MedWorm: H5N1

Retraction. Retraction notice to "The NSI gene of H5N1 influenza viruses circumvents the host anti-viral cytokine responses" [Virus Res. 103 (2004) 107-113].

Virus Research — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:34:16 +0100

Retraction. Retraction notice to "The NSI gene of H5N1 influenza viruses circumvents the host anti-viral cytokine responses" [Virus Res. 103 (2004) 107-113]. Virus Res. 2010 Apr;149(1):133 Authors: PMID: 20238474 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Virus Research)

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Influenza and respiratory disease surveillance: the US military's global laboratory-based network

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article describes the system, details its contributions and the critical gaps that it is filling, and discusses future plans. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 9

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health has reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This case was confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

16 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Effects of NS1 variants of H5N1 influenza virus on interferon induction, TNFalpha response and p53 activity.

Cellular and Molecular Immunology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the effects of these mutations on interferon (IFN) induction, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)alpha response, p53 activity and apoptosis. We found that the D92E mutation eliminated NS1's repressive effect on IFN induction, while the 5-aa deletion resulted in enhanced resistance to TNFalpha responses. We also observed that all three variants exhibited a similar suppressive effect on p53 transcriptional activity, although none of them significantly influenced apoptosis of host cells. Our findings shed new light on the role of NS1 in the pathogenicity of H5N1 virus.Cellular & Molecular Immunology advance online publication, 15 March 2010; doi:10.1038/cmi.2010.6. PMID: 20228833 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cellular and Molecular Immunology)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 32

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

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Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

12 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Antigenic and genetic characteristics of influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H9N2) viruses and candidate vaccine viruses developed for potential use in human vaccines - February 2010.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20229648 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

Surveillance and characterization of low pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses isolated from wild migratory birds in Korea.

Virus Research — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Baek YH, Pascua PN, Song MS, Park KJ, Kwon HI, Lee JH, Kim SY, Moon HJ, Kim CJ, Choi YK Migratory waterfowls are the natural reservoir of influenza A viruses. However, interspecies transmission had occasionally caused outbreaks in various hosts including humans. To characterize the genetic origins of H5 avian influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in South Korea, phylogenetic analysis were conducted. A total of 53 H5 viruses were isolated between October 2005 and November 2008. Full genetic characterization indicated that most of these viruses belong to the Eurasian-like avian lineage. However, some segments of the AB/Korea/W235/07 and the AB/Korea/W236/07 isolates were clustered with North American lineage viruses rather than those of the Eurasian lineage, suggesting...

ECDC: Expect H1N1 to return, but not act same; H5N1 not mentioned in flu forecast

MD Consult: News: Top Stories — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Read the full story on MD Consult: ECDC: Expect H1N1 to return, but not act same; H5N1 not mentioned in flu forecast (Source: MD Consult: News: Top Stories)

Dissipation and removal of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in different aquatic environments.

Chemosphere — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Accinelli C, Saccà ML, Fick J, Mencarelli M, Lindberg R, Olsen B The antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has received recent attention due to the potential use as a first-line defense against H5N1 and H1N1 influenza viruses. Research has shown that oseltamivir is not removed during conventional wastewater treatments, thus having the potential to enter surface water bodies. A series of laboratory experiments investigated the fate and the removal of oseltamivir in two surface water ecosystems of Japan and in a municipal wastewater treatment plant located in Northern Italy. Persistence of oseltamivir in surface water ranged from non-detectable degradation to a half-life of 53d. After 40d, <3% of radiolabeled oseltamivir evolved as (14)CO(2). The presence of sediments (5%...

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Reassortment between avian H5N1 and human H3N2 influenza viruses creates hybrid viruses with substantial virulence [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:27:19 +0100

The spread of avian H5N1 influenza viruses around the globe has become a worldwide public health concern. To evaluate the... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Can Directly Infect and Replicate in Human Gut Tissues

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:44:51 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that the human gut expresses abundant avian H5N1 receptors, is readily infected ex vivo by the H5N1 virus, and produces infectious viral particles in organ culture. An autopsy colonic sample from an H5N1‐infected patient showed evidence of viral antigen expression in the gut epithelium. Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that H5N1 can directly target human gut tissues. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Avian Influenza A Virus Monitoring in Wild Birds in Bavaria: Occurrence and Heterogeneity of H5 and N1 Encoding Genes

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, multiple import events for H5N1 viruses were confirmed during 2006 and 2007. In addition, our findings argue against an existing HPAI H5N1 reservoir in aquatic birds in Bavaria. By contrast, phylogenetic analyses of the H5 or N1 sequences of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses revealed a marked diversity and multiple genetic lineages. This diversity of LPAI H5 and N1 subtype components indicates the existence of LPAI HA and NA gene pools which differ from the Bavarian HPAI H5N1. Moreover, the hemagglutinin amino acid differences between LPAI H5 viruses of a western European genotypic lineage observed in wild birds suggest a continuous evolution of LPAI viruses in Bavaria. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)

Serological Surveillance of Influenza A Virus Infection in Swine Populations in Fujian Province, China: No Evidence of Naturally Occurring H5N1 Infection in Pigs

Zoonoses and Public Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Several highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from swine populations in Fujian Province, China, since 2001. Because it is thought that H5N1 infection in pigs might result in virus adaptation to humans, we surveyed swine populations in Fujian Province in 2004 and 2007 for serological evidence of the infection. Twenty-five pig farms covering all nine administrative districts of Fujian Province were sampled and a total of 1407 serum specimens were collected. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests revealed no evidence of H5 infection and only a few cases of H9 infection. The negative results for H5 infection were further verified by micro-neutralization tests. By contrast, H1 influenza virus infections were prevalent in swine in both surveys according to the results...

Fusion of HSP70 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to hemagglutinin (H5) gene of avian influenza virus in DNA vaccine enhances its potency.

Acta Virologica — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:29:31 +0100

Authors: Rasoli M, Omar AR, Aini I, Jalilian B, Syed Hassan SH, Mohamed M A series of plasmids containing the HSP70 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis fused to the hemagglutinin (H5) gene of H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) (H5-HSP70 (heat shock protein 70) vaccine) or individual H5 gene (H5 vaccine) or HSP70 gene (HSP70 vaccine) were constructed based on the plasmid pcDNA3.1. Expression of H5 gene in Vero cells in vitro and in chickens in vivo was confirmed following their transfection and immunization with H5 or H5-HSP70 vaccines. Controls consisted of HSP70 vaccine, empty plasmid pcDNA3.1 and co-administered H5 and HSP70 vaccines. H5-HSP70 vaccine produced in chicken higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer than H5 vaccine. However, the increase was not statistically s...

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Detection by microneutralization of antibodies against avian influenza virus in an endemic avian influenza region

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol Infect Detection by microneutralization of low-titre antibodies (anti-H5 micro-NT titre [le]1 : 80) against avian influenza virus (H5N1) is usually taken to be a false-positive result. In this prospective study of 242 intensive-care unit patients admitted for severe community-acquired pneumonia, the prevalence of low-titre anti-H5 micro-NT was 2.4%. Prior exposure to poultry was the sole independent risk factor for these low-titre antibodies (adjusted OR 42.41; 95% CI 22.45[ndash]64.51; p (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

Correlation between polymerase activity and pathogenicity in two duck H5N1 influenza viruses suggests that the polymerase contributes to pathogenicity.

