Search Results (1,949)

Advances in diagnostic techniques, along with environmental changes driven by human activity, have intensified the surveillance and monitoring of virus and arbovirus circulation on the Amazon. These efforts have increased the detection of insect-specific viruses in field-collected hematophagous arthropods. This study reports the first isolation of the Aguas Brancas virus from mosquitoes collected in the Brazilian Amazon and in a rural area of Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. Arthropods of the family Culicidae, genus Limatus durhamii, were collected at ground level in forest fragments. Sample BEAR812610 originated from Ananindeua, Pará, within the Evandro Chagas Institute’s grounds, and sample BEAR839941 from a forest fragment in Brasília (Ceilândia—Núcleo Rural Boa Esperança, Site B4). Specimens were identified to the species/genus level, macerated, and the supernatant inoculated into C6/36 and Vero cell cultures for viral isolation. The presence of arboviruses was determined by indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies against major arbovirus groups. Positive samples were sequenced for nucleotide and amino acid identification, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the virus as belonging to the genus Orthoflavivirus. This represents the first report of the isolation and characterization of the insect-specific Aguas Brancas virus. Full article

Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), are among the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens and remain a major food-borne hazard in parts of Asia and Africa. China has generated a uniquely cohesive body of evidence connecting aflatoxin contamination to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in settings where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent and acts synergistically with aflatoxin exposure. Over five decades, field investigations and laboratory innovations—exemplified by long-term work in Qidong—have assembled a multi-layered causal chain spanning the following: (i) contamination monitoring in staple foods; (ii) quantification of internal dose and biologically effective dose using validated biomarkers (e.g., urinary AFB₁–N⁷–guanine, AFM₁, and serum AFB₁–lysine albumin adducts); (iii) a characteristic molecular fingerprint in tumors and circulation (TP53 R249S); (iv) reversibility demonstrated through randomized intervention trials and policy-driven natural experiments. Chemoprevention and dietary interception studies (e.g., oltipraz, chlorophyllin, and broccoli sprout beverages) showed that enhancing detoxication pathways can lower biomarker burdens in exposed populations. At the population level, a sustained dietary transition from maize to rice, together with strengthened food governance, was accompanied by marked decreases in biomarker distributions and subsequent declines in HCC mortality in endemic regions. Nevertheless, regional heterogeneity, multi-mycotoxin co-exposure, and climate variability are expected to increase exposure volatility and complicate surveillance. Here, we translate and synthesize the Chinese evidence base, highlight biomarker-enabled monitoring and policy evaluation, and propose an integrated “5+1” prevention framework spanning source control, process detoxification, tiered governance, short-course interception, precision follow-up of high-risk individuals, and climate-sensitive early warning along the climate–agriculture–storage–processing–population (CAT–CSPP) chain. Full article

Potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV) are the most damaging viruses for potato production worldwide. Mixed infections not only result in additive detrimental effects on plant growth and tuber yield but also complicate the development of durable and broad-spectrum viral resistance. Heterologous protection against PVY can be achieved through the expression of the coat protein (CP) of lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) (CPLMV), conferring resistance via a capsid protein-mediated mechanism. On the other hand, we have previously demonstrated that transgenic lines expressing the PLRV ORF2 (RepPLRV) exhibit resistance to different PLRV isolates. In this study, potato transgenic lines of cv. Kennebec expressing CPLMV and RepPLRV were developed to confer dual virus resistance. Transgenic and non-transgenic control plants were molecularly and phenotypically characterized in greenhouse and field conditions. Across multiple growing seasons, two selected transgenic lines consistently displayed robust resistance to both major viruses, without exhibiting yield penalties or noticeable phenotypic alterations. These results constitute a significant advancement, demonstrating that dual resistance to PVY and PLRV can be achieved while preserving the original agronomic performance of the cultivar. This breakthrough not only contributes to long-term crop productivity but also provides a more sustainable strategy for managing viral diseases in potato production. Full article

