Virology Journal最新文献

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Individuals aged 50 years and older are at high risk due to immune aging. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2021) provides multidimensional data across regions and time series for analyzing HZ epidemiological characteristics in high-risk groups. However, studies on inequalities stratified by the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and future trend predictions for these groups are still lacking.

Methods: Based on the GBD 2021 database, we extracted data on HZ incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among individuals aged ≥ 50 years in 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2021. We used the Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model, inequality indices (SII/CI), frontier analysis, and BPAC prediction models, combined with stratification by the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and geography, to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving factors of the disease burden and predict trends up to 2035.

Results: From 1990 to 2021, the global incidence of HZ in high-risk groups increased from 5.48 million to 12.49 million cases (a 128% increase), with the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) rising slightly from 640.9 to 654.1 per 100,000 (EAPC 0.1%). DALYs increased from 141,000 to 220,000 (a 56.8% increase), while the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) decreased from 18.27 to 11.90 per 100,000 (EAPC - 1.45%). SDI stratification revealed a pattern of "higher incidence but lower burden in high SDI regions, and lower incidence but higher burden in low SDI regions." Women and individuals aged ≥ 90 years had the highest burden. APC analysis showed that age was the core driving factor, with the period effect indicating a peak in incidence around 2005 and a continuous decline in DALYs due to medical interventions. The cohort effect showed a lower disease burden in younger cohorts. The number of cases is predicted to continue rising by 2035, while the ASIR will fluctuate at a high level.

Conclusion: The disease burden of HZ in high-risk groups is driven by multiple factors, including aging, gender, SDI, and access to medical care, showing significant multidimensional disparities. Stratified precision prevention and control measures (strengthening surveillance and elderly interventions in high SDI regions, and supplementing basic medical resources in low-middle SDI regions), widespread vaccination, and international resource redistribution are needed to curb the rising disease burden and promote global health equity.

Background: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer and its precancerous lesions. This study aimed to identify factors associated with HR-HPV persistence in Chinese women.

Methods: This study is a population-based, nationwide, multi-center prospective cohort study initiated in 2017, and a total of 10,481 women undergoing cervical cancer screening were enrolled. A subset of 1,684 women who tested HR-HPV positive at baseline were included in the analysis. The results of their HPV testing at baseline and during three follow-up visits (2018-2020) were used to assess 1-, 2-, and 3-year HR-HPV persistence. Variables with statistically significant associations in univariate analyses, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were subsequently entered into a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of HR-HPV persistence.

Results: The mean age of 1,684 HPV-positive women at baseline was 47.6 ± 9.5 (interquartile range (IQR) = 42-54) years. The most prevalent genotypes at baseline were HPV52 (28.3%), HPV16 (20.2%), HPV58 (17.8%), HPV33 (6.7%), and HPV18 (6.2%). Overall HR-HPV persistence rates declined over time were 66.8% at 1 year, 48.3% at 2 years, and 39.9% at 3 years. Infection with HPV33 (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.42-4.01), HPV52 (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.45-2.64), or HPV58 (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.40-2.88), as well as postmenopausal status (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 2.17-3.72), were significantly associated with 3-year persistence, and alcohol consumption was associated with a reduced risk of persistence (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.79). Furthermore, HPV16 was the most frequently detected genotype in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and worse (CIN2+), indicating it plays a predominant role in chronically pathogenic of high cervical disease.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of genotype-specific and host-related factors in HR-HPV persistence and support the implementation of tailored cervical cancer screening strategies. Women infected with HPV33, HPV52, or HPV58, along with HPV16 may require closer long-term monitoring to prevent progression to high-grade cervical lesions.

Background and aim: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and is the leading cause of genital warts and cervical cancer. However, research on HPV prevalence within the Iraqi population is limited, with only a few published studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among Iraqi women.

Methods: In this study, samples from 2,193 married women referred to PharmaGene laboratory for diagnostic evaluation between 2023 and 2025 were analyzed. HPV genotyping was performed using the HPV Direct Flow CHIP system.

