Latest news with #immunocompromised
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Could we one day get vaccinated against the gastro bug norovirus? Here's where scientists are at
By Grant Hansman of There are at least 49 different norovirus genotypes. (File photo) Photo: AFP Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. It's responsible for roughly one in every five cases of gastro annually. Sometimes dubbed the "winter vomiting bug" or the "cruise ship virus", norovirus - which causes vomiting and diarrhoea - is highly transmissible. It spreads via contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. Food can also be contaminated with norovirus. While anyone can be infected, groups such as young children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised are more vulnerable to getting very sick with the virus. Norovirus infections lead to about 220,000 deaths globally each year. Norovirus outbreaks also lead to massive economic burdens and substantial health-care costs. Although norovirus was first identified more than 50 years ago, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for this virus. Current treatment is usually limited to rehydration, either by giving fluids orally or through an intravenous drip. So if we've got vaccines for so many other viruses - including Covid-19, which emerged only a few years ago - why don't we have one for norovirus? One of the primary barriers to developing effective vaccines lies in the highly dynamic nature of norovirus evolution. Much like influenza viruses, norovirus shows continuous genetic shifts, which result in changes to the surface of the virus particle. In this way, our immune system can struggle to recognise and respond when we're exposed to norovirus, even if we've had it before. Compounding this issue, there are at least 49 different norovirus genotypes. Both genetic diversity and changes in the virus' surface mean the immune response to norovirus is unusually complex. An infection will typically only give someone immunity to that specific strain and for a short time - usually between six months and two years. All of this poses challenges for vaccine design. Ideally, potential vaccines must not only induce strong, long-lasting immunity, but also maintain efficacy across the vast genetic diversity of circulating noroviruses. Progress in norovirus vaccinology has accelerated over the past couple of decades. While researchers are considering multiple strategies to formulate and deliver vaccines, a technology called VLP-based vaccines is at the forefront. VLP stands for virus-like particles. These synthetic particles, which scientists developed using a key component of the norovirus (called the major caspid protein), are almost indistinguishable from the natural structure of the virus. When given as a vaccine, these particles elicit an immune response resembling that generated by a natural infection with norovirus - but without the debilitating symptoms of gastro. One bivalent VLP vaccine ("bivalent" meaning it targets two different norovirus genotypes) has progressed through multiple clinical trials. This vaccine showed some protection against moderate to severe gastroenteritis in healthy adults. However, its development recently suffered a significant setback. A phase two clinical trial in infants failed to show it effectively protected against moderate or severe acute gastroenteritis. The efficacy of the vaccine in this trial was only 5 percent. In another recent phase two trial, an oral norovirus vaccine did meet its goals. Participants who took this pill were 30 percent less likely to develop norovirus compared to those who received a placebo. This oral vaccine uses a modified adenovirus to deliver the norovirus VLP gene sequence to the intestine to stimulate the immune system. With the success of mRNA vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists are also exploring this platform for norovirus. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is a type of genetic material that gives our cells instructions to make proteins associated with specific viruses. The idea is that if we subsequently encounter the relevant virus, our immune system will be ready to respond. Moderna, for example, is developing an mRNA vaccine which primes the body with norovirus VLPs. The theoretical advantage of mRNA-based vaccines lies in their rapid adaptability. They will potentially allow annual updates to match circulating strains. Researchers have also developed alternative vaccine approaches using just the norovirus "spikes" located on the virus particle. These spikes contain crucial structural features, allowing the virus to infect our cells, and should elicit an immune response similar to VLPs. Although still in early development, this is another promising strategy. Separate to vaccines, my colleagues and I have also discovered a number of natural compounds that could have antiviral properties against norovirus. These include simple lemon juice and human milk oligosaccharides (complex sugars found in breast milk). Although still in the early stages, such "inhibitors" could one day be developed into a pill to prevent norovirus from causing an infection. Despite recent developments, we're still probably at least three years away from any norovirus vaccine hitting the market. Several key challenges remain before we get to this point. Notably, any successful vaccine must offer broad cross-protection against genetically diverse and rapidly evolving strains. And we'll need large, long-term studies to determine the durability of protection and whether boosters might be required. Norovirus is often dismissed as only a mild nuisance, but it can be debilitating - and for the most vulnerable, deadly. Developing a safe and effective norovirus vaccine is one of the most pressing and under-addressed needs in infectious disease prevention. A licensed norovirus vaccine could drastically reduce workplace and school absenteeism, hospitalisations and deaths. It could also bolster our preparedness against future outbreaks of gastrointestinal pathogens. This story was originally published on The Conversation.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID-19 cases are rising in these states amid summer wave
