Article
Virology
Andres F. Ospina-Jimenez, Arlen P. Gomez, Maria A. Rincon-Monroy, Lucia Ortiz, Daniel R. Perez, Mario Pena, Gloria Ramirez-Nieto
Summary: This study reveals for the first time the existence of antigenic diversity of FLUAV in Colombia and emphasizes the impact of spatial and temporal factors on this diversity. The results are significant for monitoring the variability and antigenic characteristics of swine influenza virus under natural conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Nuo Xu, Yuwei Wu, Yulian Chen, Yue Li, Yuncong Yin, Sujuan Chen, Huiguang Wu, Tao Qin, Daxin Peng, Xiufan Liu
Summary: The effects of glycosylation site modification on hemagglutinin (HA) on the biological characteristics of the H5N6 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) were investigated. H5N6 AIVs containing a 129-glycosylation site on HA were found to be prevalent strains in China, showing increased thermostability, decreased pH stability, and attenuated pathogenicity and contact transmission in chickens. Furthermore, these H5N6 AIVs escaped the neutralization activity of serum antibodies.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jai S. Bolton, Hannah Klim, Judith Wellens, Matthew Edmans, Uri Obolski, Craig P. Thompson
Summary: The antigenic drift theory posits that influenza evolves through gradual mutations, while the competing theory of antigenic thrift suggests that immune selection targets epitopes of limited variability, constraining the virus' variability. Both theories aim to explain the dominance of a single or limited number of influenza strains each season, despite the potential for multiple strains to co-circulate based on mutation in multiple epitopes.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yang Wang, Cynthia Y. Tang, Xiu-Feng Wan
Summary: Antigenic characterization of emerging and re-emerging viruses is crucial for vaccine development and disease prevention, but faces challenges such as high virus quantity requirements, antigenic mismatch between vaccine strains and circulating viruses.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Fei Wang, Jinsen Wu, Yajuan Wang, Zhimin Wan, Hongxia Shao, Kun Qian, Jianqiang Ye, Aijian Qin
Summary: This study identified key residues on the neuraminidase (NA) of H9N2 virus that are recognized by different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), shedding light on the antigenic diversity and evolution of H9N2 viruses. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the antigenic structure of H9N2 viral NA.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Nan Zhang, Keji Quan, Zixuan Chen, Qun Hu, Maoshun Nie, Nuo Xu, Ruyi Gao, Xiaoquan Wang, Tao Qin, Sujuan Chen, Daxin Peng, Xiufan Liu
Summary: Vaccination is a crucial measure against H9N2 avian influenza viruses in China, but continuous antigenic drift of the virus threatens its effectiveness. This study identified molecular markers and antibody escape residues of the virus, and revealed the emergence of a new antigenic branch since 2015.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jing Xia, Yu-Wen Luo, Meng-Yi Dong, Yong-Xin Li, An-Dong Wang, Nian-Ling Li, Yu-Xi Shen, Shu-Yun Li, Min Cui, Xin-Feng Han, Song-Cheng Yu, Min Li, Yong Huang
Summary: This study identified two mutation sites (A168N and D201G) in H9N2 AIV that significantly affected antigenicity, without altering the growth kinetics of the virus. The D201G substitution not only changed antigenicity, but also caused immune escape from the parental virus. These mutation sites should be monitored during outbreaks.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Pavithra Daulagala, Brian R. Mann, Kathy Leung, Eric H. Y. Lau, Louise Yung, Ruipeng Lei, Sarea I. N. Nizami, Joseph T. Wu, Susan S. Chiu, Rodney S. Daniels, Nicholas C. Wu, David Wentworth, Malik Peiris, Hui-Ling Yen
Summary: Immune imprinting shapes the anti-HA antibody landscape, but the evaluation of anti-HA and anti-NA antibody responses in individuals born within the same birth cohort has been limited. This study characterized NA antigenic variants and found age-dependent imprinting of both anti-HA and anti-NA antibodies. Including NA proteins in influenza vaccine preparations may enhance vaccine efficacy.