Virology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leung BW, Chen H, Brownlee GG The influenza RNA polymerase is known to be important in pathogenicity and adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammalian hosts. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible are only partly understood. Here we investigated the role of the polymerase in two different, closely related, H5N1 influenza viruses - a high pathogenic, A/duck/Fujian/01/2002 (FJ) strain and a low pathogenic, A/duck/Guangxi/53/2002 (GX) strain. The polymerase activity of the FJ strain was significantly greater than the GX strain. Experiments with hybrid polymerase constructs - both in vitro and in ribonucleoprotein cell-based assays, suggested that the PA and to a lesser extent the PB2 subunits of the polymerase, were responsible for increased polymerase activity of the...

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 8

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health has reported three new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, including one fatality. Two cases have been confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and one case has been confirmed at the Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 31

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced five new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

4 March 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

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Inovio Biomedical H5N1 Avian Influenza DNA Vaccine Receives Korean Approval To Begin Clinical Trials

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced that its affiliate VGX International Inc. (Korean Stock Exchange: 011000) has received approval in Korea to begin a Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers for Inovio's SynCon™ preventive DNA vaccine (VGX-3400) targeting H5N1 avian influenza. Inovio is co-developing VGX-3400 with Korea-based VGX International. The 30-patient three-dose Phase I study will be conducted in multiple clinical research sites in Korea. A parallel study in the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Inovio Biomedical H5N1 Avian Influenza DNA Vaccine Receives Korean Approval To Begin Clinical Trials

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 NS1 protein induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human alveolar basal epithelial cells

Virology Journal — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Influenza A virus NS1 protein serves as a strong inducer of apoptosis in infected human respiratory epithelial cells and plays a critical role in disease pathogenesis. (Source: Virology Journal)

Correction: Fine antigenic variation within H5N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin's antigenic sites defined by yeast cell surface display.

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Li J, Wang Y, Liang Y, Ni B, Wan Y, Liao Z, Chan KH, Yuen KY, Fu X, Shang X, Wang S, Yi D, Guo B, Di B, Wang M, Che X, Wu Y PMID: 20201023 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

Field detection of avian influenza virus in wild birds: evaluation of a portable RRT-PCR system and freeze dried reagents.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study included both field- and experimental-based sampling. Field samples were collected from migratory shorebirds captured in northern California, while experimental samples were prepared by spiking fecal material with an H6N2 AIV isolate. Results indicated that the portable rRT-PCR unit had equivalent specificity to virus isolation with no false positives, but sensitivity was compromised at low viral titers. Use of portable rRT-PCR with lyophilized reagents may expedite surveillance results, paving the way to a better understanding of wild bird involvement in HPAIV H5N1 transmission. PMID: 20206650 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)

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Inovio OK’d for avian influenza vaccine trial

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:19:05 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corp. said Tuesday its affiliate, VGX International Inc., received approval in South Korea to begin a phase-I clinical trial in healthy volunteers for its experimental DNA vaccine designed to prevent the H5N1 avian influenza. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Cross-protection against influenza virus infection by intranasal administration of M2-based vaccine with chitosan as an adjuvant

Archives of Virology — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:02:24 +0100

In this study, we deleted the transmembrane domain of the M2 of the avian influenza virus (AIV) A/Chicken/Jiangsu/7/2002 (H9N2) strain to create an M2 without a transmembrane domain, named sM2, which was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli. The sM2 protein was administered intranasally to mice in combination with chitosan adjuvant three times at an interval of 3 weeks. Three weeks after the last immunization, the mice were challenged with a lethal dose (5 × LD50) of A/Chicken/Jiangsu/7/2002 (H9N2) virus, PR8 (H1N1) virus and A/Chicken/Henan/12/2004 (H5N1) virus. The protective immunity of the vaccine was evaluated by determining the survival rates, residual lung virus titers, body weight, and the serum antibody titers of the mice. Nasal administration of 15 ...

New Inhaled Drug Protects Mice From Flu in Single Dose

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:58:22 +0100

A single dose of an experimental influenza drug saves more mice from H5N1 avian influenza than the preferred drug Tamiflu, researchers reported on Thursday, and can also protect against infection. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Novel antiviral compound effective against bird flu

MedWire News - Respiratory — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A novel antiviral compound is effective against H5N1 avian influenza, including highly pathogenic and oseltamivir-resistant strains of the virus, a study in mice shows. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

A novel azolo-1,2,4-triazine-derived inhibitor of influenza a and b virus replication: antiviral properties, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A NOVEL AZOLO-1,2,4-TRIAZINE-DERIVED INHIBITOR OF INFLUENZA A AND B VIRUS REPLICATION: ANTIVIRAL PROPERTIES, METABOLISM, AND PHARMACOKINETICS. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2010 Mar 1; Authors: Karpenko I, Deev S, Kiselev O, Charushin V, Rusinov V, Ulomsky E, Deeva E, Yanvarev D, Ivanov A, Smirnova O, Kochetkov S, Chupakhin O, Kukhanova M Influenza viruses of types A and B cause periodic pandemics in the human population. The antiviral drugs approved to combat influenza virus infections are currently limited. We have investigated a novel effective inhibitor of human influenza A and B virus triazavirine (2-methylthio-6-nitro-1,2,4-triazolo[5,1-C]-1,2,4-triazine-7(4H)-one, TZV). TZV suppressed replication of influenza virus in cell culture, chicken chorioallantoic membranes, prote...

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Third Wave of H1N1, Viral Reassortment Top Concerns

Family Practice News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

KEYSTONE, COLO. — Where has all the seasonal influenza gone? That's one of the questions preoccupying flu watchers during this unprecedented 2009-2010 influenza season. Other key questions they're pondering include: Will we see a third wave of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic? And what's going to happen if—or more likely, when—the extremely deadly avian influenza A(H5N1) virus reassorts with H1N1? (Source: Family Practice News)

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:54:00 +0100

A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Severity of Pneumonia Due to New H1N1 Influenza Virus in Ferrets Is Intermediate between That Due to Seasonal H1N1 Virus and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:09:04 +0100

Conclusions. The new H1N1 virus may be intrinsically more pathogenic for humans than is seasonal H1N1 virus. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Selective and potent furin inhibitors protect cells from anthrax without significant toxicity.

The International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Remacle AG, Gawlik K, Golubkov VS, Cadwell GW, Liddington RC, Cieplak P, Millis SZ, Desjardins R, Routhier S, Yuan XW, Neugebauer WA, Day R, Strongin AY Furin and related proprotein convertases cleave the multibasic motifs R-X-R/K/X-R in the precursor proteins and, as a result, transform the latent proproteins into biologically active proteins and peptides. Furin is present both in the intracellular secretory pathway and at the cell surface. Intracellular furin processes its multiple normal cellular targets in the Golgi and secretory vesicle compartments while cell-surface furin appears to be essential only for the processing of certain pathogenic proteins and, importantly, anthrax. To design potent, safe and selective inhibitors of furin, we evaluated the potency and selectiv...

