Special Issue: Honor of Dr. Mike Bray on his retirement as the editor-in-chief of antiviral research. (Special Issue: Honor of Dr. Mike Bray on his retirement as the editor-in-chief of antiviral research.)

This special issue contains 23 articles that discuss various aspects of antiviral research, focusing on the contributions and legacy of Dr. Mike Bray, the retiring Editor-in-Chief of Antiviral Research. The articles cover a range of topics, including the underappreciated mouse model for Ebola virus disease, the history and impact of the mouse-adapted Ebola virus model, and the characterisation of CD-1 mice infected with different strains of Ebola virus. Other articles delve into transplacental vertical transmission of flaviviruses, the development of reverse genetic systems for SARS-CoV-2, and the mechanisms of action and drug resistance of nucleotide analogues against the virus. The special issue also explores therapeutics for flaviviral infections, alternative splicing in RNA virus infections, and targeted protein degradation as an antiviral approach.

Anthropogenic ecological changes and spill over of viruses - a review

Biodiversity protects ecosystem against infectious diseases. Increased human contact with wild life have caused high impact diseases such as SARS, Novel Corona virus, Nipah Virus, Ebola fever and many more. Anthropogenic activities such as hunting, farming, human encroachments, wild life trade, introduction of domestic species, bush meat hunting, road building, mining and increased human wildlife contact rates have lead to massive decline in biodiversity and increased risk of spilling over of dangerous viruses from animals to humans primarily due to host shifts. Human preference to high meat diet is also on rise in many countries. Wet markets have significant contribution in amplifying epizootic virus transmission and increased human exposure. Species in the primate and bat orders harbor a number of zoonotic viruses. Our destruction of nature, loss of habitat and biodiversity possibly tend to promote viral emergence. Invasion of undisturbed places leads to more and more exposure and create habitat where viral transmission is easier. Interference with a natural environment/habitat can, therefore, worsen the health risks. The erosion of biodiversity may lead to proliferation of species that are most likely to transmit new diseases to humans. Preserving habitat, biodiversity and natural environment is therefore one of the essential issues that cannot be put at the back any more.

Summary of global surveillance data of infectious diseases in December 2022

In December 2022, a total of 68 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 235 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (235), monkeypox (110), dengue fever (28), measles (27) and cholera (14). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (47.0%), Rift Valley fever (44.2%), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (40.0%), Lassa fever (17.6%) and West Nile fever (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and measles. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19, cholera and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, monkeypox, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19, monkeypox and invasive group A streptococcus infection.

Enhancing vaccination of key populations: lessons and actions

Vaccination is effective in preventing the increase of disease, especially emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and it is particularly important for people in close contact with infected sources and susceptible populations who are at increased risk of getting infectious diseases due to behavior, occupation or health. Despite targeted vaccination guidelines, inadequate vaccination of the key populations fails to receive widespread attention, resulting in a high-risk transition of disease from key populations to general populations. Strengthening the vaccination of the susceptible groups can effectively block the spread of pathogens to general populations, and reduce the consumption of medical resources in universal vaccination, which has significant economic value. In this review, we describe the prevalence of EIDs, analyze the experience and lessons of infectious disease vaccination in key populations through several cases, and further explore the causes for the decline in vaccination rates of key populations. According to the trends of EIDs, a plan to strengthen the vaccination of key populations is proposed to effectively prevent the transition of EIDs from key populations to general populations.

Summary of national data of class A, B and C communicable diseases in China, December 2022

