Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are zoonotic pathogens that exhibit periodic pandemics globally, posing significant public health risks. In this study, we developed a quadruplex RT-qPCR method that targets the M gene for universal AIV detection and the HA gene for simultaneous differentiation of the H5, H7, and H9 subtypes. The assay achieved a detection limit of 1 copy/μL for the H5, H7, and H9 reference materials based on HA gene quantification, equivalent to 5 copies per reaction. No cross-reactivity was observed with a panel of common avian pathogens. The reproducibility evaluation demonstrated both intra-batch and inter-batch coefficients of variation (CVs) to be less than 5%. Furthermore, the assay results were consistent with the expected outcomes for the reference materials tested, and the subtyping results were in agreement with whole-genome sequencing for the environmental samples. These findings indicate that the quadruplex RT-qPCR assay is a reliable tool for broad AIV detection and H5/H7/H9 subtyping, supporting its application in AIV surveillance.
Background The ‘Shock and Kill’ strategy is pivotal in the quest for an HIV/AIDS cure. Our study explores Euphorbia kansui (Kansui), a traditional Chinese medicine, for its potential to reverse HIV latency while rigorously assessing safety. Methods We conducted a phase 1b/2a clinical trial at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center (NCT04503928). People with HIV (PWH) on ART were assigned to three groups: 1 g qd (once per day) for 7 days, 1g bid (twice per day) for 7 days, or 1 g qd for 14 days. Blood was collected on Days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21. Primary en dpoints included changes from baseline in cell-associated (CA) HIV RNA and plasma HIV viral load, while secondary endpoints involved integrated HIV DNA levels and safety assessments. Results Nine PWHs male participants (mean age: 38.78±13.85 years old) with a median antiviral treatment duration of 49 months, were enrolled in the clinical study. HIV latency reversal was primarily observed within the first seven days following Kansui administration. A ≥2-fold increase in cell-associated (CA) HIV RNA was detected in four participants, three of whom received the 1 g qd dose. Additionally, two participants exhibited a transient increase in plasma HIV RNA to >50 copies/mL, with one case in the 1 g qd for 7 days group and the other in the 1 g qd for 14 days group. Integrated HIV DNA levels transiently increased during the intervention and then quickly returned to baseline levels without significant decline. Kansui demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported and only mild adverse events observed. Conclusion Kansui can reactivate latent HIV viral reservoirs at a low-level in vivo and is well tolerated by PWH on antiretroviral therapy which warrant further investigation.
Since mid-May 2026, a rapidly evolving Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain (Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense) has been spreading in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Ituri, North and South Kivu provinces) and Uganda (Kampala and Wakiso areas). Uganda has so far reported 14 imported cases and 5 secondary transmissions according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of 30 July 2026, 3605 confirmed cases, including 1587 deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unlike previous Zaire outbreaks, no specific licensed vaccine or antiviral treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain, making behavioral and community-based interventions the only line of defense. However, armed conflict, chronic insecurity, massive population displacements (>2.1 million), and profound community distrust of health authorities are crippling the response. This article therefore argues that the current threat is a major warning sign for the Great Lakes region, and that investing in Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) such as involving community health workers, natives, and trusted leaders is the most urgent priority to avoid a regional health catastrophe. Without a humanitarian truce to guarantee access and a coordinated cross-border RCCE strategy, undetected transmission will continue to fuel this outbreak and future zoonotic emergencies.
