Hepatitis A Research Articles

Effects of the filter media pack configurations on the air filtration performance

Abstract High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are widely used in various industries to contain airborne contamination. The pressure drop of the filters is a crucial performance parameter when designing a HEPA filter as it is the resistance that the filter offers to the flow of air. Thus, it is critical to find the effect of each configuration and integrate an optimal setup for the filter to avoid high-pressure drops. Set against these backgrounds, this study aims to study the effect of different configurations on the total pressure drop of the filter, and to review how each configuration can affect each other using a commercial software ANSYS Fluent. The different filter media pack configurations and boundary conditions investigated here are including pleat shape (V-shaped and U-shaped), pleat density (1-7 pleat/cm), pleat height (1cm, 1.3cm), and inlet velocity (0.02-0.2 m/s) on the pressure drop of the filter. A two-dimensional geometrical model is developed, and then validated with respect to the data obtained from Lydall M3004-06 property sheet. Upon successful validation exercise, a series of parametric studies is conducted to numerically examine the impact of changing each configuration on the total pressure drop of the filter. Results show that an optimal pleat density is attained where the total pressure drop is minimized, i.e., 3 pleat/cm for V-shaped and 4 pleat/cm for U-shaped for inlet velocity of 0.02 m/s. At a constant inlet velocity, the U-shaped pleat has a lower pressure drop than the V-shaped pleat at low pleat densities, but a higher pressure drop at higher densities. This behaviour can be attributed to the balance between inertial and viscous resistance. Increasing the inlet velocity increases the total pressure drop for all pleat heights and decreases the optimal pleat density. This effect is less pronounced on the V-shaped pleat. Increasing the pleat height for the U-shaped pleat decreases the pressure drop and optimal pleat density but increases pressure drop in the viscous dominated region. Conversely, increasing the pleat height for the V-shaped pleat decreases the pressure drop for all pleat counts and only decreases the optimal pleat density at high velocity.

Novel role of MHC class II transactivator in hepatitis B virus replication and viral counteraction.

The major histocompatibility class II (MHC II) transactivator, known as CIITA, is induced by Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and plays a well-established role in regulating the expression of class II MHC molecules in antigen-presenting cells. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) were isolated via therapeutic hepatectomy from two donors. The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines HepG2 and Huh7 were used for the mechanistic study, and HBV infection was performed in HepG2-NTCP cells. HBV DNA replication intermediates and secreted antigen levels were measured using Southern blotting and ELISA, respectively. We identified a non-canonical function of CIITA in the inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in both HCC cells and patient-derived PHH. Notably, in vivo experiments demonstrated that HBV DNA and secreted antigen levels were significantly decreased in mice injected with the CIITA construct. Mechanistically, CIITA inhibited HBV transcription and replication by suppressing the activity of HBV-specific enhancers/promoters. Indeed, CIITA exerts antiviral activity in hepatocytes through ERK1/2-mediated down-regulation of the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α) and HNF4α, which are essential factors for virus replication. In addition, silencing of CIITA significantly abolished the IFN-γ-mediated anti-HBV activity, suggesting that CIITA mediates the anti-HBV activity of IFN-γ to some extent. HBV X protein (HBx) counteracts the antiviral activity of CIITA via direct binding and impairing its function. Our findings reveal a novel antiviral mechanism of CIITA that involves the modulation of the ERK pathway to restrict HBV transcription. Additionally, our results suggest the possibility of a new immune avoidance mechanism involving HBx.

Inflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Double-Edged Weapon.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent among primary liver tumors (90%) and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. It develops usually in a chronically inflamed environment, ranging from compensatory parenchymal regeneration to fibrosis and cirrhosis: carcinogenesis can potentially happen in each of these stages. Inflammation determined by chronic viral infection (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis delta viruses) represents an important risk factor for HCC etiology through both viral direct damage and immune-related mechanisms. The deregulation of the physiological liver immunological network determined by viral infection can lead to carcinogenesis. The recent introduction of immunotherapy as the gold-standard first-line treatment for HCC highlights the role of the immune system and inflammation as a double-edged weapon in both HCC carcinogenesis and treatment. In this review we highlight how the inflammation is the key for the hepatocarcinogenesis in viral, alcohol and metabolic liver diseases.

