ETIDIOH - NEW

  Abstract Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is assessed to have high pandemic risk , and dromedary camels are the source of zoonotic spillover . More than 75% of MERS-CoV–infected dromedary camels are found in Africa , but no zoonotic disease has been reported from Africa where there is little awareness of MERS-CoV as a potential cause of respiratory disease . Antibody responses are a poor indicator of mild infection . We found that 47 of 60 (78%) dromedary camel abattoir workers in Kano, Nigeria, had MERS-CoV–specific T-cell responses while none of 18 controls did, suggesting that zoonotic infection is common in camel-exposed individuals in Africa. Source:  Link:  https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiag095/8504072?redirectedFrom=fulltext ____

  Abstract In China, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H3N8 virus is widespread among chickens and has recently caused three zoonotic infections , with the last one in 2023 being fatal . Here we evaluated the relative pandemic risk of this 2023 zoonotic H3N8 influenza virus , utilizing our previously published decision tree . Serological analysis indicated that a large proportion of the human population does not have any cross-neutralizing antibodies against this H3N8 strain. LPAI H3N8 displayed a dual affinity for α2–3 and α2–6 sialic acids and replicated efficiently in human bronchial epithelial cells . Furthermore, we observed H3N8 transmission via direct contact but not aerosols to ferrets with pre-existing H3N2 immunity . Although pre-existing H3N2 immunity resulted in a shortened disease course in ferrets, it did not reduce disease severity or replication in the respiratory tract. This study suggests that this zoonotic H3N8 strain has moderate pandemic potential and empha...

  Abstract For nearly 30 years, Goose/Guangdong-derived highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses have posed significant risks to economic stability, food security, and public health . Virus evolution has resulted in various clades , including the panzootic subclade 2.3.4.4b, recognized for its pandemic potential . Here we present the potent in vitro activity of FNI9, a pan-influenza NA-inhibiting monoclonal antibody , against a range of pseudoparticles with NA spanning decades of H5N1 virus evolution . FNI9 also shows strong prophylactic protection in female mice against lethal challenges with H5N1 from clade 1 and 2.3.4.4b. Cryo-EM and molecular dynamics analysis reveal that FNI9 binds to 7 highly conserved H5N1 NA residues (R118, E119, D151, E228, E278, R293, and R368). In silico evolutionary escape profiling and machine learning predict low escapability, high fitness costs, and minimal spread likelihood for viral mutations that evade FNI9 binding. These findings support FN...

Backyard poultry in Hà Tĩnh and Đắk Lắk Regions. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7272 ____

  Di Papamanila - Fotografia autoprodotta, CC BY-SA 3.0,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9469068 Source:  Link:  https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernica_(Picasso) ____

  Highlights •  MERS-CoV structural proteins and ORFs potently induce T cell responses in mice •  MERS-CoV-specific T cell epitope repertoires are identified in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice •  Airway ORF4b208-CD4+ and ORF5167-CD8+ T cells are optimal effector T cells •  ORF4b208 and ORF5167-specific T cells protect mice against MERS-CoV infection Summary Since its initial emergence in 2012, MERS-CoV has remained endemic and a global health threat . While accessory proteins (ORFs) are known for immune evasion , their role in adaptive immunity is unexplored. This study systematically investigated T cell responses against MERS-CoV ORFs. We mapped epitope repertoires targeting structural proteins and ORFs in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice , revealing that ORFs potently induced virus-specific T cells . Notably, ORF5 induced the dominant CD8+ T cell responses in BALB/c mice. Further analysis revealed that ORF4b208-specific CD4+ and ORF5167-specific CD8+ T cells in the respiratory...

  Abstract High pathogenicity avian influenza A(H5) viruses pose a pandemic threat . These viruses have rapidly evolved in birds and frequently crossed species barriers , resulting in over 1,000 confirmed human infections , with a case fatality proportion of approximately 50%. In response, the U.S. CDC has developed dozens of A(H5) candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) over the past two decades, primarily targeting clades known to infect humans. This report summarizes the development and characterization of the CVVs, with a particular focus on their antigenic relationships with clades 2.3.2.1e and 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses , which have been responsible for the majority of recent human infections. Source:  Link:  https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiag132/8502029 ____

  Am J Respir Crit Care Med MENDEZ R, Gonzalez-Jimenez P, Latorre A, Piqueras M, et al The Long-term Pneumonia Mortality Index. An International Multicenter Derivation and Validation Study for Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2026 Feb 21:aamag060. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available GAERTNER VD, Ramin-Wright L, Waldmann AD, Belting C, et al The first breaths after birth-early lung function in healthy term infants. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2026 Jan 30:aamag008. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Ann Intern Med QASEEM A, Obley AJ, Harrod CS, Wilt TJ, et al COVID-19 Vaccines for 2025-2026 in Adults Who Are Not Pregnant or Immunocompromised: Rapid Practice Points From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2026 Feb 24. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-25-05026. PubMed           Abstract available Ann...

