ETIDIOH - NEW

  ABSTRACT The recent emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.13) in dairy cattle presents substantial challenges to the agricultural sector and public health. Mechanistic studies of infection and transmission in cattle have proven difficult due to animal handling restrictions and the limited availability of established cell culture models. Primary bovine embryonic fibroblasts (BeEFs) were isolated and investigated here as a model to study influenza A virus (IAV) infection dynamics. We compared sialylation profiles , infectious virus production, viral replication, and plaque morphology in BeEFs following infection with the bovine HPAI H5N1 and an earlier 2.3.4.4b genotype (B1.1) isolated in 2022. The data presented here demonstrate increased expression of α-2,3 sialic acids compared to α-2,6 sialic acids in BeEFs , similar to sialylation profiles previously reported in bovine mammary tissue . These data also display increased viral fi...

  Abstract Molnupiravir induces mutations that render severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication-competent through error catastrophe mechanisms . Previous studies showed no resistant virus emergence during prolonged molnupiravir treatment, with no resistant variants reported . However, these approaches were limited by genetic uniformity at passage initiation. To investigate viral population dynamics under enhanced genetic diversity, we employed mutagenic pre-treatment using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and favipiravir to generate diverse quasi-species populations before molnupiravir selection pressure. Viral populations were treated with stepwise increasing molnupiravir concentrations (10 μM ⟶ 25 μM ⟶ 40 μM) over ten serial passages . Viral detectability, plaque morphology, and mutation accumulation were analyzed using molecular and sequencing approaches . Only high-concentration favipiravir (1000 μM) pre-treatment maintained detectable viral RNA through ten ...

{Coscoroba Swan. By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=179069673 } ___ On February 19, 2026, park rangers from the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) reported observing two birds of the same species displaying neurological signs . They were able to access one of the animals, which subsequently died. The carcass was properly preserved and sent to the official laboratory for analysis. The emergency protocol was immediately activated. An area of 5 kilometres around the point of detection was defined. There are no commercial poultry farms within the area under analysis. The Official Veterinary Services of the departments of Maldonado and Rocha are visiting establishments in the area. The survey consists of identifying the establishment and owner; georeferencing; confirming the presence of birds (chickens/multiple species); evaluating management conditions and the existen...

  Abstract The recent emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in U.S. dairy cattle marks a pivotal shift in the ecology of influenza A viruses (IAVs), signaling an unexpected expansion into a major livestock species . This review explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning this cross-species transmission , focusing on the unique sialic acid receptor landscape of the bovine mammary gland as a critical determinant. We synthesize emerging evidence that this tissue, which co-expresses both avian-type (α2,3-linked) and human-type (α2,6-linked) sialic acid receptors , functions as a novel biological crucible for viral adaptation . Within this environment, H5N1 virus faces selective pressure for hemagglutinin (HA) mutations —such as Q226L and N193D—that can alter receptor binding specificity toward human-like glycans , potentially bridging the species barrier. Recent studies confirm that bovine H5N1 virus isolates exhibit dual receptor-binding avidity ...

  Abstract The spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 virus to mammalian hosts raises major concerns due to its pandemic potential . Cats are frequently affected mammals, often succumbing to systemic and neurological disease . Here, we characterized the pathogenesis and transmissibility of two H5N1 genotypes, B3.13 and D1.1, in cats . Infected cats exhibited high-level viremia and virus shedding in nasal, oral, and fecal secretions were consistently detected. The virus replicated initially in the upper respiratory tract and lungs , followed by systemic dissemination and neuroinvasion . Notably, the virus crossed the blood-brain-barrier by infecting endothelial cells , spreading to astrocytes and neurons , causing multifocal encephalitis . D1.1-virus infection caused protracted disease with lower shedding and no transmissibility , whereas B3.13 virus caused rapid onset with efficient shedding and transmission. These findings reveal critical H5N1 neuropathogenes...

