Article
Microbiology
David Scheibner, Ahmed H. Salaheldin, Ola Bagato, Luca M. Zaeck, Ahmed Mostafa, Ulrike Blohm, Christin Mueller, Ahmed F. Eweas, Kati Franzke, Axel Karger, Alexander Schaefer, Marcel Gischke, Donata Hoffmann, Solene Lerolle, Xuguang Li, Hatem S. Abd El-Hamid, Jutta Veits, Angele Breithaupt, Geert-Jan Boons, Mikhail Matrosovich, Stefan Finke, Stephan Pleschka, Thomas C. Mettenleiter, Robert P. de Vries, Elsayed M. Abdelwhab
Summary: Mutations in the neuraminidase (NA) of human H5N1 viruses play different roles in infection of mammals without affecting virulence or transmission in chickens. This study is important to understand the genetic determinants for replication of avian influenza viruses in mammals and should assist in the prediction of avian influenza viruses with zoonotic potential.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed Kandeil, Christopher Patton, Jeremy C. Jones, Trushar Jeevan, Walter N. Harrington, Sanja Trifkovic, Jon P. Seiler, Thomas Fabrizio, Karlie Woodard, Jasmine C. Turner, Jeri-Carol Crumpton, Lance Miller, Adam Rubrum, Jennifer DeBeauchamp, Charles J. Russell, Elena A. Govorkova, Peter Vogel, Mia Kim-Torchetti, Yohannes Berhane, David Stallknecht, Rebecca Poulson, Lisa Kercher, Richard J. Webby
Summary: In 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b spread rapidly among wild birds and domestic poultry across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and reached North America. The movement of clade 2.3.4.4b was followed by reassortment with viruses circulating in wild birds in North America, resulting in the emergence of genetically and phenotypically diverse A(H5N1) viruses that cause severe disease with neurological involvement in mammals. The ability of the current A(H5N1) 2.3.4.4b virus lineage to reassort and target the central nervous system highlights the need for coordinated planning to control the spread and evolution of the virus and to mitigate the impact of a potential influenza pandemic.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Abdul-Azeez A. Anjorin, Aurelie Sausy, Claude P. Mueller, Judith M. Hubschen, Sunday A. Omilabu, Chantal J. Snoeck
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the circulation of influenza A viruses and characterize the strains at the interface between swine workers and their animals in Nigeria, a hub for pig production in Africa. The results showed that a significant number of pig serum samples had anti-influenza A antibodies, indicating circulation of the virus in pigs. However, no positive results were found in pig swabs. Two strains of influenza A, A(H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal A(H3N2), were detected in swine workers. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among swine workers and implementing vaccination and other preventive measures to reduce inter-species transmission.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Amany Adel, Zienab Mosaad, Azhar G. Shalaby, Karim Selim, Mohamed Samy, Marwa A. Abdelmagid, Naglaa M. Hagag, Abdel Satar Arafa, Wafaa M. Hassan, Momtaz A. Shahien
Summary: Despite the low pathogenicity, H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Egypt have caused severe economic losses in the poultry sector. Continuous genetic evolution of the virus since 2011 highlights the importance of regular monitoring to control its spread. Analysis of HA genes from 2011 to 2020 supports the continuous evolution of LPAI H9N2 viruses in Egypt with persistent markers.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Yavuz Mercan, Gladys Atim, Ahmed E. Kayed, M. Ekin Azbazdar, Ahmed Kandeil, Mohamed A. Ali, Adam Rubrum, Pamela McKenzie, Richard J. Webby, Bernard Erima, Fred Wabwire-Mangen, Qouilazoni A. Ukuli, Titus Tugume, Denis K. Byarugaba, Ghazi Kayali, Mariette F. Ducatez, Zeynep A. Kocer
Summary: Genetic and molecular characterization of H6N2 influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda during 2017-2018 revealed that Egyptian and Turkish isolates were genetically closer to each other, and that multiple reassortment events may have been involved in the genesis of the isolated viruses. These viruses contained molecular markers associated with increased replication and pathogenicity in mammals, indicating potential risks for poultry and human exposure.