Article
Virology
Yiqing Zheng, Yanna Guo, Yingfei Li, Bing Liang, Xiaoyuan Sun, Shijia Li, Huizhi Xia, Jihui Ping
Summary: This study evaluates the relative contributions of different amino acid substitutions in the HA globular head domain of the H9N2 AIV immune escape strain FJ/20 and the vaccine strain AH/17. The study identifies important markers for understanding H9N2 AIV evolution and improving vaccine development and control strategies in poultry.
Article
Virology
Carine K. K. Souza, J. Brian Kimble, Tavis K. K. Anderson, Zebulun W. W. Arendsee, David E. E. Hufnagel, Katharine M. M. Young, Phillip C. C. Gauger, Nicola S. S. Lewis, C. Todd Davis, Sharmi Thor, Amy L. Vincent L. Baker
Summary: Human-to-swine transmission of influenza A (H3N2) virus is significant in the evolution and diversity of swine influenza A virus (IAV). The introduction of human seasonal H3 IAVs into swine has led to the formation of different lineages and clades. Variant viruses from these lineages have caused zoonotic cases and pose a public health concern. The study indicates that existing vaccine strains offer limited protection against swine H3N2 infection, particularly the widespread 1990.4.A viruses associated with multiple zoonotic cases.
Article
Immunology
Mark W. Tenforde, Manish M. Patel, Nathaniel M. Lewis, Katherine Adams, Manjusha Gaglani, Jay S. Steingrub, Nathan Shapiro, Abhijit Duggal, Matthew E. Prekker, Ithan D. Peltan, David N. Hager, Michelle N. Gong, Matthew C. Exline, Adit A. Ginde, Nicholas M. Mohr, Christopher Mallow, Emily T. Martin, H. Keipp Talbot, Kevin W. Gibbs, Jennie H. Kwon, James D. Chappell, Natasha Halasa, Adam S. Lauring, Christopher J. Lindsell, Sydney A. Swan, Kimberly W. Hart, Kelsey N. Womack, Adrienne Baughman, Carlos G. Grijalva, Wesley H. Self
Summary: During the 2021-2022 US influenza season, circulating A(H3N2) viruses were antigenically different from the vaccine. The vaccine effectiveness against hospitalized illness was 26% (95% CI: -14-52%) for adults 18-64 years old and -3% (95% CI: -54-31%) for adults ≥ 65 years old. Our study showed that the influenza vaccine had some effectiveness in preventing hospitalization among immunocompetent adults aged 18-64, but provided no significant protection for adults ≥ 65.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yoko Matsuzaki, Kanetsu Sugawara, Yoshitaka Shimotai, Yoko Kadowaki, Seiji Hongo, Katsumi Mizuta, Hidekazu Nishimura
Summary: The study on the antigenicity of the hemagglutinin esterase glycoprotein of influenza C virus revealed that mutations in different antigenic sites can affect viral replication, and certain residues are likely to mediate antigenic drift while maintaining replicative ability.
Article
Immunology
Mark W. Tenforde, Rebecca J. Garten Kondor, Jessie R. Chung, Richard K. Zimmerman, Mary Patricia Nowalk, Michael L. Jackson, Lisa A. Jackson, Arnold S. Monto, Emily T. Martin, Edward A. Belongia, Huong Q. McLean, Manjusha Gaglani, Arundhati Rao, Sara S. Kim, Thomas J. Stark, John R. Barnes, David E. Wentworth, Manish M. Patel, Brendan Flannery
Summary: This study investigated the vaccine effectiveness against emerging influenza viruses during the 2019-2020 season in the United States. The results showed that the vaccine provided good protection against B/Victoria viruses, but lower effectiveness against A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, mainly due to vaccine mismatch caused by antigenic drift. The study observed the impact of antigenic drift on vaccine protection, with significant protection still observed even in drifted years.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Raul Ortiz de Lejarazu-Leonardo, Emanuele Montomoli, Radek Wojcik, Solomon Christopher, Anne Mosnier, Elena Pariani, Antoni Trilla Garcia, Helmut Fickenscher, Barbara C. Gaertner, Ravi Jandhyala, Maria Zambon, Catherine Moore
Summary: Experts estimate that egg adaptations and antigenic drift have a significant impact on the match and effectiveness of influenza vaccines in Europe, with a particularly pronounced effect on the A(H3N2) subtype. These phenomena occur in two to three out of five seasons and are likely to continue in the future.
