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Avian influenza - situation in Egypt - update 24Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Ministry of Health of Egypt has reported a new confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1). (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)
Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks - November 20, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: organizations

Swine Flu Deception and Disinformation ExposedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion - a recombinant strain produced from Bird Flu live viruses and a seasonal or Swine Flu strain can create a virus with morbidity (high widespread death rate).Last August, an international microbiologist in California, Joseph Moshe, called anti-vaccination activist Dr. A. True Ott, warning him of a bioweapon at Baxter's facilities in Ukraine that could be used to create a pandemic. Dr. Ott divulged this on Deagle's radio show after Moshe was forcefully apprehended.The Ukrainian IncidentUp until the 29th of October, there were only two non-lethal swine flu cases reported within Ukraine's 46 million population. Very...
Source: NaturalNews.com - November 19, 2009 Category: Consumer Health Advice Source Type: news

Visually mapping avian flu may help H1N1Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers linked several powerful computer systems to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data on the H5N1 virus, also known as avian flu. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Source: Health News - UPI.com - November 17, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Scientists put interactive flu tracking at public's fingertipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
New methods of studying avian influenza strains and visually mapping their movement around the world will help scientists more quickly learn the behavior of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, Ohio State University researchers say. The researchers linked many powerful computer systems together to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data collected from all publicly available isolated strains of the H5N1 virus -- the cause of avian flu. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - November 17, 2009 Category: Science Source Type: news

Scientists Put Interactive Flu Tracking At Public's FingertipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
New methods of studying avian influenza strains and visually mapping their movement around the world will help scientists more quickly learn the behavior of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, Ohio State University researchers say. The researchers linked many powerful computer systems together to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data collected from all publicly available isolated strains of the H5N1 virus - the cause of avian flu. (Source: Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today)
Source: Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today - November 17, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Swine Flu Source Type: news

Scientists put interactive flu tracking at public's fingertipsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Ohio State University) New methods of studying avian influenza strains and visually mapping their movement around the world will help scientists more quickly learn the behavior of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus, Ohio State University researchers say. The researchers linked many powerful computer systems together to analyze enormous amounts of genetic data collected from all publicly available isolated strains of the H5N1 virus -- the cause of avian flu. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - November 16, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

[Personal View] Yearly influenza vaccinations: a double-edged sword?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Yearly vaccination against seasonal influenza viruses is recommended for certain individuals at high risk of complications associated with influenza. It has been recommended in some countries, including the USA, that all children aged 6–59 months are vaccinated against seasonal influenza. However, it has been shown—mainly in animals—that infection with influenza A viruses can induce protective immunity to influenza A viruses of other unrelated subtypes. This so-called heterosubtypic immunity does not provide full protection, but can limit virus replication and reduce morbidity and mortality of the host. This type of ...
Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases - November 16, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Rogier Bodewes, Joost HCM Kreijtz, Guus F Rimmelzwaan Tags: Personal View Source Type: journals

Pre‐ and Postexposure Use of Human Monoclonal Antibody against H5N1 and H1N1 Influenza Virus in Mice: Viable Alternative to OseltamivirEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. New strategies to prevent and treat influenza virus infections are urgently needed. A recently discovered class of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) neutralizing an unprecedented spectrum of influenza virus subtypes may have the potential for future use in humans. Here, we assess the efficacies of CR6261, which is representative of this novel class of mAbs, and oseltamivir in mice. We show that a single injection with 15 mg/kg CR6261 outperforms a 5‐day course of treatment with oseltamivir (10 mg/kg/day) with respect to both prophylaxis an...
Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: article BRIEF REPORT Source Type: journals

Antibody reactivity of conformational peptide mimics of a conserved H5N1 neutralization site in different fusion proteinsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this study, the secondary and possibly higher structural orders of the peptide mimics 122 and 125 were investigated and found to be closely related to the specific binding with 8H5 mAb. These two peptide mimics were fused to three different carrier proteins, and the antibody binding activities were recovered in 4 of the 11 fusion proteins. HEV structural protein p239 and HBc were more suitable than the outer membrane protein T47 of the Treponema pallidum particle for the recovery of reactivity. The increase in the copy number of peptide mimics was important for the recovery of antibody-binding activity and the inter...
Source: Archives of Virology - November 13, 2009 Category: Virology Tags: Archives of Virology Source Type: journals

