Evaluation of potential risk of transmission of avian influenza A viruses at live bird markets in response to unusual crow die-offs in Bangladesh

In response to unusual crow die‐offs from avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection during January‐February 2017 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a One Health team assessed potential infection risks in live bird markets (LBMs). Evidence of aerosolized avian influenza A viruses was detected in LBMs and in the respiratory tracts of market workers, indicating exposure and potential for infection. This study highlighted the importance of surveillance platforms with a coordinated One Health strategy to investigate and mitigate zoonotic risk

Understanding the Role of HLA Class I Molecules in the Immune Response to Influenza Infection and Rational Design of a Peptide-Based Vaccine

Influenza A virus is a respiratory pathogen that is responsible for regular epidemics and occasional pandemics that result in substantial damage to life and the economy. The yearly reformulation of trivalent or quadrivalent flu vaccines encompassing surface glycoproteins derived from the current circulating strains of the virus does not provide sufficient cross-protection against mismatched strains. Unlike the current vaccines that elicit a predominant humoral response, vaccines that induce CD8+ T cells have demonstrated a capacity to provide cross-protection against different influenza strains, including novel influenza viruses. Immunopeptidomics, the mass spectrometric identification of human-leukocyte-antigen (HLA)-bound peptides isolated from infected cells, has recently provided key insights into viral peptides that can serve as potential T cell epitopes. The critical elements required for a strong and long-living CD8+ T cell response are related to both HLA restriction and the immunogenicity of the viral peptide. This review examines the importance of HLA and the viral immunopeptidome for the design of a universal influenza T-cell-based vaccine

Event based surveillance of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS- CoV) in Bangladesh among pilgrims and travelers from the Middle East: An update for the period 2013–2016

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Every year around 150,000 pilgrims from Bangladesh perform Umrah and Hajj. Emergence and continuous reporting of MERS-CoV infection in Saudi Arabia emphasize the need for surveillance of MERS-CoV in returning pilgrims or travelers from the Middle East and capacity building of health care providers for disease containment. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR) under the Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family welfare (MoHFW), is responsible for MERS-CoV screening of pilgrims/ travelers returning from the Middle East with respiratory illness as part of its outbreak investigation and surveillance activities.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Bangladeshi travelers/pilgrims who returned from the Middle East and presented with fever and respiratory symptoms were studied over the period from October 2013 to June 2016. Patients with respiratory symptoms that fulfilled the WHO MERS-CoV case algorithm were tested for MERS-CoV and other respiratory tract viruses. Beside surveillance, case recognition training was conducted at multiple levels of health care facilities across the country in support of early detection and containment of the disease.</p><p>Results</p><p>Eighty one suspected cases tested by real time PCR resulted in zero detection of MERS-CoV infection. Viral etiology detected in 29.6% of the cases was predominantly influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), and influenza B infection (22%). Peak testing occurred mostly following the annual Hajj season.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Respiratory tract infections in travelers/pilgrims returning to Bangladesh from the Middle East are mainly due to influenza A and influenza B. Though MERS-CoV was not detected in the 81 patients tested, continuous screening and surveillance are essential for early detection of MERS-CoV infection and other respiratory pathogens to prevent transmissions in hospital settings and within communities. Awareness building among healthcare providers will help identify suspected cases.</p></div

Demographic characteristics of 81 patients tested, October 2013 to June 2016.

<p>Demographic characteristics of 81 patients tested, October 2013 to June 2016.</p

Respiratory viral pathogens detected in pilgrims and returning travelers.

<p>Respiratory viral pathogens detected in pilgrims and returning travelers.</p

Testing of respiratory viral pathogens in 2013 to 2016 by month.

<p>Testing of respiratory viral pathogens in 2013 to 2016 by month.</p

Total number of intact mosquitoes collected in Gaibandha (G) and Panchagarh (P) districts in September-November 2016. Mosquitoes only identified to genus are not included.

<p>Total number of intact mosquitoes collected in Gaibandha (G) and Panchagarh (P) districts in September-November 2016. Mosquitoes only identified to genus are not included.</p

Total numbers (and interquartile ranges) of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> collected in gravid traps in 1079 trap-nights and the pools created and tested for presece of <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> DNA.

<p>Total numbers (and interquartile ranges) of <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> collected in gravid traps in 1079 trap-nights and the pools created and tested for presece of <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> DNA.</p