Viral Persistence and Transmission Dynamics of Immunocompromised Hosts: A Global Health Perspective
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Immunocompromised populations represent a critical frontier in infectious disease research, as the behavior of viruses diverges significantly from patterns observed in immunocompetent individuals. Persistent infections, prolonged viral shedding, and accelerated viral evolution in these patients pose unique challenges for clinical management and global health security. Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, cancer therapy, and immunosuppressive treatments create environments that facilitate viral latency, reactivation, and the emergence of drug-resistant variants. These dynamics not only complicate patient outcomes but also amplify transmission risks within healthcare settings and communities, with implications for pandemic preparedness.
This Special Issue brings together cutting-edge research on mechanisms of viral persistence, epidemiological modeling of transmission in vulnerable populations, and innovative therapeutic and preventive strategies. By integrating molecular virology, immunology, and public health perspectives, we aim to advance our understanding of how immunocompromised hosts influence viral evolution and the global disease burden. Addressing these complexities is crucial for designing effective interventions, strengthening surveillance systems, and preventing future outbreaks. We invite contributions that explore clinical, experimental, and policy dimensions of this pressing global health challenge.
Prof. Dr. Adekunle Sanyaolu
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- prolonged viral shedding
- immunocompromised populations
- viral persistence
- transmission dynamics
- viral evolution
- global health security
- low-resource settings
- surveillance and epidemiology
- antiviral resistance
- immune evasion
- chronic infection
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