Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.001
Wangyue Xu , Yue Teng , Sijie Zhou
With the rapid advance in synthetic biology and the expanding field of synthetic genomics, the realization of a redesigned yeast genome has become an achievable milestone. Multiple eukaryotic chromosomes, meticulously designed and synthesized, are now being systematically integrated to create an entirely synthetic eukaryotic cell. This comprehensive review examines the fundamental design principles and construction strategies, highlighting critical technological breakthroughs in pursuing the first synthetic eukaryotic cell. Additionally, it underscores the critical contributions of the Sc2.0 project, which has provided essential tools and engineered cellular platforms that have significantly accelerated research and industrial progress. The ethical and legal implications arising from synthetic eukaryotic life are also explored, offering insights into future research directions for synthetic eukaryotic genomes. The remarkable advances in deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis hold immense potential, promising to unlock new opportunities across medicine, industry, agriculture, and research.
{"title":"Towards the first synthetic eukaryotic cell","authors":"Wangyue Xu , Yue Teng , Sijie Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the rapid advance in synthetic biology and the expanding field of synthetic genomics, the realization of a redesigned yeast genome has become an achievable milestone. Multiple eukaryotic chromosomes, meticulously designed and synthesized, are now being systematically integrated to create an entirely synthetic eukaryotic cell. This comprehensive review examines the fundamental design principles and construction strategies, highlighting critical technological breakthroughs in pursuing the first synthetic eukaryotic cell. Additionally, it underscores the critical contributions of the Sc2.0 project, which has provided essential tools and engineered cellular platforms that have significantly accelerated research and industrial progress. The ethical and legal implications arising from synthetic eukaryotic life are also explored, offering insights into future research directions for synthetic eukaryotic genomes. The remarkable advances in deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis hold immense potential, promising to unlock new opportunities across medicine, industry, agriculture, and research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 376-382"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143340980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.007
Fang He , Huiyan Yu , Liqi Liu , Xiyan Li , Yadong Xing , Lei Yang , Pengfei Yang , Liguo Zhu , Zi Li
Pigs are vital genetic mixing vessels for human and avian influenza viruses because their tracheal epitheliums possess both sialic acid α-2,6-Gal and α-2,3-Gal receptors. Cross-species transmission of influenza A viruses from swine to humans occurs occasionally. The first case of human infection with the Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus (EAH1N1 SIVs) genotype G4 was detected in Jiangsu Province, China, in February 2023, and backtracking epidemiological investigations did not reveal a clear source of the infection. The hemagglutination (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) amino acid variant sites, antiviral drug susceptibility, and antigenic variation of the isolated A/Jiangsu/27271/2023 (JS/27271/23) virus were analyzed, and we evaluated the protective effect of sera collected from occupationally exposed populations in 2024 against the virus. Compared with the vaccine strain, the nucleotide sequence similarities of JS/27271/23 HA and NA were 96.5 % and 95.2 %, respectively. JS/27271/23 was sensitive to polymerase inhibitors (favipiravir and baloxavir), and the antigenicity of its HA protein was 8-fold different from that of the vaccine strain. The percentage of occupationally exposed population with antibody titers of ≥ 40 against A/Hunan/42443/2015 (HN/42443/15) and A/Jiangsu/1/2011 (JS/1/11) were 7.25 % and 2.25 %, respectively, and the geometric mean titers (GMT) were 6.24 and 5.34, respectively. Out of 400 serum samples examined, none had antibody titers of ≥ 40 against JS/27271/23. This suggests that low serum levels of antibodies to EAH1N1 SIVs in occupationally exposed populations may not provide adequate protection because of significant differences in amino acid sites and antigenicity between this virus and the current vaccine strain of EAH1N1 SIVs. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs. Therefore, surveillance for EAH1N1 SIVs and the development of new vaccine strains are required.
