Viruses

Infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) remains a leading cause of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. This situation persists despite the availability of effective prophylactic vaccines. While global vaccination programs have significantly reduced the incidence of HPV in adolescents and young adults, many women presenting with HPV infection or squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) were not covered by primary prevention. This review was performed with the aim of evaluating the impact of administering the 9-valent HPV vaccine in adult women who are HPV-positive or have histologically confirmed cervical precancerous lesions. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a search was performed in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. A total of 653 studies were retrieved, of which 7 studies, including 19,414 women, met the inclusion criteria. According to the literature, vaccination was linked to significant reductions in persistent HPV infection, progression of SIL, and recurrence of high-grade lesions after surgical removal. Complete HPV remission was achieved in up to 72.4% of vaccinated women, compared to 45.7% among unvaccinated controls. Vaccination after conization lowered the recurrence risk of CIN2+ lesions by 87%, with benefits seen regardless of timing. The most significant effect was observed when vaccine administration was performed before the surgical procedure. Furthermore, HPV vaccination notably enhanced viral clearance and decreased the likelihood of repeated surgical interventions. Despite differences in study design and follow-up definitions, the overall evidence supports additional vaccination in HPV-positive adult women as an effective measure to reduce recurrence and promote viral remission. These findings emphasize the need for clear guidelines and wider access to HPV vaccination for adult populations.

Avian influenza A viruses pose ongoing threats to human and animal health, with H7 subtypes causing outbreaks globally. In Mexico, highly pathogenic H7N3 viruses have circulated in poultry since 2012, causing sporadic human infections. Here we analyzed genetic markers in hemagglutinin sequences from Mexican H7N3 isolates and conducted serological assays on human populations with poultry exposure. Our results show conserved avian-like receptor binding sites, thus limiting human adaptation, alongside antigenic drift and acquisition of glycosylation sites likely driven by vaccination. Serological testing of 1103 individuals revealed no detectable antibodies against H7N3, indicating a naïve population. Phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple virus clades circulating regionally. These findings suggest that while current H7N3 viruses have limited capacity for sustained human transmission, the lack of population immunity underscores the importance of continued surveillance and risk assessment to mitigate potential pandemic threats.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for HIV management and sustained virological suppression. Differentiating intentional from unintentional nonadherence is essential for developing tailored interventions, yet evidence from Asian populations remains limited. A cross-sectional study of 846 people with HIV (PWH) in northern Taiwan assessed ART adherence using the MARS-5 scale. Participants were categorized into good, unintentional, or intentional non-adherence groups. Logistic regression identified associated behavioral and psychosocial factors. Recreational drug use and younger age were independently linked to both unintentional and intentional poor adherence. Higher income and the use of single-tablet regimens were protective against intentional nonadherence, whereas disclosure of HIV status to a partner and an unsuppressed viral load were significantly associated with intentional nonadherence. Reported reasons included being too busy, emotional distress, and running out of medication. These findings suggest that intentional and unintentional nonadherence represent distinct behavioral patterns, with intentional lapses more strongly linked to virological failure. Addressing substance use, simplifying regimens, and providing psychosocial support after disclosure are essential to optimize adherence and achieve UNAIDS 2030 targets.