Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions, Second Edition

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 609

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: gene; infectious diseases; herpesviruses; pharmacology and toxicology; molecular medicine; oncology and hematology; cardiovascular diseases; natural products; drug discovery; analytical and bioanalytical techniques
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of our previous Special Issue, titled "Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions". Viral diseases continue to pose significant challenges to global public health, necessitating ongoing research efforts to understand their complex mechanisms and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Viruses are ubiquitous pathogens that can cause a diverse range of diseases, from the common cold to more severe conditions, including AIDS and COVID-19. In addition to acute infections, certain viruses have the potential to induce chronic conditions, including cancer. Viral-induced cancers, such as those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), represent a significant global health burden. Understanding the mechanisms by which these viruses contribute to oncogenesis is essential for developing targeted therapies and preventive strategies. In this Special Issue, we bring together a collection of articles that delve into various aspects of viral diseases, including their role in cancer development. From fundamental studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis to clinical research exploring novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, each contribution provides valuable insights into combating viral infections and associated health complications. Moreover, this Special Issue will emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of viral disease research, spanning fields such as virology, immunology, epidemiology, and computational biology. As we navigate the complex landscape of viral diseases, it is crucial to not only focus on the immediate challenges but also anticipate and prepare for future threats. Therefore, this Special Issue will also explore innovative approaches and technologies that hold promise for advancing our understanding of viral pathogenesis and transforming the landscape of disease prevention and control. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions, we can collectively work toward a world where the impact of viral infections is minimized and communities are better equipped to respond to public health challenges.

Dr. Sherif T.S. Hassan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • RNA viruses
  • DNA viruses
  • virus–host interactions
  • immune evasion strategies
  • host immune response
  • viral epidemiology, biology and pathogenesis
  • virus diagnosis
  • viral diseases
  • prevention, management and treatment strategies
  • antiviral therapeutics
  • vaccine development

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 329 KB  
Article
Analytical Performance and Inter-Method Agreement of a Laboratory-Developed CMV qPCR Assay in Clinical Plasma Samples
by Murat Aral, Ayfer Bakır, Cemal Çiçek, Elif Tuğçe Güner, Didem Özkan, Muhammed Furkan Kürkçü, Gülşah Ceylan Yağız, Mehmet Morkoç, Ferit Kulalı and Ahmet Kürşad Güneş
Microorganisms 2026, 14(5), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14051127 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 291
Abstract
Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load monitoring forms the basis of preemptive treatment strategies in patients undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance and inter-method agreement of a laboratory-developed CMV real-time PCR (qPCR) test compared [...] Read more.
Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral load monitoring forms the basis of preemptive treatment strategies in patients undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance and inter-method agreement of a laboratory-developed CMV real-time PCR (qPCR) test compared to a commercial reference method using plasma samples. Methods: A total of 100 EDTA plasma samples were analyzed in parallel using a laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test and the reference method (Roche Cobas® CMV). Analytical sensitivity was determined us-ing synthetic DNA cloned into the pUC57 plasmid backbone containing the US17 region of the CMV genome, and the limit of detection (LoD95) was calculated using probit regression analysis. The relationship between the quantitative results obtained from clinical samples was evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, while inter-method clinical agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman method. Results: The limit of detection (LoD95) of the laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test, as determined by probit regression analysis, was 63.8 copies/µL. A weak and statistically non-significant correlation was ob-served between the laboratory-developed CMV qPCR test and the reference method in Spearman rank correlation analysis of samples for which numerical quantitative results were available from both methods (ρ = 0.32; p = 0.22; n = 16). Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −0.48 log10 units, with the vast majority of measurements falling within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusions: The assay demonstrated measurable analytical performance and inter-method agreement; however, its use for quantitative viral load monitoring, particularly at low CMV DNA levels, should be interpreted with caution. Full article
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