Prevalence of Hepatitis D in People Living with HIV: A National Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

This study assesses the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Greece. Given the compounding effects of HDV and hepatitis B (HBV) on liver disease progression, as well as the emergence of new therapeutic options such as bulevirtide, understanding regional disparities and the epidemiological impact of such co-infections is vital. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted utilizing 696 serum samples from PLWHIV attending five major university hospitals. The methodology included HDV antibody detection by ELISA and HDV RNA confirmation. Of the 30 HBsAg-positive samples analyzed, the study population was primarily male (93%), with a median age of 54 years. Participants had been on antiretroviral therapy for a median of 10 years, and the median CD4 count was 738 (539-1006) copies/mL. Additional serological findings revealed a 7% prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) IgG antibodies and a 55% prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG antibodies. Seroreactivity for syphilis (RPR/VDRL/TPHA positive) was identified in 33% of the participants. The results indicated a low HDV prevalence, with only one individual (3%) testing positive for anti-HDV IgG antibodies and none for HDV RNA. This indicates a lower prevalence of HDV among PLWHIV with chronic HBV in Greece compared to global data.

Updated vaccination and screening recommendations for hepatitis B: Implications for pharmacists

The number of new infections of hepatitis B is rising and a large number of cases are undiagnosed. These factors are contributing to hepatitis B-related liver complications, including liver cancer, and deaths that could be prevented. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated vaccination and screening/testing recommendations for hepatitis B. The updated recommendations remove the need for risk assessment before screening or vaccination. Pharmacists will play a key role in a concerted national effort to implement these updated recommendations. A multistakeholder advisory council convened by the Hepatitis B Foundation identified key barriers to screening and vaccination. The council also formulated strategies to optimize implementation of the updated recommendations. These strategies include educating pharmacists about the new recommendations and how they will help to reduce the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer. Pharmacists could explore establishing pharmacy-provider collaborative practice agreements and potentially leverage capacity built with COVID-19 vaccine implementation. Hospital systems and other clinic settings could update their electronic health records to include prompts for hepatitis B vaccination and screening. Pharmacy systems can implement different reminder options to help patients complete the hepatitis B vaccine series. To address a lack of vaccine confidence, pharmacists can emphasize the cancer prevention benefit of hepatitis B screening and vaccination and engage with patients on an individual level to understand their concerns, assess vaccine status, and discuss vaccine recommendations. Effective implementation of the new recommendations will help achieve national and global goals of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030.

Metabolic disorders and hepatitis: Insights from a Mendelian randomization study.

Hepatitis is a systemic disease that often results in various comorbidities. Meta-bolic disorders, the most common comorbidities in clinical practice, were selected for this study. To investigate the causal relationship between comorbidities and hepatitis trea-tment outcomes. A total of 23583378 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 1248743 cases and related summaries of genome-wide association studies were obtained from online public databases. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to investigate causality between exposure [type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), hyperlipidemia, and hypertension] and outcome (chronic hepatitis B or C in-fections). The data supported the causal relationship between comorbidities and hepatitis infections, which will affect the severity of hepatitis progression and will also provide a reference for clinical researchers. All three exposures showed a link with progression of both hepatitis B (T2D, P = 0.851; hyperlipidemia, P = 0.596; and hypertension, P = 0.346) and hepatitis C (T2D, P = 0.298; hyperlipidemia, P = 0.141; and hypertension, P = 0.035). The results of MR support a possible causal relationship between different ex-posures (T2D, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension) and chronic hepatitis progression; however, the potential mechanisms still need to be elucidated.

Revisiting The Hygiene Theory; Hepatitis A And Tuberculosis Versus Atopy

Objectives: According to the hygiene hypothesis an inverse association between allergic sensitization and exposure to infections and has been reported. In this study, we investigated the relationship between atopy and TB and hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed and included 39 healthy children who were followed up with TB, 40 healthy children who were with HAV seropositive, and 30 healthy children who were seronegative for HAV and tuberculin skin test (TST) response as negative. Serological tests for HAV (anti-HAV immunoglobulin G), skin prick test (SPT) investigations for the detection of atopy, and TST were carried out. Results: The study included 39 (16 males, 23 females) with TB, 40 (16 males, 24 females) with HAV seropositive, and 30 (10 males, 20 females) healthy controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender (p>0.05). The SPT positivity was 28.2% (n=11) in the TB group, 15% (n=6) in the HAV group, and 30% (n=9) in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of SPT positivity (p=0.148). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of total serum IgE level (p=0.776). Conclusions: Our study does not support the hypothesis that HAV and TB suppress the development of atopy. We think that encountering infections during the immune maturation period is a condition that is protective in the development of atopy due to multifactorial reasons.

