Virus Transmission Research Articles

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral intra- and inter-host evolution in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) persistence in COVID-19 patients could play a key role in the emergence of variants of concern. The rapid intra-host evolution of SARS-CoV-2 may result in an increased transmissibility, immune and therapeutic escape which could be a direct consequence of COVID-19 epidemic currents. In this context, a longitudinal retrospective study on eight consecutive COVID-19 patients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, from January 2022 to March 2023, was conducted. To characterize the intra- and inter-host viral evolution, whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on nasopharyngeal samples collected at different time points. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed an accelerated SARS-CoV-2 intra-host evolution and emergence of antigenically divergent variants. The Bayesian inference and principal coordinate analysis analysis showed a host-based genomic structuring among antigenically divergent variants, that might reflect the positive effect of containment practices, within the critical hospital area. All longitudinal antigenically divergent isolates shared a wide range of amino acidic (aa) changes, particularly in the Spike (S) glycoprotein, that increased viral transmissibility (K417N, S477N, N501Y and Q498R), enhanced infectivity (R346T, S373P, R408S, T478K, Q498R, Y505H, D614G, H655Y, N679K and P681H), caused host immune escape (S371L, S375F, T376A, K417N, and K444T/R) and displayed partial or complete resistance to treatments (G339D, R346K/T, S371F/L, S375F, T376A, D405N, N440K, G446S, N460K, E484A, F486V, Q493R, G496S and Q498R). These results suggest that multiple novel variants which emerge in the patient during persistent infection, might spread to another individual and continue to evolve. A pro-active genomic surveillance of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is recommended to identify genetically divergent lineages before their diffusion.

COVID-19 Research, Public Health and Biomedical Basis

Abstract: The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) greatly impacts the world. Despite great biomedical efforts, approximately 30-50% global population was at least once infected with COVID. Human life expectancy is reduced by COVID-19 epidemics worldwide. : It is indispensable to prevent and treat COVID-19 as effectively as possible. In order to well prevent and treat the coronavirus infection, clinical diagnostic or therapeutic paradigms should be updated. Since the outside condition of COVID-19 prevention is imbalanced among regions and countries, global prevention and treatment action should be aimed. : Despite global vaccination for COVID, a significant proportion of humans still constantly exposes and infected with viruses. Advanced viral biological knowledge and vaccine techniques can alleviate viral spread and promote therapeutics. Universal and specific preventive and treatment paradigms should be designed, integrated, and introduced. : The origin and hidden nature of COVID-19 biology and pathogenesis are broadly understood now. Viral vaccines, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medicine are progressing rapidly. Many viral vaccines and personalized medicine should be especially emphasized. : To speed up global efforts against COVID-19, new knowledge and breakthroughs of viral transmissibility, vaccine technique innovation, diagnostic widening, and therapeutic variability worldwide are discussed. Different strategic platforms and landscapes can reach different outcomes. By facilitating global machinery against different variants of COVID, viral-induced socioeconomic burden and imbalance could be reduced.

Survival modelling of infectious human norovirus and surrogates for high-pressure inactivation in strawberry puree

Berries contaminated with human norovirus (HuNoV) have been frequently identified as a cause of foodborne gastroenteritis. To prevent virus transmission while preserving sensory and quality parameters, non-thermal treatments, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), can be applied to the berries and products thereof. Here, strawberry purees contaminated with HuNoV genogroup I (GI.3[P13]) and II (GII.4 Sydney [P16]), along with murine norovirus (MNV) and Tulane virus (TV) serving as surrogates, were exposed to HPP at several pressure-time combinations. Virus inactivation was assessed by cell culture, including the novel human intestinal enteroids (HIE) model for HuNoVs. The infectivity results showed TV more resistant than MNV to HPP, as also confirmed by kinetic mathematical modelling. Results indicated that a holding pressure of 450 MPa and an exposure time of ≥5 min are reliable operational conditions for HPP process to successfully control viral contamination. In addition, the inactivation models deduced from MNV and TV viruses were challenged with experimental HuNoV GII.4 infectivity resulting in bias factors <1 for all treatment conditions. This finding validates the proposed models for the conservative estimation of HuNoV inactivation. Our work offers a blueprint for moving forward with inactivation studies using the HIE system, which provides useful practical information on optimum treatments for the best public health outcomes.

