Influenza Gateway

Antibody treatment for H5N1 influenza

Human monoclonal single chain antibodies specific to the M2 protein of H5N1 influenza virus were produced and shown to inhibit viral replication, providing a possible treatment for infection.

Patterns of respiratory infection in China

A study of respiratory disease in Zhuhai, China, found seasonal patterns of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus as well as correlations between some viruses with air temperature or air humidity.

ASIA: an emerging syndrome

In this Q&A we talk to Yehuda Shoenfeld about the syndrome, ASIA (Autoimmune or Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants) and discuss his recommendations regarding further research in the field.

Unusual mechanism for influenza virulence

A virulent outbreak of H7N3 avian influenza in Mexican chickens was due to a virus that acquired its multi-basic cleavage site from host 28S rRNA, the first time this has been observed in nature.

Microbes in health and disease - a new series

Guest Editor Martin Hibberd highlights advances in genomics, metagenomics and other high-throughput approaches for studying human-microbe interactions in health and disease, and the applications for medicine.

Managing sepsis in low-income settings

Shevin Jacob et al. discuss the ‘Integrated Management of Adolescent and Adult Illness District Clinician Manual’ sepsis management guidelines for resource-limited settings, highlighting the importance of ensuring sepsis research is undertaken in such locations.

New methods to minimize lung injury

Arthur Slutsky and colleagues review novel approaches to counteract ventilator-induced lung injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, discussing studies that minimize biotrauma and the underlying pathophysiology.