Tuberculosis in combination with HIV infection and viral hepatitis: clinical case

ABSTRACT. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of combined HIV/TB/VH (human immunodeficiency virus / tuberculosis / viral hepatitis) infection. Approaches to the treatment of these patients are changing with the advent of antiviral drugs for the treatment of hepatitis B and C. Treatment of VH in patients with TB increases the effectiveness of antituberculosis therapy by reducing the hepatotoxicity of antimycobacterial drugs. The interaction of antituberculosis, antiretroviral, and direct-acting antiviral drugs for the treatment of HCV was taken into account when managing a case of HIV/TB/HV. The article presents a case of effective treatment of a patient with combined HIV/TB/VH infection.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus among people born before and after implementation of universal vaccination in Argentina

Background Until 2005, when a single dose of vaccine was implemented in one-year-old children, the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was responsible for approximately 90% of acute hepatitis cases in the paediatric population in Argentina. However, despite vaccination success, sporadic outbreaks of HAV still occur among adults. This study aimed to assess the seroepidemiology of HAV in Argentina, analysing IgG and IgM antibodies against HAV in a large population, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. Methods The study included 16,982 patients attending a hospital from 2001 to 2023. The cohort was divided into two groups: 16,638 individuals who were not reached by the vaccination program implemented in 2005 and 344 children who were covered by the universal vaccination. Results Anti-HAV IgG was detected in 56.7% of cases. The rate was significantly higher in individuals born after 2005 (77.7%) compared to those born before (56.3%), p < 0.001. The age groups 19–40 and 41–60 years showed the anti-HAV IgG lowest rates. On the other hand, 100/3956 cases (2.5%) with suspected acute hepatitis were positive for Anti-HAVIgM. Notably, none of these were born after the mandatory vaccine rollout. Conclusions The study of this large cohort contributes to the understanding of the seroepidemiology of HAV. Although the implementation of the vaccine achieved its main goal, the age segment between 19 and 60 years does not reach the estimated threshold to achieve herd immunity. These findings reveal the importance of targeting vaccination campaigns, provide essential insights for public health planning, and guide future immunisation strategies against HAV in Argentina.

A rapid simultaneous detection of duck hepatitis A virus 3 and novel duck reovirus based on RPA CRISPR Cas12a/Cas13a

The mixed infection of duck hepatitis A virus 3 (DHAV-3) and novel duck reovirus (NDRV) has caused significant losses to the global duck farming industry. On-site point-of-care testing of viruses plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis, prevention, and disease control. Here, we proposed an RPA-CRISPR Cas12a/Cas13a one-pot strategy (DRCFS) for rapid and simultaneous detection of DHAV-3 and NDRV. This method integrated the reaction of RPA and CRISPR Cas12a/Cas13a in a single tube, eliminating the need to open the lid during the intermediate processes and thereby avoiding aerosol contamination. On this basis, we proposed a dual RPA-CRISPR strategy coupled with a lateral flow analysis platform (DRC-LFA). This circumvented the necessity for complex instruments, enabling direct visual interpretation of results, making the test more accessible and user-friendly. Our findings demonstrated that the DRCFS method could detect DHAV-3 and NDRV at concentrations as low as 100 copy/μL, while DRC-LFA achieved limit of 101 copies/μL within 35 min. Furthermore, when DRCFS, DRC-LFA, and qPCR were employed collectively for clinical samples analysis, all three methods yielded consistent results. The specificity, sensitivity, and user-friendly of these methods rendered them invaluable for on-site virus detection.

Impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the burden of hepatitis B and C diseases in Southern European countries

BackgroundThe economic crisis that began in 2008 has severely affected Southern (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain) Western European (SWE) countries of Western Europe (WE) and may have affected ongoing efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the burden of HBV and HCV disease.MethodsGlobal Burden of Diseases 2019 data were used to analyse the rates of epidemiological metrics of HBV and HCV acute and chronic infections in SWE and WE. Time series modelling was performed to quantify the impact of healthcare expenditure on the time trend of HBV and HCV disease burden in 2000–2019.ResultsDeclining trends in incidence and prevalence rates of acute HBV (aHBV) and chronic HBV were observed in SWE and WE, with the pace of decline being slower in the post-austerity period (2010–2019) and mortality due to HBV stabilised in SWE. Acute HCV (aHCV) metrics and chronic HCV incidence and mortality showed a stable trend in SWE and WE, whereas the prevalence of chronic HCV showed an oscillating trend, decreasing in WE in 2010–2019 (p < 0.001). Liver cancer due to both hepatitis infections showed a stagnant burden over time. An inverse association was observed between health expenditure and metrics of both acute and chronic HBV and HCV.ConclusionsEpidemiological metrics for HBV and HCV showed a slower pace of decline in the post-austerity period with better improvement for HBV, a stabilisation of mortality and a stagnant burden for liver cancer due to both hepatitis infections. The economic crisis of 2008 had a negative impact on the burden of hepatitis B and C. Elimination of HBV and HCV by 2030 will be a major challenge in the SWE countries.

Hepatitis A virus subtype IB outbreak among MSM in Hungary with a link to a frozen berry source

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis A virus (HAV) and in recent years several HAV outbreaks mostly affecting MSM have been described. These outbreaks were caused by subtype IA strains circulating in this high-risk population. After years of low incidence, an outbreak among MSM in Hungary caused a significant increase in reported HAV infections in 2022.Samples from 224 HAV IgM-positive patients diagnosed in 2022 were tested for HAV RNA and positive samples were genotyped by sequencing. In 171 patients a unique subtype IB virus was detected with 99.8–100% sequence identity in the VP1/P2A junction. It was distinct from previously published strains, but most closely related to an Egyptian isolate. Sequence analysis revealed one dominant and three minor variants based on VP1/P2A. Whole genome sequencing revealed limited variation among these variants, suggesting a recent common origin. Epidemiological data indicated that sexual transmission was driving the outbreak for most of the year, suggested by the high male to female ratio and the large number of coinfections with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among the patients. The outbreak was also associated with a restaurant cluster, in which one of the variants was detected and frozen berries were implicated as the source of infections. The outbreak strain was also detected in other countries around Europe and remained frequently detectable in Hungary in 2023.This study provides insights into the molecular and epidemiological characteristics of the described HAV outbreak. The results show that sequencing is not only useful in connecting cases to an outbreak, but also helps to clarify the relatedness of detected variants. Prevention strategies focusing on vulnerable communities may reduce the burden of HAV infections in the future.

Identification and Genomic Characterization of Two Novel Hepatoviruses in Shrews from Yunnan Province, China.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), a member of the genus Hepatovirus (Picornaviridae HepV), remains a significant viral pathogen, frequently causing enterically transmitted hepatitis worldwide. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of HepVs carried by small terrestrial mammals in the wild in Yunnan Province, China. Utilizing HepV-specific broad-spectrum RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and QNome nanopore sequencing (QNS) techniques, we identified and characterized two novel HepVs provisionally named EpMa-HAV and EpLe-HAV, discovered in the long-tailed mountain shrew (Episoriculus macrurus) and long-tailed brown-toothed shrew (Episoriculus leucops), respectively. Our sequence and phylogenetic analyses of EpMa-HAV and EpLe-HAV indicated that they belong to the species Hepatovirus I (HepV-I) clade II, also known as the Chinese shrew HepV clade. Notably, the codon usage bias pattern of novel shrew HepVs is consistent with that of previously identified Chinese shrew HepV. Furthermore, our structural analysis demonstrated that shrew HepVs differ from other mammalian HepVs in RNA secondary structure and exhibit variances in key protein sites. Overall, the discovery of two novel HepVs in shrews expands the host range of HepV and underscores the existence of genetically diverse animal homologs of human HAV within the genus HepV.

Seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV: The Associated Psychiatric Co-morbidities Among Injection Drug Users in Kashmir— A Hospital-Based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Injection drug use remains a significant public health concern globally, with injection drug users (IDUs) facing elevated risks of contracting blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study delves into the seroprevalence of these disorders among IDUs in Kashmir and extends further to explore the relationship between injection drug use and psychiatric co-morbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among IDUs recruited from tertiary care drug addiction centers. Those who agreed to participate underwent serological testing for HCV, HBV, and HIV. The presence of psychiatric disorders was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a standardized instrument for diagnosing mental health conditions. Results: The results showed that the prevalence rate of HCV, HBV, and HIV was 73%, 12%, and 1%, respectively. Genotype 3a was the predominant genotype in 71 (51.5%) participants with detectable HCV-RNA. A total of 151 (50.3%) participants had a comorbid psychiatric illness with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder in 63 (21%) and 36 (12%), respectively. Sharing of paraphernalia was the most common high-risk behavior in 234 (78%). Early initiation of opioid use, a history of sharing of paraphernalia, and the presence of comorbid psychiatric illness were found to be significantly associated with positive serology results, indicating a higher risk of contracting infection (χ2 = 24.55, p &lt; .01; χ2 = 121.56, p &lt; .01; and χ2 = 4.534, p &lt;.01, respectively). Conclusion: IDUs have an elevated prevalence of HCV, substantial rates of infection with HBV and HIV, and a considerable burden of psychiatric morbidities. Considering the high seroprevalence of hepatitis infections and alarming rates of psychiatric morbidity in IDUs, this calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the interconnected challenges faced by IDUs in Kashmir.

Dual Gene Detection of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Based on Dual RT-RPA.

The H5N1 avian influenza virus seriously affects the health of poultry and humans. Once infected, the mortality rate is very high. Therefore, accurate and timely detection of the H5N1 avian influenza virus is beneficial for controlling its spread. This article establishes a dual gene detection method based on dual RPA for simultaneously detecting the HA and M2 genes of H5N1 avian influenza virus, for the detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus. Design specific primers for the conserved regions of the HA and M2 genes. The sensitivity of the dual RT-RPA detection method for HA and M2 genes is 1 × 10-7 ng/μL. The optimal primer ratio is 1:1, the optimal reaction temperature is 40 °C, and the optimal reaction time is 20 min. Dual RT-RPA was used to detect 72 samples, and compared with RT-qPCR detection, the Kappa value was 1 (p value < 0.05), and the clinical sample detection sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. The dual RT-RPA method is used for the first time to simultaneously detect two genes of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. As an accurate and convenient diagnostic tool, it can be used to diagnose the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Collection of biospecimens from the inspiration4 mission establishes the standards for the space omics and medical atlas (SOMA)

The SpaceX Inspiration4 mission provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of spaceflight on the human body. Biospecimen samples were collected from four crew members longitudinally before (Launch: L-92, L-44, L-3 days), during (Flight Day: FD1, FD2, FD3), and after (Return: R + 1, R + 45, R + 82, R + 194 days) spaceflight, spanning a total of 289 days across 2021-2022. The collection process included venous whole blood, capillary dried blood spot cards, saliva, urine, stool, body swabs, capsule swabs, SpaceX Dragon capsule HEPA filter, and skin biopsies. Venous whole blood was further processed to obtain aliquots of serum, plasma, extracellular vesicles and particles, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In total, 2,911 sample aliquots were shipped to our central lab at Weill Cornell Medicine for downstream assays and biobanking. This paper provides an overview of the extensive biospecimen collection and highlights their processing procedures and long-term biobanking techniques, facilitating future molecular tests and evaluations.As such, this study details a robust framework for obtaining and preserving high-quality human, microbial, and environmental samples for aerospace medicine in the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) initiative, which can aid future human spaceflight and space biology experiments.

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis as a variant of the course of hepatotropic viruses’ infection

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis is a special variant of infectious hepatitis, with a rapid progressive deterioration of liver function, and usually results in immunosuppression. It has also been reported in patients with immunocompetent status having viral hepatitis B and C. Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis is diagnosed based on the histological examination of the liver tissue, which reveals severe damage to hepatocytes with pronounced ballooning over a weak inflammatory reaction, pericellular and perisinusoidal fibrosis, and intracellular and tubular cholestases. Analysis of the literature confirms the authors’ assumption that pathological changes in the liver, described as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, can develop in different conditions under the influence of various infectious agents. Despite the availability of effective antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C, the outcomes of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis are often unfavorable, particularly in cases not associated with solid-organ transplantation. Currently, because of the emergence of numerous drugs that selectively act on the immune system and the development of new areas of medicine such as hematology, rheumatology, oncology, transplantology, and infectious diseases, doctors in these specialties increasingly encounter severe liver damage in patients receiving specific therapy. The authors believe that doctors who do not work at liver transplantation centers underestimate the possibility of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis development in patients with viral hepatitis B and C, in the clinic of infectious and internal diseases.