In December 2022 (from 00: 00, 1 December to 24: 00, 31 December), except COVID-19, a total of 278 907 cases of notifiable communicable diseases, including 2 384 deaths, were reported in China (except Hong Kong, Macao Special Administrative Regions and Taiwan Province, the same below). In communicable diseases in class A, no cases and no deaths were reported. In communicable diseases in class B, no cases and no deaths of severe acute respiratory syndrome, poliomyelitis, human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, diphtheria and human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus were reported. For the remaining 21 communicable diseases except COVID-19 in class B, a total of 148 573 cases were reported, a decrease of 29% compared with last month (210 178 cases) and a decrease of 46% compared with the same period in 2021 (273 361 cases). The first 5 diseases in terms of reported case number were viral hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea and AIDS, accounting for 96% of the total reported cases in class B. A total of 2 384 deaths were reported, an increase of 28% (521 deaths) compared with last month (1 863 deaths) and a decrease of 14% compared with the same period in 2021 (2 763 deaths). In class C communicable diseases, a total of 130 334 cases were reported, a decrease of 33% compared with last month (195 072 cases) and a decrease of 69% compared with the same period in 2021 (420 015 cases). The first 3 diseases in terms of reported case number were influenza, other infectious diarrhea, and hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD), accounting for 96% of the total reported cases in class C. Compared with last month, except filariasis which had no incidence, the reported case number of leprosy was same, and the disease with reported case increase was echinococcosis (47 cases, 48%), the reported cases of other diseases all decreased, the first 3 diseases with reported case decreases were HFMD (22 886 cases, 45%), other infectious diarrhea (21 962 cases, 43%) and influenza (14 775 cases, 18%). Compared with the same period in 2021, except filariasis which had no incidence, the reported cases of other diseases all decreased, the first 3 diseases with reported case decreases were influenza (181 158 cases, 73%), other infectious diarrhea (53 502 cases, 65%) and HFMD (46 674 cases, 63%). No death caused by class C communicable disease was reported, same to last month and a decrease of 7 deaths compared with the same period in 2021 (7 deaths).

Bat and bat-borne hantaviruses

Hantaviruses are important pathogenes of natural focal diseases that causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. According to the latest classification of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, hantaviruses can be divided into 53 species, 7 genera, and 4 subfamilies. Hantaviruses are widely found in Rodentia, Chiroptera, and Insectivora, and later also found in reptile, Actinopterygii, and Agnatha. There are many species of bats, which are the second largest group of mammals in the world after rodents. At present, 1 446 species have been reported, accounting for about 22% of global mammals. In addition, bats have strong flight ability and are widely distributed in all continents except Antarctica. As the host animal of viruses, bats bear a variety of viruses, and many emerging infectious pathogens such as Marburg virus, Hendra virus, and Nipah virus have been confirmed to come from bats. Bats have also been associated to Ebola virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In recent decades, more and more bat-borne hantaviruses have been discovered. Bats and bat-borne hantaviruses have an important research value. Therefore, this paper reviews the latest classification of Hantavirus and bat-borne hantaviruses.

COVID-19, Ebola, and measles: achieving sustainability in the era of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. (Special Issue: Where do we go from here? Reframing sustainability for a post-COVID-19 era.)

This review article discusses the following: (1) infectious diseases and the Sustainable Development Goals, (2) pandemic proofing and the SDGs, (3) climate change and food insecurity, (4) antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, (5) vaccines, prevention, and vaccine hesitancy, (6) plastics, waste, and pollution. Therefore, it is increasingly clear that the pandemic is disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable of our communities: the elderly, persons with preexisting conditions, and persons living with disabilities, as well as communities of color, immigrants, our prison population, and front-line workers, who often have low income. Promoting respect for cultural diversity (SDG16) within a human-rights-based approach helps facilitate cultural understanding and peace, prevents conflicts, and protects the rights of marginalised groups.

Analytical methods for Ebola virus detection

Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreaks have been reported to be the most severe mortally recurrent illness due to a lack of timely diagnosis and medication. EBOV disease is a severe syndrome of hemorrhagic viral fever caused by the EBOV, is spread directly in contact with infected body fluids and virus-contaminated or animal-affected objects. Individuals typically die before antibody response at the point of fatal EBOV infection. Currently, prognosis includes a combination of case identification and lab tests, typically real-time PCR or reverse transcription to diagnose viral RNA or rapid immunoassay-based detection methods to identify EBOV antigens. Moreover, few nanotech-based ways have lately been identified to diagnose the Ebola virus. Optical monitoring, in particular, permits fluorescence molecules to be recognized with the naked eye or fluorometers. Also, electrochemical identification methods (either amperometry, potentiometric, or impedimetric) could provide a susceptible system utilizing disposable lab on chips. Furthermore, the electrochemical devices may be easily miniaturized using a hand-held potentiostat, eliminating the need for complicated diagnostic tools. Advances in technology have also been coupled with growing attempts to improve the capacity for decentralized diagnostic identification that can be used near the patient care level. Infectious illness outbreaks can be contained more easily with timely identification and treatment optimization. Currently, technical advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of medical things(IoMT) are being used to assist such POCT. Therefore, IoMT provides wireless-based operation & interconnection of POCT devices to health experts & medical care centers. POCT systems with IoMT can bridge the gap between bioinformatics generation, quick analysis & clinical validation. An optimal IoMT-POCT will aid in determining the development of the disease, making treatment recommendations, and assessing prescribed therapy's efficiency. This review illustrates some conventional strategies for diagnosing Ebola & advocates for a fast, accurate, and responsive point of care identification of EBOV for massive health care.

