Tag Archives: infections

Why Only Some People Get Seriously Ill from Epstein-Barr Virus: Understanding the Infection’s Impact

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Epstein-Barr Virus

Epstein-Barr Virus: A Common Infection with Serious Implications

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Approximately 10% of individuals carry genetic mutations that heighten their susceptibility to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Insights from a study involving over 700,000 participants may clarify why EBV results in severe illness for some, yet remains relatively harmless for the majority.

“Nearly everyone has encountered EBV,” explains Chris Whincup from King’s College London, who did not partake in the research. “How is it that, despite widespread exposure, only a fraction of the population develops autoimmune conditions?” This research offers plausible answers.

The Epstein-Barr virus was initially identified in 1964 when scientists detected its particles in Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer. Today, over 90% of the population has been infected with EBV, evidenced by the presence of antibodies against the virus.

Initially, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as monofever or glandular fever, which typically resolves in a few weeks. However, it is also linked to chronic autoimmune disorders, as evidenced by a 2022 study demonstrating its role in the onset of multiple sclerosis, leading to nerve damage.

“Why do individuals exhibit such varied responses to the same viral infection?” questions Caleb Lareau at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

To investigate, Lareau and her research team analyzed health data from over 735,000 individuals participating in the British Biobank study and a U.S. cohort called All of Us. Their genomes were sequenced using blood samples. “When EBV infects certain cells, it leaves behind copies in the blood,” shares Lareau, indicating that the human genome in their sample includes EBV genome copies.

The research highlights substantial variability in EBV DNA levels among subjects. Of the participants, 47,452 (9.7%) exhibited over 1.2 complete EBV genomes per 10,000 cells, indicating that while many cleared the virus post-infection, this subset did not.

To comprehend the heightened vulnerability of these individuals, the research team sought specific genomic differences that correlated with high EBV levels. As noted by Ryan Dhindsa from Baylor College of Medicine, they identified 22 genomic regions linked to elevated EBV levels, many of which are previously associated with immune-mediated diseases.

The strongest correlation was found in genes related to the major histocompatibility complex, essential immune proteins in distinguishing between self and foreign cells. “Certain individuals possess mutations in their major histocompatibility complex,” Dhindsa explains. Further studies indicated that these variants may impede the immune system’s capacity to detect EBV infections.

“This virus profoundly impacts our immune system, having lasting effects on certain individuals,” comments Ruth Dobson at Queen Mary University of London. Persistent EBV DNA can subtly stimulate the immune system, potentially leading to autoimmune attacks on the body.

Moreover, the genetic variants linked to high EBV levels were associated with various traits and symptoms, notably an elevated risk for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, reinforcing the hypothesis of the virus’s involvement in these conditions.

The research team also identified a connection between these mutations and chronic fatigue, intriguing given that some studies have posited EBV as a contributing factor to myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Due to the large sample size, “we can assert that this signal exists,” Dhindsa remarked, although the precise relationship remains unclear.

For Wincup, the primary takeaway is the identification of immune system components damaged by continuous EBV presence. Targeting these components could lead to more effective treatments for EBV-related conditions.

Additionally, vaccination against EBV is a potential avenue. Currently, only experimental vaccines exist. Wincup emphasizes that developing a vaccine would be a significant advancement, arguing that despite its common perception as benign, EBV causes considerable suffering for many. “How benign is it really?”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Suggests Common Nasal Antihistamine Sprays Could Help Prevent Community Infections

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Nasal sprays available over-the-counter, historically noted for their safety and efficacy in treating seasonal allergies, could be perceived in a new light following clinical trial results released on Tuesday.

The antihistamine azelastine has been observed to have antiviral properties against various respiratory infections, including Influenza, RSV, and viruses responsible for COVID, according to a growing body of research.

Researchers from Saarland University Hospital in Germany conducted a study involving 450 adults, predominantly in their early 30s. One group of 227 participants used a nasal spray three times daily, while the other 223 received a placebo spray under the same regimen.

Throughout nearly two months, all participants underwent COVID rapid testing twice weekly. The results indicated that the incidence of symptomatic infections was 2.2% in the azelastine group, markedly lower than the 6.7% infection rate in the placebo group.