Chicken Faeces Garden Fertilizer: Possible Source of Human Avian Influenza H5N1 InfectionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report on human cases of H5N1 infection in Indonesia where exposure to H5N1-infected animals could not be established, but where the investigation found chicken faeces contaminated with viable H5N1 virus in the garden fertilizer. Human cases of avian influenza H5N1 warrant extensive investigations to determine likely sources of illness and to minimize risk to others. Authorities should regulate the sale and transportation of chicken faeces as fertilizer from areas where H5N1 outbreaks are reported. (Source: Zoonoses and Public Health)
Source: Zoonoses and Public Health - November 13, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: I. N. Kandun, G. Samaan, S. Harun, W. H. Purba, E. Sariwati, C. Septiawati, M. Silitonga, N. P. I. Dharmayanti, P. M. Kelly, T. Wandra Source Type: journals

Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: As a result of these investigations, we believe that this standard Echinacea preparation, used at the recommended dose for oral consumption, could be a useful, readily available and affordable addition to existing control options for IV replication and dissemination. (Source: Virology Journal)
Source: Virology Journal - November 13, 2009 Category: Virology Authors: Stephan PleschkaMichael SteinRoland SchoopJames Hudson Source Type: journals

A Live Attenuated H1N1 M1 Mutant Provides Broad Cross‐Protection against Influenza A Viruses, Including Highly Pathogenic A/Vietnam/1203/2004, in MiceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. The emergence of novel influenza A H1N1 and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses underscores the urgency of developing efficient vaccines against an imminent pandemic. M(NLS‐88R) (H1N1), an A/WSN/33 mutant with modifications in the multibasic motif 101RKLKR105 of the matrix (M1) protein and its adjacent region, was generated by reverse genetics. The M(NLS‐88R) mutant had in vitro growth characteristics similar to those of wild‐type A/WSN/33 (wt‐WSN), but it was attenuated in mice. Vaccination with M(NLS‐88R) n...
Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue - November 12, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: article MAJOR ARTICLE Source Type: journals

Pulmonary fibrosis induced by H5N1 viral infection in miceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: Our findings show that H5N1-infected mice develop the typical PF during restoration period, which will contribute to the investigation of fibrogenesis and potential therapeutic intervention in human H5N1 disease. (Source: BioMed Central)
Source: BioMed Central - November 12, 2009 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Jian QiaoMiaojie ZhangJianmin BiXun WangGuancun DengGuimei HeZhihua LuanNana LvTong XuLihong Zhao Source Type: journals

GSK announces trial data on co-administration of PandemrixT with annual seasonal influenza vaccine (Fluarix®)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Source: PharmaLive Area: News GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the results from the trial assessing PandemrixT, its adjuvanted H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine, administered at the same time as the annual seasonal influenza vaccine, Fluarix®. The trial involves 168 adults aged over 60 years of age and showed that 89.3% of the subjects receiving both vaccines at the same time demonstrated a response for the H1N1 virus that was above the regulatory threshold of 1:40 seroprotection considered indicative of protection. The immune response for the seasonal vaccine exceeded the regulatory threshold defined by inte...
Source: NeLM - Immunology and vaccination - November 10, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: organizations

Effects of Combinations of Favipiravir (T-705) and Oseltamivir on Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) Virus Infections in Mice.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Favipiravir (T-705, 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) and oseltamivir were combined to treat influenza A/NWS/33 (H1N1), A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2), and A/Duck/MN/1525/81 (H5N1) virus infections. T-705 alone inhibited viruses in cell culture at 1.4-4.3 muM. Oseltamivir inhibited these three viruses in cells at 3.7, 0.02, and 0.16 muM, and at 0.94, 0.46, and 2.31 nM in neuraminidase assays, respectively. Oral treatments were given twice daily to mice for 5-7 days starting generally 24 h after infection. Survival resulting from 5 days of oseltamivir treatment (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day) was significantly better in combina...
Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - November 9, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Smee DF, Hurst BL, Wong MH, Bailey KW, Tarbet EB, Morrey JD, Furuta Y Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: journals