{"title":"Antigenicity and genetic properties of an Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus in Jiangsu Province, China","authors":"Fang He , Huiyan Yu , Liqi Liu , Xiyan Li , Yadong Xing , Lei Yang , Pengfei Yang , Liguo Zhu , Zi Li","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pigs are vital genetic mixing vessels for human and avian influenza viruses because their tracheal epitheliums possess both sialic acid α-2,6-Gal and α-2,3-Gal receptors. Cross-species transmission of influenza A viruses from swine to humans occurs occasionally. The first case of human infection with the Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus (EAH1N1 SIVs) genotype G4 was detected in Jiangsu Province, China, in February 2023, and backtracking epidemiological investigations did not reveal a clear source of the infection. The hemagglutination (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) amino acid variant sites, antiviral drug susceptibility, and antigenic variation of the isolated A/Jiangsu/27271/2023 (JS/27271/23) virus were analyzed, and we evaluated the protective effect of sera collected from occupationally exposed populations in 2024 against the virus. Compared with the vaccine strain, the nucleotide sequence similarities of JS/27271/23 HA and NA were 96.5 % and 95.2 %, respectively. JS/27271/23 was sensitive to polymerase inhibitors (favipiravir and baloxavir), and the antigenicity of its HA protein was 8-fold different from that of the vaccine strain. The percentage of occupationally exposed population with antibody titers of ≥ 40 against A/Hunan/42443/2015 (HN/42443/15) and A/Jiangsu/1/2011 (JS/1/11) were 7.25 % and 2.25 %, respectively, and the geometric mean titers (GMT) were 6.24 and 5.34, respectively. Out of 400 serum samples examined, none had antibody titers of ≥ 40 against JS/27271/23. This suggests that low serum levels of antibodies to EAH1N1 SIVs in occupationally exposed populations may not provide adequate protection because of significant differences in amino acid sites and antigenicity between this virus and the current vaccine strain of EAH1N1 SIVs. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs. Therefore, surveillance for EAH1N1 SIVs and the development of new vaccine strains are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 319-326"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143341177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005
Chunfeng Luo , Yonghong Song , Luoyuan Xia , Minxuan Liu , Hao Feng , Licheng Xiao , Ming Xu , Xiangyin Cai , Jianye Cui , Rong Xiang , Jihu Yang , Wei Kan , Yanli Shen , Yuanlian Ma , Zhanhao Zeng , Baohan Liu , Yulian Tao , Huimin Yu , Yi Sun , Xiaorun Wang , Jiafu Jiang
Recently, there has been a continuous stream of reports on emerging tick-borne pathogens affecting humans. Qinghai Province, located in the northweastern region, is one of China’s major pastoral areas, providing a suitable environment for ticks' survival and transmitting tick-borne pathogens. Here, we collected 560 free-living and parasitic ticks from 11 locations in Qinghai Province using the flag-drag method or tweezers, identifying them as belonging to 4 species of ticks. The overall positivity rate for tick-borne pathogens was 51.61 %, comprising Rickettsia (34.64 %), Anaplasma (5.00 %), Ehrlichia (2.14 %), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL) (7.50 %), Babesia (0.18 %), and Theileria (5.89 %). Sequencing revealed the presence of 7 species of Rickettsia, 4 species of Anaplasma, 2 species of Ehrlichia, 2 species of BBSL, 1 species of Babesia, and 3 species of Theileria. Among the ticks, 6.43 % were co-infected with 2 pathogens, while 0.36 % exhibited co-infection with 3 pathogens. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and factors including tick species, sex, developmental stages, parasitic status, and blood-feeding status. The results highlight the diverse distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, posing a significant threat to both local animal husbandry and human health. It underscores the need to enhance systematic monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in the local population and livestock.
