Bird Flu :: Bird flu strikes Vietnam again, kills ducks
Bird flu has struck poultry in central Vietnam again. Bird flu has been found on a duck farm in central Vietnam.
Virus
Influenza :: Guidance for use of facemasks & respirators in public during an influenza pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released interim advice to the public about the use of facemasks and respirators in certain public (non-occupational) settings during an influenza pandemic. There is very little research about the value of masks to protect people in public settings. These interim recommendations are based on the best judgment of public health experts who relied in part on information about the protective value of masks in healthcare facilities.
HIV :: Resistant HIV quickly hides in infants’ cells
New evidence shows that drug-resistant virus passed from mother-to-child can quickly establish itself in infants? CD4+ T cells where it can hide for years, likely limiting their options for future treatment. The study is published in the May 15 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.
Infection :: Infection takes high toll in young children
Dr Deborah Lehmann, who leads infectious diseases research at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, said the findings show that infection is an increasing concern in affluent countries.
Tea :: Green tea extract protects against brain damage in new mouse model of HIV-related dementia
A compound derived from green tea greatly diminished the neurotoxicity of proteins secreted by the human immunodeficiency virus, suggesting a new approach to the prevention and treatment of HIV-associated dementia, also known as AIDS dementia complex. The disorder is the most severe form of HIV-related neuropsychiatric impairment.
Eye :: Gene therapy for childhood blindness – first clinical trial
The first clinical trial to test a revolutionary treatment for blindness in children has been announced by researchers at UCL (University College London). The trial, funded by the Department of Health, is the first of its kind and could have a significant impact on future treatments for eye disease.
Smallpox :: US preparing for smallpox outbreak, testing vaccines to protect people
In the event of a smallpox outbreak in the United States, how long would it take for a vaccine to start protecting Americans by stimulating an immune response? A new national study led by Saint Louis University School of Medicine will attempt to answer this question.
Hepatitis B :: Toward a banana-based vaccine for hepatitis B
Bananas have emerged as the best candidate to deliver a bite-sized vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) to millions of people in developing countries, according to an article scheduled for the June 1 issue of ACS’ Biotechnology Progress, a bi-monthly journal co-published with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Avian Flu :: Researchers create interactive map with Google technology to track avian flu spread
An interactive “supermap” that portrays the mutations and spread of the avian flu around the globe over time should help researchers and policy makers better understand the virus and anticipate further outbreaks, according to a new study involving University of Colorado at Boulder and Ohio State University researchers.
Polio :: India next only to Nigeria in polio cases
Rising polio cases continue to show the country in poor light as it stands only next to Nigeria in the number of cases reported across the world this year.