  Arch Virol KOBAYASHI D, Hiono T, Adachi R, Igarashi M, et al Length and density of alpha2-3 sialyllactose-containing chains on glycopolymers determine receptor binding of avian influenza viruses. Arch Virol. 2026;171:100. PubMed          PARK SH, Lee SH, Seo YR, Kim DJ, et al Evolution and spread of H8Nx avian influenza viruses from wild birds in East Asia, 2019-2024. Arch Virol. 2026;171:95. PubMed           Abstract available NAVEED A The bovine mammary gland as a crucible for zoonotic influenza virus emergence: Receptor-mediated adaptation of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b. Arch Virol. 2026;171:89. PubMed          Biochem Biophys Res Commun SINGH VA, Nehul S, Saha A, Singh V, et al Bioengineered chimeric VLPs targeting chikungunya virus and SARS-CoV-2 show high immunogenicity in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2026;805:153346. PubMed        ...

  By Horace L.Arnold - "Modern Machine-Shop Economics." in Engineering Magazine 11. 1896, Public Domain,  https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36887873 Source:  Link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Locomotive_Works ____

  Abstract Mpox is a zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus . Here, we report Mali’s index Mpox case , which was clinically identified at the Mali–Guinea border by the national telemedicine center and confirmed by PCR . The library prepared with NextGenPCR™ MPXV Sequencing Library Prep and sequenced on Minion MK1C revealed a genome length of 197,122 bp with an average depth of 1284.4×. The strain belonged to Clade IIb G1 lineage and exhibited 85 mutations relative to NC_063383.1. To decipher genomic epidemiology, genomes ≥ 195 kb were retrieved from NCBI and aligned with MAFFT. Time-resolved phylogenetic reconstruction and ancestral trait inference were performed with TreeTime v0.11.4. A median joining network was built with Popart v1.7. Phylogeographic analysis revealed clustering with Clade IIb (G.1 lineage) linked to the May 2025 outbreak in Sierra Leone . Source:  Link:  https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/18/3/294 ____

  February 2026  WHO convenes technical consultations {1} in February and September each year to recommend viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines {2} for the northern hemisphere (NH) and southern hemisphere (SH) influenza seasons, respectively.  This recommendation relates to the influenza vaccines for use in the NH 2026-2027 influenza season .  A recommendation will be made in September 2026 relating to vaccines that will be used for the SH 2027 influenza season.  WHO guidance for choosing between the NH and SH formulations for countries in tropical and subtropical regions is available on the WHO Global Influenza Programme website {3}.   National or regional authorities approve the composition and formulation of influenza vaccines used in each country.  National public health authorities are responsible for making recommendations regarding the use of the vaccine.  WHO has published recommendations on the prevention of influenza {4}....

  ABSTRACT In this study, the infection dynamics, replication, and pathogenicity of a recombinant virus containing a deletion of ORF6 (rWA1ΔORF6) on the backbone of the highly virulent SARS-CoV-2 WA1 virus (rWA1) were investigated and compared to the parental rWA1 virus. While both rWA1 and rWA1ΔORF6 viruses replicated efficiently in cultured cells , the rWA1ΔORF6 virus produced smaller plaques, suggesting reduced cell-to-cell spread. Luciferase reporter assays revealed immune-suppressing effects of ORF6 on interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Pathogenesis assessment in cats revealed that animals inoculated with rWA1 were lethargic and presented with fever on days 2 and 4 post-infection (pi), whereas rWA1ΔORF6-inoculated animals developed subclinical infection . Additionally, animals inoculated with rWA1ΔORF6 presented reduced infectious virus shedding in nasal and oral secretions and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid when compared with the rWA1-inocu...

  {Excerpt} Time Period: February 15, 2026 - February 21, 2026 -- H5 Detection :  4 site(s) ( 0.8% ) -- No Detection :  495 site(s) ( 99.2% ) -- No samples in last week :  110 site(s) (...) Source: US CDC,  https://www.cdc.gov/ Link:  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html ____

  Note 27/02/2026: the number of dead animals in this outbreak was lowered after the country provided additional information. Source:  Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7309 ____

  This is a farm with broiler parents, housed in 3 barns. Clinical signs of increased mortality and severely depressed general condition were observed. Euthanization is in progress. A protection zone (3 km) and a surveillance zone (10 km) have been put in place around the infected farm and all other restrictions and necessary measures according to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and EU DR 2020/687 are applied. Source: WOAH. Link:  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7313 ____

  Abstract The H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) has posed a major global public health concern since its first detection in China in 2013 . Transmitted among wild birds and poultry , this virus has crossed the species barrier to infect humans , causing severe respiratory disease and high mortality . Although the widespread use of H7 vaccines has markedly reduced human infections , the ongoing circulation and adaptive evolution of the virus in poultry remain a serious threat . In this study, we analyzed three highly pathogenic H7N9 isolates collected in China in 2022, representing two hemagglutinin (HA) gene evolutionary lineages : Group.y.2.3 (isolate 229-4, chicken origin; isolate 782-2, quail origin) and Group.y.2.4 (isolate 621, quail origin). Pathogenicity was compared through phylogenetic analysis , molecular characterization, and infection experiments in both avian and mammalian models . Group.y.2.3 isolates displayed stronger replication and pathogenicity in chickens and mic...