{"title":"Molecular epidemiological study on tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, Northwestern China","authors":"Chunfeng Luo , Yonghong Song , Luoyuan Xia , Minxuan Liu , Hao Feng , Licheng Xiao , Ming Xu , Xiangyin Cai , Jianye Cui , Rong Xiang , Jihu Yang , Wei Kan , Yanli Shen , Yuanlian Ma , Zhanhao Zeng , Baohan Liu , Yulian Tao , Huimin Yu , Yi Sun , Xiaorun Wang , Jiafu Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently, there has been a continuous stream of reports on emerging tick-borne pathogens affecting humans. Qinghai Province, located in the northweastern region, is one of China’s major pastoral areas, providing a suitable environment for ticks' survival and transmitting tick-borne pathogens. Here, we collected 560 free-living and parasitic ticks from 11 locations in Qinghai Province using the flag-drag method or tweezers, identifying them as belonging to 4 species of ticks. The overall positivity rate for tick-borne pathogens was 51.61 %, comprising <em>Rickettsia</em> (34.64 %), <em>Anaplasma</em> (5.00 %), <em>Ehrlichia</em> (2.14 %), <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> sensu lato (BBSL) (7.50 %), <em>Babesia</em> (0.18 %), and <em>Theileria</em> (5.89 %). Sequencing revealed the presence of 7 species of <em>Rickettsia</em>, 4 species of <em>Anaplasma</em>, 2 species of <em>Ehrlichia</em>, 2 species of BBSL, 1 species of <em>Babesia,</em> and 3 species of <em>Theileria</em>. Among the ticks, 6.43 % were co-infected with 2 pathogens, while 0.36 % exhibited co-infection with 3 pathogens. Significant correlations (<em>P</em> < 0.05) were observed between the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens and factors including tick species, sex, developmental stages, parasitic status, and blood-feeding status. The results highlight the diverse distribution of tick-borne pathogens in Qinghai Province, posing a significant threat to both local animal husbandry and human health. It underscores the need to enhance systematic monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in the local population and livestock.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 361-368"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143340978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.006
Fei Ye , Na Wang , Qiongge Guan , Mengwei Wang , Jiewei Sun , Desheng Zhai , Baoying Huang , Ying Zhao , Wenjie Tan
Viral infectious clones (ICs) serve as robust platforms for studying viral biology and screening antiviral agents using reverse genetics. However, the molecular profiles and complex limitations of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) pose a challenge to ICs development. In this study, we report a novel platform to develop the ICs for HCoV-OC43-VR1558 using a one-step assembly method in yeast by transformation-associated recombination (TAR) technology. Recombinant HCoV-OC43-VR1558, named as rOC43(1558)-WT, was rapidly generated by TAR. In addition, recombinant HCoV-OC43-VR1558-expressing reporter genes, named as rOC43(1558)-ns2FusionRluc, was also generated based on TAR by inserting the ns2 region of the IC with Renilla luciferase (Rluc). We further characterized their replication through virus titration using 50 % tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), luciferase reporter assay, and western blotting (WB) assay. The genetic stability of the recombinant HCoV-OC43 was assessed through viral genome sequencing following passaging in BHK-21 cells. These reporter viruses were validated as screening tools for inhibitors in vitro by evaluating the antiviral activities of remdesivir and chloroquine. The phenotypes of HCoV-OC43-VR1558 and HCoV-OC43-VR759 were compared in vitro and in vivo. The TAR-based one-step assembly of IC was successfully applied, facilitating the rapid generation of recombinant HCoV-OC43 and providing a useful platform for the investigation of biological mechanisms, development of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and screening inhibitors of HCoVs.
{"title":"Rapid generation and characterization of recombinant HCoV-OC43-VR1558 infectious clones expressing reporter Renilla luciferase","authors":"Fei Ye , Na Wang , Qiongge Guan , Mengwei Wang , Jiewei Sun , Desheng Zhai , Baoying Huang , Ying Zhao , Wenjie Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Viral infectious clones (ICs) serve as robust platforms for studying viral biology and screening antiviral agents using reverse genetics. However, the molecular profiles and complex limitations of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) pose a challenge to ICs development. In this study, we report a novel platform to develop the ICs for HCoV-OC43-VR1558 using a one-step assembly method in yeast by transformation-associated recombination (TAR) technology. Recombinant HCoV-OC43-VR1558, named as rOC43(1558)-WT, was rapidly generated by TAR. In addition, recombinant HCoV-OC43-VR1558-expressing reporter genes, named as rOC43(1558)-ns2FusionRluc, was also generated based on TAR by inserting the ns2 region of the IC with Renilla luciferase (Rluc). We further characterized their replication through virus titration using 50 % tissue culture infective dose (TCID<sub>50</sub>) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), luciferase reporter assay, and western blotting (WB) assay. The genetic stability of the recombinant HCoV-OC43 was assessed through viral genome sequencing following passaging in BHK-21 cells. These reporter viruses were validated as screening tools for inhibitors <em>in vitro</em> by evaluating the antiviral activities of remdesivir and chloroquine. The phenotypes of HCoV-OC43-VR1558 and HCoV-OC43-VR759 were compared <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. The TAR-based one-step assembly of IC was successfully applied, facilitating the rapid generation of recombinant HCoV-OC43 and providing a useful platform for the investigation of biological mechanisms, development of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and screening inhibitors of HCoVs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 350-360"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143340976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.003
Ting Hu , Yuan Cheng , Jia Wan , Yandong Liu , Yali Zhuang , Mengxi Zhou , Xin Zhang , Xiaohua Tan , Aiping Deng , Meng Zhang , Peng Wang , Xiaoying Li , Jun Zong , Lihong Cheng , Min Kang
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). Due to its atypical symptoms and the absence of specific detection methods, Q fever is underdiagnosed commonly. Herein, we report a case of Q fever confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in March 2024 in Guangdong Province, China. The patient initially experienced fever and was admitted to hospital six days later. Despite a series of laboratory tests conducted at the hospital, the pathogen remained undetermined. Ten days after admission, mNGS revealed that the patient was infected with C. burnetii. The patient subsequently underwent treatment with doxycycline and recovered well. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient had been exposed to sheep infected with C. burnetii without any protective measures in Jiangxi Province, China. Based on the comprehensive results of mNGS, exposure history, clinical manifestations and treatment response, the patient was confirmed as a Q fever case. As a neglected and underestimated illness, Q fever necessitates an elevation in awareness among medical staff and the public. The public should be encouraged to take personal protective measures when exposed to livestock. Further research is needed to explore the rational application of mNGS in the diagnosis of uncommon and unknown diseases.
