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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

by Gertrud U. Rey Vaccination is the gold standard for preventing infectious diseases and reducing the impact of emerging pathogens. As more and more people are becoming immunized against SARS-CoV-2, a prominent question continues to arise: are the vaccines safe for pregnant and breast-feeding people? (Image credit: Shutterstock) None of ...