Analysis of global liver cancer statistics

Liver cancer is a significant contributor to the world's cancer burden. In order to comprehend the variations in its regional, age, gender, and histological subtype distributions as well as its temporal trend, this paper analyzes the worldwide statistical data of liver cancer, including the incidence, mortality, and survival. The findings indicated that the stages of liver cancer control and prevention are heterogeneous among countries and regions. The successful experience of liver cancer control and prevention in some countries should be promoted and disseminated. According to the various national conditions, comprehensive intervention measures, including reducing aflatoxin exposure, promoting vaccination, improving the treatment of chronic hepatitis infection, and implementing early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, should be developed.

Constructing a Ready-to-Use mRNA Vaccine Delivery System for the Prevention of Influenza A virus, Utilizing FDA-Approved Raw Materials.

Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines, serving as a rapid and easily scalable emergency preventive measure, have played a pivotal role in preventing infectious diseases. The effectiveness of mRNA vaccines heavily relies on the delivery carrier, but the current market options are predominantly lipid nanoparticles. Their intricate preparation process and high transportation costs pose challenges for widespread use in remote areas. In this study, we harnessed FDA-approved polymer PLGA and lipid components widely employed in clinical experiments to craft a ready-to-use mRNA vaccine delivery system known as lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPP). Following formulation optimization, the PDCD nanoparticles emerged as the most effective, showcasing exceptional mRNA delivery capabilities both in vitro and in vivo. Loading PDCD nanoparticles with mRNA encoding the H1N1 influenza virus HA antigen-fused M2e peptide enabled the successful induction of M2e-specific antibodies and T cell immune responses in immunized mice. After three rounds of vaccine immunization, the mice demonstrated weight recovery to normal levels and maintained a survival rate exceeding 80% following an encounter with the H1N1 influenza virus. The innovative mRNA delivery system that we designed demonstrates outstanding effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases, with the potential to play an even more significant role in future clinical applications.

Brucellosis : Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonosis

More than 500,000 human cases of brucellosis are reported each year, with Brucella melitensis being the primary cause. It is still one of the most prevalent zoonotic illnesses in the world. The CDC has categorized the bacterial pathogen as a category (B) disease, meaning that it possesses the potential to evolve into a bioweapon. It is thought that the most prevalent infections obtained in laboratories are Brucella species. The emergence or reappearance of new foci causes brucellosis to constantly shift in geographic distribution. Animals and humans are affected by the disease everywhere, with the exception of nations where bovine brucellosis has been completely eradicated. Due to brucellosis, there are significant economic losses incurred globally in both animal production and human health. All of the region's countries have recorded cases of leishmaniasis, hepatitis A virus (HAV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Dengue fever, H5N1, Chikungunya, and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have all been spreading geographically and in quantity as well as in frequency. Public health is still concerned about Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which was first discovered in this area in 2012. In certain of the countries, poliomyelitis, leishmaniasis, cholera, and diphtheria control are difficult to maintain. Furthermore, just a few of the region's nations are home to Rift Valley fever (RVF) and Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever (AHF). Furthermore, not much is known about the actual state of tularemia, Q fever, and the plague. In conclusion, EIDs and RIDs are widespread in the majority of the region's nations and may continue to spread there. Enhancing regional capacities and capabilities is essential for both preventing disease outbreaks and providing sufficient resources and expertise to contain them. Keywords: MERS-CoV, CCHF, Zoonosis, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Eastern Mediterranean Region Copyright © 2022 Kerman University of Medical Sciences is the publisher of the author or authors. The Creative Commons Attribution License, which allows for unlimited use, distribution, and reproduction in any format as long as the original work is properly attributed, governs the dissemination of this open-access article. Key Words: AIDS, West Nile fever, and Legionnaires’ diseaseZoonosis, MERS-CoV, CCHF, neglected tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.