Subgenomic flavivirus RNA as key target for live-attenuated vaccine development.

Live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines confer long-term protection against disease, but the design of attenuated flaviviruses does not follow a general approach. The non-coding, subgenomic flavivirus RNA (sfRNA) is produced by all flaviviruses and is an essential factor in viral pathogenesis and transmission. We argue that modulating sfRNA expression is a promising, universal strategy to finetune flavivirus attenuation for developing effective flavivirus vaccines of the future.

Tree Species-Dependent Inactivation of Coronaviruses and Enteroviruses on Solid Wood Surfaces.

The ongoing challenge of viral transmission, exemplified by the Covid pandemic and recurrent viral outbreaks, necessitates the exploration of sustainable antiviral solutions. This study investigates the underexplored antiviral potential of wooden surfaces. We evaluated the antiviral efficacy of various wood types, including coniferous and deciduous trees, against enveloped coronaviruses and nonenveloped enteroviruses like coxsackie virus A9. Our findings revealed excellent antiviral activity manifesting already within 10 to 15 min in Scots pine and Norway spruce, particularly against enveloped viruses. In contrast, other hardwoods displayed varied efficacy, with oak showing effectiveness against the enterovirus. This antiviral activity was consistently observed across a spectrum of humidity levels (20 to 90 RH%), while the antiviral efficacy manifested itself more rapidly at 37 °C vs 21 °C. Key to our findings is the chemical composition of these woods. Resin acids and terpenes were prevalent in pine and spruce, correlating with their antiviral performance, while oak's high phenolic content mirrored its efficacy against enterovirus. The pine surface absorbed a higher fraction of the coronavirus in contrast to oak, whereas enteroviruses were not absorbed on those surfaces. Thermal treatment of wood or mixing wood with plastic, such as in wood-plastic composites, strongly compromised the antiviral functionality of wood materials. This study highlights the role of bioactive chemicals in the antiviral action of wood and opens new avenues for employing wood surfaces as a natural and sustainable barrier against viral transmissions.

Resistance to pyrethroids and the relationship between adult resistance and knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in Aedes albopictus in dengue surveillance areas of Guizhou Province, China

The Ae. albopictus mosquito has gained global attention due to its ability to transmit viruses, including the dengue and zika. Mosquito control is the only effective way to manage dengue fever, as no effective treatments or vaccines are available. Insecticides are highly effective in controlling mosquito densities, which reduces the chances of virus transmission. However, Ae. albopictus has developed resistance to pyrethroids in several provinces in China. Pyrethroids target the voltage-gated sodium channel gene (VGSC), and mutations in this gene may result in knockdown resistance (kdr). Correlation studies between resistance and mutations can assist viruses in managing Ae. albopictus, which has not been studied in Guizhou province. Nine field populations of Ae. albopictus at the larval stage were collected from Guizhou Province in 2022 and reared to F1 to F2 generations. Resistance bioassays were conducted against permethrin, beta-cypermethrin, and deltamethrin for both larvae and adults of Ae. albopictus. Kdr mutations were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Additionally, the correlation between the kdr allele and pyrethroid resistance was analyzed. All nine populations of Ae. albopictus larvae and adults were found to be resistant to three pyrethroid insecticides. One kdr mutant allele at codon 1016, one at 1532 and three at 1534 were identified with frequencies of 13.86% (V1016G), 0.53% (I1532T), 58.02% (F1534S), 11.69% (F1534C), 0.06% (F1534L) and 0.99% (F1534P), respectively. Both V1016G and F1534S mutation mosquitoes were found in all populations. The kdr mutation F1534S was positively correlated with three pyrethroid resistance phenotypes (OR > 1, P < 0.05), V1016G with deltamethrin and beta-cypermethrin resistance (OR > 1, P < 0.05) and F1534C only with beta-cypermethrin resistance (OR > 1, P < 0.05). Current susceptibility status of wild populations of Ae. albopictus to insecticides and a higher frequency of kdr mutations from dengue-monitored areas in Guizhou Province are reported in this paper. Outcomes of this study can serve as data support for further research and development of effective insecticidal interventions against Ae. albopictus populations in Guizhou Province.

