Tag: Influenza

Influenza virus genome: Finally discovered in its coat

To fight the virus that causes influenza, one of the avenues being explored by scientists is the development of drugs capable of destabilizing its genome, made up of RNA molecules. But the challenge is daunting: each RNA molecule is tightly bound to an assembly of proteins which creates a double helix, forming a protective coat… Continue reading Influenza virus genome: Finally discovered in its coat

Influenza B viruses are more susceptible to high temperatures than influenza A viruses

Abstract Seasonal influenza is caused by two subtypes of influenza A virus (A/H1N1 and A/H3N2) and two lineages of influenza B viruses (B/Victoria-lineage and B/Yamagata-lineage). Seasonal influenza viruses replicate efficiently in the human upper respiratory tract, where the temperature is 33 °C. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of seasonal influenza A and B viruses… Continue reading Influenza B viruses are more susceptible to high temperatures than influenza A viruses

TWiV 1174: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin deep dives into whether the mysterious respiratory illness in the Congo is malaria, and in conjunction with your host Vincent Racaniello discusses the failure of the poliovirus eradication campaign with virus circulation detected throughout Europe and how we should focus on disease control not virus circulation, then returns… Continue reading TWiV 1174: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

Flu virus remains infectious in refrigerated raw milk, study reveals

Influenza or flu virus remains infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, according to a new study. The findings come at a time when outbreaks of bird flu — a different subtype of the same influenza virus — in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic.

Publisher Correction: Innate immune control of influenza virus interspecies adaptation via IFITM3

Correction to: Nature Communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53792-3, published online 30 October 2024 In the PDF version of this Article, Fig. 5 was cropped. Panel labels a, c, e, and g, and the labelling of y-axes were missing. Additionally, Body Weight curves shown in panels b and f lacked days 8 and 6, respectively. This has now been… Continue reading Publisher Correction: Innate immune control of influenza virus interspecies adaptation via IFITM3

Optimal thresholds and key parameters for predicting influenza A virus transmission events in ferrets

Abstract Although assessments of influenza A virus transmissibility in the ferret model play a critical role in pandemic risk evaluations, few studies have investigated which virological data collected from virus-inoculated animals are most predictive of subsequent virus transmission to naïve contacts. We compiled viral titer data from >475 ferrets inoculated with 97 contemporary IAV (including… Continue reading Optimal thresholds and key parameters for predicting influenza A virus transmission events in ferrets

TWiV 1172: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin summarizes influenza and RSV circulation in the US, the benefit of administering oseltamivir early and if influenza vaccination reduces secondary household infections, before reviewing the recent statistics on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the WasterwaterScan dashboard, how 1st or 2nd trimester SARS-CoV-2 infections may shorten newborn telomeres, what are B1 cells,… Continue reading TWiV 1172: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

Single mutation in H5N1 influenza surface protein could enable easier human infection

A single modification in the protein found on the surface of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 influenza virus currently circulating in U.S. dairy cows could allow for easier transmission among humans, according to new research. The study results reinforce the need for continued, vigilant surveillance and monitoring of HPAI H5N1 for potential genetic… Continue reading Single mutation in H5N1 influenza surface protein could enable easier human infection

Scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 ‘bird flu’ virus infection and potential transmission in humans

Avian influenza viruses typically require several mutations to adapt and spread among humans, but what happens when just one change can increase the risk of becoming a pandemic virus? A recent study reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 ‘bird flu’ virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the… Continue reading Scientists identify mutation that could facilitate H5N1 ‘bird flu’ virus infection and potential transmission in humans