{"title":"Q fever diagnosed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing in Guangdong Province, China","authors":"Ting Hu , Yuan Cheng , Jia Wan , Yandong Liu , Yali Zhuang , Mengxi Zhou , Xin Zhang , Xiaohua Tan , Aiping Deng , Meng Zhang , Peng Wang , Xiaoying Li , Jun Zong , Lihong Cheng , Min Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with <em>Coxiella burnetii</em> (<em>C. burnetii</em>). Due to its atypical symptoms and the absence of specific detection methods, Q fever is underdiagnosed commonly. Herein, we report a case of Q fever confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in March 2024 in Guangdong Province, China. The patient initially experienced fever and was admitted to hospital six days later. Despite a series of laboratory tests conducted at the hospital, the pathogen remained undetermined. Ten days after admission, mNGS revealed that the patient was infected with <em>C. burnetii</em>. The patient subsequently underwent treatment with doxycycline and recovered well. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient had been exposed to sheep infected with <em>C. burnetii</em> without any protective measures in Jiangxi Province, China. Based on the comprehensive results of mNGS, exposure history, clinical manifestations and treatment response, the patient was confirmed as a Q fever case. As a neglected and underestimated illness, Q fever necessitates an elevation in awareness among medical staff and the public. The public should be encouraged to take personal protective measures when exposed to livestock. Further research is needed to explore the rational application of mNGS in the diagnosis of uncommon and unknown diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 337-340"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143341176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.002
Ting Xu , Zhengyang Pan , Xue Li , Mengyang Zhao , Zichen Li , Leiliang Zhang
In 2022, a sharp rise in global cases of mpox virus (MPXV) led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern. However, progress in developing drugs targeting MPXV has been slow. Here, we investigate the natural alkaloid narciclasine as a potential inhibitor of poxviruses. Our investigation demonstrates that narciclasine at 40 nmol/L (nM) to 160 nM dosages effectively blocks vaccinia virus (VACV), a representative poxvirus. Specifically, narciclasine disrupts the production of extracellular enveloped virus (EEV), which is crucial for viral spread. Narciclasine’s antiviral impact is probably attributed to its activation of the RhoA signaling pathway. This study highlights narciclasine’s potential as a promising new therapeutic candidate against poxviruses, offering prospects for its development into a potent antiviral agent that is essential for combating emerging poxvirus outbreaks.
