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Viral infection

Author Correction: Leonard Mboera, Global Chikungunya Burden

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 10, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Author Correction ‍Published Regarding Global Chikungunya Burden Study

A correction has been issued for ⁤a recent study detailing the‍ global burden of chikungunya virus infections and ⁣assessing the potential impact of vaccination campaigns. The original research, published in The Lancet, significantly quantified the disease’s impact and underscored the ‍potential public health ⁤benefits of widespread vaccination.

The study, led by Gabriel Ribeiro dos Santos of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in London, UK, and involving a collaborative network of researchers across Africa, Europe, and North America, initially estimated a substantial global ⁤burden of chikungunya. The correction addresses details within the author affiliations⁢ and lists, ensuring accurate depiction of the contributions from institutions including Sokoine University‍ of Agriculture⁣ (Tanzania), Rwanda Military Teaching Hospital and⁤ University of Rwanda,‍ York ‌University (Canada), ⁤University of Ghana, University of Ilorin (Nigeria), Pasteur Network (France), Paris Cité University, Institut⁢ Pasteur (france),‍ Kilimanjaro christian Medical university College (Tanzania), Qatar University, and the Institut Pasteur’s Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit. key researchers‌ involved in the collaborative effort ⁣include Christinah Mukandavire, Arminder Deol, Danny Scarponi, Leonard E.G. Mboera, Eric ⁢Seruyange, Mathieu⁢ JP Poirier, Samuel Bosomprah, Augustine O.‍ Queen,⁣ Koussay Dellagi, Nathanael ⁣Hozé, Jaffu‌ Chilongola, Gheyath⁣ K. Nasrallah, and Simon⁣ Cauchemez.

Chikungunya virus, transmitted⁤ primarily by‍ Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, ‌causes ‌debilitating joint pain, fever, and rash. While typically‍ not fatal, the chronic pain associated with the infection can significantly impair quality of life for months⁣ or even‍ years. The study’s findings are‌ crucial for informing public health strategies, notably in regions where chikungunya is endemic‍ or poses a significant outbreak risk. The corrected author details ‌ensures proper attribution‍ for this⁢ important⁣ work,which provides a foundation for evaluating the feasibility and impact of⁤ future vaccination programs aimed at controlling the spread of this debilitating disease.

November 10, 2025 0 comments

Health

Africa’s Continental Plan to End Cholera

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 1, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Africa Launches Enterprising Plan to Combat ⁣Surging Cholera Crisis

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – African Union member states are mobilizing under a new continental plan to⁣ aggressively tackle cholera, a preventable disease currently claiming thousands of lives across the continent. The “Continental Cholera Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa 1.0,” ‌launched⁤ in September 2025 ‌and running through February 2026, ⁢aims to curb the ⁣alarming rise in cases and ‌deaths linked to the waterborne illness.

Despite being treatable⁤ wiht safe water, sanitation, ⁣hygiene measures, and vaccines, cholera continues to devastate communities. Africa⁢ bears a ⁣disproportionate burden of ‌the global cholera impact, ⁢accounting for more than half of all cases and over 90% of related deaths¹. The disease destabilizes communities, hinders economic progress, and disproportionately ⁤impacts vulnerable populations including the poor, displaced individuals, and those ‌living in fragile states^2,3.

Data released in August 2025 revealed a important surge in cases, with 23 AU member states reporting 213,586 suspected cases and⁢ 4,507 deaths ⁣- more‌ than double the numbers recorded ⁣in 2022². The Democratic Republic of Congo, ⁤Sudan, South sudan, and angola collectively account for 85% ⁣of this burden.

The plan’s implementation ⁤comes amidst compounding⁣ challenges including ongoing humanitarian crises,the escalating effects of climate change,and‌ strained healthcare infrastructure. Officials emphasize the necessity of a coordinated, multisectoral approach to effectively address the outbreak and work towards long-term elimination, as ‍outlined⁢ in ⁣the Global Task‍ Force on Cholera Control’s Strategic Framework for Cholera Prevention, Control, and Elimination,⁢ 2030³.

¹ Koua,⁣ E.‌ L. et al. BMJ Glob. Health 10, e016491 (2025).
² Africa Centres⁣ for ‌Disease Control and ‍prevention (Africa⁤ CDC) & World health ⁣Association Regional Office for Africa (WHO ⁢AFRO).⁢ Continental Cholera Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa 1.0 (September 2025-February ⁢2026) (Africa CDC, 2025).
³ Global ⁤Task⁢ Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). Strategic Framework for Cholera⁤ Prevention, Control, and Elimination, 2030 (WHO, 2019).

November 1, 2025 0 comments

Health

How Should We Be Managing ‘COVID-25’?