Single-dose H5N1 vaccine safe and effective in adults and elderly

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Researchers from Hungary and the UK have developed a single-dose H5N1 influenza vaccine that induces a protective level of immunity against infection in healthy adult and elderly volunteers. The vaccine is the first single-dose regimen to be tested in elderly subjects and it fulfills all European Union and U.S. licensing criteria offering a promising influenza A virus vaccine candidate. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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New inhaled drug protects from flu in single dose

Reuters: Health — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:22 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A single dose of an experimental influenza drug saves more mice from H5N1 avian influenza than the preferred drug Tamiflu, researchers reported on Thursday, and can also protect against infection. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research led by a University of Wisconsin-Madison virologist. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Novel compound found effective against H5N1 avian influenza virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Public Library of Science) A new study shows that a novel antiviral compound is effective against the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant strains, according to scientists from Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The research, published February 26 in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens, suggests that the prodrug CS-8958 is a promising alternative antiviral for prevention and treatment of H5N1 influenza. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Understandings of influenza and influenza vaccination among high-risk urban dwelling Thai adults: a qualitative study

Journal of Public Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0100

Conclusion These findings underscore the need to consider and understand factors underlying people's vaccination decisions to create an effective influenza vaccination programme. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

Publication of Vical's H5N1 Results Paves the Way for H1N1 Clinical Trial

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:53:54 +0100

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) announced today the publication in the online edition of Vaccine1 detailed data from two Phase 1 trials of the company's Vaxfectin®-adjuvanted DNA vaccines for H5N1... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

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Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Publication of Vical's H5N1 Results Paves the Way for H1N1 Clinical Trial

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:30:00 +0100

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 24, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL) announced today the publication in the online edition of Vaccine1 detailed data from two Phase 1 trials of the company's Vaxfectin(r)-adjuvanted DNA vaccines for H5N1 (avian-origin) influenza, demonstrating the potential of DNA vaccines for rapid deployment in future pandemics. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Pandemic Hybrid Of Bird And Human Seasonal Flu Possible Say Scientists

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

An international team of scientists has created a highly pathogenic laboratory hybrid of the H5N1 bird flu and human seasonal flu viruses by swapping just one gene, and propose that a similar genetic interaction could happen in nature between the current pandemic H1N1 swine flu and H5N1 avian flu strains, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pandemic Hybrid Of Bird And Human Seasonal Flu Possible Say Scientists

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Microbiology) The following are tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology: "Campylobacter Bacteria in Cattle Manure May Survive Composting"; "Single-Dose HIV DNA Vaccine Induces Long-Lasting Immune Response in Monkeys"; and "Single-Dose H5N1 Vaccine Safe and Effective in Adults and Elderly." (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Protection of pregnant mice, fetuses and neonates from lethality of H5N1 influenza viruses by maternal vaccination.

Vaccine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hwang SD, Shin JS, Ku KB, Kim HS, Cho SW, Seo SH The highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses are one of candidates for the next pandemic. Information on protective immunity for pregnant animals by vaccination against the H5N1 influenza virus is limited. Here, we show that the immunization of pregnant mice with inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccine protects them, their fetuses, and their infant mice from H5N1 influenza viruses. Pregnant mice immunized with two doses of H5N1 influenza vaccine were protected from homologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with no viruses detected in fetuses, and that they were protected upto 30% from heterologous infections of H5N1 influenza viruses with viruses detected in fetuses. The infant mice born to mothers immunized with H5N1 influenza...

Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. In laboratory experiments in mice, a single gene segment from a human seasonal flu virus, H3N2, was able to convert the avian H5N1 virus into a highly pathogenic form. The findings are reported the week of Feb. 22 in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu

Genetics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals Announces In Vitro Data Demonstrating TCAD Therapy Is More Potent Than Double Combinations Or Monotherapy Against Resistant Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company, reported on the publication of results from a preclinical study that demonstrated the synergistic effects of triple combination antiviral drug (TCAD) therapy against multiple strains of seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza A (H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) virus, including three strains of amantadine resistant pandemic H1N1 and two strains of oseltamivir resistant seasonal H1N1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Scientists: H5N1 Avian Flu Could Mutate into Supervirus

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:23:13 +0100

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic may be dwindling, but a new pandemic could arise at any time, perhaps even from an existing virus that many of us have forgotten about: the deadly H5N1 bird flu (Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories)

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After H1N1, Researchers Warn of a Potential New Superbug

TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:43:02 +0100

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Computational analysis and determination of a highly conserved surface exposed segment in H5N1 avian flu and H1N1 swine flu neuraminidase

BMC Structural Biology - Latest articles — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The identified terminal segment, strongly conserved in both RNA and protein sequences, is especially significant as it is surface exposed and structural chemistry reveals the probable role of this stretch in tetrameric stabilization. It could also participate in other biological processes associated with conserved surface residues. A RNA double hairpin secondary structure found in this segment in a majority of the H5N1 strains also supports this observation. In this paper we propose this conserved region as a probable site for designing inhibitors for broad-spectrum pandemic control of flu viruses with similar NA structure. (Source: BMC Structural Biology - Latest articles)

Associations between attributes of live poultry trade and HPAI H5N1 outbreaks: a descriptive and network analysis study in northern Vietnam

BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study provides evidence which can be used for informing policies aimed at encouraging more biosecure practices of LPTs operating at authorised LBMs. The results suggest that LPTs play a role in HPAI H5N1 transmission and may contribute to perpetuating HPAI H5N1 virus circulation amongst certain groups of communes. The impact of current disease prevention and control interventions could be enhanced by disseminating information about outbreak risk and the implementation of a formal data recording scheme at LBMs for all incoming and outgoing LPTs. (Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles)

A real-time RT-PCR for detection of clade 1 and 2 H5N1 Influenza A virus using Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) TaqMan probes

Virology Journal — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The emergence and co-circulation of two different clades (clade 1 and 2) of H5N1 influenza viruses in Vietnam necessitates the availability of a diagnostic assay that can detect both variants. Results: We developed a single real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of both clades of H5N1 viruses, directly from clinical specimens, using locked nucleic acid TaqMan probes. Primers and probe used in this assay were designed based on a highly conserved region in the HA gene of H5N1 viruses. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was (Source: Virology Journal)

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to avian influenza in urban and rural areas of China

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study shows a high degree of awareness of human AI in both urban and rural populations, and could provide scientific support to assist the Chinese government in developing strategies and health-education campaigns to prevent AI infection among the general population. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

A Bayesian Approach to Quantifying the Effects of Mass Poultry Vaccination upon the Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of H5N1 in Northern Vietnam

PLoS Computational Biology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Author Summary Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 continues to spread rapidly between flocks of poultry in many parts of the world including areas in Southeast Asia and Africa where infection has become endemic. Meanwhile the number of human cases and fatalities are steadily accumulating. As a result, the control of outbreaks in poultry remains both a key public and animal health priority. In Vietnam control policies have evolved from a policy of reliance upon drastic “stamping out” measures to regular mass vaccination campaigns. Using Bayesian data augmentation techniques in order to take into account the unobserved infection times, we found that this has led to a significant reduction in the daily probability of transmission between communes but that the time taken to detect out...

Avian influenza virus monitoring in wintering waterbirds in Iran, 2003-2007

Virology Journal — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Results of these investigations provide important information about the prevalence of LPAIV in wild birds in Iran, especially wetlands around the Caspian Sea which represent an important wintering site for migratory water birds. Mallard and Common Teal exhibited the highest number of positives in virological and serological investigations: 43% and 26% virological positive cases and 24% and 46% serological positive reactions, respectively. These two species may play an important role in the ecology and perpetuation of influenza viruses in this region. In addition, it could be shown that both oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples contribute to the detection of positive birds, and neither should be neglected. (Source: Virology Journal)

A Bayesian Approach to Quantifying the Effects of Mass Poultry Vaccination upon the Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of H5N1 in Northern Vietnam

PLoS Computational Biology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Seasonal and Pandemic Human Influenza Viruses Attach Better to Human Upper Respiratory Tract Epithelium than Avian Influenza Viruses.