{"title":"Narciclasine inhibits vaccinia virus infection by activating the RhoA signaling pathway","authors":"Ting Xu , Zhengyang Pan , Xue Li , Mengyang Zhao , Zichen Li , Leiliang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2022, a sharp rise in global cases of mpox virus (MPXV) led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern. However, progress in developing drugs targeting MPXV has been slow. Here, we investigate the natural alkaloid narciclasine as a potential inhibitor of poxviruses. Our investigation demonstrates that narciclasine at 40 nmol/L (nM) to 160 nM dosages effectively blocks vaccinia virus (VACV), a representative poxvirus. Specifically, narciclasine disrupts the production of extracellular enveloped virus (EEV), which is crucial for viral spread. Narciclasine’s antiviral impact is probably attributed to its activation of the RhoA signaling pathway. This study highlights narciclasine’s potential as a promising new therapeutic candidate against poxviruses, offering prospects for its development into a potent antiviral agent that is essential for combating emerging poxvirus outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 341-349"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143340977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.10.001
Yongman Guo , Kuiying Gu , Paul A. Garber , Ruiling Zhang , Zijian Zhao , Lei Xu
In the last century, global pandemics have been primarily driven by respiratory infections, which consistently rank among the top 20 causes of death worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the intricate nature of managing multiple health crises simultaneously. In recent years, climate change has emerged as a major biosafety and population health challenge. Global warming and extreme weather events have intensified outbreaks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, especially respiratory diseases. Influenza and COVID-19 have emerged as two of the most significant respiratory pandemics, each with unique epidemic characteristics and far-reaching consequences. Our comparative analysis reveals that while both diseases exhibit high transmission rates, COVID-19′s longer incubation period and higher severity have led to more profound and prolonged socioeconomic disruptions than influenza. Both pandemics have highlighted the exacerbating effects of climate change, with extreme weather events intensifying the spread and impact of these diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global healthcare systems and economies on an unprecedented scale, outstripping the strain caused by influenza outbreaks. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only reshaped global public health strategies but also significantly impacted the epidemiology of influenza. Despite these differences and associations, both diseases underscore the urgent need for robust pandemic preparedness and adaptable public health strategies. This review delineates the overlaps and distinctions between influenza and COVID-19, offering insights into future challenges and the critical steps needed to enhance healthcare system resilience and improve global responses to pandemics.
{"title":"A comparative analysis of influenza and COVID-19: Environmental-ecological impacts, socioeconomic implications, and future challenges","authors":"Yongman Guo , Kuiying Gu , Paul A. Garber , Ruiling Zhang , Zijian Zhao , Lei Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the last century, global pandemics have been primarily driven by respiratory infections, which consistently rank among the top 20 causes of death worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the intricate nature of managing multiple health crises simultaneously. In recent years, climate change has emerged as a major biosafety and population health challenge. Global warming and extreme weather events have intensified outbreaks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, especially respiratory diseases. Influenza and COVID-19 have emerged as two of the most significant respiratory pandemics, each with unique epidemic characteristics and far-reaching consequences. Our comparative analysis reveals that while both diseases exhibit high transmission rates, COVID-19′s longer incubation period and higher severity have led to more profound and prolonged socioeconomic disruptions than influenza. Both pandemics have highlighted the exacerbating effects of climate change, with extreme weather events intensifying the spread and impact of these diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global healthcare systems and economies on an unprecedented scale, outstripping the strain caused by influenza outbreaks. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has not only reshaped global public health strategies but also significantly impacted the epidemiology of influenza. Despite these differences and associations, both diseases underscore the urgent need for robust pandemic preparedness and adaptable public health strategies. This review delineates the overlaps and distinctions between influenza and COVID-19, offering insights into future challenges and the critical steps needed to enhance healthcare system resilience and improve global responses to pandemics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 369-375"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143340979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.004
Chudan Liang , Zequn Wang , Linjin Fan , Yulong Wang , Yuandong Zhou , Xiaofeng Yang , Jingyan Lin , Pengfei Ye , Wendi Shi , Hongxin Huang , Huijun Yan , Linna Liu , Jun Qian
The increase in emerging and reemerging infectious diseases has underscored the need for the prompt monitoring of intact infectious viruses and the quick assessment of their infectivity. However, molecular techniques cannot distinguish between intact infectious and noninfectious viruses. Here, two distinct methodologies have been developed for the expeditious and dependable quantification of intact infectious H1N1 virus, and several experiments have been conducted to substantiate their efficacy. One is an integrated cell absorption quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method (ICA-qPCR), and the other is a combined propidium monoazide qPCR method (PMA-qPCR). The quantification limit is 100 cell culture infective dose 50 % (CCID50)/mL in ICA-qPCR following a 1.5-hour cell absorption or 126 CCID50/mL after a 15-minute incubation. For PMA-qPCR, the limit was 2,512 CCID50/mL. The number of genome copies quantified by the ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods was strongly correlated with the infectious titer determined by the CCID50 assay, thereby enabling the estimation of virus infectivity. The ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods are both suitable for the identification and quantification of intact infectious H1N1 virus in inactivated samples, wastewater, and biological materials. In conclusion, the ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and can be used to quantify intact infectious viruses rapidly. These methodologies can facilitate the identification of the presence of intact infectious viruses in wastewater or on pathogen-related physical surfaces in high-level biosafety laboratories and medical facilities. Furthermore, these methodologies can also be utilized to detect other highly pathogenic pathogens.