Furthermore, azelastine seemed to diminish the incidence of other symptomatic respiratory infections, as highlighted in a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

While researchers remain uncertain about the exact mechanism by which azelastine limits infections, they hypothesize that it may bind to the virus in the nasal mucosa.

Another possibility is that azelastine interacts with the ACE2 receptor, the primary entry point for COVID viruses into human cells, thereby preventing their attachment.

“Our findings imply that azelastine could serve as a scalable and commercially viable preventive measure against COVID, especially in high-risk scenarios such as crowded indoor events and travel,” the researchers noted.

However, the study had limitations, including that all participants were relatively young and healthy, according to the researchers.

Valz emphasized that azelastine should not replace vaccination and further research is essential before considering it as a standard precautionary measure for the public, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Dr. William Messer, associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University, found the results “rationally convincing” in terms of risk reduction, but pointed out the intensive regimen of daily sprays in the trial.

He questioned whether wearing a mask might be a simpler approach to preventing COVID infection.

“Masks can be inconvenient and bothersome, yet may be easier to adhere to than remembering to use three nasal sprays daily,” Messer remarked.

Nevertheless, he added, “I do not discourage anyone who wishes to try it.”

Other researchers are seeking more data to ascertain the effectiveness of nasal sprays in high-risk populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals who require additional preventive measures.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor at UCSF Health specializing in Infectious Diseases, speculated that azelastine could serve as an additional COVID-blocking tool for individuals already using nasal sprays for seasonal allergies, although he believes the evidence is insufficient for broader recommendations.

“While the potential is promising, I believe now is not the appropriate time to recommend it as a COVID preventative,” he stated in an email. “For those over 65, I continue to advocate for vaccination as the primary defense against COVID.”

Nonetheless, Chin-Hong highlighted that the trial results underscore the importance of targeting the nasal mucosa in developing future vaccines against COVID and other respiratory viruses as a more effective means of infection prevention.

“Current COVID vaccines have not proven to be highly effective in preventing infection,” he remarked. “There is a need for more mucosal vaccines for respiratory viruses. While flu vaccines are widely used, ongoing efforts are being made to create mucosal vaccines for coronaviruses, necessitating continued advocacy for federal support and prioritization for these initiatives.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

mRNA Drugs: A Shield Against Nearly All Viral Infections

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Illustration of a protein complex binding to DNA in the production of vital signaling molecules known as interferons.

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Weekly inhaler puffs, similar to those used for asthma, might safeguard you against viral infections that could make winters challenging.

This promising idea stems from encouraging animal studies involving mRNA therapies aimed at activating our natural viral defenses. “We can consider this a universal antiviral agent,” states Dusan Bogunovic from Columbia University in New York.

To fully realize this potential, the development of mRNA technology used in vaccines will be essential, but recent funding cuts in the US for mRNA vaccine initiatives pose a significant concern. “I would be surprised if this doesn’t impact such progress,” Bogunovic mentioned.

Beyond recognizing and neutralizing viruses with antibodies, our bodies have multiple inherent defenses. For instance, upon detecting a viral invasion, cells emit a critical signaling molecule called interferons. This activates around 1000 genes, resulting in the production of various antiviral proteins, each playing distinct protective roles. Some obstruct viral entry into cells and hinder the release of other viral particles.

While not all antiviral proteins are effective against every virus, their strategic combination can yield significant results. “Our innate immune system is remarkably robust,” Bogunovic observes.

Bogunovic points out that the rapid replication of respiratory viruses presents a challenge. However, if the body can proactively prepare these defenses, it could reduce viral replication and ensure that infections remain less severe, even before the immune system fully kicks in.

There were hopes of using interferon as a broad-spectrum antiviral, but the potential for severe side effects warranted caution. Thus, Bogunovic and his team are focusing instead on creating an antiviral agent composed of a select group of 1000 proteins induced by interferons.

They chose 10 specific proteins and introduced them into cells via mRNAs that encode these proteins. The mRNA delivery system allows for temporary protein production within targeted cells, which is critical as preformed proteins are often too large to enter cells in adequate amounts.

Experiments where human cells were infected with a range of viruses, including influenza and Zika, demonstrated that this mRNA cocktail effectively enhanced viral protection. This could provide the necessary head start in the body.

