Influenza Gateway

Low transmission potential of H7N9

Mathematical models suggest the novel influenza A/H7N9 virus has low transmission potential in China, but continued monitoring is warranted as changing seasonal factors and relaxed interventional measures might promote its spread.

Detecting H7 AIVs

Development of an H7 avian influenza virus (AIV) dual function ELISA, using monoclonal antibodies raised against influenza hemagglutinin, allows sensitive and specific diagnosis of these viruses.

Metagenomics and pathogenic detection

Patrick Tang, Jennifer Gardy and colleagues review metagenomics approaches for pathogen detection in public health settings, which have the potential to revolutionize diagnostic and clinical microbiology.

Anti-viral activity of CHLA & PUG

Chebulagic acid (CHLA) and punicalagin (PUG), previously shown to inhibit viral glycoprotein interactions with host cells, have been demonstrated to inhibit infection by a number of human pathogens, including hepatitis C virus and dengue virus.

Healthy elderly deficient in Vitamin D

Approximately two-thirds of healthy Swiss older people have vitamin D insufficiency, and low levels of vitamin D are associated with changes in humoral immunity, providing further evidence for the role of vitamin D in the immune system.

Cross-reactive influenza epitopes

This review highlights B and T cell epitopes present in influenza A viruses and their cross reactivity to influenza B viruses, providing an invaluable resource for vaccine development.

Flu vaccines can provide cross-protection

Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis shows that flu vaccination can protect against infection with a different strain of the virus, but protection is most effective when the vaccine antigens and circulating flu strain match.