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A recent preprint study published in Genomics & Genetics Weekly explores the impact of Uukuniemi virus infection on the RNA-binding proteome in tick cell cultures. The study found that infection with the virus led to significant changes in the RNA-binding activity of 283 proteins. Additionally, the researchers discovered that tick cell-derived RNA-binding proteins are regulated by the virus and interact with viral ribonucleoproteins, suggesting a functional connection with infection. This study provides valuable insights into protein-RNA interactions in infected tick cells and highlights the importance of RNA-binding proteins in the viral lifecycle. Please note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), an emerging disease caused by the rodent-borne virus genus Orthohantavirus. The study monitored rodent abundance in three sites in northwestern Argentina and found a synchronous rise in rodent abundance that anticipated an HPS outbreak in 2023. The researchers also identified a positive relationship between HPS cases and rodent abundance, as well as rainfall. The findings provide a framework for the planning and implementation of public health prevention campaigns based on climatology and rodent monitoring. HPS is a disease of public health concern due to its high mortality rate, lack of specific therapeutic treatment, and absence of a vaccine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia aimed to investigate the presence and prevalence of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and West Nile virus (WNV) in the livestock population of the Afar region. The study found a 9.1% seroprevalence of co-circulation of RVFV and WNV in the area, with camels showing the highest seroprevalence at 20.7%. The research highlights the need for attention to be given to the co-occurrence of these viruses and the potential socioeconomic and health impacts they may have. Prevention primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites, as both viruses are transmitted through mosquito vectors. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Justus-Liebig-University have conducted a study on the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen. The study focused on the RNA genome of the virus, which consists of two negative-sense segments (L and M) and one ambisense segment (S). The researchers found that the S segment contains a central, non-encapsidated RNA region with a functional role. This discovery provides new insights into the replication and transcription processes of the RVFV. The full research article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya aimed to characterize the genomes of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) isolates from cattle, goats, and sheep during interepidemic periods. The study found that 29.67% of the 691 serum samples tested positive for RVFV, with sheep having the highest number of positive samples. Whole genome sequences were obtained from two samples, and no evidence of recombination or reassortment was found. The researchers concluded that factors other than reassortment may contribute to changes in virulence and the emergence of highly virulent strains of RVFV. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow investigated the impact of Wolbachia symbionts on Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) infection in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Wolbachia, which is commonly used to control dengue virus transmission, was found to reduce BUNV infection in vitro but not in vivo. Instead, BUNV caused significant impacts on the density of Wolbachia strains in the mosquitoes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the complex interactions between arboviruses, mosquitoes, and Wolbachia in natural environments and the need to monitor Wolbachia prevalence at release sites. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents a case study of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in a 24-year-old man who presented with symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues. The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and hemodynamic instability, with positive hantavirus antibodies confirmed. The case emphasizes the importance of considering hantavirus in patients with thrombocytopenia and ARDS, and highlights the critical role of supportive care.

A recent study conducted by the Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles in Senegal has found that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are prevalent among the small ruminant population in the country. The study collected 2,127 serum samples from goats and sheep across all regions of Senegal and found an overall seroprevalence of 14.1% for CCHF and 4.4% for RVF. The regions most affected by these diseases were Saint-Louis, Kolda, Tambacounda, and Kedougou. The study also identified age, species, and sex of the animals as key factors in determining exposure to these viruses. This research provides important data for improving the surveillance and prevention strategies for zoonotic diseases in Senegal. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, has shed light on the activation and function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by the Puumala virus. The study found that HFRS patients had an increased frequency of ILC2s in their blood and that these cells displayed an activated profile with altered expression of certain markers. The researchers also discovered that the activation of ILCs during viral infection is dependent on type I interferons, which suggests a role for these antiviral molecules in shaping ILC functions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the immune response to hantavirus infections and may have implications for the development of therapeutic interventions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses the development of replication-competent reporter-expressing Rift Valley fever viruses (RVFV) for molecular studies. RVFV is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans, posing a threat to livestock and public health. The researchers used T7-driven polymerase plasmid-based reverse genetics to generate recombinant RVFV expressing reporter genes, which allowed for the tracking of the virus in mammalian and insect cells. These reporter-expressing RVFV were found to be stable and able to replicate, albeit to a lesser extent than the wild-type virus. The study suggests that these reporter-expressing RVFV could be valuable tools for understanding the biology and pathogenesis of RVFV and developing new therapeutics against RVFV infections. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Giresun University in Turkey aimed to identify the distinguishing features between Hantavirus and leptospirosis infections, two zoonotic diseases with similar clinical and laboratory findings. The study retrospectively evaluated 45 patients diagnosed with either HFRS or leptospirosis and compared them in terms of demographic data, clinical, and laboratory parameters. The researchers found that laboratory findings and clinical symptoms can be useful in accurately diagnosing and treating these diseases. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of hospital stay, blood product transfusion, requirement for hemodialysis, intensive care unit admission, return to normal renal function, and mortality. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Pasteur Institute in Senegal has reported the re-emergence of Rift Valley fever virus lineage H in Senegal in 2022. The study analyzed clinical samples collected through national surveillance and found four cases of RVFV infection in humans, all belonging to lineage H. The research also revealed different replication efficiency profiles and genetic mutations among the tested RVFV lineages. The study highlights the need for further research to assess the potential threat of lineage H in Senegal. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Guizhou University in China have developed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the sero-diagnosis of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection. RVFV is a zoonotic disease that has spread from Africa to Asia and has significant impacts on human health and economic development. The MAbs were created by immunizing mice with recombinant RVFV nucleocapsid protein and fusing spleen cells with myeloma cells. The MAbs were then used to establish enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies. These MAb-based ELISA systems offer safe and useful options for diagnosing RVFV infections in humans. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania examined the genomic epidemiology of Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus during outbreaks in livestock in Rwanda in 2018 and 2022. The study found that the RVF viruses circulating during both outbreaks belonged to a single lineage, C, and shared a common ancestor with RVF viruses isolated in Uganda between 2016 and 2019. The study also identified genetic evidence of the RVFV Clone 13 vaccine strain in slaughterhouse animals, suggesting a potential occupational risk of exposure for those working in the meat-related industry. These findings highlight the need for a collaborative One Health-based approach to respond to RVF emergencies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences in China has identified the presence of Nairobi Sheep Disease Virus (NSDV) in ticks in Shandong province. NSDV is a tick-borne syndrome that affects small ruminants and can also infect humans. The study found three strains of NSDV in ticks collected in 2020, and phylogenetic analysis showed that these strains were closely related to other Chinese NSDV strains. The researchers recommend increased surveillance of NSDV in areas where the tick species Haemaphysalis longicornis is endemic. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the distribution and prevalence of viruses detected in the Peromyscus maniculatus species complex, which includes the North American Deermouse. This species is known to host several viruses that can be transmitted to humans, including the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). The review found that detection efforts have primarily focused on the Western United States and Mexico, with a particular emphasis on the spread of the Sin Nombre virus, the main cause of HPS. However, there are significant gaps in the existing literature both geographically and in terms of the types of hantaviruses being sampled. The recent taxonomic split of P. maniculatus into four species has also impacted the labeling of hantavirus observations. Future modeling efforts should consider the uncertain and likely multiple phylogenetic histories of these viral hosts. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers aimed to understand the genetic factors that contribute to severe Puumala virus (PUUV) infection. Leveraging data from the FinnGen study, the researchers conducted a genome-wide association study and identified associations at the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) locus and ERAP1 with severe PUUV infection. The study found that the lead variant in the ERAP1 gene was a missense variant that changed an amino acid. Additionally, the study showed independent associations with nine HLA alleles and severe PUUV infection. These findings suggest that viral peptide processing with ERAP1 and antigen presentation through HLA alleles contribute to the development of severe PUUV disease. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on the Orthobunyavirus, specifically the Brazoran virus. The Brazoran virus was first isolated from Culex mosquitoes in Texas in 2012, and this study reports its isolation from Culex erraticus mosquitoes in southern Florida in 2016. The study found that while Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were susceptible to infection, their vector competence for the Brazoran virus could not be demonstrated, suggesting they are unlikely vectors of the virus. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the relationship between spatial overlap and viral infection dynamics in wild rodent populations. The study manipulated bank vole populations and used network analysis to examine how spatial overlap, vole sex, and reproductive status affect the probability of hantavirus infection. The research found that previous spatial overlap influenced current infection status, and factors such as resource supplementation and anthelmintic treatment altered the effects of spatial overlap on infection probability. The study emphasizes the importance of considering ecological factors and host demography when studying pathogen transmission in wildlife systems. However, it should be noted that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has examined the population structure of the hairy-tailed bolo mouse, Necromys lasiurus, in open areas of the Atlantic Forest. The study aimed to understand the evolutionary history of this species and its potential implications for public health. The researchers found that populations of N. lasiurus in the Atlantic Forest and the Arid Diagonal of South America diverged in the Late Pleistocene but reconnected in the Holocene. While the study did not find evidence that the N. lasiurus population in Rio de Janeiro acts as a reservoir for the Araraquara virus, it highlights the need for continued monitoring of orthohantaviruses in this rodent. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Kansas State University have published a study on Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne disease that affects both humans and animals. The study focused on the reassortment of RVF phleboviruses, which occurs when two or more different strains of the virus co-infect a host cell. The researchers found that reassortment was more efficient in sheep-derived cells compared to live sheep. Further studies are needed to understand the implications of reassortment on the virulence and transmission dynamics of RVF. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston have conducted a study on Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne viral disease endemic to Africa and the Middle East. The study aimed to assess the virulence of three live-attenuated RVF vaccine strains in preweaning mice. The results showed that mice infected with one of the strains exhibited distinct brain pathology, while mice infected with the other two strains showed minimal association of inflammatory cells in the brain. The researchers concluded that the preweaning mouse model is useful for evaluating host responses to attenuated RVF strains, but further refinement may be necessary to quantify the virulence among different strains or vaccine lots. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the mechanisms that allow for asymptomatic, persistent infections of mammalian reservoir hosts with highly pathogenic RNA viruses, specifically focusing on Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV). The study found that primary Norway rat endothelial cells, which are the reservoir for SEOV, do not induce antiviral gene expression in response to infection with SEOV. However, these cells do exhibit strong innate immune responses to exogenous stimulatory RNAs, type I interferon, and infection with Hantaan virus. The findings suggest that efficient viral replication within reservoir host cells prevents the exposure of critical motifs for cellular antiviral recognition, limiting immune activation that would otherwise result in viral clearance and/or immune-mediated disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has shed light on the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), an arbovirus that can infect both animals and humans. The study found that the L protein of RVFV is phosphorylated and that two proteins, Casein Kinase 1 alpha (CK1 alpha) and protein phosphatase 1 alpha (PP1 alpha), play a crucial role in regulating the phosphorylation cycle of the L protein. Inhibition of CK1 and PP1 reduced viral replication and genomic RNA levels. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of RVFV replication and could potentially lead to the development of antiviral treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Tennessee has found that the region of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina has a consistently high risk of pediatric La Crosse virus neuroinvasive disease (LACV-ND). The study investigated the geographic clustering and predictors of LACV-ND risk at the ZIP code level. The results showed that there were persistent high-risk and low-risk clusters of LACV-ND, with most cases consistently reported from a few high-risk clusters throughout the study period. The study also found that temperature and precipitation had positive but varying associations with disease risk. The findings suggest that targeted public health interventions should be implemented in high-risk areas to reduce the disease burden. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between climate and LACV epidemiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint study investigated the effects of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection on the maternal-fetal placental interface. The researchers used sheep and human placenta explant cultures to identify the tissues targeted by RVFV. They found that sheep villi and fetal membranes were highly susceptible to RVFV infection, while human cultures exhibited reduced replication. The study also suggested that live attenuated RVFV vaccines may be effective in reducing replication at the maternal-fetal interface. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Uppsala University have discovered that bank voles in southern Sweden (Skane) carry a virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans. This is significant because it is more than 500 km south of the previously known range of the virus. The virus strain found in Skane is closely related to strains from Finland and Karelia, rather than the variants found in northern Sweden and Denmark. The next step in the research is to determine the origin of the virus and map its distribution in the southern parts of Sweden. [Extracted from the article]

Immutrix Therapeutics Inc. has filed a patent application for therapeutic compositions and methods for treating viral-associated diseases. The invention involves using adsorbent materials, including synthetic carbon particles and ion exchange resins, to filter bodily fluids and remove disease mediators associated with viruses such as Ebola, Hantavirus, MERS, and influenza. The method aims to reduce the suppression of the immune system caused by these viruses. The patent application also describes an extracorporeal system that includes multiple adsorbent materials and a computer system. This invention addresses the urgent need for effective and affordable treatments for viral infections. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at the University of Pittsburgh examined the neuropathogenesis of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in the central nervous system. The researchers used ex vivo postnatal rat brain slice cultures (BSCs) to evaluate the effects of RVFV infection. The study found that RVFV infection in rat BSCs induced tissue damage, apoptosis, and an inflammatory response. The infected BSCs also produced antiviral cytokines and chemokines. This research provides a valuable model for studying RVFV infection in the brain and contributes to our understanding of the disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from researchers at George Mason University discusses the findings on Rift Valley fever, a mosquito-borne virus that causes a re-emerging zoonotic disease. The study focuses on the role of the host chaperone protein HSP90 in the viral replication process. The researchers found that HSP90 associates with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and prevents its degradation, leading to increased viral replication. This research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind the regulatory effect of HSP90 during infection with Rift Valley fever virus. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the age-specific dynamics of neutralizing antibodies, cytokines, and chemokines in response to La Crosse virus (LACV) infection in mice. LACV is a primary cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States, particularly affecting children aged 16 years or younger. The study reveals that weanling mice (3 weeks old) are more susceptible to LACV-induced disease compared to adult mice (6 weeks old). The research highlights age-specific variations in viral titers, neutralizing antibody titers, survivability, and cytokine and chemokine responses. Adult mice exhibit elevated levels of Th1 cytokines, while weanling mice show elevated levels of Th2 cytokines. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the immune responses to LACV infection. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station provides new insights into the host-feeding behavior of mosquitoes in the Florida Everglades. The researchers collected blood-fed mosquitoes from the Everglades and an industrial site in Naples, FL, and identified the host species using PCR assays. The study found that different mosquito species fed on a variety of hosts, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and rodents. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the host and viral associations of mosquito species in southwestern Florida. [Extracted from the article]