Article
Immunology
Yu Ye, Huiying Fan, Qi Li, Zhen Zhang, Peisi Miao, Jun Zhu, Jie Liu, Jie Zhang, Ming Liao
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the proteome response in Muscovy duck lung tissue during H5N1 avian influenza virus infection. The findings suggest that the infection mechanism and disease progression of H5N1 viruses may be related to specific pathways and protein expressions. The study reveals differences in host immune response between different strains of the H5N1 virus and indicates the involvement of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in the host response to H5N1 viruses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hongbo Zhang, Yanfeng Yao, Yan Li, Jianjun Chen, Ze Chen
Summary: This study isolated multiple H5N1 strains from water samples in Dongting Lake and lakeside backyard poultry, and genetic analysis revealed a diversified genome constellation. The genetic characteristics of some viruses from water samples were similar to those from lakeside poultry. Pathogenic experiments showed that selected isolates were highly pathogenic in SPF chickens but had varied virulence in mice.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rabeh El-Shesheny, Ahmed Kandeil, Ahmed Mostafa, Mohamed A. Ali, Richard J. Webby
Summary: Egypt has been an endemic for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses for almost a decade, causing significant impact on poultry production and human infections. Since 2017, HPAI A(H5N8) viruses have gradually replaced A(H5N1) viruses, but the government's outbreak control measures have been inadequate, resulting in an increase in avian influenza outbreaks and low compliance with control measures in the community.
COLD SPRING HARBOR PERSPECTIVES IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Maja Kuzmanovska, Golubinka Boshevska, Elizabeta Janchevska, Teodora Buzharova, Milica Simova, Aneta Peshnacka, Gordana Nikolovska, Dragan Kochinski, Radica Stoleska Ilioska, Kristina Stavridis, Vladimir Mikikj, Gordana Kuzmanovska, Shaban Memeti, Icko Gjorgoski
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive virological and epidemiological overview of four influenza seasons in North Macedonia. Results show that sentinel surveillance system efficiently monitors influenza circulating in the region, with A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza B, and A(H3N2) being the predominant virus types.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Virology
Susanne Kessler, Timm C. Harder, Martin Schwemmle, Kevin Ciminski
Summary: Zoonotic infections of humans with influenza A viruses (IAVs) from animal reservoirs can lead to severe disease and pandemic outbreaks. The creation of manmade reservoirs through livestock farming has significantly facilitated the transmission of IAVs between humans and animals. Controlling IAV spread within these animal reservoirs and monitoring the emergence of new strains with pandemic potential are crucial in reducing zoonotic events.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ariful Islam, Shariful Islam, Meerjady S. S. Flora, Emama Amin, Karlie Woodard, Ashley Webb, Robert G. G. Webster, Richard J. J. Webby, Mariette F. F. Ducatez, Mohammad M. M. Hassan, Mohamed E. E. El Zowalaty
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts of Bangladesh to estimate the prevalence and subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry. Waterfowl had a higher risk of AIV infection compared to chicken, and more virus was detected in the winter season. The genetic analysis revealed the circulation of specific AIV subtypes in poultry and wild birds.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Konstantin Andreev, Jeremy C. Jones, Patrick Seiler, Ahmed Kandeil, Jasmine C. M. Turner, Subrata Barman, Adam M. Rubrum, Richard J. Webby, Elena A. Govorkova
Summary: The antiviral susceptibility of currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses was assessed using genotypic and phenotypic approaches. The majority of the viruses retain susceptibility to antiviral drugs, but novel mutations have been identified that reduce the inhibitory effects of certain drugs.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Esther Segal, Daniel Elad
Summary: Geographic and climatic conditions, demography (age and gender), migration, socio-economic conditions, lifestyle, and environment have impacted changes in the epidemiology of dermatophytoses, as well as changes in human interaction with animals. The understanding of these factors is crucial for the prevention and treatment of dermatophytoses, which are continuously evolving and require ongoing assessment.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Weigang Ren, Shuli Pei, Wenming Jiang, Meixia Zhao, Le Jiang, Honggang Liu, Yongxiang Yi, Mizhou Hui, Junwei Li
Summary: A replication-deficient recombinant influenza virus was developed in this study, which stimulated robust immune response and conferred complete protection against H5N1 or H9N2 influenza virus infections in mice.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tingting Li, Junyu Chen, Qingbing Zheng, Wenhui Xue, Limin Zhang, Rui Rong, Sibo Zhang, Qian Wang, Minqing Hong, Yuyun Zhang, Lingyan Cui, Maozhou He, Zhen Lu, Zhenyong Zhang, Xin Chi, Jinjin Li, Yang Huang, Hong Wang, Jixian Tang, Dong Ying, Lizhi Zhou, Yingbin Wang, Hai Yu, Jun Zhang, Ying Gu, Yixin Chen, Shaowei Li, Ningshao Xia
Summary: Influenza A viruses are a significant global threat, and this study has identified a chimeric monoclonal antibody, C12H5, that offers broad neutralization against H1N1 and H5N1 viruses. The antibody targets a specific epitope on the surface glycoprotein of the virus, leading to control of virus entry and egress. This discovery could have implications for the development of antiviral drugs and broad-protection vaccines against influenza.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jeremy C. Jones, Hui-Ling Yen, Peter Adams, Kimberly Armstrong, Elena A. Govorkova
Summary: Effective antivirals play a crucial role in the early phase of an influenza pandemic, before vaccines are available. Currently, two classes of antiviral drugs are approved for influenza treatment, but resistance has been observed. Therefore, it is important to develop novel antiviral options that target both the virus and the host. This review explores the drawbacks of current antivirals and ongoing research on new agents or combination therapies to address these limitations.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zahra M. Alamshany, Reham R. Khattab, Nasser A. Hassan, Ahmed A. El-Sayed, Mohamed A. Tantawy, Ahmed Mostafa, Allam A. Hassan
Summary: A novel series of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines, pyrido[3,2-e][1,3,4]triazolo, and tetrazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidines were synthesized and their structures were elucidated. Molecular docking analysis revealed that compounds 7c, 7d, and 7e exhibited promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease M(pro) with lower IC50 values compared to the commonly used protease inhibitor Lopinavir. The in silico and in vitro results were consistent.