Severe Avian Influenza A H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in a Human with Continuation of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNAs

Background. Since 2020, global attention has heightened towards epidemics caused by avian influenza A H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b in birds and mammals. This study presents the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, and prognosis of a unique case infected with avian influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, along with the continuation of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNAs, in Eastern China. Methods. We collected and analysed the patient’s clinical, epidemiological, and virological data. Both sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were subjected to real-time RT-PCR to test for respiratory pathogens of interests, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus. Influenza virus isolation and propagation were performed on embryonated eggs. Serological tests were used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Phylogenetic analysis was constructed to explore viral evolution and origin of A/H5N1 virus. Results. A 53-year-old female farmer with chronic bronchiectasis was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Real-time RT-PCR revealed the presence of avian influenza A H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2 in BALF and sputum samples. Sequence analyses classified the human isolate as clade 2.3.4.4b of avian influenza A H5N1. The amino acid motif GlnSerGly at residues 226–228 of the haemagglutinin protein indicated avian-like receptor binding preference. Epidemiological investigation established that the patient had exposure to sick or dead poultry 3 days before illness onset, while no cases of human-to-human H5N1 virus transmission were identified in 31 close contacts. Conclusion. We presented that the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 avian influenza virus has the potential to cross-infect humans with serious symptoms, especially in individuals already affected by COVID-19. It is indeed crucial to closely monitor the virus’s evolution in both avian populations and humans. Continued research and surveillance efforts are vital to monitor any potential changes in the virus, as well as to inform public health policies and interventions.

Narrative Review of the Safety of Using Pigs for Xenotransplantation: Characteristics and Diagnostic Methods of Vertical Transmissible Viruses

Narrative Review of the Safety of Using Pigs for Xenotransplantation: Characteristics and Diagnostic Methods of Vertical Transmissible Viruses

Assessment of the Use of Telemedicine by Brazilian Otolaryngologists through an Online Questionnaire

Abstract Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted a transformation in medical practice, including the adoption of telemedicine in Brazil and globally. Otorhinolaryngology, a field at high risk of viral transmission, has witnessed an increasing use of telemedicine tools. However, the extent and challenges of telemedicine in this field in Brazil are not well understood. In the present study, we applied a questionnaire to Brazilian otorhinolaryngologists during the pandemic to assess telemedicine's advantages and challenges, shedding light on its integration and persistent issues in the field. Objective To assess the usage profile of telemedicine in the clinical practice of otolaryngology in Brazil. Methods The present was a cross-sectional observational study with convenience sampling. It was conducted as a web-based questionnaire distributed and advertised to Brazilian otorhinolaryngologists through social media posts on WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, USA), Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc.), Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.), as well as direct messaging and email. Results The sample size was 186 participants. A total of 69% of them had already provided or were currently providing telemedicine services, and 34% considered it a frequent or very frequent form of work at the time of data collection. In total, 90% of the respondents considered the lack of physical examination a problem in otolaryngological teleconsultations, while 64% reported frequently or very frequently resolving patient problems through teleconsultations. Conclusion Telemedicine emerged in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as a promising tool for remote patient care. More studies are needed to elucidate its role in the context of limited physical examination.

Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Transmission with a Lévy Process and Vaccination Effects

This work proposes a novel stochastic model describing the propagation dynamics of the hepatitis B virus. The model takes into account numerous disease characteristics, and environmental disturbances were collected using Lévy jumps and the conventional Brownian motions. Initially, the deterministic model is developed, and the asymptotic behavior of the model’s solution near the equilibria is examined. The deterministic model is transformed into a stochastic model while retaining the Lévy jumps and conventional Brownian motions. Under specific assumptions, the stochastic system is shown to have a unique solution. The study further investigates the conditions that ensure the extinction and persistence of the infection. The numerical solutions to both stochastic and deterministic systems were obtained using the well-known Milstein and RK4 techniques, and the analytical findings are theoretically confirmed. The simulation suggests that the noise intensities have a direct relationship with the amplitudes of the stochastic curves around the equilibria of the deterministic system. Smaller values of the intensities imply negligible fluctuations of trajectories around the equilibria and, hence, better describe the extinction and persistence of the infection. It has also been found that both Brownian motions and the Lévy jump had a significant influence on the oscillations of these curves. A discussion of the findings of the study reveals other important aspects as well as some future research guidelines. In short, this study proposes a novel stochastic model to describe the propagation dynamics of the hepatitis B virus.

Host obesity impacts genetic variation in influenza A viral populations.

Obesity is well established as a risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases; however, its consequences for infectious disease are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of host obesity on influenza A virus (IAV) genetic variation using a diet-induced obesity ferret model and the A/Hong Kong/1073/1999 (H9N2) strain. Using a co-caging study design, we investigated the maintenance, generation, and transmission of intrahost IAV genetic variation by sequencing viral genomic RNA obtained from nasal wash samples over multiple days of infection. We found evidence for an enhanced role of positive selection acting on de novo mutations in obese hosts that led to nonsynonymous changes that rose to high frequency. In addition, we identified numerous cases of mutations throughout the genome that were specific to obese hosts and that were preserved during transmission between hosts. Despite detection of obese-specific variants, the overall viral genetic diversity did not differ significantly between obese and lean hosts. This is likely due to the high supply rate of de novo variation and common evolutionary adaptations to the ferret host regardless of obesity status, which we show are mediated by variation in the hemagglutinin and polymerase genes (PB2 and PB1). We also identified defective viral genomes (DVGs) that were found uniquely in either obese or lean hosts, but the overall DVG diversity and dynamics did not differ between the two groups. Our study suggests that obesity may result in a unique selective environment impacting intrahost IAV evolution, highlighting the need for additional genetic and functional studies to confirm these effects.IMPORTANCEObesity is a chronic health condition characterized by excess adiposity leading to a systemic increase in inflammation and dysregulation of metabolic hormones and immune cell populations. Influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly infectious pathogen responsible for seasonal and pandemic influenza. Host risk factors, including compromised immunity and pre-existing health conditions, can contribute to increased infection susceptibility and disease severity. During viral replication in a host, the negative-sense single-stranded RNA genome of IAV accumulates genetic diversity that may have important consequences for viral evolution and transmission. Our study provides the first insight into the consequences of host obesity on viral genetic diversity and adaptation, suggesting that host factors associated with obesity alter the selective environment experienced by a viral population, thereby impacting the spectrum of genetic variation.

Evaluation of Mpox Exposures and Outcomes in Workplaces, 6 Jurisdictions, June 1-August 31, 2022.