Summary of global surveillance data of infectious diseases in December 2021

In December 2021, a total of 64 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 228 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 228), measles (29), dengue fever (28), cholera (12) and chikungunya fever (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), yellow fever (22.0%), Lassa fever (20.0%) and plague (10.8%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, dengue fever and cholera. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, cholera, yellow fever, plague, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe was COVID-19.

COVID-19 in C..te d'Ivoire: focusing on the "social figure" of the disease in Abidjan

COVID-19 has affected Africa like the rest of the world. However, it can be assumed that the population's representation of the disease differs from one country to another. Based on a qualitative survey, we analyze its social representation in C..te d'Ivoire, and more specifically in Abidjan, the main area of contamination. Our results show that the "social figure" of the disease in this country is marked, on the one hand, by a vision anchored in clientelism with regard to the prohibitions and authorizations linked to the restrictions imposed, and, on the other hand, by a trivialization based on the images of "massification", "generalization", and "naturalization", in particular with respect to HIV-AIDS or Ebola.

Summary of global surveillance data of infectious diseases in November 2021

In November 2021, a total of 65 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (31), measles (21), poliomyelitis (11) and cholera (10). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (81.8%), Lassa fever (18.6%), yellow fever (15.3%), meningitis (7.9%) and plague (7.6%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and yellow fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.

Summary of global surveillance data of infectious diseases in October 2021

In October 2021, a total of 60 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 226 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19, 226), dengue fever (24), measles (24), cholera (10) and malaria (9). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Ebola virus disease (75.0%), Lassa fever (19.7%), meningitis (8.5%), plague (7.6%) and West Nile fever (5.7%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, cholera, dengue fever and meningitis. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, cholera, yellow fever, lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever, chikungunya fever and Zika virus disease, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.

Bats as Reservoirs of Viral Zoonoses

In the last few decades, a special interest in viruses hosted by bats arose after links with zoonoses of public health importance emerged. A dramatic increase in documented viral diversity in bats has occurred with an increasing difficulty in interpretation of results and risk assessments. In addition, the risk of spillover directly from bats or through other intermediate hosts is on the rise as human exposure results from habitat encroachment, human population expansion, deforestation and changes in climate and human behavior, such as increased bushmeat consumption, live animal markets, and cave exploration. The link between rabies and bats has been known for decades;however, there are many other viruses that also pose a threat with no prophylactic treatment or prevention measures existing yet. In addition, viruses have different routes of transmission and shedding may be seasonal. Our aim is to summarize what is known about important virus families implicated in zoonotic events with a bat origin. We include a discussion on potential immunological characteristics that allow bats to harbor many of these viruses without showing signs of disease and raise awareness on how to avoid exposure by considering different routes of exposure to infectious agents.

Summary of global surveillance data of infectious diseases in August 2021

In August 2021, a total of 69 infectious diseases were reported globally, affecting 225 countries and regions. Except for influenza, the top five infectious diseases affecting greatest number of countries and regions were COVID-19 (225), dengue fever (27), measles (21), chikungunya fever (10) and cholera (8). The top five infectious diseases with highest case fatality rates were Marburg virus disease (100.0%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (34.4%), plague (23.3%), Lassa fever (20.5%) and yellow fever (16.7%). The top five infectious diseases with greatest number of deaths were COVID-19, malaria, measles, cholera and dengue fever. The prevalent infectious diseases in Asia were COVID-19 and dengue fever, the prevalent infectious diseases in Africa were COVID-19, Ebola virus disease, Marburg virus disease, cholera, plague, yellow fever, Lassa fever, poliomyelitis, malaria and measles, the prevalent infectious diseases in America were COVID-19, dengue fever and chikungunya fever, the prevalent infectious disease in Europe were COVID-19 and West Nile fever.