Infection, Genetics and Evolution

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continuously evolved since its emergence in the human population in 2019. As of 1st August 2025, more than 1,700 Omicron subvariants have been designated by the Pango nomenclature system. The Pango nomenclature system designates a new lineage based on genetic and epidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 strains. However, there is a possibility that strains that have similar genetic backgrounds and the same phenotype are given different Pango lineage names. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm, called FindPart-w, which can identify groups of viral lineages that share the same relative effective reproduction numbers. We introduced a new lineage replacement model, called the constrained RelRe model, which constrains groups of lineages to have the same relative effective reproduction numbers. The FindPart-w algorithm searches the equality constraints that minimise the Akaike Information Criterion of constrained RelRe models. Using hypothetical observation count data created by simulation, we found that the FindPart-w algorithm can identify groups of lineages having the same relative effective reproduction number in a practical computational time. Applying FindPart-w to actual real-world data of time-stamped lineage counts from the United States, we found that the Pango lineage nomenclature system may have given different lineage names to SARS-CoV-2 strains even if they have the same relative effective reproduction number and similar genetic backgrounds. In conclusion, this study showed that viruses that had the same relative effective reproduction number were identifiable from temporal count data of viral sequences. These findings will contribute to the future development of lineage designation systems that consider both genetic backgrounds and transmissibilities of lineages.

Monomorium pharaonis is one of the many invasive ant species which can be found associated with the endosymbiont bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. The association of M. pharaonis ants with Wolbachia is still being studied but is already known for giving the colony a reproductive advantage. The present work aimed to use biodemography analysis to check the effect of Wolbachia in the colonies of M. pharaonis ants, regarding its reproductive potential and rate of fertility (fertility pace). We took advantage of Birch (1948) methods to assess the effect of the bacteria in the whole colony, using data of the Dryad project. We evaluated the mean length of the generation, its capacity to multiply and the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and if the presence of the bacteria favors the longevity of the colony. The results obtained in the present work confirmed our initial hypothesis that the presence of the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia increased the reproductive rates of M. pharaonis colonies. We also found that the employment of interdisciplinary approaches highly contributes to obtaining more accurate and quantifiable results. The application of this methodological approach, highly contributed to obtain more accurate and directly driven results. For example, colonies infected with Wolbachia showed higher intrinsic growth rate (r) and thus enlightening with a new methodological approach results already presented in previous research. This "new" methodological approach revealed itself as a new tool extendible to other ants colonies or even other species. The use of statistical and biodemographic formulas and the adaptation of classical demography concepts for the study of the growth and reproduction of ant colonies revealed to be very useful.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant forms of brain tumor in humans, with limited treatment options and poor overall survival rates. In the present study, we employed an in-silico workflow that integrated immunoinformatics and 3D structural modelling tools to design a multi-epitope vaccine against Podoplanin (PDPN), a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. The differential expression of PDPN in tumor versus normal cells was investigated using transcriptomics datasets. Once the overexpression was confirmed, it was designated as a Tumor-Associated Antigen (TAA). B-cell, CTL, and HTL epitopes were predicted and screened for antigenicity, non-allergenicity, and non-toxicity. Selected epitopes were linked with appropriate adjuvant and linker sequences to construct a vaccine candidate. Codon optimization and in silico cloning was conducted to evaluate the constructs expression in a mammalian expression vector. The 3D structure of the vaccine candidate was modelled, refined, and validated before molecular docking with immune receptors and immune simulation studies. The results indicated that proposed polypeptide, RasIC-01v, could be a potential vaccine candidate for highly vigorous and dangerous cancer like GBM. Further experimental and immunological validations would be required to validate the commercial feasibility and development of RasIC-01v. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=116 SRC="FIGDIR/small/706629v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (35K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7485b1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f551c1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@ca871eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@6cf53d_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

