Novel broad spectrum virucidal molecules against enveloped viruses

Researchers report on a class of rhodanine and thiobarbituric derivatives displaying a broad spectrum antiviral activity against seven different enveloped viruses including an HSV-2 acyclovir resistant strain with favorable selectivity indexes.

Within the Zika virus (ZIKV) research community, a new and remarkable kind of collaboration is taking place

Potential of Aedes albopictus as a bridge vector for enzootic pathogens at the urban-forest interface in Brazil

Results from this study show that Ae. albopictus frequency declines as it penetrates into the forest and highlight its potential role as a bridge vector of zoonotic diseases at the edge of the Brazilian forests studied.

ZIKAlliance travels to Peru and Ecuador

Zika virus infection perturbs osteoblast function

Researchers have developed and characterized a new in vitro model to study the role of bone development in ZIKV pathogenesis, which will help to identify possible new targets for developing therapeutic and preventive measures.

Favipiravir inhibits in vitro Usutu virus replication and delays disease progression in an infection model in mice

This study shows that treatment of mice with favipiravir (150 mg/kg/dose, BID, oral gavage) significantly reduced viral load in blood and tissues and significantly delayed virus-induced disease. The USUV mouse model is amenable for assessing the potential in vivo efficacy of (novel) USUV/flavivirus inhibitors.

Familiar barriers still unresolved - a perspective on the Zika virus outbreak research response

The authors of this study have identified three major bottlenecks in the implementation of a swift response to the increasing frequency of widespread infectious disease outbreaks: the absence of a timeline for the funding process, delays in regulatory and ethical approval, and the challenging logistics of laboratory support, including diagnostics.

Estimating the risk of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in a large European city

The model provided in this study correctly estimates the number of imported cases and can be easily adapted to other urban areas where Ae. albopictus is the only potential vector present.

Research Models and Tools for the Identification of Antivirals and Therapeutics against Zika Virus Infection

This review focuses on the recent advances regarding research models, as well as available experimental tools that can be used for the identification and characterization of potential antiviral targets and therapeutic intervention strategies.

Potential effect of Zika virus infection on human male fertility?

The findings from this study suggest a possible long-term detrimental effect of ZIKV infection on human male fertility that has to be further explored in well-characterized samples from cohort studies conducted in ZIKV-endemic areas.

Zika virus infection modulates the metabolomic profile of microglial cells

In the present study, the authors investigate the metabolomic profile of ZIKV-infected microglia.

Professor Trudie Lang discusses 'The afterlives of Zika: Policy, science and civil society in public health'

Projecting the end of the Zika virus epidemic in Latin America: a modelling analysis

The findings in this article suggest that the ZIKV epidemic is by and large over within LAC, with incidence projected to be low in most cities in 2018. Local low levels of transmission are probable, but the estimated rate of infection suggests that most cities have a population with high levels of herd immunity.

Zika virus infects human testicular tissue and germ cells

This study provides key insights into how ZIKV may persist in semen and alter semen parameters, as well as a valuable tool for testing antiviral agents.

Differential transmission of Asian and African Zika virus lineages by Aedes aegypti from New Caledonia

The results of this study demonstrate that Ae. aegypti from New Caledonia can become infected and replicate different ZIKV strains belonging to all lineages. These data emphasize the importance of studying the interaction between vectors and their arboviruses according to each local geographic context.

Summary of two-day international workshop on new challenges in research ethics in Lima, Peru, August 2018

Genomic and epidemiological monitoring of yellow fever virus transmission potential

These results establish a framework for monitoring YFV transmission in real time that will contribute to a global strategy to eliminate future YFV epidemics.

Lessons learnt from the emergence of Zika virus

Comment

Exhaustive TORCH Pathogen Diagnostics Corroborate Zika Virus Etiology of Congenital Malformations in Northeastern Brazil

Data from this study support a link between maternal ZIKV infection and congenital malformations and suggest the occurrence of predominantly vector-borne ZIKV transmission in these cases. In addition, some highly prevalent TORCH pathogens may be misinterpreted as representative of ongoing ZIKV activity in the absence of exhaustive diagnostics in northeastern Brazil.

Webinar on community engagement in clinical research involving pregnant women