Transmission and control of an emerging influenza pandemic in a small-world airline network.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study also investigated how the small-world properties of an air transportation network facilitate the spread of influenza around the globe. The results show that, as soon as the influenza is spread to the top 50 global airports, the transmission is greatly accelerated. Under the constraint of limited resources, a strategy that first applies control measures to the top 50 airports after day 13 and then soon afterwards to all other airports may result in remarkable containment effectiveness. As the infectiousness of the disease increases, it will expand the scale of the pandemic, and move the start time of the pandemic...
Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention. - November 6, 2009 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Hsu CI, Shih HH Tags: Accid Anal Prev Source Type: journals

Nigeria: Bird Flu Not Over in NigeriaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Recently, the World Bank passed what could be described as a vote of confidence on Nigeria for its ability to control and manage the dreaded Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus popularly called bird flu. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - November 6, 2009 Category: African Health Source Type: news

Characterization of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds in Mongolia 2005 through 2007Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Detection and/or isolation of AIV infection in numerous wild bird species, including 2 which have not been previously described as hosts, reinforces the wide host range of AIV within avian species. Reassortment complexity within the genomes indicate the introduction of new AIV strains into wild bird populations annually however there is enough over-lap of infection for reassortment to occur. Further work is needed to clarify how AIV is maintained in these wild bird reservoirs. (Source: Virology Journal)
Source: Virology Journal - November 5, 2009 Category: Virology Authors: Erica SpackmanDavid SwayneMartin GilbertDamien JolyWilliam KareshDavid SuarezRuuragchaa SodnomdarjaaPurevtseren DulamCarol Cardona Source Type: journals

Nigeria: Avian Flu on the Rampage - LombiEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The Executive Director, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Dr. Lami Hannatu Lombi, has disclosed that avian influenza known as bird flu, the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype has ravaged the poultry industry world- wide as it has caused several- human fatalities, particularly in South- East Asia and part of North Africa, Egypt. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine - November 4, 2009 Category: African Health Source Type: news

An efficient method for N-acetyl-D: -neuraminic acid production using coupled bacterial cells with a safe temperature-induced system.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
N-Acetyl-D: -neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is a precursor for producing many pharmaceutical drugs such as zanamivir which have been used in clinical trials to treat and prevent the infection with influenza virus, such as the avian influenza virus H5N1 and the current 2009 H1N1. Two recombinant Escherichia coli strains capable of expressing N-acetyl-D: -glucosamine 2-epimerase and N-acetyl-D: -neuraminic acid aldolase were constructed based on a highly efficient temperature-responsive expression system which is safe compared to chemical-induced systems and coupled in Neu5Ac production. Carbon sources were optimized for Neu5A...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 4, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zhang Y, Tao F, Du M, Ma C, Qiu J, Gu L, He X, Xu P Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: journals

H5N1 influenza viruses: outbreaks and biological properties.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
All known subtypes of influenza A viruses are maintained in wild waterfowl, the natural reservoir of these viruses. Influenza A viruses are isolated from a variety of animal species with varying morbidity and mortality rates. More importantly, influenza A viruses cause respiratory disease in humans with potentially fatal outcome. Local or global outbreaks in humans are typically characterized by excess hospitalizations and deaths. In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype emerged in Hong Kong that transmitted to humans, resulting in the first documented cases of human death by avian influen...
Source: Cell Research - November 3, 2009 Category: Cytology Authors: Neumann G, Chen H, Gao GF, Shu Y, Kawaoka Y Tags: Cell Res Source Type: journals

Infection of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells with Influenza A Viruses [Retina]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this report, influenza A virus replication was studied for the first time in a relevant cell type derived from the retina (primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells), and the results indicate that H5N1 viruses have a greater potential to replicate in these cells than seasonal H3N2 or H1N1 influenza A viruses. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - November 2, 2009 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Michaelis, M., Geiler, J., Klassert, D., Doerr, H. W., Cinatl, J. Tags: Retina Source Type: journals

