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A recent study conducted by researchers at University Hospital in Parma, Italy, focused on congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, which is a common cause of congenital infection and hearing loss in children. The study aimed to understand how infection severity is defined and treated globally, highlighting the complexity of defining asymptomatic infection and the variability in treatment approaches. The researchers conducted a systematic scoping review of 26 studies, revealing significant heterogeneity in defining symptomatic cCMV infection and the need for consensus on treatment protocols through well-conducted randomized clinical trials. For more information, the full article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195997. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, Brazil, focused on the use of specific T lymphocytes in treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. The study found that adoptive hCMV-specific T-cell immunotherapy showed promising results in treating refractory CMV disease, with an average response rate of 78.2% and low rates of adverse events. The research suggests that this approach could be a safe and effective alternative for managing CMV infection in this patient population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Okayama University Hospital in Japan examined the effectiveness of letermovir prophylaxis in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The research found that while the cumulative incidence of CMV infection was not significantly different between patients who received letermovir and those who did not, the incidence up to 100 days post-transplant was lower in the letermovir group. The study concluded that letermovir prophylaxis may be effective in children without severe adverse effects, providing valuable insights for future treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06639854, aims to investigate whether adjusting letermovir dosing based on a patient's immune response can help hematopoietic cell transplant recipients avoid cytomegalovirus infections more effectively than daily dosing. The study will compare interrupted letermovir prophylaxis based on cytomegalovirus cell-mediated immunity (CMI) with extended prophylaxis up to 200 days post-transplantation. The trial will assess safety, adverse events, CMV CMI, mortality rates, and healthcare expenditures related to letermovir use. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted a study on predictors of neutropenia secondary to ganciclovir exposure during treatment of congenital cytomegalovirus disease. The study found that low baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was correlated with the development of neutropenia, and high drug exposure hastened the development of neutropenia compared to low drug exposure. Further research is needed to explore if different dosing regimens affect the development of neutropenia in patients undergoing treatment for congenital cytomegalovirus disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Hospitals of Geneva focused on the long-term outcomes of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in infants. The study included 66 infants born between 2003 and 2019 with confirmed congenital CMV, assessing factors such as brain abnormalities, neurodevelopmental scores, and sensorineural hearing loss. The research highlighted the importance of early detection of congenital CMV infection to prevent long-term complications and improve management strategies for affected infants. For more information, the full study can be accessed in the Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from North China University of Science and Technology discusses a case of a lymphoma patient who developed organizing pneumonia due to secondary invasive pulmonary mycosis and cytomegalovirus infection after chemotherapy. The patient was treated with a combination of antifungal and antiviral medications, as well as anti-inflammatory treatment, and ultimately recovered. The research emphasizes the importance of considering fungal and viral infections in lymphoma patients with lung-related symptoms and suggests that patients with persistent symptoms should undergo lung biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Instituto de Investigacion Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, focused on assessing hearing outcomes in infants with mild congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection who received antiviral treatment versus those who did not. The research found that minor neuroimaging findings were not clearly associated with an increased risk of delayed onset hearing loss. The study included 196 patients and concluded that there were no significant differences in the prevalence of hearing loss at 24 months of age between treated and untreated children. The findings were published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal and have been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Jilin University in China have identified PARP11 as a host factor that significantly affects pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in swine. By inhibiting or knocking out PARP11, PRV infection was found to be promoted, leading to increased transcription of viral genes. This study sheds light on the role of PARP11 in PRV infection and suggests it as a potential target for developing anti-PRV therapies. The findings were published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the Department of Internal Medicine in Pathankot, India, highlighted a rare case of co-infection involving cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Leishmania in an HIV-negative patient without splenomegaly. The patient presented with immunosuppression and was successfully treated with ganciclovir and amphotericin, leading to symptom resolution. This case underscores the importance of recognizing unusual presentations of infectious diseases to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment. For more details, refer to the European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how cytomegalovirus (CMV) restricts the innate immune response by manipulating the host's interferon (IFN) responses. Specifically, the virus re-localizes the host restriction factor DDX41 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm during infection, leading to decreased activity. The study highlights the role of the BTK-DDX41-STING signaling pathway in the innate immune response against CMV, which the virus evades by altering DDX41's function. The findings suggest that inhibiting BTK could potentially enhance viral replication. [Extracted from the article]