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor October 8, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

new ⁤Strategies Emerge as COVID-19 Evolves ⁤into ‘COVID-25’

BOSTON – As ⁤the virus that causes ‌COVID-19 continues to circulate and evolve, healthcare professionals are preparing for a new phase of ⁤management, dubbed‍ ‘COVID-25,’ with emerging research and updated guidelines aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and mitigating the impact of respiratory season. While the virus remains a concern for all, renewed focus is being placed on proactive strategies for immunocompromised individuals and a‌ return ⁤to familiar preventative measures.

The ongoing evolution of ‍the virus⁤ necessitates a continued search for effective prophylaxis and treatment options. Early‍ research suggests a potential benefit from ‌nasal sprays in preventing ‌viral establishment on the respiratory mucosa, though Dr. William Schaffner emphasized the need for confirmation through⁢ further studies. “These viruses implant on the respiratory mucosa,” he explained; “therefore, ‌a nasal spray ⁣may ‌keep ‌the virus‌ off the mucosal surface preventing the virus from establishing itself. I think its very interesting.” This research underscores ⁢the commitment of scientists to finding new tools in the fight‍ against the virus.

A critical component⁤ of managing ‘COVID-25’ involves ensuring immunocompromised patients – including those with solid-organ‌ or stem cell transplants ⁣-⁤ are fully aware of their risks and have a pre-planned course of action. Dr.Scott Gottlieb stressed the importance of proactive communication, stating, “It is⁣ absolutely critical that patients with notable risk factors for progression…know that ‌there are options for them-that they are informed ahead of time and ‍have an action plan about what they can and cannot take‌ if and when they turn positive.”

Clinicians will soon have access to updated guidance to support these efforts.The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) ‌will release updated COVID-19 treatment and management⁤ guidelines, to ⁤be discussed by dr. ⁢Rajesh Gandhi of Harvard Medical⁢ School⁢ and Dr. Arjun Bhimraj at IDWeek 2025 on⁤ october‌ 22.

Beyond pharmaceutical interventions, experts are reinforcing the⁤ importance of nonpharmaceutical preventative measures. Dr. Schaffner ‌concluded by ‍reminding⁢ the public to “dust off ⁤those ‌masks and remember the importance of hand hygiene and⁢ social distancing” as respiratory season approaches.

Disclosure: ⁢Dr. Adalja ‌serves as a consultant to Invivyd and shionogi. Dr. Gottlieb reported grants or contracts to his institution ‍from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly,‍ Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson, Kinevant Sciences, Pfizer, and Regeneron; participation on advisory boards and/or consulting with AbbVie, AstraZeneca, ⁤Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK Pharmaceuticals, Invivyd and Roche;‌ honoraria for⁢ lectures from Gilead and Pfizer (the latter unrelated to infectious diseases); prior de minimis investment in AbCellera; and a gift in kind ‌to his institution from ‌Gilead Sciences to facilitate an⁤ unrelated academic-sponsored clinical trial (NCT03383419). Drs. Bhimraj and Schaffner reported no relevant financial ⁣disclosures.

This article‌ is‌ from the October 2025 print issue.

October 8, 2025 0 comments

Health

AI Tool PepMLM Targets “Undruggable” Proteins for Novel Therapies

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 23, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New AI Tools Promise a Revolution in Peptide-Based Drug Discovery

The future of⁣ drug development may lie in targeting the incredibly specific building blocks of proteins – peptides. Recent ⁣advancements in artificial intelligence are unlocking the ⁢potential of these small protein fragments, offering a “universal tool” for creating new therapies, according to researchers in the field.

For years, scientists‌ have sought ways to identify adn utilize peptide binding sites within‌ proteins. Now, ‌a wave of⁣ sophisticated ‌algorithms is accelerating this process.Researchers‌ at the University of Toronto have been at the forefront, developing⁤ tools⁤ like⁤ PepNN-Struct and PepNN-Seq, which predict where peptides bind based on a ⁢protein’s structure or genetic code. These models feed into PepMLM, further refining ⁢the identification process.

Building on this foundation,the Toronto team recently unveiled PepFlow,a ⁢deep-learning⁣ model capable ‍of predicting peptide structures themselves.This is crucial as ‍peptides are inherently flexible ‍molecules, ‌existing in multiple shapes, and ‍understanding these conformations is key to understanding their function and how to best utilize them therapeutically.

“Peptides are vital biological molecules and are naturally dynamic, so we need to model their different conformations to understand their function,” explains Philip M. Kim, PhD,‍ professor of molecular genetics and computer science at the University of Toronto, and a leading ⁢figure in this research. Dr.kim, who holds a Canada Research Chair in machine learning in protein and peptide science, ‍also co-developed the PepNN models.

The potential of peptide-based therapies is already evident in successful‌ drugs‌ like ⁢glucagon-like⁣ peptide-1 analogues, such as Ozempic, which are used to manage ‍diabetes and obesity. Though, ⁢these new AI tools aim⁢ to expand the scope ⁢of treatable conditions dramatically.