The American Journal of Pathology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: van Riel D, den Bakker MA, Leijten LM, Chutinimitkul S, Munster VJ, de Wit E, Rimmelzwaan GF, Fouchier RA, Osterhaus AD, Kuiken T Influenza viruses vary markedly in their efficiency of human-to-human transmission. This variation has been speculated to be determined in part by the tropism of influenza virus for the human upper respiratory tract. To study this tropism, we determined the pattern of virus attachment by virus histochemistry of three human and three avian influenza viruses in human nasal septum, conchae, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and larynx. We found that the human influenza viruses-two seasonal influenza viruses and pandemic H1N1 virus-attached abundantly to ciliated epithelial cells and goblet cells throughout the upper respiratory tract. In contrast, the av...

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Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 30

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

17 February 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:31:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 25-year-old female from South Jakarta District, DKI Jakarta Province died on 25 January 2010. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection. The case was possibly infected from direct contact with poultry. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:31:00 +0100

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

12 February 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

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Update on human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) infection: 2009.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20151496 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

Identification of broad binding class I HLA supertype epitopes to provide universal coverage of influenza A virus.

Human Immunology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alexander J, Bilsel P, Del Guercio MF, Marinkovic-Petrovic A, Southwood S, Stewart S, Ishioka G, Kotturi MF, Botten J, Sidney J, Newman M, Sette A Influenza virus remains a significant health concern with current circulating strains that affect millions each year plus the threat of newly emerging strains, such as swine-origin H1N1 and avian H5N1. Our hypothesis is that influenza-derived HLA-Class I-restricted epitopes can be identified for use as a reagent to monitor and quantitate human CD8(+) T cell responses and for vaccine development to induce protective cellular immunity. Protein sequences from influenza A virus strains currently in circulation, agents of past pandemics and zoonotic infections of man were evaluated for sequences predicted to bind to alleles representativ...

Reverse micelle-encapsulated recombinant baculovirus as an oral vaccine against H5N1 infection in mice.

Antiviral Research — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, baculovirus displaying influenza hemagglutinin was encapsulated within a reverse-micelle structure of phosphatidylcholine and delivered into the gastrointestinal tract of mice to study its efficacy as an oral vaccine against cross-clade H5N1 infection. Mice vaccinated with encapsulated baculovirus displaying HA (En-BacHA) showed significantly enhanced HA specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA antibodies, and higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers, when compared to its non-encapsulated form (BacHA). Estimation of serum neutralizing antibodies also indicated that En-BacHA formulation was able to induce strong cross-clade neutralization against heterologous H5N1 strains (clade 1.0, clade 2.1, clade 4.0 and clade 8.0). Further, mice vaccinated with En-BacHA alone were able t...

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 29

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new case of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

10 February 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

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Characterization of Lentiviral Pseudotypes with Influenza H5N1 Hemagglutinin and Their Performance in Neutralization Assays.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this report HA-pseudotype stocks were analyzed for HA content, stability, and performance in neutralization assays under various conditions. HA-pseudotypes produced with HA genes of H5 strains representing clades 1, 2.2, and 2.3.4 consistently contain similar HA contents, and infectivity was not greatly affected by the purity of the HA-pseudotype preparations or variations in storage conditions. HA-pseudotype neutralization titers using a reference serum panel were also consistent across a wide range of dilutions of HA-pseudotype stocks and correlated well with results from microneutralization assays involving replicating influenza. Concentrated HA-pseudotypes were further shown to work well in hemagglutination inhibition assays. Finally, antisera elicited by genetically modified HA, wi...

Highly conserved sequences for human neutralization epitope on hemagglutinin of influenza A viruses H3N2, H1N1 and H5N1: Implication for human monoclonal antibody recognition.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yamashita A, Kawashita N, Kubota-Koketsu R, Inoue Y, Watanabe Y, Ibrahim MS, Ideno S, Yunoki M, Okuno Y, Takagi T, Yasunaga T, Ikuta K The epitope sequences within the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A virus H3N2 at amino acid residues 173-181 and 227-239 that forms anti-parallel beta-sheet structure are similarly recognized by human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs), B-1 and D-1 that we recently obtained using the peripheral blood lymphocytes from two influenza-vaccinated volunteers. Both HuMAbs showed strong global neutralization of H3N2 strains. Here we show the significant conservation of the beta-sheet region consisting of the above-mentioned two epitope regions in H3N2. In addition, we also identified the corresponding regions with similar structure in other subtypes such a...

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 28

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

8 February 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Delayed Clearance of Viral Load and Marked Cytokine Activation in Severe Cases of Pandemic H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus Infection

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:26:08 +0100

Conclusions. The slower control of viral load and immunodysregulation in severe cases mandate the search for more effective antiviral and immunomodulatory regimens to stop the excessive cytokine activation resulting in ARDS and death. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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Avian Influenza (H5N1) Outbreak among Wild Birds, Russia, 2009.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sharshov K, Silko N, Sousloparov I, Zaykovskaya A, Shestopalov A, Drozdov I To the Editor: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5N1) has been endemic in poultry in Southeast Asia since 2003 (1). In April 2005, an outbreak of influenza virus (H5N1) infection was detected in wild birds on Qinghai Lake in western China (2). Subsequently, the Qinghai-like (clade 2.2) HPAI virus (H5N1) lineage was detected in wild birds and poultry in many countries (1,3,4). The source of these introductions, although still debated, is likely through bird migration (5). PMID: 20113582 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Development of Chemical Bond based Elastic Network Model and its application in identifying functional motions in H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.

International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:08:03 +0100

Authors: Jang Y, Wan XF Here we proposed a Chemical Bond based Elastic Network Model (CB-ENM) method, which was demonstrated with a better performance in representing functional movements, especially the local motions, than the conventional normal mode analysis. CB-ENM was applied in characterising functional motions in surface glycoprotein Haemagglutinin (HA) of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Eleven local peaks were identified amongst HA fluctuation spectrum, and eight of these peaks were correlated with the reported five antigenic binding sites and Receptor Binding Sites (RBS) in influenza viruses. Our study showed that CB-ENM has a potential in identifying functional residues in protein structure. PMID: 20110205 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal...

The Potential Distance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Dispersal by Mallard, Common Teal and Eurasian Pochard

EcoHealth — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:17:15 +0100

In this study, we investigated the potential spreading distance of HP AIV by common teal (Anas crecca), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), and Eurasian pochard (Aythya ferina). Based on capture-mark-recapture method, we characterized their wintering movements from a western Mediterranean wetland (Camargue, South of France) and identified the potential distance and direction of virus dispersal. Such data may be crucial in determining higher-risk areas in the case of HP AIV infection detection in this major wintering quarter, and may serve as a valuable reference for virus outbreaks elsewhere. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionDOI 10.1007/s10393-010-0275-4Authors Anne-Laure Brochet, Centre de Recherche de La Tour du Valat Le Sambuc 13200 Arles FranceMatthieu Guillema...

Detection and quantification of infectious avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in environmental water using real-time RT-PCR.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dovas CI, Papanastassopoulou M, Georgiadis MP, Chatzinasiou E, Maliogka VI, Georgiades GK Routes of avian influenza virus (AIV) dispersal among aquatic birds involve direct (bird-to-bird) and indirect (water-borne) transmission. The environmental persistence of H5N1 in natural water reservoirs can be assessed by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs. Here we describe the development and evaluation of a real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) for the detection of H5N1 AIV in environmental water. It is based on virus particle adsorption onto formalin-fixed erythrocytes followed by qRT-PCR detection. The number of hemagglutinin RNA copies detected from erythrocyte-adsorbed H5N1 HPAIV particles correlated highly with the infectious dose of the virus that was determined in th...