Result: The overall positive rate was 12.7% (n = 279). Within the positive cases, 6.9% had only high-risk (HR-HPV) genotypes, 4.4% had only low-risk (LR-HPV) genotypes, and 1.4% were co-infected with both HR and LR-HPV genotypes. The most frequently detected HPV genotypes were HPV 18 (13.3%), HPV 11 (11.4%), HPV 16 (6.9%), HPV 62/81 (5.7%), HPV 39 (4.5%), HPV 51 (3.6%), and HPV 6 (3.6%). Among HPV-positive cases, the prevalence of single, double, triple, and quadruple or higher infections was 83.5%, 14%, 1.8%, and 0.7%, respectively.

Conclusion: This study presents novel epidemiological data on the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection in Iraq, offering a valuable basis for enhancing cervical cancer screening and HPV prevention strategies. Furthermore, understanding the distribution of HPV genotypes may support the implementation of targeted vaccination programs.

Objective: To analyze the infection status and subtype distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and their relationship with cervical lesions among women undergoing cervical cancer screening in Guizhou Province, thereby informing HPV vaccine selection and optimizing cervical cancer screening strategies.

Methods: Data were sourced from the 2024 Guizhou Province free cervical cancer screening program for women. The prevalence of hrHPV-positive samples was analyzed, and age-specific associations between HPV genotypes and severe lesions were explored. Furthermore, the co-infection propensity for any two HPV genotypes was assessed by calculating the infection rate ratio.

Results: The overall hrHPV infection rate in the Guizhou region of China was 10.09%. Among hrHPV-positive individuals, the detection rate of cervical lesions was 11.49%. In hrHPV-positive women with cervical lesions, the most common genotypes were HPV16, 52, and 58. HPV16 was predominant across the entire spectrum of cervical lesions, and its prevalence increased significantly with the severity of cervical lesions, from 21.7% in LSIL to 39.4% in HSIL, and to 56.7% in cervical cancer (p < 0.001). However, the primary HPV types leading to cervical cancer were HPV16, 18, and 33. The infection pattern was predominantly single genotype (71.8%), with multiple genotypes accounting for only 28.2%. Among multiple infections, dual infection was the most common. The most frequent mixed genotype combinations were HPV16 + 52, 52 + 58, and 16 + 58. Significant co-infection preferences were observed for HPV16 with 33, HPV16 with 58, and HPV18 with 59. Analysis of the association between HPV genotype risk grouping and age across different cervical lesion grades showed that in the LSIL group, women aged 55-65 had a significantly 24% higher risk of HPV16 infection compared to those aged 35-45 (P = 0.023), while the risk of 'Other hrHPV' infection was significantly reduced by 8% (P = 0.019). In the HSIL group, the 45-55 age group had a significantly 11% lower risk of 'Other hrHPV' infection compared to the 35-45 age group.

Conclusion: HPV16 predominates across the entire cervical lesion spectrum, with its prevalence significantly increasing with lesion severity. Furthermore, the nonavalent HPV vaccine covers all prevalent oncogenic hrHPV genotypes in this region (except for HPV56). These findings provide crucial epidemiological evidence for optimizing HPV vaccination strategies and cervical cancer screening programs.

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 has contributed to more than four million deaths worldwide. Based on clinical observations, it has been revealed that the virus can easily disturb the function of various organs in the body. Besides its main damage to the respiratory system, the extra-pulmonary manifestations are deemed to be common in affected patients even after COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 has been accompanied by various types of skin manifestations, including varicella-like exanthemas, dengue-like petechial rashes, or urticarial eruptions. However, not only have viral rashes been related to COVID-19, but also other types of skin symptoms that are reminiscent of a vascular disease, such as acro-ischaemic lesions. This literature review aims to provide information on various forms of COVID-19-induced vasculitis and vasculitis following vaccination. It has been hypothesized that various forms of vasculitis can be considered as pathological consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous suggested mechanisms are involved in vasculitis, including the deregulation of the immune system, increased activation of mastocyte, augmented production of proinflammatory cytokines, which in turn lead to indirect endothelial damage, complement system activation, recruitment of neutrophils, and deposition of immune complexes. Based on previous studies, the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine is much more implicated in relation to vasculitis. SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 vaccination lead to the onset and relapse of different types of vasculitis that should be clinically evaluated by exact monitoring.