Computational design of novel, high-affinity neuraminidase inhibitors for H5N1 avian influenza virus.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
To propose more effective inhibitors for neuraminidase subtype N1, four potential inhibitors were molecularly designed by substitution at the C(3) position of oseltamivir to give additional interaction with the 150-cavity, since a new cavity known as the '150-cavity' adjacent to the well-known active site has been found in the neuraminidase subtype N1. We calculated the binding free energy of both oseltamivir and the newly designed inhibitors for subtype N1, using molecular dynamics simulations, to predict their drug effectiveness. When the drug effectiveness of four potential inhibitors is compared with that of oselta...
Source: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry - October 31, 2009 Category: Chemistry Authors: Park JW, Jo WH Tags: Eur J Med Chem Source Type: journals

[Perspectives] Book In Brief: Parents' guide to H1N1Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases have a way of grabbing the public imagination that outstrips any other medical event. The first decade of the 21st century has seen anthrax spores in the US mail, severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza A H5N1, and now a pandemic of influenza A H1N1 (so called swine flu), which have generated a level of media and public attention that has at times bordered on the hysterical. (Source: LANCET)
Source: LANCET - October 30, 2009 Category: Journals (General) Authors: John McConnell Tags: Perspectives Source Type: journals

Influenza H5N1 virus infection of polarized human alveolar epithelial cells and lung microvascular endothelial cellsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: The predilection of viruses for different routes of entry and egress from the infected cell is important in understanding the pathogenesis of influenza H5N1 infection and may help unravel the pathogenesis of human H5N1 disease. (Source: Respiratory Research)
Source: Respiratory Research - October 30, 2009 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Michael ChanRenee ChanWendy YuCarol HoW ChuiC LoKit YuenYi GuanJohn NichollsJs Peiris Source Type: journals

Synthesis and antiviral studies of novel N-sulphonamidomethyl piperazinyl fluoroquinolonesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Selvam P, Rathore P, Karthikumar S, Velkumar K, Palanisamy P, Vijayalakhsmi S, Witvrouw MIndian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2009 71(4):432-436A series of novel N-Sulphonamidomethyl piperzinyl fluoroquinolones were synthesized and screened antiviral activity. Eight compounds were synthesized through modifying the N<sup> 4</sup> -hydrogen of piperazine in fluoroquinolones with formaldehyde and sulphanomides by Mannich reactions. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by means of their IR and <sup> 1</sup> H-NMR spec...
Source: Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences - October 28, 2009 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Selvam P, Rathore P, Karthikumar S, Velkumar K, Palanisamy P, Vijayalakhsmi S, Witvrouw M Source Type: journals

Thailand warns of A/H1N1, H5N1, normal human flu outbreak during winterEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
BANGKOK, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Public Health ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)
Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health - October 28, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Health Source Type: news

Glycans on influenza hemagglutinin affect receptor binding and immune response [Immunology]Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Recent cases of avian influenza H5N1 and the swine-origin 2009 H1N1 have caused a great concern that a global disaster... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - October 27, 2009 Category: Science Authors: Wang, C.-C., Chen, J.-R., Tseng, Y.-C., Hsu, C.-H., Hung, Y.-F., Chen, S.-W., Chen, C.-M., Khoo, K.-H., Cheng, T.-J., Cheng, Y.-S. E., Jan, J.-T., Wu, C.-Y., Ma, C., Wong, C.-H. Tags: Immunology Source Type: journals

Profit Driven Swine Flu Propaganda - Pump Up the Volume - Part FourEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article is part four in a six-part series. Be sure to read part three at http://www.naturalnews.com/027310_swine_flu_health_Tamiflu.htmlThose in control of the mainstream media have joined together with public health officials to provide the pharmaceutical industry with the best swine flu promotional campaign that money can buy.In an October 7, 2009, OpEd News article titled, "The Centers for Disease Control: The Best Vaccination PR Firm Taxes Can Buy," the makers of the documentaries, "Vaccine Nation," and "Autism: Made in the USA," Richard Gale and Dr Gary Null wrote: "If the flu season goes according to schedule, t...
Source: NaturalNews.com - October 27, 2009 Category: Consumer Health Advice Source Type: news