Production of H5N1 (NIBRG-14) inactivated whole virus and split virion influenza vaccines and analysis of immunogenicity in mice using different adjuvant formulations.

Vaccine — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Miyaki C, Quintilio W, Miyaji EN, Botosso VF, Kubrusly FS, Santos FL, Iourtov D, Higashi HG, Raw I Consecutive lots of H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1194/2004 - NIBRG-14) split virion and whole virus vaccines were produced in a pilot-scale laboratory. The average yields of vaccine doses (15mug HA) per egg were 0.57 doses for H5N1 split virion vaccine and 1.12 for H5N1 whole virus vaccine, compared to 2.09 doses for the seasonal H3N2 split virion vaccine. H5N1 split virion vaccine lots complied with WHO protein content criteria, while some lots of the H5N1 whole virus vaccine showed protein content per dose higher than the limit established. All lots of both vaccines showed ovalbumin (OVA) concentration below the recommended limit. Dose sparing strategies using adjuvant formulations using al...

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Fujian H5N1 In Israel?

Recombinomics — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:40:50 +0100

The commentary discusses the possibility that the H5N1 reported in Israel is Fujian H5N1, clade 2.3.2 (01/27/10 16:05) (Source: Recombinomics)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 27

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of of Egypt has announced four new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

28 January 2010 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Avian influenza A(H5N1) in humans: lessons from Egypt

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) has ravaged the Egyptian poultry population. Ninety human cases, including 27 fatalities have been recorded by 30 December, 2009. However, epidemiological information on the infection in humans in Egypt is scarce. We analysed the first three years of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Egypt between 20 March 2006 and 31 August 2009) and found that more cases occurred in females than males, especially in 2006 and 2007. Women in the age group 20-39 years had the greatest tendency to be infected. It took an average of one day and 18 hours to seek medical assistance in patients who recovered and of six days in fatal cases. Children sought treatment much earlier than adults. On average, a patient died 11 days after the onset of symptoms. Exposu...

Gas-permeable ethylene bags for the small scale cultivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and other viruses in embryonated chicken eggs

Virology Journal — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: For many small-scale applications, ethylene breather bags can be used to encase ECE inoculated with various viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Tropism and Innate Host Responses of the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus in ex Vivo and in Vitro Cultures of Human Conjunctiva and Respiratory Tract.

The American Journal of Pathology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chan MC, Chan RW, Yu WC, Ho CC, Yuen KM, Fong JH, Tang LL, Lai WW, Lo AC, Chui WH, Sihoe AD, Kwong DL, Wong DS, Tsao GS, Poon LL, Guan Y, Nicholls JM, Peiris JS The novel pandemic influenza H1N1 (H1N1pdm) virus of swine origin causes mild disease but occasionally leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. It is important to understand the pathogenesis of this new disease in humans. We compared the virus tropism and host-responses elicited by pandemic H1N1pdm and seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses in ex vivo cultures of human conjunctiva, nasopharynx, bronchus, and lung, as well as in vitro cultures of human nasopharyngeal, bronchial, and alveolar epithelial cells. We found comparable replication and host-responses in seasonal and pandemic H1N1 viruses. However, pande...

Demographic and attitudinal determinants of protective behaviours during a pandemic: A review.

British Journal of Health Psychology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The findings from this review can be broadly explained by theories of health behaviour. However, theoretically driven prospective studies are required to further clarify the relationship between demographic factors, attitudes, and behaviour. The findings suggest that intervention studies and communication strategies should focus on particular demographic groups and on raising levels of perceived threat of the pandemic disease and belief in the effectiveness of measures designed to protect against it. PMID: 20109274 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: British Journal of Health Psychology)

Phase 1 clinical trials of the safety and immunogenicity of adjuvanted plasmid DNA vaccines encoding influenza A virus H5 hemagglutinin.

Vaccine — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Vaxfectin((R))-adjuvanted monovalent H5 DNA vaccines were well tolerated and induced HI response rates and titers in the reported range of inactivated protein-based H5 vaccines, suggesting that adjuvanted DNA vaccines with rapid vaccine production could be useful for pandemic control. PMID: 20117262 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Efficacy of inactivated vaccine against H5N1 influenza virus infection in mice with type 1 diabetes.

Vaccine — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wu J, Zhang F, Fang F, Chang H, Wang F, Yang Z, Sun B, Chen Z We sought to determine susceptibility to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus and to explore immune protection of inactivated H5N1 vaccine in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Susceptibility of diabetic mice to an H5N1 virus was evaluated by comparing the median lethal dose (LD(50)) and the lung virus titers with those of the healthy after the viral infection. To evaluate the influence of diabetes on vaccination, diabetic and healthy mice were immunized once with an inactivated H5N1 vaccine and then challenged with a lethal dose of H5N1 virus. The antibody responses, survival rates, lung virus titers and body weight changes were tested. Mice with type 1 diabetes had higher lung virus titers...

Retrospective space-time analysis of H5N1 Avian Influenza emergence in Thailand

International Journal of Health Geographics — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We conclude that only a few foci appear to have been at the origin of each HPAI epidemic wave, leading to the practical action that surveillance and control must focus on farm to farm transmission rather than on emergence or wild fauna. (Source: International Journal of Health Geographics)

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Prime-boost immunization using a DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium and a killed vaccine completely protects chickens from H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pan Z, Zhang X, Geng S, Fang Q, You M, Zhang L, Jiao X, Liu X H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has posed a great threat not only for poultry industry, but also for human health. However, an effective vaccine to provide full spectrum of protection is lacking in the poultry field. In the current study, a novel prime-boost vaccination strategy against H5N1 HPAIV was developed in which chickens were first orally immunized with a hemagglutinin (HA) DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium, followed by boosting with a killed vaccine. Chickens in the combined vaccination group, but not in single vaccination and control groups, were completely protected against disease following H5N1 HPAIV intranasal challenge with no clinical signs and virus shed...

Vaccines: Vaccines against Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza and the Implications of Changes in Substrates for Virus Production

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:57:32 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 4, Page 560-565, 15 February 2010. Influenza virus changes constantly, making vaccine production challenging. Changing the growth substrate from eggs to cell culture raises issues at all stages of the process, from surveillance to the assay of vaccines. The pandemic threat—first H5N1, then H1N1—encouraged a review of methods and brought issues into sharp relief. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Vaccines against Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza and the Implications of Changes in Substrates for Virus Production

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:54:15 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Influenza virus changes constantly, making vaccine production challenging. Changing the growth substrate from eggs to cell culture raises issues at all stages of the process, from surveillance to the assay of vaccines. The pandemic threat—first H5N1, then H1N1—encouraged a review of methods and brought issues into sharp relief. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

A new panel of NS1 antibodies for easy detection and titration of influenza A virus

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, three NS1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated by using recombinant NS1 protein of H5N1 virus and found to bind both the native and denatured forms of NS1. Two of the mAbs, 6A4 and 2H6, bind NS1 of three different strains of influenza A virus, namely H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1. Epitope mapping revealed that residues 42-53 of H5N1 NS1 are essential for the interaction with both mAbs. Between the three strains, there is only one amino acid difference in this domain, which is consistent with the observed cross-reactivities. On the other hand, mAb 1G1 binds to residues 206-215 of H5N1 NS1 and does not bind NS1 of H1N1 or H3N2. Furthermore, all three mAbs detected NS1 proteins expressed in virus infected MDCK cells and indirect immunofluorescence staining with mAbs 6A4 and 2H6 p...