The risk for mpox virus (MPXV) transmission in most workplaces has not been thoroughly assessed in the context of the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Our objectives were to describe mpox case patients who worked while infectious and the subsequent workplace contact tracing efforts, risk assessments, and outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested information from health departments in the United States in September 2022 to identify people with confirmed or probable mpox who worked outside the home while infectious, either before or after diagnosis, from June 1 through August 31, 2022. We collected and summarized data on demographic, clinical, and workplace characteristics of case patients and workplace contact investigations. We stratified data by industry and occupation categories. In total, 102 case patients were reported by 6 jurisdictions. The most common industries were accommodation and food services (19.8%) and professional business, management, and technical services (17.0%). Contact investigations identified 178 total contacts; 54 cases (52.9%) had no contacts identified. Of 178 contacts, 54 (30.3%) were recommended to receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and 18 (10.1%) received PEP. None of the contacts developed a rash or were tested for orthopox or mpox, and none were reported to have confirmed or probable mpox. Data from 6 jurisdictions suggest that the risk of MPXV transmission from workers to others in workplace settings in many industries is low. These findings might support future updates to exposure risk classifications and work activity recommendations for patients. These findings also demonstrate the importance of collecting and analyzing occupation and industry data in case reports to better understand risks in workplaces.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of peste des petits ruminants in selected districts of the northern border region of Pakistan

BackgroundPeste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a world organization for animal health (WOAH) notifiable and economically important transboundary, highly communicable viral disease of small ruminants. PPR virus (PPRV) belongs to the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae.AimThe present cross-sectional epidemiological investigation was accomplished to estimate the apparent prevalence and identify the risk factors linked with peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in the previously neglected northern border regions of Pakistan.MethodA total of 1300 samples (serum = 328; swabs = 972) from 150 flocks/herds were compiled from sheep (n = 324), goats (n = 328), cattle (n = 324), and buffaloes (n = 324) during 2020–2021 and tested using ELISA for detection of viral antibody in sera or antigen in swabs.ResultsAn overall apparent prevalence of 38.7% (504 samples) and an estimated true prevalence (calculated by the Rogan and Gladen estimator) of 41.0% (95% CI, 38.0–44 were recorded in the target regions. The highest apparent prevalence of 53.4% (85 samples) and the true prevalence of 57.0%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were documented in the Gilgit district and the lowest apparent prevalence of 53 (25.1%) and the true prevalence of 26.0%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 19.0–33.0) was reported in the Swat district. A questionnaire was designed to collect data about associated risk factors that were put into a univariable logistic regression to decrease the non-essential assumed risk dynamics with a P-value of 0.25. ArcGIS, 10.8.1 was used to design hotspot maps and MedCalc’s online statistical software was used to calculate Odds Ratio (OR). Some of the risk factors significantly different (P < 0.05) in the multivariable logistic regression were flock/herd size, farming methods, nomadic animal movement, and outbreaks of PPR. The odds of large-sized flocks/herds were 1.7 (OR = 1.79; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.034–91.80%) times more likely to be positive than small-sized. The odds of transhumance and nomadic systems were 1.1 (OR = 1.15; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.022–58.64%) and 1.0 (OR = 1.02; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.020–51.97%) times more associated to be positive than sedentary and mixed farming systems, respectively. The odds of nomadic animal movement in the area was 0.7 (OR = 0.57; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.014–38.06%) times more associated to be positive than in areas where no nomadic movement was observed. In addition, the odds of an outbreak of PPR in the area were 1.0 (OR = 1.00; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.018–46.73%) times more associated to be positive than in areas where no outbreak of PPR was observed.ConclusionsIt was concluded that many northern regions considered endemic for PPR, large and small ruminants are kept and reared together making numerous chances for virus transmission dynamic, so a big threats of disease spread exist in the region. The results of the present study would contribute to the global goal of controlling and eradicating PPR by 2030.

Diversity, evolution, and emergence of fish viruses.

The production of aquatic animals has more than doubled over the last 50 years and is anticipated to continually increase. While fish are recognized as a valuable and sustainable source of nutrition, particularly in the context of human population growth and climate change, the rapid expansion of aquaculture coincides with the emergence of highly pathogenic viruses that often spread globally through aquacultural practices. Here, we provide an overview of the fish virome and its relevance for disease emergence, with a focus on the insights gained through metagenomic sequencing, noting potential areas for future study. In particular, we describe the diversity and evolution of fish viruses, for which the majority have no known disease associations, and demonstrate how viruses emerge in fish populations, most notably at an expanding domestic-wild interface. We also show how wild fish are a powerful and tractable model system to study virus ecology and evolution more broadly and can be used to identify the major factors that shape vertebrate viromes. Central to this is a process of virus-host co-divergence that proceeds over many millions of years, combined with ongoing cross-species virus transmission.