The summer surge of COVID-19 is here, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing increases across much of the country. In its latest report, the CDC said the number of cases is now growing or likely growing in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. COVID-related emergency room visits for young kids are also the highest they've been since March, according to the data. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told "CBS Mornings" Monday this is typical of what we've come to understand about summer spikes in cases. "We now know that there's a winter spike and then there's a summer spike," he said. "And every year, I just looked last night, the number of deaths, the number of hospitalizations, is gradually going down each season. So that's the good news." But, people shouldn't ignore the increases, he added. "If it strikes you, especially for the vulnerable, and we're talking about very young children under age of 4, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised — there are millions of people who are immunocompromised out there — they can really get sick," LaPook said. New COVID variants Nimbus and Stratus The latest COVID variants, named Nimbus and Stratus, are "no more deadly" than previous variants, LaPook said. Data on previous variants, like NB.1.8.1 from earlier this year, for example, also did not show more severe illness compared to previous variants. Symptoms were broadly similar to those seen in earlier strains, too, including respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat, as well as systemic issues like fever and fatigue. "The vaccines that were made for this season do cover the current variants, so that's good news," LaPook said. "I think the bottom line here is: Don't be blasé. It's the summer, people have all sorts of things. Be careful." Should I get a COVID vaccine booster? While the CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from "severe illness, hospitalization and death," there have been some shifts in recommendations. LaPook admits we're in a bit of an odd period right now because the CDC has different vaccine recommendations than many of the major health organizations and societies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for example, says pregnant people should get vaccinated. "Because the baby ... before they can get a shot, they're really relying on the mother's immunity — the mother has the antibodies, goes through the placenta, and then the baby has some protection," LaPook explained. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "said it's now shared decision making," LaPook said. "So that means that go talk to your clinician about it, which is always a good idea, but it's a little bit of a different recommendation than just saying, 'go get it.'" The CDC also now recommends "shared clinical decision-making" for giving healthy children the COVID-19 vaccine. While the agency currently recommends most adults aged 18 and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, it says it's especially important if you're 65 and older, at high risk for severe COVID-19 or have never received a COVID-19 shot. Where COVID-19 cases are growing COVID-19 cases are growing in these states, according to the CDC: ArkansasHawaiiIllinoisIowaKentuckyNorth CarolinaOhioPennsylvaniaTexasVirginiaWhere COVID-19 cases are likely growing The CDC says COVID-19 cases are likely growing in the following places: AlaskaCaliforniaDelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaGeorgiaIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMississippiNew JerseyNew YorkOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeWisconsin What shocked "Matlock" star Kathy Bates? A new you: The science of redesigning your personality "Somebody Somewhere" star Bridget Everett Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
21-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
COVID-19 cases are rising in these states amid summer wave, CDC data shows
The summer surge of COVID-19 is here, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing increases across much of the country. In its latest report, the CDC said the number of cases is now growing or likely growing in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. COVID-related emergency room visits for young kids are also the highest they've been since March, according to the data. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told "CBS Mornings" Monday this is typical of what we've come to understand about summer spikes in cases. "We now know that there's a winter spike and then there's a summer spike," he said. "And every year, I just looked last night, the number of deaths, the number of hospitalizations, is gradually going down each season. So that's the good news." But, people shouldn't ignore the increases, he added. "If it strikes you, especially for the vulnerable, and we're talking about very young children under age of 4, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised — there are millions of people who are immunocompromised out there — they can really get sick," LaPook said. The latest COVID variants, named Nimbus and Stratus, are "no more deadly" than previous variants, LaPook said. Data on previous variants, like NB.1.8.1 from earlier this year, for example, also did not show more severe illness compared to previous variants. Symptoms were broadly similar to those seen in earlier strains, too, including respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat, as well as systemic issues like fever and fatigue. "The vaccines that were made for this season do cover the current variants, so that's good news," LaPook said. "I think the bottom line here is: Don't be blasé. It's the summer, people have all sorts of things. Be careful." While the CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from "severe illness, hospitalization and death," there have been some shifts in recommendations. LaPook admits we're in a bit of an odd period right now because the CDC has different vaccine recommendations than many of the major health organizations and societies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for example, says pregnant people should get vaccinated. "Because the baby ... before they can get a shot, they're really relying on the mother's immunity — the mother has the antibodies, goes through the placenta, and then the baby has some protection," LaPook explained. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "said it's now shared decision making," LaPook said. "So that means that go talk to your clinician about it, which is always a good idea, but it's a little bit of a different recommendation than just saying, 'go get it.'" The CDC also now recommends "shared clinical decision-making" for giving healthy children the COVID-19 vaccine. While the agency currently recommends most adults aged 18 and older get a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, it says it's especially important if you're 65 and older, at high risk for severe COVID-19 or have never received a COVID-19 shot. COVID-19 cases are growing in these states, according to the CDC: The CDC says COVID-19 cases are likely growing in the following places:
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ford: AHS decisions can serve up confusion
The Calgary Stampede is in full swing. This year's celebration would be equivalent to the Stampede of 1950. That was a time of childhood delights, including the thrill of the midway, going on the rides with my father. But reliving my childhood is not what prompts thoughts of the past. It is the reality of today, when serious voices advise women who are pregnant, infants too young to be vaccinated and those who are immune-compromised to avoid the Stampede grounds. That they should be cautious of this year's annual celebration of all things Calgary and country. The reason is as simple as it is stupid and surprising. Measles. A childhood disease supposedly eradicated after a vaccine was introduced in 1963. Within five years, the incidence of measles had dropped more than 97 per cent. Now, nearly 60 years later, we are facing a resurgence of a disease that was considered banished. What's next? Polio? Iron lugs? I don't understand why adults refuse vaccinations for themselves or their children. I don't understand why proof of vaccinations aren't required in order to be enrolled in school. Also, I don't 'get' the stupidity of grown-ups putting their own children and the public at risk for whatever ignorant reasons they come up with. Why is measles so dangerous? Because it is so highly contagious and lingers in the air. Enter professional advice to be wary of participating in the joys of Stampede. All of this is just one more head-scratcher involving the Alberta health system. Whatever the provincial government is trying to do, I don't understand. Confuse the public to the point it can ram through whatever changes fits the hard-right program that has changed this province into a conundrum? I could investigate. I could ask questions of those involved, even do a computer search. But that would not bring the reality of what is transpiring into focus before Albertans who have no access to professionals, but rely on AHS being there when it is needed. As someone 'captured' by the system, just another patient, the changes to the health system are puzzling. It is as if a shiny new bauble is waved before us with a 'look over here' message. Alberta measles cases surpass 1,000 How will the measles outbreak in Alberta affect kids? There are many examples of how the public has been distracted. One is splitting AHS into four silos, each presumably with its own well-paid management and bureaucracy. Don't ask if any are experienced or qualified. In case the public focuses on that, we are again 'told' to look away. What is the reasoning (one that makes sense) behind making some of the most vulnerable, neediest and poorest pay for COVID shots? As a senior, I don't like the idea, but paying $100 for protection is not going to break my bank. Does any of this make sense to ordinary people who want 'the system' to function for the people, not in spite of the people? I write not to complain, but to make public the real concerns so many Albertans have with our public health-care system. (Wait times excluded.) This is inspired by experience, having spent much of this year at the whims and vagaries of the system. I ask if anyone can explain AHS to me. I must pay for COVID shots, but licensed caregivers are coming to my house twice weekly to 'tend' to cuts to ensure they heal. I appreciate the treatment, but reflect that at the same time, AHS sent me a bill for $1,880. That was to cover the costs of providing my husband with a bed in a crowded four-person ward while awaiting placement in a facility. (He's now in private care, no thanks to 'the system.') It's not as if we had a choice. Major surgery rendered me physically incapable of personally caring for him. Home was not an option. This was not my choice, but happenstance. It has taught me that transparency is a joke and 'care' is a matter of personality. How? All of the health-care professionals have the qualifications; only some have the personality to deal with the sick, frail, aging and sometimes dementia-stricken. This matters because the person receiving care is at the mercy of individuals directly, not the system. If AHS needs to be shaken up, start with vetting the staff for more than professional qualifications. Catherine Ford is a regular columnist.