Article
Microbiology
Rabeh El-Shesheny, Yassmin Moatasim, Sara H. Mahmoud, Yi Song, Ahmed El Taweel, Mokhtar Gomaa, Mina Nabil Kamel, Mohamed El Sayes, Ahmed Kandeil, Tommy T. Y. Lam, Pamela P. McKenzie, Richard J. Webby, Ghazi Kayali, Mohamed Ahmed Ali
Summary: This study reports the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses in wild birds and domestic ducks from live bird markets in Egypt. The Egyptian H5N1 virus retained the genomic composition of Eurasian strains and mutations associated with zoonotic potential and pathogenicity were detected. Active surveillance of avian influenza viruses in Egypt is warranted as Egypt is considered a hot spot for the evolution of the influenza virus.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bahaa A. Hemdan, Ahmed Mostafa, Marwa M. Elbatanony, Amal M. El-Feky, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva, Stoyanka Stoitsova, Mohamed Azab El-Liethy, Gamila E. El-Taweel, Mobarak Abu Mraheil
Summary: The leaves of Azadirachta indica L. and Melia azedarach L. have medicinal benefits and exhibit antiviral and antibacterial activities. They showed robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and exhibited broad-spectrum medicinal value.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed Kandeil, Christopher Patton, Jeremy C. Jones, Trushar Jeevan, Walter N. Harrington, Sanja Trifkovic, Jon P. Seiler, Thomas Fabrizio, Karlie Woodard, Jasmine C. Turner, Jeri-Carol Crumpton, Lance Miller, Adam Rubrum, Jennifer DeBeauchamp, Charles J. Russell, Elena A. Govorkova, Peter Vogel, Mia Kim-Torchetti, Yohannes Berhane, David Stallknecht, Rebecca Poulson, Lisa Kercher, Richard J. Webby
Summary: In 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b spread rapidly among wild birds and domestic poultry across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and reached North America. The movement of clade 2.3.4.4b was followed by reassortment with viruses circulating in wild birds in North America, resulting in the emergence of genetically and phenotypically diverse A(H5N1) viruses that cause severe disease with neurological involvement in mammals. The ability of the current A(H5N1) 2.3.4.4b virus lineage to reassort and target the central nervous system highlights the need for coordinated planning to control the spread and evolution of the virus and to mitigate the impact of a potential influenza pandemic.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amr A. Baiomy, Fathy E. Serry, Ashraf A. Kadry, Galal Yahya, Swapnil Doijad, Ahmed Mostafa, Mobarak Abu Mraheil, Amira M. El-Ganiny
Summary: This study conducted genomic analyses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa persister isolates from chronic human infections, revealing their low metabolic rates, multidrug tolerance, and strong biofilm-forming ability. Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that these persister isolates belong to a distinct clade with a smaller genome size.