Oropouche, second only to dengue, a public health concern in the Amazon Basin of South America, has caused multiple localized outbreaks since its initial identification in 1955. Recurrent epidemics have been reported across various regions, with over 500,000 confirmed cases reported to date [De lima STS, Hua X, Claro IM 31(4):838-42, 2025, Almeida JD, Tyrrell DA, 1(2):175-8, 1967]. From late 2023 to early 2024, the geographic range of OROV rapidly expanded, Epidemiological data indicate that the geographical spread of the virus has extended beyond endemic regions such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, with imported cases successively reported in non-endemic areas including Italy and the United States, confirming its significant potential for cross-border transmission and global dissemination [Castilletti C, Mori A, Matucci A, 29(26), 2024, Benitez A J, Alvarez M, Perez L, 30(10): 2155-9, 2024]. Currently, there are notable gaps in surveillance networks and control capabilities for this pathogen, alongside a scarcity of fundamental research and countermeasures. Recent outbreaks have heightened concerns, as they not only threaten to overwhelm local healthcare systems but also raise alarms about the potential escalation to regional epidemics and even global public health emergencies. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular characteristics, epidemiology, and available detection and treatment methods of the virus. It reveals substantial gaps in the understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms and transmission dynamics. There is an urgent need to enhance viral surveillance, advance translational research from basic virology to clinical applications, and accelerate the development of medical countermeasures-including diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antiviral therapies-to effectively mitigate the potential public health threat posed by this pathogen. Currently, surveillance and control measures for OROV remain limited. Despite its significant impact, research on OROV is scarce. Recent outbreaks may overwhelm local healthcare systems, raising concerns about the risk of regional epidemics and even potential public health emergencies worldwide. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular virology and epidemiology of OROV, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, as well as accelerated research into its pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutics to mitigate the threat posed by this emerging arbovirus.

Newcastle Disease (ND) remains a major threat to poultry production worldwide, particularly in regions where it is endemic, like Southern Asia. The disease is caused by virulent forms of avian paramyxovirus-1, commonly termed Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), a highly contagious virus with significant genetic diversity and evolving pathogenicity. This study aimed to molecularly characterize NDV isolates obtained from chickens and pheasants during the 2020/21 ND outbreaks in Nepal, to understand their genetic makeup, phylogenetic relationships, and implications for control strategies. Necropsy samples, including trachea, liver, intestine, spleen, lungs, heart, and proventriculus were collected from ten birds. Isolates from five clinical samples were typed as NDV by hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition (HA/HI) assays and were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Full genomes of 15,192 nucleotides were recovered from each isolate. Fusion (F) gene sequence analysis revealed the presence of multi-basic cleavage site motif ¹¹²RRQKRF¹¹⁷ in all isolates, indicative of virulent strain and suggesting a potentially velogenic or mesogenic phenotype. Phylogenetic analyses consistently classified all isolates within genotype VII.2 of class II NDV. Further comparative analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between the Nepalese isolates and strains reported from India and Bangladesh, and BEAST analysis suggested Southern Asia as the likely source of introduction into Nepal. These viral genomes provide additional insight into contemporary NDV circulating in an area of endemicity.