Genes May Determine Susceptibility To H5N1 Avian Influenza A Virus InfectionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A new study found genetic variations in mice affect their susceptibility to and severity of H5N1 avian influenza A virus infection suggesting that humans who contract the virus may be genetically predisposed. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - October 26, 2009 Category: Science Source Type: news

News From The Journals Of The American Society For MicrobiologyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Genes May Determine Susceptibility to H5N1 Avian Influenza A Virus Infection A new study found genetic variations in mice affect their susceptibility to and severity of H5N1 avian influenza A virus infection suggesting that humans who contract the virus may be genetically predisposed. The researchers from St. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - October 26, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news

Innate immune responses to influenza A H5N1: friend or foe?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Avian influenza A H5N1 remains unusual in its virulence for humans. Although infection of humans remains inefficient, many of those with H5N1 disease have a rapidly progressing viral pneumonia that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death, but its pathogenesis remains an enigma. Comparison of the virology and pathogenesis of human seasonal influenza viruses (H3N2 and H1N1) and H5N1 in patients, animal models and relevant primary human cell cultures is instructive. Although the direct effects of viral replication and differences in the tropism of the virus for cells in the lower respiratory tract clearly c...
Source: Trends in Immunology - October 26, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Peiris JS, Cheung CY, Leung CY, Nicholls JM Tags: Trends Immunol Source Type: journals

Tips from the journals of the American Society for MicrobiologyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(American Society for Microbiology) The following are tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology: "Genes May Determine Susceptibility to H5N1 Avian Influenza A Virus Infection"; "Cigarette Smoke May Impair Lungs Natural Defense Against Harmful Pathogen"; and "T-Cell Vaccine Reduces Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Levels in Semen of Monkeys During Primary Infection." (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - October 23, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Possible hidden hazards of mass vaccination against new influenza A/H1N1: have the cardiovascular risks been adequately weighed?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Programs for vaccination against the new influenza A/H1N1 targeting many hundred million citizens in Europe and the USA are to be launched in the fall of this year. The USA is planning to employ a non-adjuvanted vaccine, whereas European nations are opting for inclusion of MF59, the adjuvant contained in an alternative seasonal flu vaccine, or the related adjuvant AS03 that is contained in a recently developed H5N1 vaccine. We draw attention to unappreciated hazards of using adjuvanted vaccine in Europe. Evidence from animal experiments in conjunction with clinical epidemiological data indicates tha...
Source: Medical Microbiology and Immunology - October 22, 2009 Category: Microbiology Tags: Medical Microbiology and Immunology Source Type: journals

Rice, UT-Austin Team Wins Stimulus Funds To Study Influenza AEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Rice University scientists have won a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to scrutinize the influenza A virus for clues that could lead to more effective antiviral drugs. Strains of influenza A include this year's pandemic H1N1 variety, some seasonal varieties and the much-feared H5N1 bird flu. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - October 22, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news