{"title":"Rapidly quantification of intact infectious H1N1 virus using ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR","authors":"Chudan Liang , Zequn Wang , Linjin Fan , Yulong Wang , Yuandong Zhou , Xiaofeng Yang , Jingyan Lin , Pengfei Ye , Wendi Shi , Hongxin Huang , Huijun Yan , Linna Liu , Jun Qian","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increase in emerging and reemerging infectious diseases has underscored the need for the prompt monitoring of intact infectious viruses and the quick assessment of their infectivity. However, molecular techniques cannot distinguish between intact infectious and noninfectious viruses. Here, two distinct methodologies have been developed for the expeditious and dependable quantification of intact infectious H1N1 virus, and several experiments have been conducted to substantiate their efficacy. One is an integrated cell absorption quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method (ICA-qPCR), and the other is a combined propidium monoazide qPCR method (PMA-qPCR). The quantification limit is 100 cell culture infective dose 50 % (CCID<sub>50</sub>)/mL in ICA-qPCR following a 1.5-hour cell absorption or 126 CCID<sub>50</sub>/mL after a 15-minute incubation. For PMA-qPCR, the limit was 2,512 CCID<sub>50</sub>/mL. The number of genome copies quantified by the ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods was strongly correlated with the infectious titer determined by the CCID<sub>50</sub> assay, thereby enabling the estimation of virus infectivity. The ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods are both suitable for the identification and quantification of intact infectious H1N1 virus in inactivated samples, wastewater, and biological materials. In conclusion, the ICA-qPCR and PMA-qPCR methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and can be used to quantify intact infectious viruses rapidly. These methodologies can facilitate the identification of the presence of intact infectious viruses in wastewater or on pathogen-related physical surfaces in high-level biosafety laboratories and medical facilities. Furthermore, these methodologies can also be utilized to detect other highly pathogenic pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 6","pages":"Pages 327-336"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143341175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.09.004
Yage Wang , Jiayuan Liang , Zhibo Xie , Bing Wang , Jinhua Song , Baicheng Xia , Huiling Wang , Yao Zhang , Ye Chen , Ling Chen , Shi Cong , Yu Liu , Aili Cui , Yan Zhang
Rhinovirus (RV) is a common pathogen that causes respiratory tract infection and can cause outbreaks in hospitals and welfare institutions. A cluster of respiratory diseases occurred in a primary school in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China, in 2022. In this outbreak, a total of 31 students had symptoms similar to those of upper respiratory tract infection, mainly cough and sore throat. Among them, 27 throat swabs were collected and identified for respiratory pathogens by TaqMan low-density array (TLDA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-nested PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Out of the 27 specimens, 24 tested positive for RV, and 21 RV viral protein 1 sequences were obtained, of which 15 (71.43%) were identified as RV-A49, while 2 RV-A20 and 4 sequences from 2 specimens were RV-A30 coinfected with RV-C15. In addition, one whole-genome sequence (WGS) of RV-A49 was obtained, and three unique amino acid mutations were found compared to 23 WGS of RV-A49 from GenBank. In conclusion, this outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection is caused by RV, mainly RV-A49.
