-old girl with mild respiratory symptoms and no H5N1 exposure risks ; sequencing of the sample revealed an H5 gene closely related to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13 viruses circulating in U.S. dairies . The second case was a 79-year-old male, also with no known exposures , whose sample reproducibly tested positive with a high cycle threshold value but could not be confirmed by public health laboratories. Both pati...

  Abstract Selection of advantageous mutations drives the emergence of dominant variants during seasonal influenza epidemics . However, within-host detection of such variants remains rare , limiting our understanding of how selection operates at the scale of individual hosts. In this study, we used a controlled human infection model to examine the within-host evolutionary dynamics in thirteen participants intranasally infected with a seasonal H3N2 influenza A virus . Although this clinical trial is ongoing , our work represents a pre-planned, interim, exploratory analysis. Results in this system were contrasted with those observed in a ferret model of infection. The inoculum, used in both humans and ferrets, carried standing diversity that enabled evaluation of variant trajectories during infection. Although the dynamics were variable among participants, in humans , the minor variants in the PA and NP gene segments tended to increase in frequency as infection progressed. Variant dy...

  Poultry farms in Podlaskie Region. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7177 ____

  Summary Background Lassa virus (LASV) is a persistent threat to public health in west Africa and beyond . LASV is endemic in west Africa and each year it is responsible for an estimated 2·7 million infections, 23 700 hospitalisations, and 5000 deaths . With over 32 reported cases of Lassa fever imported into non-endemic countries—one-third of which were fatal—the importance of enhanced detection and management of Lassa fever extends beyond west Africa. Methods The prevalence, pathogenesis, and persistence (PREPARE) study was a prospective cohort study among patients admitted to two hospitals in a hyperendemic area of Liberia . Any patients aged 5 years or older with a febrile illness were eligible to enrol and be tested for Lassa fever. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of LASV infection and assess the signs and symptoms, LASV viral replication kinetics, and LASV-specific IgM and IgG responses longitudinally among adults and children with laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever....

  Abstract Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b cause sporadic human infections and currently raise concerns about a new influenza pandemic . Heterogeneities in disease severity have been observed in the past and are reported among infected farm workers in the United States . These may be attributed to differences in pre-existing H5N1 cross-reactive antibodies . In this study, we characterize H5N1 cross-reactive antibody landscapes in the current population (#NCT05794412 and #NCT01022905) and assess the effect of AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 and non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccination on H5N1 cross-neutralizing and IgG antibody titers targeting a range of influenza virus-derived antigens. We detect H5N1 cross-neutralizing antibodies using a vesicular stomatitis virus-based pseudovirus system that correlate well with antibodies inhibiting the spread of authentic H5N1 viruses, anti-group 1 hemagglutinin stalk and anti-trimeric hemagglutinin antibodi...