Modelling the Time-varying Transmission of Wild Poliovirus in Pakistan

Aims/Objectives: The efforts to eradicate the wild poliovirus since 1988 have successfully reduced its global prevalence by 99%. However, as of 2024, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two endemic countries facing the virus transmission. This study employs a transmission dynamic model to understand the persistence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Pakistan. Study Design: An ordinary differential equations-based deterministic type of mathematical model was developed. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, March 2023 to August 2023. Methodology: We included the number of reported polio cases and the proportion of missed children by supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) across the country from 2017-2022. The model considered both human-human and environment-human virus transmission through sewage contamination and these are represented by time-dependent transmission rate parameters. The parameter estimation was done by model fitting to the reported data of WPV1 cases. The model simulations then predicted the future polio infections in Pakistan. Results: Our analysis identified that the asymptomatic infectious population missed by the SIAs is the major contributor to disease persistence in the country. Moreover, the environment can contribute to virus transmission in areas with poor WASH infrastructure and under-immunized populations. The estimated basic reproduction number through the next-generation matrix method was 1.61 while the estimated effective reproduction number was 0.12. The model showed a better predictive ability than constant transmission rate models. The numerical simulations considering the reduction in the virus-shedding rate by the asymptomatic population resulted in an 85% reduction in future polio cases in Pakistan. Conclusion: The results suggest that endemic virus transmission will continue subject to the current higher vaccination coverage across the country. The model can be further utilized to guide eradication efforts for targeted allocation of preemptive measures.

Stochastic approach to a delayed in-host model of DENV transmission

Abstract Motivation: The immune response to the viral transmission experiences delays due to diverse biological factors and is affected by several factors. These include infection rate, rate of apoptosis and impact of the antibody-virus complex which exhibit unpredictable nature in a random environment.&amp;#xD;Objective: The main goal is to examine the impact of noise terms, introduced into every state variable, on a delayed in-host model of viral transmission.&amp;#xD;Methodology: To determine the intensity fluctuations and variances of all concerned state variables in the stochastic delayed model, which includes a constant delay and Gaussian white noise, the Fourier transformation method is employed.&amp;#xD;Results and Conclusions: The limiting value of the delay parameter is derived explicitly as well as numerically. The system experiences Hopf bifurcation, whenever the delay parameter crosses the limiting value which is shown graphically. The intensities and variances of different cells and virus populations are derived and the values are computed numerically. As the delay increases, the level of viremia decreases while other parameters maintain fixed values. The outcomes of data sensitivity, shown in graphical form, indicate that the transmission rate and supply rate of viruses are highly sensitive. Our findings suggest that the presence of noise causes fluctuations in the delayed model, leading to a noticeable impact on the transmission of the virus.&amp;#xD;

Synchronously Sensitive Immunoassay and Efficient Inactivation of Living Zika Virus via DNAzyme Catalytic Amplification and In Situ Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizer Generation.

Sensitive identification and effective inactivation of the virus are paramount for the early diagnosis and treatment of viral infections to prevent the risk of secondary transmission of viruses in the environment. Herein, we developed a novel two-step fluorescence immunoassay using antibody/streptavidin dual-labeled polystyrene nanobeads and biotin-labeled G-quadruplex/hemin DNAzymes with peroxidase-mimicking activity for sensitive quantitation and efficient inactivation of living Zika virus (ZIKV). The dual-labeled nanobeads can specifically bind ZIKV through E protein targeting and simultaneously accumulate DNAzymes, leading to the catalytic oxidation of Amplex Red indicators and generation of intensified aggregation-induced emission fluorescence signals, with a detection limit down to 66.3 PFU/mL and 100% accuracy. Furthermore, robust reactive oxygen species generated in situ by oxidized Amplex Red upon irradiation can completely kill the virus. This sensitive and efficient detection-inactivation integrated system will expand the viral diagnostic tools and reduce the risk of virus transmission in the environment.