The team subsequently administered these mRNAs to the lungs of Golden Hamsters. The mRNA combination afforded strong protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, drastically reducing viral loads in comparison to untreated counterparts. “I thought, ‘This could actually be a universal antiviral,’” Bogunovic says.

Present antiviral medications are typically limited to specific viruses; hence, broad-spectrum treatments are immensely valuable. The breakthrough of antibiotics such as penicillin, which can eliminate a wide array of bacteria, has transformed medical practice.

Moreover, some combinations of proteins activated by interferons may work particularly well against specific viruses, Bogunovic mentions. This same methodology could also help in formulating specialized antiviral agents.

Effectively delivering mRNA to a significant number of vulnerable cells remains crucial. Further advancements are required, as targeting specific cell types with mRNA continues to be challenging.

“This scenario is certainly intriguing and could lead to significant developments, but we are still a distance from implementing practical and adaptable solutions,” states Aris Katzourakis from Oxford University. “This research emphasizes the vast potential of mRNA technology extending beyond vaccines. The current trend of mRNA vaccine funding in the US will likely and regrettably hinder progress in both domains.”

While antibiotic resistance remains a pressing issue, Bogunovic believes it is unlikely that viruses will develop resistance to this type of antiviral approach, given its combination of various interferon-triggered proteins that target multiple phases of the virus’s lifecycle. This combined strategy has already yielded successes in HIV treatments.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breast Milk Defends Against Infections Threatening Pregnancy

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Streptococcus Bacteria are responsible for vaginal and urinary tract infections, as well as neonatal infections

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The sugars found in breast milk play a significant role in combating common strains of Streptococcus Bacteria, which can cause complications during pregnancy if they infect the vagina.

Research on breast milk remains ongoing. “This is the second most crucial liquid in the universe after water, and yet its intricacies remain largely unexplored,” states Stephen Townsend from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

Investigators are starting to uncover the beneficial sugar structures unique to breast milk: human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). While once regarded as trivial sugars, they are now believed to function as effective prebiotics.

Prior investigations into HMOs primarily focused on their advantages for gut microbiota. However, Townsend and his team shifted their attention to their impact on vaginal health, specifically how HMOs may assist in regulating the balance of beneficial bacteria while managing potentially harmful Group B Streptococcus (GBS).

“Group B Strep is a bacterium we all harbor,” Townsend notes. “It typically poses no harm, remaining undetected in most cases.” Nevertheless, GBS can lead to serious illnesses in immunocompromised individuals, including pregnant women and newborns, causing various complications such as preterm births. Thus, women with vaginal GBS infections are often prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy.

Townsend and his team monitored GBS and the growth of lactobacillus Bacteria when exposed to HMOs, conducting their research in three distinct scenarios: live mice and lab-created vaginal tissue. Across all three settings, HMOs were found to enhance beneficial bacterial growth while inhibiting GBS.

As a result, Townsend suggests the presence of a “small storm of positive effects.” He elaborates that GBS struggles to thrive in an HMO-rich environment, while healthy bacteria not only consume HMOs for nourishment but also multiply and flourish, further hampering GBS growth. Additionally, the metabolism of HMOs by beneficial bacteria leads to a more acidic environment and the generation of fatty acids that can kill more harmful bacteria.

This discovery opens pathways for regulating and restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome. “These insights present new tools and strategies of significant therapeutic value for women and their infants,” remarks Katie Patras from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas. However, she emphasizes that potential treatments are still in developmental stages.

Even if new therapies emerge, researchers maintain that the most effective strategy for treating GBS infections remains the use of antibiotics. “Our work is not intended to replace antibiotics,” insists Townsend. “Our research aims to preserve their efficacy.” This is crucial, considering that overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the issue of antibiotic resistance. Innovative therapies like HMOs to modulate microbiomes may ultimately reduce the volume of antibiotics required to combat GBS.

“These synergistic interactions can prove extremely beneficial,” he asserts. Lars Bode from the University of California, San Diego, cautions that the application of breast milk therapies should wait until further research validates their efficacy, as unprocessed milk may pose additional risks, including infections like HIV.

In the interim, Townsend aims to deepen understanding of the unique evolutionary adaptations humans have developed in their HMOs.