Article
Virology
Lei Xing, Yunbo Chen, Boqian Chen, Ling Bu, Ying Liu, Zhiqi Zeng, Wenda Guan, Qigao Chen, Yongping Lin, Kun Qin, Honglin Chen, Xilong Deng, Xinhua Wang, Wenjun Song
Summary: The emergence of the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus in 2009 and its continuous circulation in humans for over a decade has led to genetic mutations and rapid antigenic changes in the virus. The study on a clinical case in Guangdong revealed a novel substitution motif in the hemagglutinin segment of the virus, which showed faster propagation kinetics and weaker binding to antibodies from previous vaccine strains. This suggests that old vaccines may not be effective in protecting against the antigenic drift pdm09 virus, posing a risk for individuals vaccinated in the southern hemisphere.
Article
Immunology
Gabriel Chodick, Lilac Tene, Ran S. Rotem, Tal Patalon, Sivan Gazit, Amir Ben-Tov, Clara Weil, Inbal Goldshtein, Gilad Twig, Dani Cohen, Khitam Muhsen
Summary: The study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine in Israel, showing a significantly reduced incidence of infection during the protection period compared to the reference period. The vaccine demonstrated 90% effectiveness in preventing infection and 94% effectiveness against COVID-19, with lower efficacy observed in immunosuppressed elderly individuals.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Marina Izak, Veronica Gendelman, Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, Evgeniy Stoyanov, Roni Gat, Daniel Cohen, Jacob Chen, Yasmin Maor, Avi Benov, Boaz Lev, Oren Zimhony, Eilat Shinar
Summary: The study reported on the management of a national CCP collection and distribution program in Israel, with 4020 volunteer donors donating 5221 CCP units from April 1, 2020, to January 15, 2021. Results showed that older donors had higher antibody levels, and a statistical model was created to predict the decline of antibody levels.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sivan Gazit, Roei Shlezinger, Galit Perez, Roni Lotan, Asaf Peretz, Amir Ben-Tov, Esma Herzel, Hillel Alapi, Dani Cohen, Khitam Muhsen, Gabriel Chodick, Tal Patalon
Summary: This study compares the reinfection rate between previously infected individuals who were not vaccinated and those who received a single dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. The results show that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of reinfection and symptomatic disease.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Khitam Muhsen, Nimrod Maimon, Amiel Yaron Mizrahi, Baruch Varticovschi, Omri Bodenheimer, Dani Cohen, Ron Dagan
Summary: This cohort study found a significant inverse association between the third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine and overall SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalizations, severe disease, and COVID-19-related deaths among LTCF residents during a massive surge caused by the Delta variant in Israel.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dani Cohen, Shai Ashkenazi, Rachel Schneerson, Nahid Farzam, Anya Bialik, Shiri Meron-Sudai, Valeria Asato, Sophy Goren, Tomer Ziv Baran, Khitam Muhsen, Peter B. Gilbert, Calman A. MacLennan
Summary: This study examined the protective effect of Shigella vaccines and found that a certain level of serum IgG against Shigella lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can predict the degree of protection.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ravit Bassal, Lital Keinan-Boker, Dani Cohen, Ella Mendelson, Yaniv Lustig, Victoria Indenbaum
Summary: The study investigated the seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among adults in Israel before and after the introduction of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. They found that low socio-economic rank and certain populations were more likely to test positive between January and December 2020. After the vaccine introduction, there was a significant increase in seropositivity, followed by stable rates.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eric S. Donkor, Khitam Muhsen, Sherry A. M. Johnson, Fleischer C. N. Kotey, Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie, Patience B. Tetteh-Quarcoo, Edem M. A. Tette, Mary-Magdalene Osei, Beverly Egyir, Nicholas I. Nii-Trebi, Godfred Owusu-Okyere, Alex Owusu-Ofori, Yonatan Amir, Saritte Perlman, Perdita Hilary Lopes, Adjo Mfodwo, Nicola C. Gordon, Louise Gresham, Mark Smolinski, Dani Cohen
Summary: This study aimed to determine the distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria causing bloodstream infections in Ghana. The results showed high resistance and multidrug resistance to various antibiotics, including cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and penicillins, indicating limited effectiveness of these antibiotics in BSI treatment in the country.
