The cute guinea pig returns for another installment on why influenza is prevalent during winter months in temperate climates. We previously discussed work by Palese and colleagues in which a guinea pig model for influenza virus transmission was used to conclude that spread of influenza virus in aerosols is dependent upon temperature and relative humidity. They found …
The rapid clearance of acute viral infections is a consequence of robust host defenses. Survivors of acute infections are usually immune to infection with the same virus. If the immune response is so effective, why do some viral infections – such as the common cold or influenza – occur repeatedly? Acute infections recur because selection …
Antigenic variation explains recurring acute infections Read More »
On This Week in Virology #19, Vincent and Alan discuss cap-snatching by the hantavirus N protein and the influenza virus endonuclease, HIV-1 and Ebola virus antagonism of tetherin, and influenza pneumonia. Of course, they also name their picks of the week for science blog, science podcast, and science book. Click the arrow above to play, or …
Influenza virus undergoes continuous antigenic variation, necessitating production of a new vaccine each year. This is not a trivial task. Six to nine months before the flu season begins, the viral strains for inclusion in the vaccine must be selected. High-yielding recombinant strains are produced and grown in embryonated chicken eggs. This year, approximately 140 …
On This Week in Virology #18, Vincent, Dick, and Alan discuss adenovirus type 36 and obesity, new influenza antiviral drugs, viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus of fish, and Ebola virus in pigs and pig farmers in the Phillipines. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV #18
The success in treating AIDS with multiple combinations of three antiviral drugs is a model for the successful management of viral resistance. Can we expect that a deep arsenal of anti-influenza virus drugs will be developed? So far we have three antiviral drugs against influenza viruses. Most H3N2 strains are resistant to rimantidine, which targets …
