Basic virology

Defective genomes modulate respiratory syncytial virus pathogenesis

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During viral replication, defective genomes may arise that lack essential sequences. These so-called defective genomes cannot replicate unless they are in the same cell as a helper virus. Defective genomes play a role in modulating pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus in humans. Copy-back defective viral genomes (cbDVGs) of RSV arise when the viral RNA polymerase …

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SARS-CoV-2 variants arise during individual infections

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Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 genome variation appeared to be low, with an average of 10 base differences in the 30,000 base genome between any two isolates. Late in 2020, as many more people were infected, variants were isolated that had more changes than previously seen. A study of variation at the genome level …

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SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 is not more virulent

9 Comments / Basic virology, Commentary / By

When the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in the UK in December 2020 it was accompanied by unsubstantiated claims of increased transmissibility and virulence. The results of a hospital-based study in London reveals no association of the variant with severe disease in this cohort. In a note published by NERVTAG on 21 January …

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A tapeworm drug to treat COVID-19?

2 Comments / Basic virology / By

Niclosamide (pictured) is a drug that has been approved in humans to treat infections with a variety of tapeworms. It might be useful for preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication and COVID-19 pathogenesis by inhibiting virus-catalyzed membrane fusion. Examination of the lungs of 41 patients who died of COVID-19 revealed, in addition to expected lung injury, the presence …

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