A new study reveals that small molecules produced by llamas can provide protection against “norovirus” viruses. Which causes gastroenteritis.
Like humans, members of the camelid family, such as llama glama, produce antibodies to protect against infection. However, their antibodies are much smaller than those in our bodies, which is why they are known as nanobodies.
The researchers, led by a team from Baylor College of Medicine, tested the llama's nanobodies against different groups or strains of norovirus. The GII.4 subgroup is the most common in humans, and is known to periodically mutate into new variants that are difficult to treat.
Molecular biologist Wilhil Salmin, from the University of Michigan, says: “We worked with one nanobody called M4, which was linked to the dominant GII.4 strain, and tested its ability to neutralize norovirus strains.” different. That is, to prevent it from infecting human cells.
M4 was tested on “small intestines,” which are laboratory substitutes for the human intestine infected with GII.4. On very small scales, the researchers saw the llama's nanobody interact with GII.4 and neutralize it.
The M4 nanobody appears to define a "pocket" Hidden in the "norovirus", which is only revealed when it "breathes" Virus particle, alternating between prominent structures. The body jumps into the pocket, pushing the “norovirus” to an unstable state. With virus particles unable to recover, transmission of the virus stops.
This research is still in its early stages, and has not yet been tested on humans, but it is a promising way to combat viruses that cause hundreds of millions of disease attacks annually in addition to more than 200,000 deaths in infants and the elderly.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
After “Covid” Beware of “long-term” influenza!
A new study has found that influenza can cause long-term symptoms similar to Covid.
Patients who were hospitalized due to seasonal influenza or “Covid” were at greater risk of death during the following 18 months. Respiratory problems were the most common, with patients more likely to be readmitted to hospital if they experienced either condition.
Experts said this shows the importance of annual vaccinations, especially among the elderly and the most vulnerable.
He says one of the key lessons learned from Covid: An infection that was initially thought to cause only short-term illness can also lead to chronic illness, which prompted researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine to look at the long-term consequences of Covid. In addition to influenza.
They analyzed more than 90,000 patient records for up to 18 months after infection with either virus, comparing the risks of death, hospitalization, and 94 adverse health outcomes related to the body's major organ systems.
The highest risk was recorded 30 days after the initial infection for both cases, according to results published in the journal “The Lancet”.
Although "Covid" It shows a greater risk than seasonal influenza, but infection with either virus carries a significant risk of disability and illness.
Covid patients face An increased risk of 68% of health conditions examined occurred in all organs, compared to 6% with influenza, which occurred mostly in the respiratory system.
Ziad Al-Ali, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Washington, said: “A lot of people think they are over Covid.” Or influenza after leaving the hospital. This may be true for some people. "But our research shows that both viruses can cause long-term disease."
He added: “For both Covid and seasonal influenza, vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.”
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