Research conducted by Takeda Development Center Americas Inc. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on the population pharmacokinetics and exposure-response relationships of Maribavir in transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The study supported the recommended dose of 400 mg twice daily (BID) for managing post-transplant CMV infections refractory and/or resistant to other therapies. The findings of the research, which included exposure-response analyses, concluded that the recommended dose of Maribavir was appropriate for this patient population. The study was peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the pharmacokinetics of Maribavir in treating CMV infections. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the relationship between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in cancer patients, particularly those with metastatic melanoma. The study found that CMV seropositivity is associated with distinct immunological responses to ICB, leading to prolonged overall survival in patients treated with single-agent anti-PD-1 therapy. Additionally, CMV infection was linked to reduced incidence of severe immune-related adverse events in patients undergoing immunotherapy. The research suggests a complex interaction between CMV infection, melanoma mutational status, disease development, and response to immunotherapy, highlighting the importance of prior infection history in cancer outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Washington compared the effectiveness of preemptive antiviral therapy (PET) versus prophylactic antiviral therapy (PRO) in preventing Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in liver transplant recipients. The PET group showed increased levels of CMV-specific T cells, NK cells, and neutralizing antibodies compared to the PRO group, leading to enhanced CMV protective immunity. The research suggests that PET is superior to PRO in preventing CMV disease by allowing controlled CMV replication and promoting stronger immune responses in high-risk liver transplant recipients. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, Canada, aimed to determine the optimal dosing of intravenous ganciclovir for the treatment and prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in solid organ transplant recipients receiving sustained low-efficiency dialysis (SLED). The study found that for patients on 8-hour SLED, a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/d of ganciclovir was commonly used for prevention, while a dose of 5 mg/kg/d was used for treatment. For patients on 24-hour SLED, a dose of 5 mg/kg/d may be considered for prevention. The study suggests that further research with larger sample sizes is needed to optimize dosing strategies for CMV treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by a researcher at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has found that exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) in space stations can reactivate latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. The study involved irradiating CMV-infected cells with various types of radiation, and it was found that the CMV copy number increased significantly in the irradiated cells compared to the control group. Transcriptome analysis also revealed the upregulation of a specific gene involved in the switch from latent to lytic replication. These findings suggest that GCR may play a role in the reactivation of CMV infections in astronauts. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Hospital Clinic San Carlos in Madrid, Spain, aimed to describe the characteristics of children with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection over a six-year period. The study included 22 children, with 54.5% having a prenatal diagnosis. CMV was isolated in all samples, and 44% of the children showed affectation at transfontanellar ultrasound. Most cases were mild or asymptomatic, but early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent or reduce sequelae. CMV congenital infection remains a significant public health issue in developed countries. [Extracted from the article]

A case report and literature review published in the journal EMJ Gastroenterology discusses the first documented case of co-infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in an immunocompetent patient with an associated esophageal stricture. The report highlights that while co-infection with CMV and HSV is well-documented in immunocompromised patients, its association with an esophageal stricture is rare and has only been observed in patients with HIV. The patient in this case, a 40-year-old woman with no evidence of immunodeficiency, was successfully treated with valganciclovir and multiple endoscopic esophageal dilatations. This case represents a valid differential diagnosis to be recognized in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey, provides insights into the coexistence of HHV-8-associated plasmacytic multicentric Castleman disease, Kaposi's sarcoma, and multiple myeloma in an HIV-negative patient. The report describes the case of a 78-year-old man with Kaposi's sarcoma who presented with symptoms such as pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. The patient was diagnosed with HHV-8 positive MCD and received treatment, but unfortunately passed away due to shock. The research concludes that MCD and associated malignancies are difficult to treat and have a poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for further studies and data to manage these patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, focused on the development of vaccines for the pseudorabies virus (PRV), a highly infectious pathogen that affects mammals and has a significant impact on the pig industry. The study examined the role of glycoproteins E and B in vaccine development and diagnostics for PRV. It found that mutations in these glycoproteins can enhance the virus's virulence, highlighting the need for updated vaccines. The researchers concluded that future research should focus on enhancing these glycoproteins to address emerging PRV variants and combat more virulent strains. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine focused on the development and evaluation of a new vaccine candidate for pseudorabies virus (PRV). The emergence of PRV variants in China's swine industry has led to vaccine failures and economic losses. The researchers used the homology-directed repair (HDR)-CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a recombinant PRV strain with deletions in specific genes. The recombinant virus demonstrated similar replication kinetics to the parental strain and elicited higher levels of antibodies and cytokines in immunological assays. The study suggests that this recombinant PRV strain could be a promising candidate for PRV prevention and control. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study found that targeting the host transcription factor HSF1 can prevent the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in vitro and in vivo. Current antiviral drugs for HCMV have limitations, such as only targeting later stages of the viral replication cycle and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The study discovered that HCMV infection activates HSF1, which promotes viral replication. Inhibiting HSF1 with a compound called SISU-102 reduced viral gene expression, virus production, and viral dissemination in a human skin xenograft transplant murine model. This research suggests that targeting HSF1 could be a promising host-directed antiviral strategy for HCMV. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Virginia Commonwealth University discusses new findings on cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that can cause developmental disabilities in newborns. The researchers investigated the entry mediators required for CMV infection in mucosal epithelial cells. They found that CMV entry into different cell types is more complex than previously thought and can be influenced by factors such as the abundance of virion envelope glycoprotein complexes, cell type, tissue of origin, and state of differentiation. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin have discovered that the ATRX protein plays a dual role in the replication of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV). While it inhibits viral protein accumulation and activates cellular antiviral transcription, it also limits viral DNA accumulation to facilitate efficient genome packaging into capsids and infectious virions. This study highlights how a single cellular protein can have both antiviral and proviral effects during different stages of infection. The findings provide insights into the mechanisms of HCMV replication and may contribute to the development of antiviral strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Wisconsin Madison discusses new findings on cytomegalovirus (CMV). The study focuses on the Pentamer complex of Human CMV (HCMV), which consists of specific viral glycoproteins. The researchers found that the Pentamer complex inhibits viral Immediate Early (IE) transcription, which is important for productive HCMV replication. They also identified UL130 as a functional subunit of the Pentamer for IE transcriptional repression. This research provides insights into the mechanisms of HCMV infection and could potentially contribute to the development of new treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Children's Hospital Philadelphia discusses the risk and consequences of postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among very preterm infants. The study highlights that while there are multiple benefits of mother's own milk feeding for low gestation infants, those born to CMV-seropositive mothers are at risk for acquiring postnatal CMV infection. Postnatal CMV infection can manifest as clinically silent infection or as mild to severe and occasionally fatal disease. The research emphasizes the need for further studies to accurately determine the true burden of postnatal CMV infection on very preterm infants and to inform preventive strategies and treatment guidance. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine explores the limitations of using maternal cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology, specifically IgM and IgG antibodies, to detect congenital CMV infection. The study found that a negative maternal CMV IgM in the second trimester does not exclude the possibility of cCMV infection. The researchers recommend using CMV PCR on amniotic fluid as a prenatal diagnostic tool and suggest autopsy and placental examination for cases of unexplained fetal abnormalities or death. The study highlights the need for further research and alternative diagnostic methods for detecting congenital CMV infection. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from University Hospital Munster in Germany explores the role of cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that immune responses to HCMV were associated with lower levels of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), which is a biomarker for neurodegeneration. Higher immune responses to HCMV were also linked to limited disease progression and reduced central nervous system (CNS) injury in MS patients. These findings suggest a potential protective role of HCMV infection in MS. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin, evaluated the effectiveness of cytomegalovirus (CMV) post-prophylaxis surveillance in high-risk kidney and liver transplant recipients. The study found that post-prophylaxis surveillance significantly reduced CMV end-organ disease and ganciclovir-resistance. Despite observing increased replication rates in the surveillance era, rejection was not significantly different, and there was no graft loss or patient mortality at 12 months. The findings suggest that post-prophylaxis surveillance is beneficial in preventing CMV-related complications in transplant recipients. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the role of the Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in lytic replication in epithelial cells. HCMV is a beta-herpesvirus that is found in the human population and has a large genome with many proteins that affect pathogenesis in different cell types. The study focuses on four viral-encoded G protein-coupled receptors (vGPCRs) in the HCMV genome, specifically UL33. The researchers found that deletion of UL33 severely attenuates lytic replication in epithelial cells, indicating that UL33-driven signaling is important for HCMV replication in these cells. However, it should be noted that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia examined the long-term outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were treated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis. The study found that patients with IBD and CMV colitis had high rates of re-hospitalization, failed medical therapy, and colectomy. The risk of these outcomes was particularly high within six months of the initial episode of CMV colitis. These findings suggest that CMV reactivation may have negative effects on the clinical outcomes of IBD patients. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a patent application that describes a method for identifying potential treatments for diseases caused by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. The method involves testing compounds against a specific region of the HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) polypeptide to see if they bind to it or affect its function. The application also includes information on the structure of the protein and potential inhibitors of HCMV infection. The patent application was filed in February 2022 and made public in September 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, examined the impact of viral load at the initiation of pre-emptive antiviral therapy (PET) on cytomegalovirus (CMV) dynamics in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) recipients. The study found that initiating PET when CMV viral load was greater than or equal to 1000 IU/mL resulted in higher peak CMV viral load and longer time to CMV DNAemia resolution. However, there were no differences in end-organ disease, overall survival, or non-relapse mortality at 12 months post-HCT based on viral load at PET initiation. This research provides valuable insights into the management of CMV in pediatric allo-HCT recipients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research conducted at Washington University on the role of microRNA-146a (miR-146a) in the immune response to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection. The study found that mice with a deficiency in miR-146a were protected from lethal MCMV infection, with natural killer (NK) cells playing a critical role in this protection. The miR-146a-deficient mice had increased numbers of mature NK cells in the liver and enhanced expansion of Ly49H+ NK cells and T cells during MCMV infection. This research provides new insights into the host response to MCMV and the role of miR-146a in immune function. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center in Guangzhou, China, explores the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) and its role in poor graft function (PGF) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The researchers found that CMV infection leads to dysfunction in BM-EPCs, resulting in compromised support for hematopoietic progenitors. They also discovered that CMV enhances the secretion of TGF-b1 by BM-EPCs through the activation of p38 MAPK via a VDR-dependent mechanism. These findings may contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for PGF. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) provides new insights into cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, the most common eye disease associated with CMV infection in immunocompromised individuals. The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent vision loss. The researchers recommend using fundus photography, CD4 T-cell count, and telemedicine for screening and monitoring high-risk populations, particularly in resource-limited regions. In addition to traditional antiviral treatments, immunotherapies such as CMV-specific adoptive T-cell therapy and CMV immunoglobulin (CMVIG) are emerging as promising treatment options. The study comprehensively examines the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment strategies of CMV retinitis to inform clinical management. [Extracted from the article]

A case study conducted by the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine describes a 64-year-old man with Burkitt lymphoma who presented with a coinfection of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus retinitis. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical examination and maintaining a high diagnostic suspicion for viral retinitis in immunocompromised patients. The researchers found that aqueous fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can be a useful adjunctive test to confirm a diagnosis of viral retinitis, but it is important to prioritize the order of PCR testing based on clinical suspicion of the causative agent. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Center for Proteomics discusses the risks posed by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection to newborns and the need for effective therapies. The report focuses on the role of cellular prion protein (PrP) in tempering neonatal T cell immunity during CMV infection. The study, conducted using a murine model, found that PrP-null mice exhibited enhanced viral control and reduced pathology. The researchers also observed CMV-induced upregulation and release of PrP, impairing CD8 T cell response in neonates. The study highlights the impact of PrP on neonatal immune modulation during viral pathogenesis. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on sensorineural hearing loss in newborns diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) through a screening program. The study conducted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on newborns with cCMV and evaluated them for neurodevelopmental disorders, chorioretinitis, and epilepsy. The research found that white matter abnormalities were the most common finding in brain MRI, and children with isolated white matter abnormalities showed overall good outcomes. However, more studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are needed. The research was conducted at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas Austin focused on the structure-based design of a soluble human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gB) antigen. The researchers aimed to identify and characterize amino acid substitutions that stabilize gB in its prefusion conformation. They found that one variant, gB-C7, displayed increased expression and thermostability and adopted a prefusion-like conformation. Mice immunized with postfusion or prefusion-stabilized forms of soluble gB protein showed similar neutralizing antibody titers against an HCMV laboratory strain. These findings provide initial strategies to stabilize class III viral fusion proteins and offer insights into gB-directed antibody responses. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health examined the relationship between HIV infection, frailty, and T cell responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in men who have sex with men. The study found that men with HIV had broader T cell responses to CMV compared to men without HIV, particularly in response to late-phase CMV proteins. Additionally, men with HIV had lower polyfunctional CMV-specific CD4 responses. These findings suggest that chronic HIV infection may have a greater impact on immune control of CMV infection than frailty. The study also noted similarities between the differences observed in men with and without HIV and the differences seen between young and older adults without HIV, indicating a potential role for CMV immune responses in the aging process. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the State Key Laboratory in Heilongjiang, China discusses the potential use of a recombinant pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a vaccine vector for classical swine fever (CSFV). The researchers engineered the PRV to express the E2 protein of CSFV on its surface, which resulted in the rapid production of specific anti-E2 antibodies in rabbits. However, the immunized rabbits were not protected from CSFV infection, indicating that further optimization is needed. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing vaccine-induced immune responses for CSFV. [Extracted from the article]