The N-terminal cleavage of the norovirus major capsid protein VP1 during in vitro expression is a widely observed phenomenon, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine how N-terminal insertion sequences affect the cleavage and assembly of virus-like particles (VLPs). To this end, a series of recombinant GII.6 VP1 proteins with varied N-terminal insertion peptides were constructed and expressed using a baculovirus expression system. The expression, integrity, and assembly status of these proteins were analyzed using Western blot (WB), SDS-PAGE, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and peptide fingerprinting analysis. Furthermore, a recombinant protein with a N-terminal FLAG tag was also constructed and expressed to investigate the characteristics of N-terminal cleavage. Our findings indicate that varied N-terminal insertion peptides produced different cleavage patterns with some peptide sequences showing inhibition of N-terminal cleavage. N-terminal FLAG-tagged fragment was not detected in cell lysate, further suggesting the complexity of the N-terminal cleavage. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of VP1 processing and its implications for virus-like particle (VLP) assembly.

Background: The onset of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictive measures have impacted various infectious diseases, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study explored the epidemiological characteristics of HBV infection in Chinese adults before, during the pandemic, and after the easing of restrictive measures.

Methods: This population-based cohort study used the data from 23,316 adult patients in the southwest of China who had HBV DNA tests from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023. HBV DNA was detected in patient serum using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The positive rate of HBV detection was adjusted by age groups, sex, patient types, and seasons, stratified by the stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: Our analysis revealed significant variations in HBV DNA test positivity rates, primarily influenced by age and the pandemic stages. Positivity rates were highest in the 18-25 age group at 0.50 and decreased with advancing age. Males under 35 were at higher risk. Inpatients had the highest positivity rate at 0.42, with seasonal fluctuations peaking in winter. The pandemic stages significantly affected positivity rates, especially in the 36-45 and 56-65 age groups.

Conclusion: The findings highlight a complex interplay between pandemic conditions and observed positivity rates. The increase likely stemmed from multiple factors, including shifted testing focus, altered healthcare-seeking behavior, and potential viral reactivation. The COVID-19 response offers insights for optimizing future viral hepatitis control strategies during public health emergencies. Future research should expand demographic and geographic scope and investigate behavioral/social determinants to elucidate underlying mechanisms and guide targeted interventions.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in South Asia, where poor sanitation facilitates its fecal-oral transmission. Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan experience a significant HEV burden, with severe outcomes in high-risk groups like pregnant women and hepatic patients, who face elevated mortality rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate HEV seroprevalence in these countries, focusing on the general population, pregnant women, and hepatic patients, to inform public health strategies.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ProMED-mail for studies published between 2000 and 2017, following PRISMA guidelines and a registered protocol [PROSPERO: CRD42018099558]. Studies reporting HEV seroprevalence in Nepal, Bangladesh, or Pakistan using serological or molecular methods were included. The original search period was retained as data extraction was completed in 2018, and including newer studies was not feasible. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using the 'metaprop' function in R, with heterogeneity assessed via I² and τ² statistics. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test and funnel plots.

Results: The meta-analysis included 64 studies, totaling 25,301 participants. Pooled HEV seroprevalence was 23.8% (95% CI: 13.7%-35.5%) in the general population (n = 9,935), 41.2% (95% CI: 27.6%-55.6%) in pregnant women (n = 4,345), and 41.8% (95% CI: 30.7%-53.4%) in hepatic patients (n = 11,021). High heterogeneity was observed (I²=98.3-99.4%), with significant country-level variation in hepatic patients (p = 0.0002). Subgroup analyses revealed country-specific variations, particularly for hepatic patients where Bangladesh and Nepal showed higher prevalence than Pakistan. Publication bias was evident in pregnant women (p = 0.0002) and hepatic patients (p = 0.0066), but not in the general population (p = 0.6235).

Conclusions: These findings highlight the substantial burden of HEV in South Asia, with notable differences across population groups and countries. The high seroprevalence in hepatic patients and pregnant women underscores the need for targeted surveillance and intervention strategies like improved sanitation and vaccination. High heterogeneity and publication bias suggest cautious interpretation, and future research should focus on standardizing diagnostics and conducting longitudinal studies to assess temporal trends in HEV prevalence.