  By The only mark on the card is EKE. - eBay itemcard frontcard back, Public Domain,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17618573 Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works ____

  Public Domain. Source:  Link:  https://www.wikiart.org/en/pieter-bruegel-the-elder/the-fight-between-carnival-and-lent-1559-1 ____

  Antiviral Res LIU Q, Tang B, Xuan X, Wang H, et al The potential of leritrelvir repositioning for the treatment of coxsackievirus B4 and common enterovirus infections. Antiviral Res. 2026 Feb 16:106367. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106367. PubMed           Abstract available Emerg Infect Dis KASAI M, Sakuma H, Suzuki M, Nishiyama M, et al Life-Threatening SARS-CoV-2-Associated Encephalopathy and Multiorgan Failure in Children, Asia and Oceania, 2022-2024. Emerg Infect Dis. 2026;32:169-179. PubMed           Abstract available Int J Infect Dis MA Q, Yao L, Ding H, Tian W, et al SARS-CoV-2 Variant Specific Protective Immunity and Long-term Immune Recovery in People Living With HIV: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 16:108491. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108491. PubMed           Abstract available J Med Virol EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: Resistance-As...

  Antiviral Res WRONSKI S, Obernolte H, Schaudien D, Braun A, et al Prophylactic intranasal administration of bacterial lysate OM-85 mitigates human rhinovirus (RV-A1b) lung infection and inflammation in mice. Antiviral Res. 2026;247:106362. PubMed           Abstract available HEDSKOG C, Rodriguez L, Hu Y, Li J, et al SARS-CoV-2 Resistance Analyses From the Phase 3 BIRCH Study of Obeldesivir in High-Risk Nonhospitalized Participants With COVID-19. Antiviral Res. 2026 Jan 19:106351. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106351. PubMed           Abstract available RODRIGUEZ L, Hu Y, Li J, Han D, et al SARS-CoV-2 Resistance Analyses From the Phase 3 OAKTREE Study of Obeldesivir in Low-Risk Nonhospitalized Participants With COVID-19. Antiviral Res. 2025 Dec 29:106339. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106339. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol LIM KS, Selvan ME, Ea CK...

  ABSTRACT Dogs are considered mixing vessels for influenza viruses , posing a pandemic potential via viral reassortment . Our previous studies indicated that the avian-origin H3N2 canine influenza virus (A/canine/Zhejiang/1/2010, abbreviated C1) is virulent in canine and mice . Furthermore, we found that the HA and NA genes of C1 share a close genetic relationship with an H3N2 avian influenza virus (A/duck/Shanghai/06/2009, abbreviated D6), but they exhibit distinct pathogenicity . However, the understanding mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we explored the genetic determinants that contribute to the different pathogenicity between the C1 and D6. By using the reverse genetics approaches, we rescued several single-gene and position-substituted reassortant viruses based on the C1. The replication in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells and pathogenic trial in mice showed that the neuraminidase (NA) gene played a critical role in C1 virulence. Further analysis demonstrated ...

By Union Pacific Railroad - eBay itemphoto frontphoto back, Public Domain,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22868545 Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-turbine_locomotive ____

  {Excerpt} Time Period: February 08, 2026 - February 14, 2026 -- H5 Detection :  9 site(s) ( 1.9% ) -- No Detection :  466 site(s) ( 98.1% ) -- No samples in last week :  171 site(s) The H5 detections at sewershed IDs 809 and 912 in Michigan are false detections resulting from a data error. These will be corrected in the next update. (...) Source:  Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

  Poultry farms in Andhra Pradesh State. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7268 ____

{By Pkspks - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=162556362 } ___ More than 300 House Crows in Bihar: Darbhanga, Patna, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Pashchim Champaran Regions.  Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7269 ____

  Abstract Intercontinental spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses poses significant pandemic risks and necessitates strong protective countermeasures . We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir , the polymerase inhibitors baloxavir and favipiravir , and an ion-channel blocker amantadine , against severe influenza A( H5N1 ) virus infection in female BALB/c mice . Baloxavir (≥10 mg/kg, 1 dose) fully protected mice from death , significantly reduced virus respiratory replication, and prevented neuroinvasion . Oseltamivir (≥100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) provided limited survival benefits , reduced lung titers but failed to prevent viral neuroinvasion . Favipiravir (≥100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) provided partial protection , although did not reduce viral titers in lungs and brain . Amantadine provided no benefits . Although all drugs inhibited A(H5N1) viruses in vitro, in vivo correlations did not extend beyond baloxavir . Our result...