Background: Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, interindividual variability in vaccine-induced antibody responses remains a significant challenge in the field. Innate immune components, particularly lectin complement pathway proteins such as mannose-binding lectin (MBL), mannose-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1), and mannose-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2), may contribute to this variability in outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum MBL, MASP-1, and MASP-2 levels, birth weight, and humoral response to hepatitis B vaccination in infants. Methods: This single-center prospective observational study included 37 term infants who received hepatitis B vaccinations at birth, 1 month, and 6 months of age according to the national immunization schedule. Venous blood samples were collected at month 6, before, and month 7 after the 3rd vaccine dose. Serum MBL, MASP-1, MASP-2, and antiHB levels were measured using commercial ELISA and chemiluminescence assays. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests and Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results: AntiHB levels increased significantly following vaccination (median Pre-3rdVac: 125.8 mIU/mL; Post-3rdVac: 609.7 mIU/mL; p < 0.001). MASP-1 concentrations also showed a significant Post-3rdVac increase (median Pre-3rdVac: 809.52 ng/mL; Post-3rdVac: 1133.93 ng/mL; p = 0.019). Birth weight was positively correlated with both MASP-1 levels (r_s = 0.492, p = 0.004) and changes in MASP-1 concentrations (r_s = 0.524, p = 0.002) after the third dose. In addition, MASP-1 levels were positively associated with antiHB levels (r_s = 0.385, p = 0.030) and Post-3rdVac antiHB titers (r_s = 0.493, p = 0.004). In contrast, serum MBL and MASP-2 concentrations were not significantly associated with antiHB levels before or after vaccination. Conclusions: MASP-1, but not MBL or MASP-2, is associated with the magnitude of the antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination in infants. These findings suggest that specific components of the lectin pathway may influence vaccine-induced immunity, independent of MBL. Further large-scale studies incorporating genetic and functional analyses are warranted to clarify the mechanisms by which lectin pathway proteins shape hepatitis B vaccine response. Full article

The rapid evolution of insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) threatens effective pest management in key crops. This study characterized B. tabaci populations from cotton and tomato fields in Kashgar (September–October 2024) using mtCOI-RFLP for cryptic species identification, leaf-dip bioassays with 13 insecticides, and PCR detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). All analyzed individuals belonged to the Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species. Extreme resistance was observed to imidacloprid (RR = 320.65) and pyridaben (RR = 331.29), while nitenpyram (RR = 1.77) and the emamectin benzoate–chlorantraniliprole mixture (RR = 2.13) remained effective. TYLCV was detected in 97.5% of adults from tomato greenhouses. These findings provide a concise assessment of resistance status, species identification, and virus prevalence in B. tabaci, informing sustainable management strategies in cotton and tomato production. Full article

The reasons for disease outbreaks caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) in vaccinated pigs are often unknown and remain a challenge for farmers and veterinarians. One hypothesis for APP vaccine failure is the timing of APP vaccination during field or vaccine-induced viremia with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), which may negatively affect the immune response to APP vaccination. In this study, fattening pigs were vaccinated with a modified live vaccine (MLV) against PRRSV either at the beginning of the fattening period (group G1) or six weeks later (group G2). All pigs were vaccinated against APP five days after the start of fattening, which coincided with MLV-PRRSV viremia in G1. Within both G1 and G2, four subgroups of pigs (n = 10) were vaccinated with three different APP vaccines or remained unvaccinated to assess serological responses to various APP antigens. MLV-PRRSV viremia had no significant effect on APP-ApxII (p = 0.127), APP-LPS (p = 0.120), or opsonophagocytic antibody responses on day 40 of fattening. Lung lesion scores at slaughter were significantly higher (p = 0.004) in pigs from G2 (1.82 ± 2.38) compared with those from G1 (0.65 ± 0.88). All APP vaccines elicited presumably protective opsonophagocytic antibodies. In conclusion, no effects of MLV-PRRSV viremia on serological responses following APP vaccination were observed. Full article

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease that affects a wide range of wildlife species, posing a serious threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. Despite its ecological significance, the transmission dynamics of CDV in wildlife remain poorly understood, especially in tropical ecosystems. One of the main challenges in studying CDV transmission is the lack of reliable epidemiological data and the difficulty in capturing and monitoring wild animals for surveillance purposes. Thus, this study aims to develop a model to estimate the potential transmission of CDV in wildlife populations using spatial heat mapping and the basic reproduction number (R₀) as key indicators. A combination of field observation records, environmental data, and reported CDV cases were used to generate predictive heat maps and simulate disease spread across susceptible wildlife hosts. Results showed that certain environmental factors and animal density hotspots significantly contribute to higher transmission potential of CDV. Preliminary results suggest that high-risk zones can be identified based on overlapping wildlife movement corridors and human interface areas. This modeling approach offers a valuable tool to guide targeted monitoring, early detection and conservation strategies against CDV outbreaks in wildlife. Full article

The historic Rockborn strain of the canine distemper virus was widely used as a vaccine, but its use was discontinued due to safety concerns. Yet, Rockborn-like canine distemper virus strains are still used in some vaccine formulations. Genetic analysis of this strain was previously limited to the H gene, leaving its full evolutionary and pathogenic potential unclear. This study aimed to determine the complete genome sequence of the Rockborn strain to reconstruct its origin, understand its evolution, and provide a reference for improving diagnostics and future research on virulence markers. An amplicon-based sequencing protocol using MinION nanopore technology was employed to determine the complete genome of the Rockborn-46th laboratory strain. The genome was assembled, annotated, and analyzed in comparison with 223 genomes. The complete genome of the Rockborn strain was 15,690 nucleotides in length. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Rockborn forms a unique lineage with field isolates from a masked civet in China and a dog in the United States. Crucially, a significant recombination event was identified, showing that the Rockborn strain acted as a parental strain, contributing its F and H genes to create mosaic viruses. The full-genome characterization of the Rockborn strain confirms that Rockborn-like viruses persist and actively contribute to the evolution of canine distemper virus through recombination. This finding highlights the inadequacy of single-gene analysis for diagnostics and surveillance, and underscores the necessity of whole-genome sequencing to accurately track the virus epidemiology and evolution. Full article

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) is a highly virulent pathogen that has caused substantial mortality in tilapia farms, particularly those with open-water systems. However, TiLV can also emerge and persist in closed environments, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), where environmental accumulation and repeated exposure may intensify infection and sustain outbreaks. In this case study, we conducted three field experiments to better understand TiLV dynamics among Nile tilapia in RAS. In experiment I, we quantified the TiLV levels in the fish, water, and sediment to compare outbreak and no-outbreak conditions and found that the TiLV concentrations in liver samples and the water were significantly higher in the outbreak ponds and positively correlated with increased fish mortality. In experiment II, we used a side-by-side field trial to evaluate the protective efficacy of a TiLV vaccine and its effects on the viral loads in the fish and aquatic environment during outbreaks. The vaccinated fish showed substantially lower cumulative mortality (16.7%) than the unvaccinated controls (37.7%), with a relative percent survival of 55.6%. Additionally, the TiLV concentrations in the pond water of the vaccinated group were significantly lower. In experiment III, we compared the TiLV patterns between RAS and non-RAS operations to determine how water recirculation influences viral accumulation and outbreak severity. The results revealed limited viral accumulation and shorter disease outbreak duration in the non-RAS. Overall, our findings showed that the TiLV levels in the rearing water were closely linked with disease severity in the RAS-based tilapia hatcheries. Continuous water recirculation allowed the virus to build up in the system, which led to more prolonged outbreaks, while the non-RAS conditions with regular water discharge showed lower viral loads and faster recovery. The vaccinated fish had better survival rates and released less virus into the water, which helped reduce infection pressure across the ponds. Together, these results suggest that combining vaccination with good water management and molecular monitoring can provide a practical, noninvasive way to detect and control TiLV outbreaks in intensive farming systems. Full article

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide that has attracted concern over its non-target effects, environmental persistence, and the presence of residues in food. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major invasive pest of maize that can be controlled by application of its homologous nucleopolyhedrovirus (SfMNPV), an occluded virus in the family Baculoviridae. We examined the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on S. frugiperda growth and survival and on virus occlusion bodies (OBs) exposed to product label-recommended concentrations of the herbicide. Larval growth, time to pupation, pupal weight, duration of the pupal stage and sex ratio were not affected by exposure to the herbicide (1% v/v solution) applied to the surface of semi-synthetic diet. Exposure to 1–2% herbicide solution had no effect on the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of OBs, the susceptibility of second instar larvae to virus infection, or the production of OBs in virus-killed larvae. Virus acquisition did not vary significantly when larvae fed on virus-sprayed maize plants at 1 and 6 days after they had been treated with herbicide, compared to healthy plants. Finally, the presence of 2% herbicide solution did not influence the persistence of OBs in non-sterilized soil samples over a 6-week greenhouse experiment. Although the laboratory and greenhouse experiments indicated that the glyphosate-based herbicide tested was unlikely to influence the transmission or persistence of SfMNPV OBs, future studies should verify these findings across a range of field conditions, soil types and different herbicide formulations. Full article

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have attracted growing interest in several fields, including topical biomedical applications, due to their stability, biocompatibility and therapeutic potential. In this study, chitosan (Ch), gelatin (G) and arabic gum (AG) were combined to formulate hydrogels loaded with different ZnO NP concentrations. The main aim is to assess the synergy between the properties of biopolymers and ZnO moieties in terms of antiviral activity. ZnO NPs were synthesized via co-precipitation. Hydrogels were prepared using the freeze–thaw method, and the loading of 2.5, 5 and 7.5% w/w of ZnO NPs with respect to Ch was promoted by ultrasonication. The structural, morphological, surface and thermal properties of hydrogels loaded with ZnO NPs (HZ 2.5, HZ 5 and HZ 7.5) and the control matrix (H) were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, confirming the successful incorporation and interaction of ZnO NPs with the polymeric network. Low ZnO NP concentrations enhanced the swelling degree of the hydrogels (from 1044% to 1253%), improving their thermal stability and solubility (96 h vs. 48 h HZ 7.5 and 14 h in the case of H). This behavior could be ascribed to the aggregation of ZnO NPs with increasing amounts, which was verified through FESEM. Virucidal activity was tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV), demonstrating a substantial enhancement when the ZnO NPs are added independently of the concentration. An almost 100% viral inhibition was recorded when the HZs were analyzed, whereas the H matrix showed an inhibition of about 40% against the same virus. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via the DPPH free radical inhibition method, revealing an improvement with the loading of NPs. Full article

The paper presents a statistical model based on the two-weighted exponential distribution (TWED) to examine censored Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) survival information. Identifying HIV as a disability, the study endorses an inclusive and sustainable health policy framework through some predictive findings. The TWED provides an accurate representation of the inherent hazard patterns and also improves the modelling of survival data. The parameter estimation is achieved in both a classical maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and a Bayesian approach. Bayesian inference can be carried out under general entropy loss conditions and the symmetric squared error loss function through the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Based on the symmetric properties of the inverse of the Fisher information matrix, the asymptotic confidence intervals (ACLs) for the MLEs are constructed. Moreover, two-sided symmetric credible intervals (CRIs) of Bayesian estimates are also constructed based on the MCMC results that are based on symmetric normal proposals. The simulation studies are very important for indicating the correctness and probability of a statistical estimator. Implementing the model on actual HIV data illustrates its usefulness. Altogether, the paper supports the idea that statistics play an essential role in promoting disability-friendly and sustainable research in the field of public health in general. Full article

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains a major cause of economic loss in the swine industry, and highly pathogenic variants such as NADC34-like PRRSV highlight the need for antiviral strategies that complement vaccination. In this field study, we evaluated the efficacy of AlimenWOW, a rottlerin–lipid formulation, in grower–finisher pigs under commercial conditions using AI-based respiratory monitoring. A total of 2000 pigs were assigned to four groups: AlimenWOW G1 (PRRSV-stable source farm), AlimenWOW G2 (PRRSV-unstable source farm), Control 1 (antibiotic), and Control 2 (antipyretic). Respiratory Health Status (ReHS) and a derived Clinical Cough Index (CCI = 100 − ReHS) were continuously recorded with SoundTalks^®, and oral fluid PRRSV load, serology, clinical outcomes, and productivity were assessed over 4 weeks. AlimenWOW G2 showed a marked improvement in ReHS from severely compromised baseline values to levels comparable with healthy status, while both control groups remained low; CCI was significantly lower in AlimenWOW G2 than in controls from day 14 onward (p ≤ 0.0001). AlimenWOW treatment was associated with reduced PRRSV titers in oral fluid, lower mortality and wasting rates, and improved feed conversion with lower feed costs compared with controls. These findings indicate that AlimenWOW, integrated with AI-based acoustic monitoring, can improve respiratory health and mitigate PRRSV-associated clinical and economic losses, supporting its use as a complementary tool in PRRSV control programs. Full article

Introduction: Despite the impressive progress carried out in the field of biomedical sciences in recent decades, the incidence of emerging and neglected lethal viral infections mainly belonging to the Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Paramyxoviridae families has considerably impaired human health. The worldwide vaccination campaign at the end of the 1970s determined the eradication of smallpox. However, the growing number of cases of diseases linked to orthopoxvirus diseases, such as the recent epidemic of monkeypox zoonosis in various countries around the world, has increased the need for knowledge of these viral pathogens. To date, there is no specific treatement for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. However, several antiviral drugs used to treat Smallpox and other viral infections could also be beneficial for Monkeypox disease. In this study we report the design and synthesis of new, variously substituted benzimidazole derivatives and the evaluation of their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against representatives of the Orthopoxvirus genus, Vaccinia Virus (VV), closely related to variola virus and MPXV. Methods: A combination of cell-based assays and experimental techniques was used to investigate the cytotoxicity, antiviral activity, and mechanisms of action of the most interesting compound. Results: In our study, new, variously substituted benzimidazoles showed interesting EC₅₀ values against vaccinia and MPXV and a cytotoxic profile in the high micromolar range. Conclusions: Our work shows that the new tested benzimidazole derivatives possess appealing activity and selectivity, accompanied by low cytotoxicity. These results set a valid foundation with which to identify potent and selective anti-Poxvirus agents. Full article

The epidemiological situation in Poland for IBV GII (formerly known as D1466) has seemed stable over the years, but an increase in such infections has been recently reported. In this study, genetic characterization of the representatives of this genotype was performed in order to determine whether the new epidemic wave of GII IBV was responsible for changes in this status quo. Genotyping based on the complete S1 coding region of eight Polish IBV field strains from 2011 to 2021 confirmed that they belonged to genotype II, with two of them clustered in the two previously identified GII-1 and GII-2 lineages. In turn, the S1 coding region sequences of the next six Polish strains are very different from the previous ones and form a separate group on the phylogenetic tree. However, comprehensive analysis of all complete S1 coding regions of GII strains did not fulfill all parameters needed to create the separate GII lineage, and they all seem to belong to the GII-1 lineage. Further analysis of the partial S1 sequence of 15 IBV GII strains showed their genetic distinctiveness and indicates the ongoing evolution of this virus genotype. Considering the results of our study and the recent outbreaks of GII-2 in Western Europe, it appears that infections with GII virus strains mainly affect egg-producing, long-lived chickens, commercial layers, and breeders. Furthermore, due to the high diversity of these viruses, their circulation in the poultry population may remain undetected, and for this reason, the observed production problems in laying flocks may be attributed to other, unrelated factors. Full article