PolyI:polyC(12)U adjuvant-combined intranasal vaccine protects mice against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus variants.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus has the potential to incite a global pandemic. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective vaccines against these viruses. Because it is difficult to predict which strain of influenza will cause a pandemic, it is advantageous to develop vaccines that will confer cross-protective immunity against variants of the influenza virus. Recently, we reported that the Toll-like receptor 3 agonist, polyI:polyC(12)U (Ampligen((R))), has been proven to be safe in a Phase III human trial, and is an effective mucosal adjuvant for intranasal H5N1 influenza vaccination. Intra...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Ichinohe T, Ainai A, Tashiro M, Sata T, Hasegawa H Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Preclinical evaluation of a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA)-based vaccine against influenza A/H5N1 viruses.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype are responsible for an increasing number of infections in humans since 2003. More than 60% of the infections is lethal and new infections are reported frequently. In the light of the pandemic threat caused by these events the rapid availability of safe and effective vaccines is desirable. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the HA gene of an influenza A/H5N1 virus is a promising candidate vaccine that induced protective immunity against infection with homologous and heterologous influenza A/H5N1 viruses in mice. We also evaluated the recombinant ...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Kreijtz JH, Suezer Y, de Mutsert G, van den Brand JM, van Amerongen G, Schnierle BS, Kuiken T, Fouchier RA, Löwer J, Osterhaus AD, Sutter G, Rimmelzwaan GF Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Structural basis for oseltamivir resistance of influenza viruses.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Oseltamivir, one of the two anti-neuraminidase drugs, is currently the most widely used drug against influenza. Resistance to the drug has occurred infrequently among different viruses in response to drug treatment, including A H5N1 viruses, but most notably has emerged among recently circulating A H1N1 viruses and has spread throughout the population in the absence of drug use. Crystal structures of enzyme-drug complexes, together with enzymatic properties, of mutants of H5N1 neuraminidase have provided explanations for high level oseltamivir resistance due to the common H275Y mutation, with retention of zanamivir sus...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Collins PJ, Haire LF, Lin YP, Liu J, Russell RJ, Walker PA, Martin SR, Daniels RS, Gregory V, Skehel JJ, Gamblin SJ, Hay AJ Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Prior infection with an H1N1 swine influenza virus partially protects pigs against a low pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Most humans lack virus neutralizing (VN) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies to H5N1 avian influenza viruses (AIVs), but cross-reactive neuraminidase inhibition (NI) antibodies and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses are common. These immune responses result largely from infections with seasonal human H1N1 influenza viruses, but the protective effect of H1N1 infection-immunity against H5N1 infection has never been examined. To this purpose, we have used the pig model of influenza and a low pathogenic (LP) H5N1 AIV. Pigs were inoculated intranasally with sw/Belgium/1/98 (H1N1) 4 weeks before challenge with...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Van Reeth K, Braeckmans D, Cox E, Van Borm S, van den Berg T, Goddeeris B, De Vleeschauwer A Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Avian influenza virus: Of virus and bird ecology.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The recent introductions of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in wild birds and its subsequent spread throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe has put a focus on the role of wild birds in the geographical spread of HPAI H5N1 virus. Large-scale surveillance programs are ongoing to determine a potential role of wild birds in H5N1 virus spread and to serve as sentinel systems for introductions into new geographical regions. The unprecedented scale and coverage of these surveillance programs offer a unique opportunity to expand our current knowledge on the ecology of LPAI in wild migratory bird...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Munster VJ, Fouchier RA Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Poultry movement networks in Cambodia: Implications for surveillance and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI/H5N1).Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Movement of poultry through markets is potentially important in the circulation and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. However little is understood about poultry market chains in Cambodia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 715 rural villagers, 123 rural, peri-urban and urban market sellers and 139 middlemen from six provinces and Phnom Penh, to evaluate live poultry movement and trading practices. Direct trade links with Thailand and Vietnam were identified via middlemen and market sellers. Most poultry movement occurs via middlemen into Phnom Penh making live bird wet markets in Phnom Penh a potential...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Van Kerkhove MD, Vong S, Guitian J, Holl D, Mangtani P, San S, Ghani AC Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Influenza virus CTL epitopes, remarkably conserved and remarkably variable.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) contribute to the control of virus infections including those caused by influenza viruses. Especially under circumstances when antibodies induced by previous infection or vaccination fail to recognize and neutralize the virus adequately, CTL are important and contribute to protective immunity. During epidemic outbreaks caused by antigenic drift variants and during pandemic outbreaks of influenza, humoral immunity against influenza viruses is inadequate. Under these circumstances, pre-existing CTL directed to the relatively conserved internal proteins of the virus may provide...
Source: Vaccine - October 22, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Rimmelzwaan GF, Kreijtz JH, Bodewes R, Fouchier RA, Osterhaus AD Tags: Vaccine Source Type: journals

Development of a new candidate H5N1 avian influenza virus for pre-pandemic vaccine productionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion These results indicate that the Anhui/PR8 reassortant lost a major virulent determinant and it is suitable for its use in vaccine manufacturing and as a reference vaccine virus against the H5N1 clade 2.3.4 viruses circulating in eastern China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)
Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses - October 21, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Jie Dong, Yumiko Matsuoka, Taronna R. Maines, David E. Swayne, Eduardo O'Neill, C. Todd Davis, Neal Van-Hoven, Amanda Balish, Hong-jie Yu, Jacqueline M. Katz, Alexander Klimov, Nancy Cox, De-xin Li, Yu Wang, Yuan-ji Guo, Wei-zhong Yang, Ruben O. Donis, Yu Tags: Original Articles Source Type: journals