  Highlights •  Global Health Impact : Improved influenza vaccines have the potential to avert between 6.6 and 18 billion additional influenza cases, prevent 2.3 to 6.2 million additional deaths, and save 21 to 57 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally beyond those averted by current seasonal influenza vaccines •  Cost-Effectiveness : Depending on the price, coverage, and vaccine characteristics, improved influenza vaccines could be cost-effective in 9 to 48 % of countries, offering substantial global economic value under most scenarios •  Financial Viability : The development and commercialization of improved influenza vaccines present a robust financial value proposition, with positive net present value (NPV) across all vaccine profiles •  Policy and Decision Making : Vaccine efficacy, duration of protection, and breadth of protection are key factors influencing the adoption of improved influenza vaccines in national immunization programs •...

  ABSTRACT Swine influenza A virus (swIAV) is an important pathogen with regard to both the swine industry and public health . The pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 outbreak was caused by the swine-origin pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 [A(H1N1)pdm09] virus. Several reports have shown that several amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin (HA) antigenic sites can alter HA antigenicity. However, the impact of the amino acid deletion at position 155 on HA antigenicity remains unknown. In this study, we have isolated 11 samples of swIAVs from seven pig farms in Japan and found an amino acid deletion at position 155 of the HA region in one of the isolates of the H1N2 subtype . To examine the impact of this amino acid deletion on viral replication and HA antigenicity, we generated recombinant influenza A viruses possessing the H1 HA gene encoding either an artificial insertion or deletion of glycine at position 155. The growth kinetics of these recombinant viruses in two different cell lines demonstrated...

  Abstract Objective The H7N9 avian influenza virus, identified in China in 2013, has posed a significant threat to public health due to its high mortality rate . This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of H7N9 patients. Methods English and Chinese databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang) were searched for studies on laboratory-confirmed H7N9 cases with available data on symptom onset, diagnosis time, clinical features, oseltamivir administration, and outcomes . Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the pooled case data to assess the relationship between clinical factors and mortality risk. Results A total of 166 studies including 237 H7N9 cases were analyzed , with an overall mortality rate of 41.77%. Univariate analysis showed higher mortality in patients with advanced age ≥ 66 years (62.50%), those with underlying diseases (60.20%), those who received oseltamivir ≥ 8 days after symptom...

  Abstract B etween 2022 and 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b, including four distinct H5 Eurasian (EA) genotypes , were detected in wild birds and mammals in the Svalbard Archipelago and on the island of Jan Mayen . We describe their epidemiology and genomic characteristics to improve understanding of HPAIV occurrence and transmission in the High Arctic . The initial cases in 2022 occurred during summer and involved a glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and great skuas (Stercorarius skua) on Svalbard and Jan Mayen , representing the first detections of HPAIVs in the High Arctic . Three HPAIV genotypes were identified: EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-AB (H5N1), and EA-2021-I ( H5N5 ). In 2023 , HPAIVs were detected in a broader range of bird species, and retrospectively in an Atlantic walrus reported by another research group (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus). Genotypes identified in 2023 were EA-2020-C (H5N1), EA-2021-I ( H5N5 ), and EA-2022-BB (H5N1)....

  {Excerpt} Overall Global Risk Statement    -- This global rapid risk assessment (RRA) aims to assess the current public health risk associated with the 2024 upsurge of mpox in in Africa , in the context of the continuing global reporting of mpox cases in other regions since 2022, with a focus on updates since the previous RRA in September 2025.     Global overview   -- As of 28 January 2026, the monkeypox virus (MPXV) continues to spread globally, causing both localized and extended mpox outbreaks driven by various MPXV clades (Ia, Ib, IIa, and IIb) in diverse settings.  -- Furthermore, recombination of MPXV clades has been documented, with two cases of a recombinant clade Ib/IIb MPXV strain reported in recent months.   -- Globally, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025 (latest global data available), 143 countries and territories across all WHO regions have reported 177 848 confirmed cases, including 477 deaths (case fatality ratio ...