Tag

Sars Cov 2

All articles tagged with #sars cov 2

Animal origin most likely for COVID-19, new review finds
science3 days ago

Animal origin most likely for COVID-19, new review finds

Nature reports that, after years of work, SAGO’s independent assessment finds most peer‑reviewed evidence supports a zoonotic origin for SARS‑CoV‑2, with early transmission linked to the Huanan market, while there is no conclusive evidence for a lab‑leak. Four hypotheses were evaluated (animal spillover, import via goods, accidental lab-related event, deliberate manipulation); the lab‑leak option remains unsupported by decisive data, but substantial information is still needed. The report calls for enhanced data sharing, ongoing global surveillance, and rigorous science to resolve the virus’s origins beyond speculation.

Nasal spray vaccine in mice shows potential for broad protection against viruses, bacteria, and allergens
health7 days ago

Nasal spray vaccine in mice shows potential for broad protection against viruses, bacteria, and allergens

In a mouse study, researchers report a nasal‑spray vaccine that activates both innate and adaptive immunity, protecting against SARS‑CoV‑2 and other coronaviruses, two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii), and a house‑dust‑mite allergen for at least three months, suggesting a possible universal vaccine pending human trials.

Nasal universal vaccine boosts innate immunity to shield mice from multiple respiratory pathogens
science7 days ago

Nasal universal vaccine boosts innate immunity to shield mice from multiple respiratory pathogens

A Stanford-led study describes an intranasal “universal vaccine” that activates the innate immune system to provide at least three months of protection in mice against SARS-CoV-2, other coronaviruses, and bacteria causing respiratory infections, while also dampening allergic responses. If safe and effective in humans, it could become a winter-wide first line of defense against diverse respiratory diseases.

Ventilation not enough: SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in hospital air during outbreaks
health10 days ago

Ventilation not enough: SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in hospital air during outbreaks

A Sydney hospital study found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 39% of aerosol air samples during two COVID-19 waves, with higher positivity in the emergency department than the ICU. Positive samples appeared in hotspots such as the ED waiting room and acute-care area, and four positives were detected before the hospital officially declared an outbreak, suggesting aerosol sampling could help with early outbreak detection. Surface contamination was low. The findings indicate that good ventilation alone may not fully prevent airborne transmission during high community activity, underscoring the value of HEPA filtration, respirators, portable purifiers, and enhanced ventilation in high-traffic areas like EDs.

Nimbus and NB.1.8.1: New COVID variants with sharp sore throat symptoms
health8 months ago

Nimbus and NB.1.8.1: New COVID variants with sharp sore throat symptoms

The epidemiological update reports a rise in SARS-CoV-2 infections in some Asian countries linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is currently under monitoring by WHO and ECDC. In the EU/EEA, infection levels remain low with no significant impact on healthcare, but a potential increase in cases and hospitalizations is expected due to waning immunity and suboptimal vaccination coverage among older adults. Continued surveillance, vaccination, and public health measures are recommended to mitigate future waves.

COVID Vaccines Offer Partial Protection Against Emerging Variants, Study Finds
health9 months ago

COVID Vaccines Offer Partial Protection Against Emerging Variants, Study Finds

A recent study shows that prior COVID-19 vaccination continues to produce protective immune responses against new SARS-CoV-2 strains like Delta and Omicron, despite reduced antibody levels to mutated virus parts, indicating ongoing protection from severe disease. Additionally, a phase 2b trial of an oral norovirus vaccine demonstrated a 30% reduction in gastroenteritis and decreased viral shedding, suggesting promising progress in vaccine development. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has reported its first mpox cases, and outbreaks are increasing in Sierra Leone and other African countries, amid vaccine shortages.

Zoo Animals Test Positive for SARS-CoV-2, Human Transmission Suspected
health1 year ago

Zoo Animals Test Positive for SARS-CoV-2, Human Transmission Suspected

A study at Belo Horizonte Zoo in Brazil found that 19.1% of tested animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2, likely contracted from humans. Researchers identified Alpha and Omicron variants in animals like wolves, deer, and gorillas, suggesting human-to-animal transmission. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife to understand transmission dynamics and prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.

Exploring Long COVID's Impact on Brain Health and Cognitive Decline
health1 year ago

Exploring Long COVID's Impact on Brain Health and Cognitive Decline

A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases examines the long-term effects of Long COVID on quality of life and cognitive function, finding significant impairments even two years post-infection. Among 435 surveyed patients, those with Long COVID reported higher rates of fatigue, pain, and cognitive decline compared to those who recovered within three months. The study highlights that older age, lower education levels, and pre-existing comorbidities increase the risk of Long COVID, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and research into recovery strategies.

"Long-Term Health Impacts of COVID-19 Revealed in New Studies"
medical-research-news1 year ago

"Long-Term Health Impacts of COVID-19 Revealed in New Studies"

A study by MedUni Vienna reveals that COVID-19 causes long-term changes in the immune system, even in mild cases. Researchers found significant reductions in immune cells and changes in cytokine and growth factor patterns in recovered patients, suggesting potential long-term impairments in immune response and providing insights into Long-COVID.

COVID-19 Virus Can Persist in Sperm for Over 3 Months
health1 year ago

COVID-19 Virus Can Persist in Sperm for Over 3 Months

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can remain in sperm for up to 110 days after initial infection, potentially reducing semen quality. The study, published in Andrology, suggests a "quarantine" period for those planning to conceive post-COVID-19 recovery. The virus was detected in sperm from 69.2% of the patients studied, highlighting a new role for sperm in the immune response against pathogens.

"N95 Masks Proven Most Effective in Blocking COVID-19 Airborne Spread"
health1 year ago

"N95 Masks Proven Most Effective in Blocking COVID-19 Airborne Spread"

A University of Maryland study found that N95 respirators, particularly the "duckbill" type, are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 leakage into the air, blocking 98% of the virus. The research compared various face coverings and highlighted the superior performance of N95s over cloth, surgical masks, and KN95s, suggesting N95s should be the standard in healthcare settings during high transmission periods.