Flu focus: NIH project aims for better drugsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Rice University) Biochemists at Rice University have won $1.5 million in stimulus funding from the National Institutes of Health to scrutinize the influenza A virus for structural clues that could boost the effectiveness of antiviral drugs. The influenza A category includes this year's pandemic H1N1 flu strain, some seasonal varieties of flu and the much-feared H5N1 bird flu. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - October 20, 2009 Category: Biology Source Type: news

In Vitro Responses to Avian Influenza H5 by Human CD4 T Cells.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
To address the question of whether human T cells are capable of recognizing novel isolates of influenza virus, in vitro responses to recombinant Ags and synthetic peptides derived from the sequences of H1, H3, and H5 were examined in a cohort of 64 individuals selected from a healthy blood donor population. Humans respond in vitro to H1 and H3 following exposure through natural infection and vaccination. Responses to H5 were well correlated with those to H1 or H3, and thus, a significant repertoire of H5-responsive T cells is present in many individuals; clear nonresponders to H1, H3, and H5, however, do exist. Differe...
Source: Journal of Immunology - October 18, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Cusick MF, Wang S, Eckels DD Tags: J Immunol Source Type: journals

Protective measures and H5N1-seroprevalence among personnel tasked with bird collection during an outbreak of avian influenza A/H5N1 in wild birds, Ruegen, Germany, 2006Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Gaps and variability in adherence demonstrate the risk of exposure to avian influenza under conditions of wild bird collection, and justify serological testing and regular training of task personnel. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - October 17, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Wei CaiBrunhilde SchweigerUdo BuchholzSilke BudaMartina LittmannJorg HeuslerWalter Haas Source Type: journals

A novel H1N1 virus causes the first pandemic of the 21st centuryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A novel H1N1 virus of swine origin (H1N1v ) is currently spreading in humans, giving rise to the first pandemic in 40 years. The disease is of moderate severity but has notable differences from seasonal influenza. In contrast to seasonal influenza, those over 60 years are relatively spared, a likely consequence of the presence of H1N1v cross-neutralizing antibody in this age group. Most patients appear to have mild influenza-like illness and many of the complications leading to hospitalization and mortality occur in those with underlying disease conditions or pregnancy. Studies in animal models suggest that the novel H1N1v...
Source: European Journal of Immunology - October 15, 2009 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: J. S. Malik Peiris, Wen-wei Tu, Hui-ling Yen Source Type: journals

Japanese NIH Research Reaffirms and Expands Pandemic Flu Protection by Ampligen(R)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (NYSE Amex:HEB) (the "Company"), announced that Dr. H. Hasegawa, Chief, Laboratory of Mucosal Vaccine Development Virus Research Center, Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases (JIID), expanded the data on Ampligen(R), an experimental immunotherapeutic, at the "Mucosal Immunity" session of the Japan-France Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Workshop in Osaka, October 10, 2009. (Please see http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/seminar/info/2009/10/594). Dr. Hasegawa is the Principal Investigator on the Ampligen(R)/ Influenza vaccine program under the j...
Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) - October 15, 2009 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Sinovac Receives Certificate Of Approval To Distribute Panflu (H5N1) Vaccine In Hong KongEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NYSE Amex: SVA), a leading developer and provider of vaccines in China, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sinovac Biotech (Hong Kong) Ltd, has received the Certificate of Approval to distribute Panflu(TM) (H5N1), its H5N1 (bird flu) pandemic influenza vaccine, in Hong Kong. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - October 14, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Swine Flu Source Type: news

ImmuneRegen BioSciences(R) Initiates Homspera(R) Studies Against Global Influenza ThreatEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.®, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: IRBS), announced that its lead anti-influenza drug, Homspera, will be tested for efficacy against highly lethal H5N1 Avian Influenza in the laboratories of a widely respected University scientist. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - October 14, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Bird Flu / Avian Flu Source Type: news