An M2e-based multiple antigenic peptide vaccine protects mice from lethal challenge with divergent H5N1 influenza viruses

Virology Journal — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results suggest that M2e-MAP-presenting M2e of H5N1 virus has a great potential to be developed into an effective subunit vaccine for the prevention of infection by a broad spectrum of HPAI H5N1 viruses. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Genome-wide RNAi screen identifies human host factors crucial for influenza virus replication

Nature AOP — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alexander Karlas, Nikolaus Machuy, Yujin Shin, Klaus-Peter Pleissner, Anita Artarini, Dagmar Heuer, Daniel Becker, Hany Khalil, Lesley A. Ogilvie, Simone Hess, André P. Mäurer, Elke Müller, Thorsten Wolff, Thomas Rudel & Thomas F. Meyer Influenza A virus, being responsible for seasonal epidemics and reoccurring pandemics, represents a worldwide threat to public health. High mutation rates facilitate the generation of viral escape mutants, rendering vaccines and drugs directed against virus-encoded targets potentially ineffective. In contrast, targeting host cell determinants temporarily dispensable for the host but crucial for virus replication could prevent viral escape. Here we report the discovery of 287 human host cell genes influencing influenza A virus rep...

Genome-wide RNAi screen identifies human host factors crucial for influenza virus replication

Nature — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus reported to WHO, January 2003-March 2009: cluster-associated cases.

Weekly Epidemiological Record — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 20095108 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Weekly Epidemiological Record)

New Research Findings Can Improve Avian Flu Surveillance Programs

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Genetic analyses of avian influenza in wild birds can help pinpoint likely carrier species and geographic hot spots where Eurasian viruses would be most likely to enter North America, according to new U.S. Geological Survey research. Persistence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) virus in Eurasia and Africa, and concerns that the virus might be transported among continents by migratory birds has resulted in global surveillance programs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

H5N1 Avian influenza: preventive and therapeutic strategies against a pandemic.

Annual Review of Medicine — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:32:03 +0100

Authors: Sambhara S, Poland GA Avian influenza H5N1 viruses that have spread to a number of countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have the potential to cause a pandemic. The most effective public health intervention strategy is to combine preventive vaccination with nonpharmaceutical intervention strategies and enhanced surveillance activities. H5N1 vaccines are poorly immunogenic even at high doses; an adjuvant is needed for enhancement of immunogenicity and for dose-sparing. Lack of effective, yet safe, adjuvants is the limiting factor for candidate vaccines that utilize egg-dependent or egg-independent manufacturing technologies. Hence, developing novel adjuvants is crucial for pandemic influenza vaccine development. Although the use of antiviral drugs is also an important ...

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Prediction of Mutation Positions in H5N1 Neuraminidases From Influenza A Virus by Means of Neural Network.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we model our three random numeric values in each amino acid with occurrence and non-occurrence of mutation, which are classified as unity and zero, using a 3-6-1 feedforward backpropagation neural network to predict the mutation positions in H5N1 neuraminidases. The results show that the neural network can capture the mutation relationship as measured by prediction sensitivity, specificity, and total correct rate. With the help of translation probability between RNA codes and mutated amino acids, we predict the would-be-mutated amino acids at predicted mutation positions. PMID: 20069366 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering)

T-705 (favipiravir) activity against lethal H5N1 influenza A viruses [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:26:09 +0100

The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivi are used to treat H5N1 influenza. However, oseltamivir-resistant H5N1 viruses have been isolated from... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

An alternative method for preparation of pandemic influenza strain-specific antibody for vaccine potency determination.

Vaccine — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schmeisser F, Vodeiko GM, Lugovtsev VY, Stout RR, Weir JP The traditional assay used to measure potency of inactivated influenza vaccines is a single-radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay that utilizes an influenza strain-specific antibody to measure the content of virus hemagglutinin (HA) in the vaccine in comparison to a homologous HA reference antigen. Since timely preparation of potency reagents by regulatory authorities is challenging and always a potential bottleneck in influenza vaccine production, it is extremely important that additional approaches for reagent development be available, particularly in the event of an emerging pandemic influenza virus. An alternative method for preparation of strain-specific antibody that can be used for SRID potency assay is described. ...

Essentials of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Essential Readings in Infectious Disease Epidemiology by M. Magnus

Annals of Epidemiology — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:48:21 +0100

The occurrence of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) epidemic of 2009, rather than a long-planned for H5N1 avian influenza epidemic, should disabuse anyone still laboring under the misconception that infectious diseases had once and for all been completely understood, much less conquered in the 20th century (1). Even in the 1960s and 1970s when this view was most prevalent in the United States, it was patently untrue from a global standpoint. This attitude and the resulting lack of shoe-leather epidemiologists working in Africa may have contributed to allowing the HIV/AIDS epidemic to grow for decades unnoticed by the rich nations until it was too late to stop its pandemic spread to rich and poor nations alike. Dr Manya Magnus of George Washington University School of Public Health has produc...

Influenza virus infection among pediatric patients reporting diarrhea and influenza-like illness

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The detection of influenza viral RNA and viable influenza virus from stool suggests that influenza virus may be localized in the gastrointestinal tract of children, may be associated with pediatric diarrhea and may serve as a potential mode of transmission during seasonal and epidemic influenza outbreaks. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

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Reverse genetic platform for inactivated and live attenuated i influenza vaccine.

exp Mol Med — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jung EJ, Lee KH, Seong BL Influenza vaccine strains have been traditionally developed by annual reassortment between vaccine donor strain and the epidemic virulent strains. The classical method requires screening and genotyping of the vaccine strain among various reassortant viruses, which are usually laborious and time-consuming. Here we developed an efficient reverse genetic system to generate the 6:2 reassortant vaccine virus from cDNAs derived from the influenza RNAs. Thus, cDNAs of the two RNAs coding for surface antigens, haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from the epidemic virus and the 6 internal genes from the donor strain were transfected into cells and the infectious viruses of 6:2 defined RNA ratio were rescued. X-31 virus (a high-growth virus in embryonate...

ImmuneRegen BioSciences(R) Reports Additional Positive Results From Study Of Homspera(R) In Treating Highly Pathogenic Influenza

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

ImmuneRegen BioSciences Inc.®, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), today announced additional positive results from a recent study that evaluated its lead anti-influenza drug, Homspera®, in ferrets. Performed at a public University under the guidance of a world-renowned influenza expert, the study utilized a 'real-world' scenario of highly pathogenic influenza infection by a clade 2.2 H5N1 virus (A/Whooperswan/Mongolia/244/2005), and drug treatment beginning one day following influenza infection, coinciding with emergence of the first symptoms... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comparative study of the nucleotide bias between the novel H1N1 and H5N1 subtypes of influenza A viruses using bioinformatics techniques.

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we compared the codon usage bias between the novel H1N1 influenza A viruses and other viruses such as H1N1 and H5N1 subtypes to investigate the genomic patterns of novel influenza A (H1N1). Totally 1,675 nucleotide sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of influenza A virus including H1N1 and H5N1 subtypes occurred from 2004 to 2009 were used. As a result, we found that the novel H1N1 influenza A viruses showed the most close correlations with the swine-origin H1N1 subtypes than other H1N1 viruses in the result from not only the analysis of nucleotide compositions, but also the phylogenetic analysis. Although the genetic sequences of novel H1N1 subtypes were not exactly same as the other H1N1 subtypes, the HA and NA genes of novel H1N1s showed very ...

Radiological features of lung changes caused by avian influenza subtype A H5N1 virus: report of two severe adult cases with regular follow-up.