{"title":"An outbreak of rhinovirus infection in a primary school in Shenyang City, China, in 2022","authors":"Yage Wang , Jiayuan Liang , Zhibo Xie , Bing Wang , Jinhua Song , Baicheng Xia , Huiling Wang , Yao Zhang , Ye Chen , Ling Chen , Shi Cong , Yu Liu , Aili Cui , Yan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rhinovirus (RV) is a common pathogen that causes respiratory tract infection and can cause outbreaks in hospitals and welfare institutions. A cluster of respiratory diseases occurred in a primary school in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China, in 2022. In this outbreak, a total of 31 students had symptoms similar to those of upper respiratory tract infection, mainly cough and sore throat. Among them, 27 throat swabs were collected and identified for respiratory pathogens by TaqMan low-density array (TLDA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-nested PCR and whole-genome sequencing. Out of the 27 specimens, 24 tested positive for RV, and 21 RV viral protein 1 sequences were obtained, of which 15 (71.43%) were identified as RV-A49, while 2 RV-A20 and 4 sequences from 2 specimens were RV-A30 coinfected with RV-C15. In addition, one whole-genome sequence (WGS) of RV-A49 was obtained, and three unique amino acid mutations were found compared to 23 WGS of RV-A49 from GenBank. In conclusion, this outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection is caused by RV, mainly RV-A49.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 5","pages":"Pages 298-303"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142534409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.07.005
Jun Liu , Gary Wong , Hui Li , Yan Yang , Yuxi Cao , Yongfeng Li , Yan Wu , Zijie Zhang , Cong Jin , Xi Wang , Yongwen Chen , Bin Su , Zhongfang Wang , Qihui Wang , Yunlong Cao , Guobing Chen , Zhaohui Qian , Jincun Zhao , Guizhen Wu
Biosafety hazards can trigger a host immune response after infection, invasion, or contact with the host. Whether infection with a microorganism results in disease or biosafety concerns depends to a large extent on the immune status of the population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the immunological characteristics of the host and the mechanisms of biological threats and agents to protect the host more effectively. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, have raised concerns regarding both biosafety and immunology worldwide. Interdisciplinary studies involved in biosafety and immunology are relevant in many fields, including the development of vaccines and other immune interventions such as monoclonal antibodies and T-cells, herd immunity (or population-level barrier immunity), immunopathology, and multispecies immunity, i.e., animals and even plants. Meanwhile, advances in immunological science and technology are occurring rapidly, resulting in important research achievements that may contribute to the recognition of emerging biosafety hazards, as well as early warning, prevention, and defense systems. This review provides an overview of the interdisciplinary field of biosafety and immunology. Close collaboration and innovative application of immunology in the field of biosafety is becoming essential for human health.
生物安全危害在感染、入侵或接触宿主后会引发宿主免疫反应。感染微生物是否会导致疾病或生物安全问题，在很大程度上取决于人群的免疫状况。因此，必须研究宿主的免疫学特征以及生物威胁和生物制剂的机制，以便更有效地保护宿主。新出现和再次出现的传染病，如目前的 2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行，引起了全世界对生物安全和免疫学的关注。生物安全和免疫学所涉及的跨学科研究与许多领域息息相关，包括疫苗和其他免疫干预措施（如单克隆抗体和 T 细胞）的开发、群体免疫（或种群屏障免疫）、免疫病理学以及多物种免疫（即动物甚至植物）。与此同时，免疫学科学和技术也在迅速发展，取得了重要的研究成果，这些成果可能有助于识别新出现的生物安全危害，并有助于建立早期预警、预防和防御系统。本综述概述了生物安全与免疫学这一跨学科领域。免疫学在生物安全领域的密切合作和创新应用对人类健康至关重要。
{"title":"Biosafety and immunology: An interdisciplinary field for health priority","authors":"Jun Liu , Gary Wong , Hui Li , Yan Yang , Yuxi Cao , Yongfeng Li , Yan Wu , Zijie Zhang , Cong Jin , Xi Wang , Yongwen Chen , Bin Su , Zhongfang Wang , Qihui Wang , Yunlong Cao , Guobing Chen , Zhaohui Qian , Jincun Zhao , Guizhen Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.07.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bsheal.2024.07.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biosafety hazards can trigger a host immune response after infection, invasion, or contact with the host. Whether infection with a microorganism results in disease or biosafety concerns depends to a large extent on the immune status of the population. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the immunological characteristics of the host and the mechanisms of biological threats and agents to protect the host more effectively. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, have raised concerns regarding both biosafety and immunology worldwide. Interdisciplinary studies involved in biosafety and immunology are relevant in many fields, including the development of vaccines and other immune interventions such as monoclonal antibodies and T-cells, herd immunity (or population-level barrier immunity), immunopathology, and multispecies immunity, i.e., animals and even plants. Meanwhile, advances in immunological science and technology are occurring rapidly, resulting in important research achievements that may contribute to the recognition of emerging biosafety hazards, as well as early warning, prevention, and defense systems. This review provides an overview of the interdisciplinary field of biosafety and immunology. Close collaboration and innovative application of immunology in the field of biosafety is becoming essential for human health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36178,"journal":{"name":"Biosafety and Health","volume":"6 5","pages":"Pages 310-318"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141693079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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