Gizmodo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Kidney Transplant Patient Got Incredibly Rare Infection from Her Cat
An immunocompromised woman's cat stirred up a lot more trouble than usual (for a cat). In a recent case report, doctors detail how the feline likely spread a seldom-seen bacterial infection that landed its owner in the hospital. Doctors in Slovenia wrote the report, published in the June issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The 56-year-old woman, a kidney transplant recipient, developed a severe, rare bout of Mycoplasma arginini infection that was eventually traced back to her cat. Thankfully, the woman's illness was identified in time for proper treatment, and she ultimately recovered. Woman Gets New Cat—and Months of Diarrhea, in Possible Medical First According to the report, the woman first sought medical care after three weeks of swelling, redness, and pain in her left forearm. Though she was prescribed an oral antibiotic, her condition continued to worsen, and five days later, she was admitted to the hospital. By that point, the swelling and redness had spread to her left wrist, which she was barely able to move. Tests confirmed the infection had spread through the main wrist joint, tendons, and skin surrounding her hand. Doctors quickly suspected the woman had some kind of unusual germ in her arm, and testing confirmed the presence of M. arginini bacteria. Mycoplasma bacteria in general are pretty weird, since they're incredibly tiny and lack a cell wall (some species can also invade and hide inside our cells to replicate, much like viruses). This lack of a cell wall makes them invulnerable to many conventional antibiotics, likely explaining why the woman's first treatment failed. The woman also reported that she had recently been bitten by her cat on her left arm. With the mystery solved, she was switched to more effective antibiotics. And though she did briefly develop other complications, she and her arm eventually improved enough to be discharged from the hospital. Later follow-up visits confirmed her infection had cleared. M. arginini bacteria are commonly found in the respiratory and genital tracts of many animals, pets included. The report authors collected samples from the woman's three cats and dog. They found some sort of mycoplasma bacteria in one of the cats but couldn't definitely confirm whether it was M. arginini. Still, given the recent cat bite and lack of other plausible explanations, the doctors concluded that her cat was the likely source of infection. This Cat Poop Parasite Can Decapitate Sperm—and It Might Be Fueling Infertility Though there are some common mycoplasma infections in humans, such as the sexually transmitted M. genitalium, M. arginini isn't one of them. The doctors were only able to find a handful of other cases documented in the medical literature. And as with this case, most involved people with weakened immune systems. People who receive donated organs need constant immunosuppressing drugs to prevent rejection, and the woman had received two kidney transplants, the latest occurring in 2022. While the average person doesn't have anything to fear from M. arginini, doctors treating immunocompromised patients should be aware of its 'potential as a pathogen,' the report authors say, especially if their patients are regularly exposed to animals. Cat bites in general aren't something to dismiss, since our furry roommates can carry all sorts of germs capable of sickening even the healthiest people. So you should always quickly wash a cat bite or scratch with running water and soap for at least five minutes. You should also keep a close eye out afterward for signs of infection, such as redness and swelling, and see a doctor immediately if they appear (if you're in poorer health or were bitten by an unfamiliar animal, you should seek medical care regardless, just in case).
