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Background and Aim: Marburg virus (MARV) is a highly virulent virus of animal origin and the cause of a lethal infection (known as Marburg virus disease [MVD]) with a case‐fatality ratio ranging from 24% to 90%. While the potential nonzoonotic routes of virus spread are plausible, the risk is not yet fully determined. Here, we described the ways by which MARV spreads within the human population focusing mainly on the potential of sexual transmission. In addition, we addressed some measures that should be taken to minimize the risk of sexual spread of the virus and proposed a future research agenda on the risk of sexual transmission. Methods: For this perspective, we searched four electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and included the most relevant studies published since the first identification of the virus in 1967. We used "Marburg virus," "Marburg virus disease," "Seminal fluid," "Sexually‐transmitted virus," "Sexual transmission," and "Emerging infectious disease" as keywords. Results: MARV is transmitted to humans via both direct and indirect contact with infected animals (most importantly bats) and individuals who have recently been diagnosed with or died of the disease. The virus transmission through sexual contact has been previously suspected (exclusively from men to their sexual partners). Studies suggest that this virus persists predominantly in testicular Sertoli cells within seminiferous tubules over a relatively long period and is released through seminal fluid (in some reports >200 days post onset of infection) both could potentially threaten sexual health. In addition to men, women could theoretically, although less probably contribute to the sexual transmission of the disease. Conclusion: MVD, however, rarely, could be passed through sex, and men appear to be the main carriers in this regard. Taking preventive countermeasures and practicing safe sex are recommended to reduce the risk of interhuman transmission. Key points: Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe and often lethal viral infection with epidemic potential recorded over the past few decades.Marburg virus (MARV) spreads to humans via animal‐to‐human and human‐to‐human transmission.MARV infects the male and likely female reproductive system with testes being the main site of virus persistence.MARV sheds into genital fluids, particularly in the seminal fluid of male survivors, and probably could be passed, however rarely, through sex, even after the disease has resolved.Sexual transmission of MVD is preventable by early detection, taking precautions, and practicing safer sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The pediatric population worldwide bears a significant morbidity and death burden due to acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Human Orthopneumovirus, sometimes referred to as the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV), is one of the main causes of ARIs in infants. The main goal of this study was to identify the genetic diversity of HRSV strains that were circulating in the Iranian population at a certain time of year. Materials and Methods: Two hundred youngsters less than 12 years old with acute respiratory infections had samples taken from their throat and pharynx secretions. Then, external and hemi-nested PCR were employed, using specific primers targeting the G gene region to detect HRSV. Subsequently, nine randomly selected positive samples were subjected to sequencing. The results were then compared with reference strains cataloged in GeneBank, and phylogenetic tree was constructed using Chromes and MEGA7. Results: Out of 200 samples, 34 were identified as containing HRSV. Subgroup A was predominant, accounting for 61.76% of cases, followed by subgroup BA (35.29%) and subgroup B (2.94%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed five samples associated with subtype B and four with genotype A. Genomic analysis showed three samples under the GA2 subgroup and one under GA1 for subtype A, and four samples in subgroup BA and one in GB2 for subtype B. Conclusion: In this study, subgroup A strains, particularly genotype GA2, exhibited a higher prevalence compared to subgroup B strains during the specific period under investigation, shedding light on the genetic landscape of HRSV in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a virus in the coronaviridae , has caused a global pandemic with various symptoms and complications. Among the groups affected by this virus are individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the primary central nervous system (CNS). Understanding coronavirus disease 2019's (COVID-19) impact on MS patients is crucial for optimizing patient management and developing targeted therapies due to the challenges it presents. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory and neurology symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with MS in comparison to the non-infected group. Furthermore, this study examined how age and gender might affect the symptoms of contracting COVID-19 and the mortality rate in patients with MS. Methods: The data were collected from six hospitals within the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) between March 2020 and July 2021. A total of 63 individuals diagnosed with MS were examined, with 30 testing positive for both COVID-19 and MS; however, 33 individuals were positive only for MS. These individuals had presented at the hospital experiencing respiratory symptoms, including rhinorrhea, difficulty breathing, and cough. Various clinical aspects were evaluated, including age, gender, and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney t-test, Fisher's exact test, and odds ratio calculations using SPSS-27 and R 4.2.3. Results: The study encompassed 63 MS patients, with 29 (46%) and 34 (54%) males and females, respectively. Of these patients, 30 individuals were positive for COVID-19. Most subjects were from Tehran province, Iran. Patients in the case group were significantly younger than those in the control group. Notably, dizziness, breath shortness, and vomiting were significantly more prevalent in MS patients following COVID-19. Conclusions: This study highlights the distinct clinical presentation of COVID-19 in individuals with MS. Dizziness, breath shortness, vomiting, and increased mortality were significantly associated with MS patients with COVID-19. The aforementioned findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for this unique patient population following the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza virus is a pervasive pathogen that exhibits increased prevalence during colder seasons, resulting in a significant annual occurrence of infections. Notably, pharmaceutical interventions effective against influenza A strains often exhibit limited efficacy against influenza B variants. Against this backdrop, the need for innovative approaches to accurately and swiftly differentiate and detect influenza B becomes evident. Biosensors play a pivotal role in this detection process, offering rapid, specific, and sensitive identification of the virus, facilitating timely intervention and containment efforts. Oligonucleotide sequences targeting the conserved B/Victoria/2/87 influenza virus NP region were designed. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients suspected of influenza virus infection, and viral RNA was extracted. RNA quality was assessed through one‐step PCR. cDNA synthesis was performed using random hexamers, and real‐time PCR quantified the influenza genome. Gold nanoparticles were immobilized on a surface to immobilize the specific DNA probe, and electrochemical hybridization was electrochemically followed. The biosensor exhibited high selectivity and effective distinction of complementary sequences from mismatches and influenza virus cDNA genome. The biosensor successfully detected the influenza B virus genome in real samples. Non‐influenza samples yielded no significant hybridization signals. The comparison between the results obtained from the biosensor and real‐time PCR revealed full agreement of these methods. The biosensor utilized electrochemical detection of hybridization and proved effective in detecting the influenza B virus genome with high specificity, sensitivity, and selectivity. Comparative analysis with real‐time PCR underscored the accuracy and potential applicability of the biosensor in rapid and specific virus detection. This innovative approach holds promise for future diagnostic and epidemiological applications in detecting influenza B virus and other pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 led to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Neurological complications have been a significant concern, with diverse symptoms and potential neuroinvasive mechanisms. The pandemic has also impacted individuals with mental health conditions, such as migraines, bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia, highlighting the complex interconnections between physical and mental health during these challenging times. Objectives: This retrospective report from the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) study aimed to investigate the multifaceted interactions between COVID-19, neurological complications, and mental health disorders (e.g., migraines, BD, and schizophrenia) to better understand their collective impact on individuals' health and well-being. Methods: This study involved 63 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, including 32 females (50.8%) and 31 males (49.2%). The participants were categorized into different groups based on their underlying conditions: 7 individuals with schizophrenia, 8 with BD, 6 with migraines, 12 with Alzheimer's disease, and 30 with COVID-19 without any underlying neurologic disorder. This investigation was carried out in 12 hospitals supervised by the INRVD between March 2020 and May 2021. The study used frequencies and percentages to describe the data and employed chi-square tests, including the contingency coefficient, to explore associations between COVID-19 symptoms and disease groups. Results: The analysis of clinical manifestations revealed distinctive patterns. Cough was the most prevalent symptom across the entire sample, affecting over 79% of participants. Fever followed as the second most common symptom, with approximately 62% of individuals reporting it. Fatigue ranked third, impacting 57% of the subjects. In contrast, vomiting was the least frequently reported symptom, with an incidence of only 14.3%. In terms of specific conditions, a notable discrepancy was observed in the prevalence of headaches. Although present in 71.4% of individuals with schizophrenia, this symptom was reported by only 50% of those with BD, followed by 66.7% with migraines and 83.3% with Alzheimer's. The patients without neurologic disorders exhibited a lower incidence of neurological manifestations, with only 23.3% reporting headaches. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in individuals with distinct underlying conditions. The prevalence and presentation of symptoms varied significantly across the different groups, and neurological symptoms exhibited a higher prevalence in this patient group than those without any underlying neurologic disorders. This study aimed for a more comprehensive understanding of the probable intricate interplay between COVID-19, underlying health conditions, and clinical manifestations. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring effective clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are common sexually transmitted viruses that cause health problems, including genital warts and different type of cancers. There are over 200 different types of HPV, some of which are correlated with the progress of cervical cancer. One of the HPV genes responsible for its oncogenic potential is the E6 gene. E6 is a critical protein in the life cycle of HPV and a key contributor to the development of HPV-associated cancers. Its interactions with cellular proteins lead to disruptions in key cellular pathways and the promotion of cancerous cell growth. Overall, HPV E6 represents a reassuring target for the expansion of novel therapies for the treatment of HPV-associated cancers and understanding its molecular interactions with host proteins is critical for developing targeted therapies for HPV-associated cancers. In this article, we will focus on the cancer-related mechanism and cell interaction of HPV E6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: In humans, viruses cause respiratory infections that are usually mild, including the common cold, or sometimes it can be fatal. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, China was more expansive than initially estimated, with cases now confirmed in several countries. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in different age groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 219 throat and nasal swab samples using Real-time PCR. All samples were collected from people with respiratory symptoms who went to the grand bazaar. Findings: Of 219 patients examined, 19 (8.6%) positive cases out of 219 for SARS-CoV-2 were found by using Real-time PCR. Among these 19 positive cases of SARS-CoV-2, 6 (2.7%) were under 5, 3 (1.3%) were between 5-18, 4 (1.8%) were between 18-50 and 6 (2.7%) were over 50 years old respectively. Most common symptoms in positive group was cough (89%) and despite other age groups, in patients over 50 years old, myalgia and diarrhea was common. Conclusion: It seems that SARS-CoV-2 symptoms can vary in different age groups but unlike other age groups, in elderly, uncommon symptoms like eyes redness, myalgia and diarrhea seems is seen following COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is classified within the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and is categorized as an arbovirus. The virus was initially identified in a rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947 and later in a human in Nigeria in 1952. Since 2007, the prevalence of the virus has been on the rise, culminating in a major outbreak in the United States (US) in 2015. During this outbreak, the adult population was severely impacted, experiencing a range of symptoms, including organ failure, microcephaly, fetal death, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Additionally, skin rash, limb swelling, fever, headache, and heightened sensitivity are found in most adults with Zika syndrome. Although the virus can be transmitted through blood, vertical transmission from mother to child, and sexual contact, the primary way of transmission of the virus is through the Aedes mosquito. Cells such as neurons, macrophages, peripheral dendritic cells, and placental cells are among the target cells that the virus can infect. The TAM AXL receptor plays a crucial role in infection. After the virus enters the body through the bloodstream, it spreads in the body with a latent period of 3 to 12 days. Currently, there is no specific treatment or publicly available vaccine for the ZIKV. Limited laboratory testing has been conducted, and existing drugs originally designed for other pathogens have been repurposed for treatment. Given the Aedes mosquito's role as a vector and the wide geographical impact of the virus, this study aims to comprehensively investigate Zika's pathogenesis and clinical symptoms based on existing knowledge and research. By doing so, we seek to enhance our understanding of the virus and inform future prevention and treatment strategies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)