2) H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus that can cause severe disease in humans and is often fatal. It first emerged in humans in 1997 in Hong Kong.
Since 2003, over 800 human cases have been reported worldwide.
Most cases have occurred in Southeast Asia.
3) H5N1 viruses have evolved into multiple clades, with clade 2.3.4.4 currently circulating widely and causing outbreaks in birds globally.
The virus spreads between birds through contact with infected secretions/excretions. While rare, human infections ...
4) ... usually occur through direct contact with infected poultry. Limited human-to-human transmission has occurred.
H5N1 can infect multiple avian and some mammalian species. Its spread among wild birds and persistence in various regions increases exposure risks.
5) Clinically, H5N1 causes severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in humans. It can also infect other organs like the brain and liver.
6) Diagnosis involves virus isolation, antigen/antibody detection, and PCR-based molecular methods from respiratory and stool samples.
Treatment includes antiviral drugs like oseltamivir, but resistance has emerged. Vaccines are available but require further development.
7) Surveillance, controlling outbreaks in animals, limiting exposure to infected birds, hygiene practices and antiviral prophylaxis can help control spread and risk of infection.
8) In summary, H5N1 is a zoonotic avian influenza virus that poses an ongoing global threat due to its severe consequences in humans and persistence in bird populations worldwide.
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2) ... that plays a crucial role in the immune system. They are located on the surface of immune cells and are responsible for recognizing specific molecules from pathogens, as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When TLRs detect these molecules ...
3) ...they trigger an immune response to eliminate the invading pathogens. TLRs are essential for the body's defense against infections and are involved in inflammation and the activation of other immune cells.
2) The study aims to examine the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network between SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins and human host proteins. This can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets and drug repurposing opportunities for COVID-19
3) A PPI network was constructed consisting of 29 SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins interacting with 2896 host proteins. 176 host genes were identified that interact with all viral proteins, indicating their importance.
2) The study analyzed 17 pediatric patients in Korea who experienced severe neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Omicron variant-predominant period from January to April 2022.
3) Over half (11/17) of the patients had pre-existing neurological disabilities and 9 met the criteria for MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children). Only 1 patient was vaccinated.
Severe neurological manifestations included acute necrotiwezing encephalopathy ...
2) The study assessed the kinetics of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among 137 employees of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis who had confirmed COVID-19 infection between September 2020-March 2021.
3) Antibody levels were measured at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-infection. Neutralizing antibodies and anti-S-RBD antibodies significantly decreased between months 1-3 but increased from months 3-6.
2) This study aims to investigate the impact of the Omicron variant on young people 12 months after infection. The study included 345 young people who had their first laboratory-confirmed infection with the Omicron variant and 360 young people who were reinfected ...
3) ...with the Omicron variant.
They completed an online questionnaire assessing demographics, symptoms, and their impact at different time points. The most common symptoms reported at 12 months post-testing were tiredness and sleeping difficulties.
โถ๏ธ Is the TRANSMISSION of the virus AIRBORNE or by DROPLETS ?
BOTH, even, if it is essentially airborne, due to the constraints of droplet transmission.
โถ๏ธ Is there a "relative" IMMUNITY ...
2) ... post-infection or post-vaccination ?
BOTH, even if reinfections must absolutely be avoided, and if the concept of hybrid immunity is dead, since there are almost no more vaccines administered
โถ๏ธ Is a WAVE caused by a VARIANT or by WANING IMMUNITY?
BOTH plus ...
3) ...population behavior, environmental factors, population density, transportation, ...
A wave is multifactorial.
โถ๏ธ Is there 10% or more than 40% long COVID?
BOTH, because it depends, on whether the definition, refers to 1 or more symptoms, 3 months after the infection