Article
Microbiology
Wael H. Roshdy, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Yassmin Moatasim, Mina N. Kamel, Shaymaa Showky, Mokhtar Gomaa, Amel Naguib, Nancy El Guindy, Manal Fahim, Mohamed Khalifa, Ramy Galal, Mohamed Hassany, Ahmed Kandeil, Mohamed A. Ali, Amr Kandeel
Summary: Monkeypox virus has been detected in multiple countries recently. Two cases were reported in Egypt, being a part of an ongoing international outbreak. The whole-genome sequence of a monkeypox virus from the first confirmed case in Egypt was reported, which was fully sequenced on the Illumina platform. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the current monkeypox strain is closely related to clade IIb, responsible for recent multicountry outbreaks.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrei A. Ivashchenko, Jeremy C. Jones, Dmitry O. Shkil, Yan A. Ivanenkov, Philippe Noriel Q. Pascua, Melissa K. Penaflor, Ruben N. Karapetian, Elena A. Govorkova, Alexandre V. Ivachtchenko
Summary: In this study, the efficacy of a new orally-dosed neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) AV5080 against different subtypes of influenza viruses was examined. AV5080 showed superior in vitro efficacy compared to currently approved NAIs, oseltamivir and zanamivir. However, it exhibited reduced inhibition against certain viral variants, such as NA-E119G and NA-R292K. These findings suggest that AV5080 is a promising orally-dosed NAI.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dillon S. Mcbride, Sofya K. Garushyants, John Franks, Andrew F. Magee, Steven H. Overend, Devra Huey, Amanda M. Williams, Seth A. Faith, Ahmed Kandeil, Sanja Trifkovic, Lance Miller, Trushar Jeevan, Anami Patel, Jacqueline M. Nolting, Michael J. Tonkovich, J. Tyler Genders, Andrew J. Montoney, Kevin Kasnyik, Timothy J. Linder, Sarah N. Bevins, Julianna B. Lenoch, Jeffrey C. Chandler, Thomas J. Deliberto, Eugene V. Koonin, Marc A. Suchard, Philippe Lemey, Richard J. Webby, Martha I. Nelson, Andrew S. Bowman
Summary: Research reveals that SARS-CoV-2 has transmitted multiple times in white-tailed deer, with transmission persisting for 2-8 months and spreading across hundreds of kilometers. The virus evolves three times faster in white-tailed deer compared to humans, driven by different mutational biases and selection pressures. Although no significant phenotypic changes were observed in animal models using white-tailed deer origin viruses, the accelerated evolutionary rate poses serious consequences for humans and livestock.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Ahlam Alasiri, Raya Soltane, Akram Hegazy, Ahmed Magdy Khalil, Sara H. Mahmoud, Ahmed A. Khalil, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ahmed Mostafa
Summary: Despite being widespread in wild birds and domestic poultry, human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx viruses have been limited since 1996. Few countries use vaccination as a control strategy, while most rely on culling infected flocks. China and Egypt are the major sites where vaccination has been employed, particularly for clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses. However, improper implementation of control strategies in Egypt has resulted in continuous outbreaks and virus evolution. Comprehensive surveillance in endemic areas is crucial to understand the public health risk of newly emerging immune-evasive or drug-resistant H5Nx variants.
Article
Microbiology
Ahmed Kandeil, Mounir Abi-Said, Rebecca Badra, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Ahmed A. Al-Karmalawy, Radwan Alnajjar, Zumama Khalid, Mina Nabil Kamel, Walid Abi Habib, Jad Abdallah, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, Richard Webby, Ghazi Kayali
Summary: Bats are the main carriers of coronaviruses and play a significant role in the emergence of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Recent surveillance in Lebanon detected SARS-CoV-like viruses in bats, with 77 positive samples out of 622 swabs. The study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of bat coronaviruses in this region.
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mokhtar Gomaa, Yassmin Moatasim, Ahmed El Taweel, Sara H. Mahmoud, Amira S. El Rifay, Ahmed Kandeil, Pamela P. Mckenzie, Richard J. Webby, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Mohamed Ahmed Ali, Ghazi Kayali
Article
Microbiology
Yassmin Moatasim, Omnia Kutkat, Ahmed M. Osman, Mokhtar R. Gomaa, Faten Okda, Mohamed El Sayes, Mina Nabil Kamel, Mohamed Gaballah, Ahmed Mostafa, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Ghazi Kayali, Mohamed A. Ali, Ahmed Kandeil
Summary: The study found potential broad-spectrum inhibitory effects of Hydroxocobalamin and Methylcobalamin against three coronaviruses. Cyanocobalamin selectively affects SARS-CoV-2, while Methylcobalamin shows higher inhibition on SARS-CoV-2 compared to Hydroxocobalamin and Cyanocobalamin. These vitamins may have significant binding affinity to viral-specific cell receptors and proteins, suggesting potential benefits for coronavirus-infected patients.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ahmed Mostafa, Gomaa Mostafa-Hedeab, Hany Abdelfattah Elhady, Esraa Ahmed Mohamed, Abozer Y. Eledrdery, Sager Holyl Alruwaili, Ahmed Mohamed Al-Abd, Abdou Kamal Allayeh
Summary: EGCG, the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has been shown to have significant antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-2, as well as wound healing properties. It could potentially be a promising option for slowing down the course of acute cellular damage induced by systemic or topical viral infections.
JOURNAL OF GENETIC ENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)