Immunocompromised patients experiencing prolonged infection with novel coronavirus when treated with convalescent plasma might trigger a strong selective pressure on the virus due to high concentration of antibodies. This might lead to the generation of large number of mutations. The new SARS-CoV-2 variant — B.1.1.7 — that was first seen in Kent and Greater London … Continue reading How the new coronavirus variant quickly accumulated 17 mutations
Ebola
Plasma therapy: In a welcome change, ICMR insists on evidence-based approach
ICMR’s insistence on an evidence-based approach to plasma therapy is a welcome change and is in stark contrast to the cavalier manner in which it approved hydroxychloroquine as a prophylaxis for coronavirus without carrying out any trial and relying on evidence which was slim and dodgy and that too only for treatment, and also when … Continue reading Plasma therapy: In a welcome change, ICMR insists on evidence-based approach
Convalescent plasma therapy tested on critically ill COVID-19 patients
A pharma company in China is testing convalescent plasma therapy to treat critically sick COVID-19 patients. So far, 13 patients have been treated and some improvements in clinical symptoms have been seen. In the absence of any preventive vaccine or specific antivirals for treating COVID-19 patients infected with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a pharmaceutical company … Continue reading Convalescent plasma therapy tested on critically ill COVID-19 patients
Deadly Ebola virus on the brink of being tamed
Preliminary analysis of 499 Ebola infected participants has sprung a surprise — the chances of survival may be as high as 90% if patients are treated with one of the two drugs – REGN-EB3 and mAb114 – soon after infection. The Ebola virus, which has had a free run so far, is all set to be … Continue reading Deadly Ebola virus on the brink of being tamed
Merck’s unlicensed Ebola vaccine shows 97.5% efficacy in Congo
Merck's Ebola vaccine, which underwent phase-3 trial during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic in west Africa, has shown 97.5% efficacy in preventing Ebola disease when used during the current epidemic in Congo. Due to vaccine shortage and increasing outbreaks, the dosage will be halved to match the dose tested in phase-3 trial. The efficacy of lower … Continue reading Merck’s unlicensed Ebola vaccine shows 97.5% efficacy in Congo
WHO declares Ebola in Congo as public health emergency
On July 17, the WHO finally declared Ebola virus disease outbreak in Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2018, Ebola virus has killed nearly 1,700 people and made more than 2,500 people ill. Merck's vaccine has shown promise in protecting people. After holding back on … Continue reading WHO declares Ebola in Congo as public health emergency
Can Congo again swiftly control Ebola spread, death?
Days after the WHO declared the end of the May 8 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a fresh outbreak was reported on August 1 in North Kivu. If Congo displayed its considerable experience and also promptness in its response to the May 8 outbreak, the WHO matched it with double-quick response. The investigational … Continue reading Can Congo again swiftly control Ebola spread, death?
Top health stories of 2016
On the health front, the year 2016 witnessed a few setbacks and but also a few positive developments. Here are the most important health developments of 2016 1. Trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides high protection The Ebola virus that killed more than 11,300 people in three West African countries — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra … Continue reading Top health stories of 2016
Vaccine trial for Zika virus to start soon in humans
The first Phase-1 human clinical trial of a vaccine for Zika virus is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) green-lighting it. The DNA vaccine (GLS-5700) developed by the U.S-based Inovio Pharmaceuticals and GeneOne Life Science, South Korea, has already been tested on animals and found to elicit “robust” … Continue reading Vaccine trial for Zika virus to start soon in humans
Novel approaches to fight Aedes aegypti mosquito
An estimated 390 million dengue infections occurring each year across 150-odd countries is proof that the current mosquito control measures are grossly inadequate to keep the Aedes species, the vector that transmits dengue, chikungunya and Zika, under check. In Brazil, more than 1.5 million people were affected by Zika last year. That the virus has … Continue reading Novel approaches to fight Aedes aegypti mosquito
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