Chinese Medical Journal — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lu PX, Wang YX, Zhou BP, Ge Y, Zhu WK, Chen XC, Ran XG PMID: 20137584 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chinese Medical Journal)

[Screening efficient siRNAs in vitro as the candidate genes for chicken anti-avian influenza virus H5N1 breeding]

Molekuliarnaia Biologiia — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: The frequent disease outbreaks caused by avian influenza virus not only affect the poultry industry but also pose a threat to human safety. To address the problem, RNA interference (RNAi) has recently been widely used as a potential antiviral approach. Transgenesis in combination with RNAi to specifically inhibit avian enza virus gene expression has been proposed to make chickens resistant to the infection. For the transgenic breeding, screening in vitro efficient siRNAs as the candidate genes is one of the most important tasks. Here, we combined an online search tool and a series of bioinformatics programs with a set of rules for designing siRNAs targeted towards different mRNA regions of H5N1 avian influenza virus. Five rational siRNAs were chosen by this method, five U6 pr...

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Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

30 December 2009 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Influenza A virus subtypes in wild birds in North-Eastern Spain (Catalonia).

Virus Research — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study describes for the first time the detection of different subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV) in wild birds in the West Mediterranean area (Catalonia, North-Eastern Spain). During a 3 year-period (from mid-2006 to mid-2009), 1,374 birds from 16 different families were examined, and a total of 62 AIV were detected by means of a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay. AIV were more frequently detected in Anatidae, Phoenicopteridae, Rallidae and Laridae families. Of the 62 positive samples, 28 AIV could be isolated in embryonated eggs. All isolates were subtyped by haemagglutinin and neuraminidase inhibition techniques and 10 different haemagglutinins (HA) and 7 neuraminidases (NA) were found in 13 different subtype combinations. The most common combinations were H4N6 (22.2%...

Age-based Human Influenza A Virus (H5N1) Infection Patterns, Egypt.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:50:31 +0100

Authors: Schroedl A To the Editor: In April 2009, a representative of the World Health Organization in Cairo voiced concern about the changing age-based pattern of human influenza A virus (H5N1) infection in Egypt (1). From March 2006 through July 2009, a total of 83 persons in Egypt were confirmed to have human influenza A (H5N1); the patients' ages ranged from >1 year to 75 years (2). However, from December 2008 through July 2009 in Egypt, 28 of 32 human infections were in children </=8 years of age. PMID: 20031073 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The specter of a drug-resistant form of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza is a nightmare to keep public-health officials awake at night. Now, however, a study published this week (Dec. 21) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) suggests that a new compound, one on the threshold of final testing in humans, may be more potent and safer for treating "bird flu" than the antiviral drug best known by the trade name Tamiflu... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

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Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Anti N1 Cross-Protecting Antibodies Against H5N1 Detected in H1N1 Infected People.

Current Microbiology — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Frobert E, Bouscambert-Duchamp M, Escuret V, Mundweiler S, Barthélémy M, Morfin F, Valette M, Gerdil C, Lina B, Ferraris O The A(H5N1) influenza virus pandemic may be the result of avian H5N1 adapting to humans, leading to massive human to human transmission in a context of a lack of pre-existing immunity. As A(H1N1) and A(H5N1) share the same neuraminidase subtype, anti-N1 antibodies subsequent to H1N1 infections or vaccinations may confer some protection against A(H5N1). We analysed, by microneutralization assay, the A/Vietnam/1194/04 (H5N1) anti-N1 cross-protection acquired either during A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1) infection or vaccination. In cases with documented H1N1 infection, H5N1 cross-protection could be observed only in patients born between 1930 and 1950....

Complex assembly, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of duck MHC class I molecule

Acta Crystallographica Section F — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In order to understand the biological properties of the immune systems of waterfowl and to establish a system for structural studies of duck class I major histocompatibility complex (DuMHC I), a complex of DuMHC I with duck β2-microglobulin (Duβ2m) and the peptide AEIEDLIF (AF8) derived from H5N1 NP residues 251–258 was assembled. The complex was crystallized; the crystals belonged to space group C2221, with unit-cell parameters a = 54.7, b = 72.4, c = 102.2 Å, and diffracted to 2.3 Å resolution. Matthews coefficient calculation and initial structure determination by molecular replacement showed that the crystals did not contain the whole DuMHC I complex, but instead contained the DuMHC I α3 domain and a Duβ2m molecule (DuMHC I α3+β2m). Another complex of DuMHC I with the...

Influenza pandemic preparedness and severity assessment of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in South-east Asia

Public Health — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 poses a serious global health threat. However, the global impact of this new pandemic remains uncertain. Past pandemics had different impacts on mortality which varied between countries. Several countries in South-east Asia have already developed their national pandemic preparedness plans. However, these plans have focused on surveillance for and response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), including the rapid containment of H5N1. The newly emerged pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is different from H5N1 in terms of severity and requires different approaches. There are several factors that can potentially affect the severity of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, including a population's vulnerability and response capacity. The pattern of severity appears to be changing wit...

Cytokine Profiles Induced by the Novel Swine‐Origin Influenza A/H1N1 Virus: Implications for Treatment Strategies

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:10:34 +0100

Conclusions. No major cytokine storm, as seen in H5N1 infection, is associated with S‐OIV infection of cell lines. The mainstay of treatment for uncomplicated S‐OIV infections should be antiviral agents without immunomodulators. For individual S‐OIV–infected patients with severe primary viral pneumonia, severe sepsis, and multiorgan failure, immunomodulators may be considered as an adjunctive therapy in clinical trials. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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The Need for Science in the Practice of Public Health

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

When H5N1 avian influenza emerged in 1997, much of the world began planning for an eventual pandemic. Most planners expected the pandemic to begin in Asia and believed the virus ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Lots learned from H1N1 experience, say experts

CTV Health — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:37:37 +0100

Thanks to the threat of H5N1 avian influenza, tons of work was done in the past five years or so to prepare for a flu pandemic. (Source: CTV Health)

Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The specter of a drug-resistant form of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza is a nightmare to keep public health officials awake at night. Now, however, a study published this week (Dec. 21) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) suggests that a new compound, one on the threshold of final testing in humans, may be more potent and safer for treating "bird flu" than the antiviral drug best known by the trade name Tamiflu... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Compound Found To Safely Counter Deadly Bird Flu

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

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Medicago Reports Positive Phase I Results For Its Avian Flu Pandemic Vaccine

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Medicago Inc. (TSX-V: MDG) a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and affordable vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), reported positive interim results from a Phase I human clinical trial with its H5N1 Avian Influenza vaccine candidate ("H5N1 vaccine"). The vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and also induced a solid immune response. "We are very pleased with the results from this study... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medicago Reports Positive Phase I Results For Its Avian Flu Pandemic Vaccine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Medicago Inc. (TSX-V: MDG) a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and affordable vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), reported positive interim results from a Phase I human clinical trial with its H5N1 Avian Influenza vaccine candidate ("H5N1 vaccine")... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Medicago Reports Positive Phase I Results For Its Avian Flu Pandemic Vaccine

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Medicago Inc. (TSX-V: MDG) a biotechnology company focused on developing highly effective and affordable vaccines based on proprietary manufacturing technologies and Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), reported positive interim results from a Phase I human clinical trial with its H5N1 Avian Influenza vaccine candidate ("H5N1 vaccine")... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Compound Safely Counters Deadly Avian Bird Flu

Disabled World — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:26:16 +0100

The specter of a drug-resistant form of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza is a nightmare to keep public health officials awake at night. (Source: Disabled World)

Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 26

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) on 19 December 2009. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

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Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

21 December 2009 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Avian influenza – situation in Cambodia

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

18 December 2009 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

Combinatorial Design of Avian Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibitors Containing Pyrrolidine Core with a Reduced Susceptibility to Viral Drug Resistance.