In the present study, we assessed the pathogenicity of H5N8 avian influenza viruses belongs to the clade 2.3.4.4b in chicken. Birds of three different dose groups, 102, 104, and 106 EID50 were used in the study. No mortality was observed in 102 EID0 group. Percent cumulative mortality of 104 and 106 EID50 group was 66.67 and 100 %, respectively. Varying duration of MDT of 3.2 and 2 days was observed in 104 and 106 EID50 group, respectively. The CID50 of virus was found to be 104.5 EID50. High no. of viral RNA copies were found both in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and in various organs of birds infected in 104 and 106 EID50 group. Significant gross and histological changes and presence of viral antigen in various organs were observed in 104 and 106 EID50 group. So, the study concludes that Indian HPAI, H5N8 isolates are highly pathogenic in nature to chicken by affecting most organs systemically. CID50 of this H5N8 virus indicates poor adaption in chicken and it implies poor transmission possibility of this virus for host species in field condition. Though this virus is highly pathogenic in nature as that of HPAI, H5N1 viruses, absence of endothelial staining in most organ attributes variation in replication process and pathogenesis from HPAI, H5N1 viruses. Hence, further studies need to be done to elucidate the pathobiology of this virus in various bird species. HighlightsO_LIH5N8 virus belong to the clade 2.3.4.4b, Indian isolate is highly pathogenic in nature as that of HPAIV, H5N1. C_LIO_LIThe dose inocula, 102 EID50 is noninfectious to chicken. C_LIO_LIThe dose inocula, 104 and 106 EID50 had caused significant mortality in the inoculated chicken with MDT of 2 and 3.2 days, respectively. C_LIO_LIH5N8 virus was detected with high viral titres in clocal and oral shedding and in multiple organ with the dose inocula, 104 and 106 EID50. C_LIO_LI104 and 106 EID50 of H5N8 inocula virus caused significant gross and histological changes in multiple organs and viral antigens were detected in respective organs. C_LI

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The majority of the fatalities occur mostly in children under 5 years and pregnant women and this is due to infection by Plasmodium spp, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most virulent and is responsible for most of the morbidity and mortality. Despite various public health interventions such as use of insecticide-treated bed nets, spraying of homes with insecticides and use of WHO recommended artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT), malaria prevention still faces major setback due to drug and insecticide resistance by P. falciparum and mosquitoes respectively. The study uses molecular docking and immunoinformatics to screen various Plasmodium spp antigens and evaluate their antigenicity and suitability as vaccine candidates. The P. falciparum antigens and T-cell receptor (TCR) structures were obtained from Protein Data Bank (PDB) based on a range of factors related to their role in the lifecycle of the parasite and their status as vaccine targets. Protein structures not available in the PDB were predicted using AlphaFold. The 3D structures of selected P. falciparum antigens and TCR structures were downloaded in PDB format then all water molecules, Hetatm, and bound ligands were deleted from the protein structures using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer. Subsequently, molecular docking was done using ClusPro v2.0 server and docked complexes were compared. The findings of this study gave valuable insights into the interaction of human immune response with P. falciparum antigens. The best three ranked antigen complexes are PfCyRPA, PfMSP10 and PfCSP and this confirm their use as potential candidates for vaccine development. This study highlights the usefulness of computational docking in identifying P. falciparum antigens of excellent immunogenic potential as vaccine candidates.

Understanding the dynamics of HIV epidemics is important to control them effectively. Classical methods that mainly rely on occurrence data are limited by the fact that an unknown part of the epidemic eludes sampling. Since the early 2000s, phylodynamic methods have enabled the estimation of key epidemiological parameters from virus genetic sequence data. These methods have the advantage of being less sensitive to partial sampling and to provide insights about epidemic history that even predates the first samples. In this study, we analysed 2,205 HIV sequences from the French ANRS PRIMO C06 cohort. We identified and were able to reconstruct the temporal dynamics of two large clades that represent the HIV-1 epidemics in the country. Using Bayesian phylodynamic inference models, we found that the first clade, from subtype B, originated in the end of 1970s, grew rapidly during the 80s before decreasing from 2000 to 2015 and stagnating since then. The second clade, from circulating recombinant form CRF02_AG, emerged and spread in the 80s, grew again in the early 2000s, before declining slightly. We also estimated key epidemiological parameters associated with each clade. Finally, using numerical simulations, we investigated prospective scenarios and assessed the possibility to meet the 2030 UNAIDS targets. This is one of the rare studies to analyse the HIV epidemic in France using molecular epidemiology methods. It highlights the value of routine HIV sequence data for studying past epidemic trends or designing public health policies.

