The need and challenges for development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases

Abstract Objective: To identify and describe learnings from past pandemics and to suggest a framework for vaccine development as part of epi/pandemic readiness. Source of data: Articles/ reviews/letters on pandemic preparedness/ vaccines published between 2005 and 2022 in PubMed, MEDLINE, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, Research Square, Gates Open Research; who. int, cepi.net, visualcapitalist.com, airfinity.com, ted.com websites; press releases. Summary of findings: Disease pandemics caused by emerging pathogens impacted the social development, health and wealth of most societies in human history. In an outbreak, the first months determine its course. To block an exponential spread and the development of an epi/ pandemic early, vaccine availability in sufficient quantities is of paramount importance. It is inevitable that new human viruses will emerge. Any future pandemic will come likely from RNA viruses through zoonotic or vector transmission, but we cannot predict when or where "Disease X" will strike. Public health, scientific and societal readiness plans need to include: continuous identification of new viruses in common mammalian reservoir hosts; continuous epidemiological surveillance, including wastewater sampling; establishment of prototype vaccine libraries against various virus families sharing functional and structural properties; testing of various and innovative vaccine platforms including mRNA, vector, nasal or oral vaccines for suitability by virus family; functional clinical trial sites and laboratory networks in various geographies; more efficient phasing of preclinical and clinical activities; global harmonization and streamlining of regulatory requirements including pre-established protocols; and societal preparedness including combating any pandemic of misinformation. Conclusions: "Outbreaks are unavoidable, pandemics are optional".

Emerging infectious diseases in voluntary blood donors in parts of China: Based on metagenomics analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the metagenomics and microbiology of voluntary blood donors in China, so as to assess the potential threats of emerging infectious diseases to the safety of blood transfusion. 【Methods】 12 300 plasma samples (10 mL each) collected by central blood stations in Chongqing, Liuzhou, Urumqi, Mianyang, Wuhan, Nanjing, Mudanjiang, and Dehong Prefecture area from 2012 to 2018 were subjected to total DNA extraction after ultracentrifugation (32 000 rpm/min, centrifugal radius 91.9 mm) in minipools of 160 donations. The metagenomic library was constructed, and deep sequencing was conducted by Illumina Hiseq 4 500. By comparing with reference sequences of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, metagenomic data were analyzed, classification of microbes were identified, and potentially harmful pathogens were evaluated. 【Results】 A total of 632 GB clean data were obtained by deep sequencing, and the top three pathogens were Pseudomonas(0.561 1%), Burkholderia(0.468 7%) and Serratia(4.242 0%). Pathogens with potential threat which could be transmitted by blood transfusion or blood products were found, such as human parvovirus B19(0.126 6%), Leishmania spp(1.348 5%) and Toxoplasma gondii(0.615 8%). 【Conclusion】 Our study analyzed metagenomics of voluntary blood donors in parts of China and revealed pathogens that may cause potential harm to blood safety, which were helpful for targeted prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases.

Achromobacter: an emerging nosocomial pathogen

Background: Achromobacter is a ubiquitous, non-fermenting, Gram-negative bacterium that lives in soil and aquatic environments. In recent years, many studies have shown its potential as opportunistic pathogen. It can colonize various items used in hospital and can survive various disinfectants. The infections get complicated due to its vast spectrum of intrinsic and extrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents and disinfectants. Achromobacter spp. is an emerging pathogen and is becoming a reservoir for horizontal genetic transfer elements involved in spreading antibiotic resistance. This study was conducted to assess the extent of the Achromobacter related infection in our hospital setting and to set a baseline for future studies.Methods: This study was conducted over a period of one year (January to December 2018) in our tertiary care hospital. All specimens submitted for aerobic culture and sensitivity were analyzed and the bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates was carried out using automated method (Vitek 2 Compact, bioMerieux).Results: Achromobacter species was reported from 0.46% (63/13831) specimens, 40% of them were isolated from suction tips. Achromobacter denitrificans amounted for 47/63 (74.6%) while Achromobacter xylosoxidans was identified in 16/63 (25.4%).Conclusions: Studying the organisms in order to observe their changing trends

Pathogen Reduction for Platelets / 대한수혈학회지

Although application of multiple safety measures like donor screening and screening for infectious agents has made blood transfusion safer than ever, blood safety remains a hot topic in transfusion medicine. Emerging pathogens constantly threaten the safety of blood and current safety measures have their limitations in addressing these matters. Pathogen reduction technologies have been developed as a proactive approach to overcoming these limitations. This paper outlines the efficacy of pathogen reduction technologies that are currently applied for platelets for clinical use. Their clinical efficacy and safety issues and other effects are also reviewed.

Novel Coronaviruses and Astroviruses in Bats / 中国病毒学·英文版

Zoonotic transmissions of emerging pathogens from wildlife to human have shaped the history of mankind. These events have also highlighted our poor understanding of microorganisms circulated in wild animals. Coronaviruses and astroviruses, which can be found from a wide range of mammals, were recently detected in bats. Strikingly, these bat viruses are genetically highly diverse and these interesting findings might help to better understand the evolution and ecology of these viruses. The discoveries of these novel bats viruses not only suggested that bats are important hosts for these virus families, but also reiterated the role of bats as a reservoir of viruses that might pose a zoonotic threat to human health.