Preparation and characterization of mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies against the hemagglutinin of the H1N1 influenza virus

H1N1 influenza virus is a significant global public health concern. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting specific viral proteins such as hemagglutinin (HA) have become an important therapeutic strategy, offering highly specific targeting to block viral transmission and infection. This study focused on the development of mAbs targeting HA of the A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1pdm09, VIC-19) strain by utilizing hybridoma technology to produce two mAbs with high binding capacity. Notably, mAb 2B2 has demonstrated a strong affinity for HA proteins in recent H1N1 influenza vaccine strains. In vitro assessments showed that both mAbs exhibited broad-spectrum hemagglutination inhibition and potent neutralizing effects against various vaccine strains of H1N1pdm09 viruses. 2B2 was also effective in animal models, offering both preventive and therapeutic protection against infections caused by recent H1N1 strains, highlighting its potential for clinical application. By individually co-cultivating each of the aforementioned mAbs with the virus in chicken embryos, four amino acid substitution sites in HA (H138Q, G140R, A141E/V, and D187E) were identified in escape mutants, three in the antigenic site Ca2, and one in Sb. The identification of such mutations is pivotal, as it compels further investigation into how these alterations could undermine the binding efficacy and neutralization capacity of antibodies, thereby impacting the design and optimization of mAb therapies and influenza vaccines. This research highlights the necessity for continuous exploration into the dynamic interaction between viral evolution and antibody response, which is vital for the formulation of robust therapeutic and preventive strategies against influenza.

Advancements in Research on Duck Tembusu Virus Infections.

Duck Tembusu Virus (DTMUV) is a pathogen of the Flaviviridae family that causes infections in poultry, leading to significant economic losses in the duck farming industry in recent years. Ducks infected with this virus exhibit clinical symptoms such as decreased egg production and neurological disorders, along with serious consequences such as ovarian hemorrhage, organ enlargement, and necrosis. Variations in morbidity and mortality rates exist across different age groups of ducks. It is worth noting that DTMUV is not limited to ducks alone; it can also spread to other poultry such as chickens and geese, and antibodies related to DTMUV have even been found in duck farm workers, suggesting a potential risk of zoonotic transmission. This article provides a detailed overview of DTMUV research, delving into its genomic characteristics, vaccines, and the interplay with host immune responses. These in-depth research findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the virus's transmission mechanism and pathogenic process, offering crucial scientific support for epidemic prevention and control.

Viral Transmission? A Longitudinal Study of Media Use and Its Relation to Mental Strain During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In light of the dynamic COVID-19 pandemic, the exposure to pandemic-related media coverage may change over time and may be particularly relevant due to associations with psychopathological symptoms. The aims of the present study were to examine changes in media consumption over time and to analyze its prospective associations with psychological strain. The study uses a longitudinal observational design with ten periods of online data collection from March 2020 to April 2022 in an adult convenience sample (N = 8337) of the general population in Germany. Our data revealed that the frequency and duration of pandemic-related media exposure as well as their subjective critical evaluation showed the highest levels at the beginning of the pandemic and peaked again in autumn 2020 and spring 2021. The primarily used media formats changed only slightly over time. The amount of media exposure at baseline was associated with more impairing pandemic-related anxiety 1month, 1year, and 2years later. Our results hint to potentially problematical and long-lasting associations of pandemic-related media consumption with mental strain. Our findings could serve as an orientation for recommendations, further research, and adequate interventions for a responsible dealing with media coverage. The authors have pre-registered this research at clinicaltrials.gov without an analysis plan; retrievable at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04331106 .