ETIDIOH - NEW

  Highlights •  Human influenza A virus N2 neuraminidases were analyzed by antigenic cartography •  N2 antigenic evolution was discordant with antigenic evolution of H3 hemagglutinin •  Important epitopes were identified at the NA active site but also elsewhere in NA •  Changes in charge, volume, and hydropathy of epitope residues caused antigenic drift Summary Human influenza A viruses escape antibody-mediated immunity through changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins . HA antigenic evolution has been studied extensively, with more recent interest in NA due to its importance in influenza vaccine efficacy. Here, the antigenic properties of the NA of more than 300 A( H3N2 ) and A( H2N2 ) viruses isolated since 1957 were quantified with a NA inhibition enzyme-linked lectin assay and visualized using antigenic cartography , with follow-up molecular studies using recombinant viruses. The antigenic evolution of N2 NA was more gradual than...

  ABSTRACT Oropouche virus (OROV) is reemerging in the Americas, along with a growing threat to global public health . Recent outbreaks have witnessed the first reported fatalities , vertical transmissions , and intercontinental importations of OROV, underscoring its expanding risk . Despite this, no vaccines or specific therapeutics are available, and fundamental research on OROV vaccinology and antigenicity remains limited. Here, we show that co-expression of the M polyprotein and nucleocapsid protein (NP) drives the assembly of OROV virus-like particles (VLPs) with high immunogenicity . Using the prototype strain OROV/sloth/Brazil/PA-UG-BeAn19991/1960, we developed an mRNA vaccine, M/N-vac, encoding these VLPs . Immunization with M/N-vac in mice elicited robust OROV-specific IgG and pseudovirus-neutralizing antibodies that cross-reacted with a contemporary circulating strain, hOROV/Brazil/AM-UKY-AM0088/2024. The vaccine also induced a durable, antigen-specific Th1-biased cellula...

  {Excerpt} In the spring of 2025, multiple SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 subvariants were circulating, with LP.8.1 among the major variants . Pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer–BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax–Takeda, adopted monovalent LP.8.1 for their 2025–26 season vaccines , following recommendations issued by WHO in May, 2025. As of November, 2025, SARS-CoV-2 variants including LP.8.1, XEC, NB.1.8.1, and XFG —all designated as variants under monitoring —were circulating. In terms of the spike gene , these variants, as well as LP.8.1, are derived from JN.1 . Moreover, BA.3.2, a BA.3 descendant bearing multiple mutations in its spike gene , has potentially been spreading and exhibiting robust immune evasion . In Japan, the roll-out of the LP.8.1-based vaccination has progressed since the end of September, 2025. We previously reported the humoral immunity induced by the XBB.1.5-based monovalent vaccine in 2023,6 and the JN.1-based monovalent vaccine in 2024 in the Japanese populat...

  Abstract Seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses are continuous threats to human health, requiring rapid development of vaccines to multiple evolving viral strains. RNA vaccine technologies have the adaptability and manufacturability to facilitate pandemic preparedness but have limited flexibility in their route of administration , reducing the ability to establish local protective immune responses such as respiratory mucosal immunity . Here, we describe monovalent and bivalent replicon vaccines against A/Vietnam/1203/2004 H5N1 and A/Anhui/PA-1/2013 H7N9. These replicon vaccines express either H5 or H7 hemagglutinin and are formulated with a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) that permits both intramuscular (IM) and intranasal (IN) dosing. In mice , IM vaccination established systemic humoral and cellular responses but no detectable mucosal response , while IN administration induced robust systemic and mucosal immunity . The replicon-NLC vaccines protected against morbidity and m...

  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...