“It’s incredibly daunting that we have barely scratched the surface in recognizing the strength of breast milk,” Bode expresses.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Triassic Sauropodomorph Dinosaurs Endured Severe Bone Infections

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A team of paleontologists from the University of Zurich has identified chronic instances of osteomyelitis (bone tissue infection) in Plateosaurus trossingensis, one of the well-known dinosaurs from the late Triassic period in Europe.

Diagram of Plateosaurus trossingensis skeletons featured in the Theoprati exhibition at the Museum of Natural History, University of Zurich. Image credits: Dupuy et al., doi: 10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3.

Plateosaurus trossingensis inhabited Europe around 220 million years ago during the late Triassic epoch.

These ancient creatures were approximately 8 m (26 feet) long and primarily walked on their hind legs.

In a recent study, paleontologist Jordan Bestwick and colleagues analyzed the skeleton of Plateosaurus trossingensis from the Klettgau Layer in Switzerland.

They discovered significant osteomyelitis in the dinosaur’s upper arm and right shoulder.

“Osteomyelitis affects various living animals, including humans, birds, and reptiles,” noted Dr. Bestwick.

“The condition has been documented in several dinosaur groups, including sauropods, leading us to assess and compare numerous specimens, including Plateosaurus.

“The impacted bones in the shoulders and upper arms displayed notably rough internal and external textures, altered shapes, and even fusion, which are broad indicators of osteomyelitis.”

Researchers find their discoveries particularly intriguing since this case represents the oldest recorded instance of osteomyelitis in dinosaurs, dating back to about 220 million years ago, and the extent of the infection was unusually large.

“Earlier studies highlighted localized infections, such as in toe bones or adjacent vertebrae,” Dr. Bestwick explained.

“It’s exceptionally rare to observe infections in a shoulder and the entirety of an upper arm.”

“While the initial cause of the infection remains unknown, it likely plagued the animal for a prolonged period, potentially rendering its right arm nonfunctional.”

These findings are detailed in a paper published in the Swiss Journal of Palaeontology.

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sfj dupuis et al. 2025. Osteology and histology of a Plateosaurus trossingensis (Dinosaur: Sauropodomorpha) from the Upper Triassic in Switzerland with advanced chronic pathology. Swiss J Palaeontol 144, 27; doi:10.1186/s13358-025-00368-3

Source: www.sci.news

Many in the UK contracting severe coronavirus infections in summer due to lack of vaccination

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A coronavirus vaccine is being administered at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey, England.

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Around 7,000 people in the UK would have avoided dying or being hospitalized from coronavirus in the summer of 2022 if they had been fully vaccinated against the virus, a major study has found. This is the first time that the health impact of hesitancy to get a COVID-19 vaccine has been calculated on a national basis.

Since the emergence of the Omicron variant, covid-19 vaccines are less effective at preventing people from getting infected, but they still reduce the risk of dying or needing hospitalization from the virus.

katherine sudlow Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK used national health service data to determine how much vaccination would reduce hospitalizations and deaths in the summer of 2022, when most COVID-19 restrictions had ended. We investigated whether it had an impact on

Sudlow's team included data from June 1 to September 30, 2022, spanning the wave of coronavirus infections that peaked in July. During this period, 40,000 people died or required hospitalization due to the virus, all of which were classified as serious health hazards.

The team then looked at people who have received the recommended number of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters (for example, four doses for people 75 and older by that point) and those who have received fewer than the recommended number of doses. They compared rates of severe outcomes among people who received the vaccine or booster immunization. Not at all.

People who have not been fully vaccinated are more likely to develop severe disease than people who are fully vaccinated, and the exact increased risk depends on age. For example, people over the age of 75 are about three times more likely to develop severe illness from COVID-19 if they have not been fully vaccinated.

The researchers calculated that if everyone in the UK had been fully vaccinated, there would have been around 7,000 fewer deaths and hospital admissions. “Fully immunizing people will reduce adverse outcomes for society as a whole,” Sudlow said.

One caveat is that this study was not a randomized trial, which is the best medical evidence, but simply observed a correlation between vaccination status and outcome, which could bias the results. The fact is that there is, he said. stephen evans At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Nevertheless, he says the results of studies on the vaccine's effectiveness are broadly consistent with previous randomized trials. “Their approach is a reasonable one.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com