The threat of avian influenza H5N1 looms over global biodiversity

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is an emerging and unexpected threat to many wild animal species, which has implications for ecological processes, ecosystem services and conservation of threatened species. International collaboration and information-sharing is essential for surveillance, early diagnosis and the provision of financial and technical instruments to enable worldwide actions. Download PDF As… Continue reading The threat of avian influenza H5N1 looms over global biodiversity

Pathogenesis of bovine H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in Macaques

Abstract Since early 2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus infections have been reported in wild aquatic birds and poultry throughout the United States (US) with spillover into several mammalian species1-6. In March 2024, HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b was first detected in dairy cows in Texas, US and continues to circulate on dairy farms… Continue reading Pathogenesis of bovine H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b infection in Macaques

Clade 2.3.4.4b but not historical clade 1 HA replicating RNA vaccine protects against bovine H5N1 challenge in mice

Abstract The ongoing circulation of influenza A H5N1 in the United States has raised concerns of a pandemic caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Although the United States has stockpiled and is prepared to produce millions of vaccine doses to address an H5N1 pandemic, currently circulating H5N1 viruses contain multiple mutations within the immunodominant head… Continue reading Clade 2.3.4.4b but not historical clade 1 HA replicating RNA vaccine protects against bovine H5N1 challenge in mice

Wrong place, wrong time: Why Zika virus hijacks a protein needed for brain growth

The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head. A new study shows that the Zika virus hijacks a host protein called ANKLE2, which happens to be important for brain development, to assist its own reproduction. Because Zika, unlike most related viruses,… Continue reading Wrong place, wrong time: Why Zika virus hijacks a protein needed for brain growth

TWiV 1183: More than 2024 viruses

TWiV reviews some of their favorite virology stories from 2024. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, Kathy Spindler, and Brianne Barker Click arrow to playDownload TWiV 1183 (66 MB .mp3, 111 min) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2025 SARS-CoV-2 origins (TWiV Special) TWiV 1163: Hepadnaviridae in the… Continue reading TWiV 1183: More than 2024 viruses

TWiV 1182: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin discusses how vaccination and vaccine hesitancy affects public health and disease spread in terms of mpox, the first human death from H5N1 in US, why one should not feed their pets raw pet food and the metapneumonia outbreak in China before reviewing the recent statistics on RSV, influenza… Continue reading TWiV 1182: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin