Search Results (319)

Background: Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a predominant source of morbidity and mortality, particularly among babies, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Recent developments in RSV vaccines, approved by the FDA for high-risk groups, have highlighted the necessity for post-marketing surveillance to evaluate their real-world safety and efficacy. Method: This study utilized data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) covering RSV vaccine administration between 2023 and May 2025. The VAERS database reported data on vaccine types, including Arexvy^®, Abrysvo^®, and mRESVIA^® was analyzed for adverse events and vaccination errors. The demographic information, vaccination trends, and hospitalizations post-vaccination among the vaccinated individuals were accessed. Results: The analysis revealed that the most common adverse events were mild, such as injection site pain, erythema, fatigue, and extremity pain. The data also showed a gradual increase in hospitalization rates from 4.8% in 2023 to 7.5% in 2025. Vaccination errors, including inappropriate administration during pregnancy and excess doses, were also observed. A notable trend was the growing proportion of patients who experienced no adverse events, with the highest rate of symptom-free reports seen in 2025 (25.9%). Conclusions: RSV vaccines demonstrate a generally acceptable safety profile based on post-marketing surveillance data. However, the observed increase in hospitalization rates, vaccination errors, and pregnancy-related outcomes warrants continued active surveillance and cautious interpretation. Full article

Headache is a common symptom during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may persist beyond three months. Both tension-type and migraine-like headaches have been described during SARS-CoV-2 infection and after immunization. The main objective was to characterize headache phenotype during SARS-CoV-2 infection and its relationship with headache recurrence following reinfection and COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of healthcare professionals. Secondary aims included profiling primary headaches and identifying predictors of post-COVID-19 headache persistence. We included 109 participants (86.2% women, mean age 45.3 ± 2.5 years). During infection, 49.5% met ICHD-3 criteria for tension-type headache and 12.8% for migraine. Headache recurred in 62.5% after reinfection and 59.2% after vaccination. A primary-headache history was present in 77.9% of sampled patients (25.9% migraine, 47.1% tension-type). The COVID-19 headache phenotype typically mirrored patients’ previous headache type during reinfection and post-vaccination. Persistent headache beyond three months from SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 22.9% and was associated with fibromyalgia and obesity. These findings suggest that COVID-19-related headache often mirrors the patient’s pre-existing primary headache and tends to recur with the same phenotype following reinfection or vaccination. Full article

Background: Canine leishmaniasis is notoriously difficult to manage by chemotherapy alone, necessitating the consideration of supplemental or alternative treatment. Evidence is presented to support the feasibility of immunotherapy of diseased dogs through vaccination. Methods: The vaccine format used consisted of cultured promastigotes of Leishmania infantum, which were rapidly and completely killed by intracellularly generated singlet oxygen. A total of 33 owned dogs of different breeds and ages diagnosed positive for leishmaniasis were enrolled and divided into three groups for treatments as follows: (1) immunotherapy alone (9 dogs); (2) immunotherapy after chemotherapy (14 dogs); and (3) chemotherapy alone (10 dogs). All dogs in Groups 1 and 2 received intradermally three identical dosages of the vaccine format mentioned at the same schedules. The outcomes were assessed for one year at a post-treatment interval of 2–4 months by determining lymph node parasite loads and clinical scores based on established methodologies. Results: Spaghetti plots of the values for parasite loads obtained revealed that they scattered widely over time with a significant decline by 8–12 months post-treatment in all three groups. Sankey plots of clinical scores in stacked bars also showed that they followed erratic patterns of flow over time, albeit toward lower levels in all cases. Ordinal logistic regression analysis of clinical scores indicated that, while the odds for the emergence of severe clinical symptoms declined in all three groups, the lowest risk was associated with Group 2 dogs treated with immunotherapy after chemotherapy. The evidence presented thus suggests that immunotherapy of the diseased dogs with the vaccine format diminished their parasite loads and improved their clinical scores, especially when applied after chemotherapy. Dogs in Groups 1 and 2 that received immunotherapy, on average, lived twice as long as those in Group 3 that received chemotherapy alone. The risk of death estimated by analysis of the clinical scores using the Cox proportional hazard model was also found to be lower for Groups 1–2 dogs receiving immunotherapy than those in Group 3 receiving chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: Post-therapeutic survival time thus may be an additional parameter suitable to assess treatment efficacy by vaccination. In vitro approaches to mitigate some limitations of this study were proposed for future investigation. Full article

Pneumomediastinum (PM) in SARS-CoV-2 infections can have a multifaceted presentation. The most frequently described cases of spontaneous PM (SPM) occurred during the first waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to alveolar fragility related to severe cases of interstitial pneumonia and vascular injury that predisposed to alveolar destruction and to the Macklin effect in PM development. Cases of SPM were also reported secondary to non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) and to the increasing use of higher doses of corticosteroid therapy. However, true SPM in COVID-19 patients without any identifiable risk factors and presenting as a “Hamman syndrome” (HS) has also been observed, although it represents a very rare clinical entity. Both lung dysbiosis and spike protein toxicity could be implicated in SPM, including cases occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, a variety of clinical entities have been reported that are similar both in COVID-19 infection and after the related COVID-19 vaccination. We present two clinical cases (a 14-year-old boy and his mother), one presenting with SPM and both showing thymic hyperplasia, myasthenic-like symptoms, and long COVID features as a post-vaccination syndrome (PACVS). This report highlights how genetic and familial predisposition could play a role in the thymic response both in COVID-19 infection and after vaccination, involving the toxicity of the spike protein as a common denominator. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sepsis survivors frequently experience long-term complications known as Post-Sepsis Syndrome. Many survivors and their relatives express ongoing dissatisfaction with the quality and accessibility of health information. Yet the specific informational needs and preferred formats remain insufficiently defined. To identify the informational needs of sepsis survivors and their relatives across different stages of illness and recovery. Methods: This qualitative study, conducted within the AVENIR project, included semi-structured telephone interviews with 12 survivors and 6 relatives in Germany. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Results: Eighteen interviews highlighted phase-specific gaps in information. Relatives reported urgent needs for timely, comprehensible and empathetic communication during the ICU phase, often while under decision pressure. Survivors described limited capacity to process information during the acute phase and sought orientation only after cognitive and emotional stabilization. After discharge, both groups reported an “information vacuum”, marked by insufficient guidance on long-term physical and psychological consequences, rehabilitation, vaccination, and follow-up care. Many participants received no informational material, or only general or inconsistent information. Desired content emphasized basic sepsis knowledge, explanations of persistent symptoms, practical coping strategies, and navigation of support services. Preferred formats included peer support and repeated, personal conversations with healthcare professionals, complemented by trusted online and printed resources. Conclusions: Sepsis survivors and relatives experience notable, role- and phase-specific information deficits that extend from the ICU into long-term recovery. Timely, reliable, and accessible information may help reduce uncertainty, support coping, and strengthen autonomy for both survivors and relatives. Full article

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that may develop several complications. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the major long-term complication of COVID-19 disease leading to progressive lung fibrosis and reduced respiratory function. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an updated overview of post-COVID-19 ILD by examining research publications and clinical guidelines selected from PubMed, Web of Science, and major respiratory medicine journals from 2020 to 2025. Methods: ILDs are diagnosed by medical history, physiological examination, pulmonary function tests, and chest X-ray or high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. Lung biopsy, especially cryobiopsy or video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) biopsy, can be performed to define histological patterns and confirm the diagnosis. Results: Post-COVID-19 ILD is a chronic condition characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms, radiological findings, and reduced lung function. Fibrotic injury is a consequence of the initial infection and could be influenced by persistent inflammation and dysregulated tissue repair. Risk factors include severe acute illness, advanced age, male sex, and smoking. Clinical course and prognosis of post-COVID-19 ILD is uncertain, as most patients experience gradual improvement or stability, whereas others develop progressive lung function decline. Treatment of post-COVID-19 ILD is not presently defined by guidelines but comprises corticosteroids, antifibrotics (including new drugs such as nerandomilast), supportive oxygen, pulmonary physiotherapy rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and vaccination. Conclusions: ILD represents a significant long-term complication of COVID-19 infection. Further investigations are required to better understand its pathophysiology and clinical management. As research progresses, more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are expected to emerge. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV) poses a significant threat to the global pig industry due to high mortality rates and complex genetic variation. Live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) provide protection against ASFV. Previously, MGF505-2R was identified as a potent inhibitor of innate immunity in vitro. This study evaluates the pathogenicity of a recombinant Eurasian genotype II strain with the MGF505-2R gene deleted (ASFV-ΔMGF505-2R) in piglets. Twelve five-week-old crossbred piglets were divided into two groups, with one group of eight piglets inoculated with ASFV-ΔMGF505-2R (n = 8) and the other group of four piglets inoculated with the same dose of parental ASFV CN/GS 2018 (n = 4). Clinical symptoms, viral loads, and immune responses were monitored over 30 days. ASFV-ΔMGF505-2R-inoculated piglets exhibited transient fever and low viremia only in the beginning of the challenge, while the control group developed high levels of viremia and hyperthermia at day 2 and 8 post-challenge, respectively. Meanwhile, the control group demonstrated more severe post-mortem signs and immuno-histochemistry injury when compared to the ΔMGF505-2R group. ELISA analysis displayed higher levels of IFN-β and IL-1β in the ΔMGF505-2R group, further solidating the immunosuppressive role of MGF505-2R. All ASFV-ΔMGF505-2R-inoculated piglets developed high titers of ASFV-specific P30 antibodies at 10 days post-challenge. These findings rationalized the potential of ASFV-ΔMGF505-2R as a live attenuated candidate for ASF infection. Full article

Background: Headache is a common symptom during acute viral infections, and its pathophysiology has been linked with the immune response to the virus. Headache is one of the most frequent symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and it has been associated with a more efficient immune response and a better prognosis. The aim of this article is to evaluate whether vaccination could modify the clinical phenotype and the probability of developing persistent headache after acute COVID-19. Methods: A case–control study comparing the duration of the headache and the clinical phenotype between fully vaccinated individuals and non-vaccinated controls was conducted. Each case was matched with two controls that were paired by age, sex, and prior history of headache. Patients were evaluated by a physician that administered a structured questionnaire and were followed up for at least three months. Results: The sample included 103 cases and 206 controls, with a median age of 42 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 33–51); 68% were female; and 26% had a prior history of headache. Headache had a shorter duration for vaccinated patients (4 (IQR 2–8) vs. 8 (IQR 4–16.5) days, p < 0.001). Vaccinated patients had a higher frequency of holocranial topography, pressing quality, phonophobia, and cranial autonomic symptoms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that full vaccination modifies the clinical phenotype of COVID-19 onset-associated headache and might lead to a shorter duration. These findings could represent an additional benefit of COVID-19 vaccines, which could extend to the post-COVID-19 phase and decrease the probability of a persistent disabling symptom such as headache. Full article

Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and pigs, characterized by vesicular lesions in the mouth, nose, teats, and feet. Globally, the most commonly used FMD vaccines are inactivated vaccines produced by chemical inactivation of the infectious FMD virus (FMDV). This study aimed to establish an infectious clone of the O/Boeun/SKR/2017 virus that has demonstrated the highest antigen productivity among the various type O vaccine strains developed in South Korea to date. Methods: An infectious clone was generated from a type O virus isolated during the 2017 FMD outbreak in South Korea. The viral genome was divided into two fragments, each amplified separately, and subsequently ligated to produce a full-length infectious clone. Results: Rescue of infectious FMDV was confirmed using a commercial antigen detection kit and electron microscopy. Under optimized culture conditions, the rescued virus titer reached 2 × 10⁷ TCID₅₀/mL, and the antigen yield was 6.4 µg/mL. Following inactivation, the antigen was formulated into a vaccine and administered to pigs. Four weeks post-vaccination, challenge with the live virus resulted in no clinical symptoms, demonstrating complete protective efficacy. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the construction of an infectious clone derived from a field FMDV isolate in South Korea and its application in vaccine development. The O/Boeun/SKR/2017 infectious clone may serve as a genetic backbone for the rapid generation of new FMD vaccine candidates with high antigen productivity by substituting epitopes from other FMDV. Full article

Background/Objectives: Following the global spread of SARS-CoV-2, there was an urgent need for vaccine development to support immune protection. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of active and hybrid immunity on the durability of immunoglobulin G (IgG), neutralizing antibodies, and cellular immune responses over a two-year period. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted from February 2021 to December 2023 at the Public Health Institute in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Anti-S IgG was measured using ELISA (Euroimmun), neutralizing antibodies via an in-house virus neustralization test (VNT), and cellular immune response using the IGRA test (ELISA, Euroimmun). Participants also completed a questionnaire on demographics, COVID-19 history, symptoms, and vaccination. Statistical analysis included descriptive and non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis) at a 5% significance level. Results: The cohort included 149 individuals, 97.3% of whom were vaccinated with Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech). A total of 17% had confirmed infection prior to vaccination and showed up to two-fold higher neutralizing antibody levels (p < 0.001) within 2–6 weeks postvaccination. Postvaccination infection was reported in 35% of participants. Although antibody levels declined over the 2–100 week period, participants remained seropositive across all three parameters. Cellular immune response (interferon-γ) remained consistently high throughout follow-up. Conclusions: The study demonstrates long-term durability of IgG and neutralizing antibodies and confirms durable cellular immunity up to two years postvaccination. Hybrid immunity significantly enhanced neutralizing antibody levels, supporting its added value in protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Full article

Background/Objectives: Current estimates suggest that 6% of COVID-19 survivors develop a post-viral sequela known as Long COVID. Among those at risk for this sequela, pregnant individuals are a vulnerable patient population, but they are understudied as to the nature of their symptomology and potential adverse outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated a cohort of 150 pregnant individuals with a history of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, observing for Long COVID symptoms and assessing for adverse outcomes. Of this cohort, 64% identified as Black and/or Latina, which provides a more diverse representation compared to previously published studies. Results: Within this cohort, 26.7% of individuals experienced at least one symptom of Long COVID; subcohorts, which were categorized based on presence or absence of Long COVID symptomology, presented with varying phenotypes. Pain, mental health dysfunction or psychological problems, and fatigue were the predominant symptoms documented for patients who averaged two Long COVID symptoms after at least 30 days following a COVID-19 diagnosis. Different adverse outcomes were higher in frequency among subcohorts, highlighting a need for continued study to explore the nuances of the impact of COVID-19 on this unique and vulnerable population. The most notable trends between subcohorts related to treatment patterns for acute COVID-19, vaccine status, and cesarean delivery rates. Conclusions: By providing a description of the documented health experience for a predominantly non-White cohort of individuals who were diagnosed with an acute SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, our study contributes to a foundation upon which future studies can build. Full article

Background: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly spreading, evolving virus that induces multiple manifestations, including respiratory, urinary, and reproductive symptoms, and presents a considerable risk to the Egyptian poultry sector. This study assessed various IBV vaccination protocols available in broiler populations comprising live attenuated vaccines such as IB Var II, 793/B (4/91), IB Primer, and H120 against the local novel IBV-GI-23.3 strain. Methods: Vaccines were administered to eight groups of SPF chicks at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days of age. Birds were challenged via the oculo-nasal route at 28 days of age using 10⁶ EID₅₀/0.2 mL/chick with the NewValley-1-EGYIBV-GI23.3-2023 local strain. Ciliostasis activity and the scores for histopathological lesions were evaluated at 7 days post-challenge (DPC). Virus shedding was monitored at 3, 5, and 7 DPC using the real-time RT-PCR method. Results: The ciliostasis test indicated that the vaccinated groups receiving the IB Primer + 4/91 vaccine regime at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days of age received the highest level of protection (65%, 68%, respectively). Similarly, administration of IB Primer + IB Var II at 1 + 14 days of age demonstrated substantial protection (63%). Conversely, administering the H120 + 4/91 vaccination protocol at days 1 and 14 resulted in a moderate level of protection (53%). Tracheal IBV shedding quantification and subsequent histopathological signs of trachea, proventriculus, bursa, and kidney degenerative changes were significantly lower in the vaccinated groups (especially the IB Primer + 4/91 vaccine regime at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days) than in the positive control groups. Conclusions: The heterologous combined IB Primer + 4/91 program demonstrated the most significant protective efficacy against the IBV field challenge strains compared with other vaccines in broiler chickens. Full article

A 70-year-old Japanese woman with longstanding hearing loss and asthma developed floating sensations, left finger numbness, and postural instability one day after influenza vaccination, leading to hospital admission. Neurological examinations showed hearing loss, hyperreflexia, left-predominant ataxia, bilateral mild bathyanesthesia, and inability to tandem gait. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed no pleocytosis or malignant cells, but revealed positive oligoclonal bands and elevated myelin basic protein. Despite no contrast agent use due to asthma, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) sequences, along with hyperperfusion on arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging. Serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab) were negative by ELISA. Given the temporal proximity to vaccination and elevated demyelination markers, brainstem-type acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was initially suspected. Symptoms nearly resolved after two cycles of methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Notably, hyperperfusion gradually improved on ASL imaging. Post-discharge, a cell-based assay confirmed the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by detecting positive anti-AQP4-Ab. She has been relapse-free for about a year without any immunosuppressants or biologics. Although contrast-enhanced MRI remains the gold standard modality for lesion evaluation due to its high sensitivity, hyperperfusion on ASL may provide a useful alternative in patients for whom contrast agents are contraindicated, such as those with asthma or impaired renal function. Full article

Background: Despite repeated re-emergence of Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV), its long-term human toll remains under-characterised. We assessed multisystem clinical, biochemical, and psychosocial outcomes ~25 years after the 2000 Gulu outbreak. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of 45 survivors of laboratory-confirmed SUDV and 30 age- and gender-matched community controls from the same region. Symptoms were assessed as current at the study visit using a structured checklist; for each symptom present, we recorded severity and duration from onset to the visit date. Standardised clinical examinations, haematological and biochemical assessments, anxiety and depression screening, and structured interviews on social support and stigma were performed. Group comparisons were assessed with Wilcoxon rank-sum and χ²/Fisher’s exact tests; correlations were assessed with Spearman’s ρ. Findings: Core physiological indices (vital signs, BMI, blood pressure, and body temperature) and mental health were comparable between survivors and controls. Nevertheless, survivors reported ongoing symptoms, including joint pain and visual impairment each in 36% (16/45), fatigue in 18% (8/45), and neurological symptoms in 13% (6/45). Subclinical laboratory deviations centred on hepatic and platelet biology: elevated total bilirubin occurred in 14% of survivors versus 6.7% of controls; thrombocytopenia or platelet morphological abnormalities in 12% versus 3.3%; haemoglobin abnormalities in 6% versus 0%. Among survivors, albumin and mean platelet volume declined with age (both p ≤ 0.03). Psychological morbidity was low (normal anxiety 82% (37/45; and normal depression 80% (36/45). Yet a social paradox emerged, despite universal post-outbreak support, 98% (44/45) described enduring stigma. To minimise differential recall bias, symptom inventories were not collected from controls; consequently, between-group comparisons for symptom prevalence were not performed, and symptom inferences are restricted to survivors and framed descriptively. Interpretation: A quarter-century after infection, SUDV survivors show preserved systemic physiology but carry chronic musculoskeletal, sensory, and neurological sequelae, alongside a discrete subclinical profile implicating hepatic function and platelet biology. Psychological resilience coexists with near-universal, persistent stigma, indicating that material support did not achieve full psychosocial reintegration. Given the lack of virological and deep immune profiling, proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, such as antigen persistence or immune-mediated injury, remain speculative and hypotheses-generating only. These findings argue for survivor-centred long-term care, embedded with epidemic preparedness frameworks that integrate musculoskeletal rehabilitation, ophthalmic and neurological services with comprehensive mental health care, and sustained anti-stigma community engagement. This dissociation, including short-lived support alongside enduring stigma, indicates that humanitarian relief alone does not secure durable psychosocial reintegration and should be complemented by long-horizon, survivor-centred services and community engagement. Funding: This study was supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) under the Universal Protocol for Standardising Assays and Advancing Vaccine Immunogenicity Assessments for Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Threats, implemented through the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) as part of CEPI’s Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN). Full article

Background: Poland was one of only 10 European countries listed teachers as a priority group for vaccination against COVID-19 among National Vaccination Program (NVP). The aim of this study was to analyse post-vaccination symptoms self-reported by teachers vaccinated under the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. Methods: The presented cross-sectional survey was conducted among teachers from all levels of education in public and non-public institutions, who received the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccination campaign with the vaccine from AstraZeneca as part of the NVP. The survey was conducted using an original, self-designed questionnaire prepared for this study and distributed to teachers in the form of an online survey via email. Bayesian logistic and linear regression were used to estimate the relationship between predictors and dependent variables. Results: A total of 4622 teachers took part in the survey. Of this number, 3908 teachers declared that they had taken the vaccine. (84.5%). In the study group, self-reported late post-vaccination reactions were very strongly [logBF > 3.4] associated with both gender and age. In contrast, self-reporting of serious late post-vaccination symptoms other than fever was very strongly associated only with gender. Only a small proportion of teachers (from 1.45% to 5.34% depending on age and gender) self-reported immediate post-vaccination reaction (up to 15 min after injection). Conclusions: Self-reporting of symptoms is a valuable tool for monitoring the effectiveness and safety of vaccinations and can also contribute to increased satisfaction with the vaccination process, especially when patients are made aware that post-vaccination symptoms are a natural sign of the body’s immune response. Full article