Virology News and Research

Latest Virology News and Research

Australians warned to remain on guard against 'swine flu'

Even though 91 people have been tested for swine flu in Australia, to date there have been no confirmed cases but health officials are warning Australians not to become complacent and to remain on guard against a possible influenza A(H1N1) - swine-flu - epidemic.

3 May 2009

HIV/AIDS expert urges routine HIV testing

Two influential medical organizations, along with researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), have announced they strongly recommend universal and routine testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to help curb the AIDS epidemic. HIV infects more than 30 million globally; during last year alone, more than 2 million worldwide died from AIDS, which is caused by HIV.

3 May 2009

Southampton scientists race to deliver DNA swine flu test

A team of genetics experts in Southampton is working against the clock to produce the world's first DNA test for the Mexican strain of swine flu.

3 May 2009

Warning on fraudulent 2009 H1N1 influenza products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

3 May 2009

New name for swine flu

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says as from now the new influenza virus, currently tagged 'swine flu' will be known as influenza A(H1N1).

30 Apr 2009

Research model shows best way to deal with a flu pandemic

According to the latest available research, should a global influenza pandemic become a reality, small stockpiles of a secondary flu medication, provided they are used early enough in local outbreaks, could extend the effectiveness of large primary stockpiles of drugs such as Tamiflu.

30 Apr 2009

Sebelius, Obama take action on swine flu

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday held two press conferences and briefed congressional lawmakers on the recent public health emergency involving swine flu, also known as the "2009 H1N1 influenza virus," CQ HealthBeat reports (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 4/29).

30 Apr 2009

Solomon Islands' media should increase HIV/AIDS awareness, combat stigma, official says

Media outlets in the Solomon Islands should undertake efforts to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and counteract the stigma associated with the disease, Joe Weber, Oxfam International representative for the country, said recently at the close of a week-long media training on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, PINS/Solomon Star News reports.

30 Apr 2009

Using social networks effective strategy to reach populations at risk of HIV/AIDS, study finds

Using HIV-positive people's social network is "an efficient, high-yield" method of contacting their partners who are at high-risk for the virus and providing them with testing and other HIV-related services, CDC researchers said in a recently published study, Reuters Health reports.

30 Apr 2009

Scientists determine key structural features of mimivirus

The mimivirus is the largest virus known to scientists, about half of a micrometre (0.0005 millimeter) in diameter.

30 Apr 2009

Study first to show an effective pre-pandemic vaccine approach

New research from the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust warns of a six-month time lag before effective vaccines can be manufactured in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak.

30 Apr 2009

Scientists revive a dormant gene to fight HIV

A new vaginal cream containing a reawakened protein could someday prevent the transmission of HIV.

30 Apr 2009

Matrix protein key to fighting viruses

Researchers from Durham University's Centre for Bioactive Chemistry are developing methods that show how proteins interact with cell membranes when a virus strikes.

30 Apr 2009

Flu vaccine delivered through skin patches containing microneedles proves effective in mice

A team of researchers at Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology believes the new microneedle skin patch method of delivering flu vaccine could improve overall seasonal vaccination coverage in people because of decreased pain, increased convenience, lower cost and simpler logistics over conventional hypodermic immunization.

30 Apr 2009

Avian flu research sheds light on swine flu outbreak

A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that the potential for an avian influenza virus to cause a human flu pandemic is greater than previously thought. Results also illustrate how the current swine flu outbreak likely came about.

29 Apr 2009

Anti-viral drug telaprevir improves response, halves duration of hepatitis C treatment

The addition of the anti-viral drug telaprevir to a standard treatment for hepatitis C can shorten the duration of therapy and increase the number of patients who can be cured of their disease, according to the results of study coordinated by investigators from the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI).

29 Apr 2009

So far Australia clear of swine flu

According to Queensland's Chief Health Officer, although more cases of suspected swine flu have been reported in the Queensland, to date the state and the nation remain free of the disease.

29 Apr 2009

Australian pigs free from swine flu virus and pork safe to eat

The current epidemic of swine flu which has now affected six countries, has prompted some nations to ban all imports of American pork and pork products.

29 Apr 2009

Swine flu - All you need to know

Swine influenza or Swine flu is a respiratory disease commonly found in pigs which is caused by type A influenza virus - it causes high levels of illness in pigs but low death rates and while swine flu viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, most outbreaks occur during the autumn and winter months similar to flu outbreaks in humans.

29 Apr 2009

Flu pandemic long overdue

Here we go again. Just when we thought it was safe to go outside, the threat of another potential flu pandemic raises its head and hysteria builds again. Once again there is talk of quarantine, airport surveillance, travel restrictions and public closures.

29 Apr 2009