Combinatorial Chemistry and High Throughput Screening — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rungrotmongkol T, Udommaneethanakit T, Frecer V, Miertus S Using computer-assisted combinatorial chemistry techniques, we have designed a virtual library of anti-influenza agents, analogs of inhibitor A-315675, containing a novel pyrrolidine core, which effectively inhibits both wild type and common oseltamivir-resistant mutant forms of the neuraminidase (NA) subtype N1 of avian influenza virus H5N1. A target-specific Potential of Mean Force (PMF) scoring function parameterized on a training set of 13 known pyrrolidine-based inhibitors of NA and validated on 3 others was used to predict the N1 inhibition constants for the focused library of A-315675 analogs. Nine virtual hits (best pyrrolidine inhibitors designed in the present study) are predicted to exhibit inhibition consta...

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of expanded antiviral prophylaxis and adjuvanted vaccination strategies for an influenza A (H5N1) pandemic.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Expanded adjuvanted vaccination is an effective and cost-effective mitigation strategy for an influenza A (H5N1) pandemic. Expanded antiviral prophylaxis can help delay the pandemic while additional strategies are implemented. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institutes of Health and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. PMID: 20008760 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

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Seasonal influenza vaccine elicits heterosubtypic immunity against H5N1 that can be further boosted by H5N1 vaccination.

Vaccine — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: van Maurik A, Sabarth N, Dacho HS, Brühl P, Schwendinger M, Crowe BA, Noel Barrett P, Kistner O, Keith Howard M Recent findings indicate that seasonal influenza vaccination or infection of healthy humans may contribute to heterosubtypic immunity against new influenza A subtypes, such as H5N1. Here, we investigated whether seasonal influenza vaccination in a mouse model could induce any immunity against the H5N1 subtype. It could be demonstrated that, largely due to the H1N1 component strain A/NewCaledonia/20/99, parenteral immunization of mice with a trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine elicited heterosubtype H5-reactive antibodies able to confer partial protection against H5N1 influenza virus infection. Furthermore, the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine was found to b...

Flu Vaccine Shortages In Developing Countries Could Destabilize Global Security, Says Former WHO Deputy Head

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

"Flu vaccine shortages in developing nations may destabilize global security should the H1N1 [swine flu] virus become more deadly â�¦ David Heymann, a former deputy head of the World Health Organization" said Monday, Bloomberg reports. Heyman acknowledged the H5N1 (bird flu) virus helped to bolster the preparedness of developed nations for H1N1, but said there remain gaps in the ability to guarantee developing countries have access to vaccines. "Globally I think we're not probably as prepared as we need to be in more equitable access to vaccines," Heymann said... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update 7

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health has reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case has been confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO

WHO Avian Influenza — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

11 December 2009 (Source: WHO Avian Influenza)

H5N1 H1N1 Cluster in Dien Bien Vietnam

Recombinomics — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:22:04 +0100

The commentary discusses the H1N1 / H5N1 cluster in Dien Bien, Vietnam. (12/10/09 03:52) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Subtype identification of the novel A H1N1 and other human influenza A viruses using an oligonucleotide microarray

Archives of Virology — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:48:00 +0100

In this study, we developed an oligonucleotide microarray to subtype human H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses, which could distinguish the novel H1N1 from human seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses and swine H1N1 influenza viruses. The microarray utilizes a panel of primers for multiplex PCR amplification of the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA) and matrix (MP) genes of human influenza A viruses. The 59-mer oligonucleotides were designed to distinguish different subtypes of human influenza A viruses. With this microarray, we accurately identified and correctly subtyped the reference virus strains. Moreover, we confirmed 4 out of 39 clinical throat swab specimens from suspected cases of novel H1N1. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00705-009-0545-z...

The effect of age on the pathogenesis of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) infected experimentally

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These results are consistent with reports of natural infections of wild waterfowl and poultry possibly indicating an age-related association with dissemination and clinical outcome in ducks following infection with H5N1 HPAI virus. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

The macroeconomic impact of pandemic influenza: estimates from models of the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and The Netherlands

The European Journal of Health Economics — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:48:11 +0100

Abstract The 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) showed that infectious disease outbreaks can have notable macroeconomic impacts. The current H1N1 and potential H5N1 flu pandemics could have a much greater impact. Using a multi-sector single country computable general equilibrium model of the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and The Netherlands, together with disease scenarios of varying severity, we examine the potential economic cost of a modern pandemic. Policies of school closure, vaccination and antivirals, together with prophylactic absence from work are evaluated and their cost impacts are estimated. Results suggest GDP losses from the disease of approximately 0.5–2% but school closure and prophylactic absenteeism more than triples these effec...

Programme to Vaccinate Poultry Workers Against Seasonal Influenza: Options for Delivery in the East of England

Zoonoses and Public Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Avian influenza A (H5N1) has spread to the UK causing outbreaks in commercial poultry. Vaccination of poultry workers with seasonal influenza has been advised to prevent a viral mutation that could facilitate human-to-human transmission, causing a new pandemic strain. This project aimed to determine delivery options and costs of a vaccination programme targeted at poultry workers. Data from the Great Britain Poultry Register were used to understand the distribution of the target population. A stakeholders group in the East of England (EoE) discussed delivery options. An options appraisal is used to prioritize these options. There are over 10 000 poultry workers distributed throughout the EoE. Five delivery options were considered (industry's occupational health services, via general practi...

'Rational Drug Design' Identifies Fragments Of FDA-Approved Drugs Relevant To Emerging Viruses

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

A massive, data-crunching computer search program that matches fragments of potential drug molecules to the known shapes of viral surface proteins has identified several FDA-approved drugs that could be the basis for new medicines -- if emerging viruses such as the H5N1(avian flu) or H1N1/09 (swine flu) develop resistance to current antiviral therapies -- according to a presentation at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) 49th Annual Meeting, Dec. 5-9, 2009 in San Diego. The compounds were identified through a "rational drug design" project in the laboratory of Andrew McCammon, Ph... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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'Rational Drug Design' Identifies Fragments Of FDA-Approved Drugs Relevant To Emerging Viruses

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

'Rational Drug Design' Identifies Fragments Of FDA-Approved Drugs Relevant To Emerging Viruses

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Pandemrix suspension and emulsion for injection (H1N1 influenza vaccine) - Revised SPC

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium) Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes Revised SPC includes changes to: Section 4.2 (Posology and method of administration) - Posology updated based on data from D-Pan H1N1-008 study (post dose 1 in >60 years old) and D-Pan H1N1-009 study (post dose 1 (half dose) in 6 months-3 years old children) Section 4.4 (Special warnings and precautions for Use) - There are no safety and immunogenicity data available from clinical studies with Pandemrix (H1N1) in children and adolescents aged from 3-17 years or in children aged less than 6 months. There are very limited data available from a clinical study with Pandemrix (H1N1) in healthy children aged from 6 to 35 months and limited data from a study with a version of Pandemrix containing H5N...

'Rational drug design' identifies fragments of FDA-approved drugs relevant to emerging viruses

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Cell Biology) A massive, data-crunching computer search program that matches fragments of potential drug molecules to the known shapes of viral surface proteins has identified several FDA-approved drugs that could be the basis for new medicines -- if emerging viruses such as the H5N1 (avian flu) or H1N1/09 (swine flu) develop resistance to current antiviral therapies. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)