While these deep-learning models are⁤ still⁣ evolving, their promise is driving innovation. Several biotechnology companies have already spun out ‌from the PepMLM research, dedicated‍ to refining these models and applying‍ them to a wider range of diseases.

A key question ⁤for the future, Dr. kim notes,is whether these models can accurately‍ predict peptide behavior⁤ in new situations,or if they simply excel at analyzing ⁣data they’ve already been ‌trained on. Even if the models primarily “interpolate” from existing data, that capability alone could be incredibly valuable.

This research was‍ supported by funding from Duke University, cornell University, the CHDI Foundation, the⁣ Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, the hartwell Foundation,⁣ the Krembil Foundation,⁤ and the National Institutes of health. Dr. kim disclosed ⁤financial ties to Fable Therapeutics, TBG Therapeutics, and Zymedi as a cofounder and consultant.

August 23, 2025 0 comments

Health

RSV Virus: Prevention & Vaccination for Infants

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 7, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New WHO Proposal: Maternal RSV Vaccination Urged too Protect Infants

Jakarta, Indonesia – August 7, 2025 – In a meaningful development for infant health, health experts in Indonesia are echoing a new World Health Institution (WHO) recommendation: pregnant individuals should receive an RSV vaccine during the third trimester to provide crucial protection to their newborns. This comes as data reveals developing countries continue to bear the brunt of severe respiratory illness and mortality linked to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, for infants and young children, it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, frequently requiring hospitalization. Globally, RSV is estimated to cause approximately 3.6 million cases requiring inpatient care and 100,000 deaths annually in children under five years of age, with the highest mortality rates occurring in regions with limited access to medical care.The virus exists in two main genotypes, RSV A and RSV B, both contributing to the spread and severity of infection, particularly in vulnerable populations.While often mistaken for a common cold, RSV can have lasting consequences.”RSV infection is not a mild problem to be ignored,” emphasizes Professor Dr. Dr. Rinawati Rohsiswatmo, Sp.A (K), a leading Indonesian pediatrician.”This disease can have a long-term impact on a baby’s respiratory system.” She stresses the importance of early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical attention to minimize the risk of serious lung complications. An RSV infection can persist for up to two weeks and possibly lead to chronic respiratory issues.

The urgency behind the WHO recommendation stems from the underdeveloped immune systems of newborns. Providing passive immunity through maternal vaccination is seen as a proactive and effective strategy.

Professor Dr. Dr. Dwiana Ocviyanti, sp.OG (K), MPH, an expert in obstetrics and gynecology, explains that the WHO specifically recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine be administered during the third trimester of pregnancy, ideally after 28 weeks gestation. This timing allows for sufficient antibody transfer to the fetus,offering protection from birth.”By vaccinating timely, the risk of hospitalization due to RSV virus infection can be substantially reduced,” states Prof. Ocviyanti.

Beyond Vaccination: Ongoing Prevention Efforts

While vaccination is a key advancement, public health officials continue to emphasize other preventative measures, including:

Good hygiene practices: Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes.
Avoiding close contact: limiting exposure to sick individuals.
Breastfeeding: providing infants with crucial antibodies. Prompt medical attention: Seeking care at the first sign of respiratory distress.

Resources for Parents:

Parents seeking support and facts on parenting can join the Haibunda Squad Community:

August 7, 2025 0 comments

Health

SARS-CoV-2 rebound and post-acute mortality and hospitalization among patients admitted with COVID-19: cohort study

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 28, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

COVID-19 Research Explores Virologic Rebound Definitions and Viral load Dynamics

A recent study investigating COVID-19 symptomatology and treatment outcomes has examined three distinct definitions of virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after a period of suppression. These definitions, drawn from previous research, aim to capture different aspects of viral resurgence following antiviral treatment.

Teh first definition (i) considers virologic rebound as a decrease in the Cycle threshold (Ct) value by at least 3 units within 21 days after the end of oral antiviral treatment. For patients not receiving oral antivirals,treatment completion was proxied by 5 days post the index date,reflecting the median time to completion for those who did receive treatment. This approach aligns with methodologies used in prior clinical trials and observational studies.

The second definition (ii) identifies virologic rebound as at least two consecutive Ct measurements exceeding 30, followed by at least two consecutive measurements below 30.This definition focuses on a clear shift in viral detection levels.

The third definition (iii) characterizes virologic rebound by a reduction in two consecutive Ct values from above 40 to 40 or below. This definition highlights a notable drop in viral load after an initial high viral burden.To further understand the relationship between virologic rebound and viral burden over time, a post-hoc analysis was performed. This analysis utilized mixed-effect models to assess Ct measurements within 40 days of the index date.All statistical analyses were conducted using R software, version 4.2.2.

Further details regarding the research design are available in the Nature Portfolio Reporting Summary accompanying the article.

July 28, 2025 0 comments

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