Article
Immunology
Yasmin Maor, Eilat Shinar, Marina Izak, Galia Rahav, Tal Brosh-Nissimov, Asa Kessler, Naomi Rahimi-Levene, Odeda Benin-Goren, Dani Cohen, Iris Zohar, Noga Alagem, Sharon Castro, Oren Zimhony
Summary: In this study, convalescent immunoglobulins (cIgGs) were compared with convalescent plasma (CP) for treating COVID-19 patients. The study found that cIgGs did not meet the noninferiority endpoint on day 14 but showed superior performance to CP on day 28. Unvaccinated patients treated with cIgGs had better survival and improvement by day 28.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manfred S. Green, Naama Schwartz, Victoria Peer
Summary: Possible sex differences in HAV incidence rates in different age groups were examined using data from several high-income countries. A consistent male excess in incidence rates was observed in all age groups, indicating that biological and physiological differences may contribute to these differences.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sam Miti, Obvious N. Chilyabanyama, Caroline C. Chisenga, Mwelwa Chibuye, Samuel Bosomprah, Chisenga Mumba, Salome Chitondo, Seter Siziya, Dani Cohen, Roma Chilengi, Michelo Simuyandi
Summary: The clinical classification of dysentery has low sensitivity and predictive value in identifying Shigella infections in children under five in Zambia, leading to significant underestimation of the disease burden in this population.
Article
Pediatrics
Yelena Lapidot, Maayan Maya, Leah Reshef, Dani Cohen, Asher Ornoy, Uri Gophna, Khitam Muhsen
Summary: This study aimed to explore the connection between the gut microbiome and cognitive development in school-age children. The research conducted on 165 healthy Israeli Arab children found that there were significant associations between microbiome diversity and cognitive development, with children who had better cognitive development showing a more diverse, even, and rich microbiome.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shiri Meron-Sudai, Valeria Asato, Amos Adler, Anya Bialik, Sophy Goren, Ortal Ariel-Cohen, Arava Reizis, Laurence A. Mulard, Armelle Phalipon, Dani Cohen
Summary: SF2a-TT15, a synthetic carbohydrate-based conjugate vaccine candidate against Shigella flexneri 2a, was found to induce a sustained immune response in the majority of volunteers followed up 2 and 3 years post-vaccination. High levels of humoral parameters and specific-IgG memory B-cells determined 3 months after vaccination were good predictors of the durability of the immune response.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dani Cohen, Marina Izak, Evgeniy Stoyanov, Michal Mandelboim, Saritte Perlman, Yonatan Amir, Sophy Goren, Anya Bialik, Limor Kliker, Nofar Atari, Ruti Yshai, Yona Zaide, Hadar Marcus, Noa Madar-Balakirski, Tomer Israely, Nir Paran, Oren Zimhony, Eilat Shinar, Yasmin Maor, Khitam Muhsen
Summary: This study examined predictors of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among COVID-19-recovered individuals. The findings showed that strong immune responses after the first infection and subsequent vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine provided cross-protection against reinfections with the Delta and Omicron variants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hadar Edelman-Klapper, Keren Masha Rabinowitz, Eran Zittan, Ariella Bar-Gil Shitrit, Idan Goren, Irit Avni-Biron, Jacob E. Ollech, Lev Lichtenstein, Hagar Banai-Eran, Henit Yanai, Yifat Snir, Maor H. Pauker, Adi Friedenberg, Adva Levy-Barda, Yelena Broitman, Haim Ben Zvi, Tsachi-Tsadok Perets, Rami Eliakim, Revital Barkan, Sophy Goren, Dani Cohen, Iris Dotan
Summary: Vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) treated with anti-TNF-alpha may have lower serologic response after a third vaccine dose. This study suggests that a fourth vaccine dose may be needed for this patient population.
Article
Microbiology
Shubham Mathur, Svetlana Bardenstein, Daniel Cohen, Menachem Banai
Summary: Serum PCR-based approach can be used for the diagnosis and control of small ruminant brucellosis, as well as differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Using this method, we identified the involvement of both the vaccine strain and a field strain in an outbreak of brucellosis. This method provides a novel approach to study the etiology of brucellosis using serum samples.
MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)