In the past decade, dengue fever has emerged as a major public health on Reunion Island in the Southwest Indian Ocean. During the 2018-2022 outbreak, an unusual increase in ocular complications was reported in some patients. To investigate a potential viral cause, we analysed 447 blood samples from hospitalized patients with and without ophthalmic symptoms. Genetic sequencing revealed the co-circulation of two strains of dengue virus serotype 1, both genetically linked to strains previously identified in Asia. Notably, all patients with ophthalmic symptoms were infected with viruses from a single cluster within genotype I, which harbored several unique mutations. These findings suggest that the rare ocular complications observed during this outbreak may be associated with specific viral cluster. Further laboratory studies are required to confirm this potential link.

Successful transmission of malaria depends on the complex interactions between the Anopheles mosquito vector and the Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium ovale, a neglected malaria parasite, successfully develops from ookinete to sporozoite within the Anopheles vector. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction, we compared RNA-seq-based gene expression profiles of Anopheles gambiae infected with P. ovale and uninfected mosquitoes at 24 hours, 9 days, and 17 days post-infection. The results showed that 2,885 P. ovale transcripts were present only 24 hours after infection. During ookinete invasion (24 h post-infection), differential gene expression analyses revealed the up-regulation of genes related to metabolic processes and the down-regulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal activity in the mosquito. Notably, the non-immune genes with unspecific function AGAP003776, (Fold Change, FC 132.0), AGAP003777, (FC 88.3), and AGAP003778, (FC 104.1), Troponin C (Fold Change, FC 85) and Myofilin (FC 33.3) exhibited the most significant overexpression. Among the immune genes that were upregulated CTL3 (FC 55.9), CLIPB12 (FC 49.4), CTLMA5 (FC 14.5), TRYP7 (FC 24.4), CLIP C9 (FC 12.1) TRYP5 (FC 12.2), LRIM10 (FC 11.2), PPO6 (FC 7.7). This initial analysis of the interaction between P. ovale and An. gambiae identified several well-known candidates for transmission-blocking strategies, including LRIM1, APN1, and D7 family proteins. In addition, new potential candidates, including AGAP003776, AGAP003777, and AGAP003778 cluster, CLIPB12, LRIM10, the APN cluster, AGAP004860, ABCC9, CYP9K1 and GSTD3 were identified. These potential new candidate genes could play a significant role in the development of transmission-blocking strategies for An. gambiae infected with Plasmodium, particularly P. ovale. The urgent functional validation of these genes is required.

Molecular mimicry between pathogen-derived and self-peptides shown by MHC molecules is one of the critical mechanisms in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. Numerous studied has been conducted in this field to identify sequence similarity, but evaluating structural and dynamic similarity, systematic computational frameworks remain limited. Therefore, we created an automated multi-parameter molecular dynamics analysis workflow and used it to compare three peptides (KP1, KP2, and KP3) generated from Klebsiella pneumoniae bound to HLA-B class protein with one human self-peptide (Annexin-derived, ANX). We assessed six complementing parameters using one microsecond-scale MD simulation: radius of gyration (Rg), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), hydrogen bonding dynamics, MM-GBSA binding free energy, root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and root mean square deviation (RMSD) to understand time-dependent structural and dynamic behaviour of all the peptide-HLA-B complex. Additionally, hydrogen bond occupancy and molecular mechanics generalised Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free energy calculations were performed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of complex stability. Our analysis suggests that KP1 exhibits structural features consistent with molecular mimicry, maintaining conformational stability, surface exposure, and interaction patterns comparable to ANX. In contrast, KP2 showed reduced stability, characterised by higher RMSD values and substantial hydrogen bond loss, whereas KP3 displayed intermediate behaviour, with relatively favourable energetics but noticeable conformational variability. Overall, the multi-parameter framework enabled differentiation among the candidate peptides based on combined structural, dynamic, and energetic properties. The workflow can be adapted for the analysis of larger peptide datasets and may provide a systematic approach for investigating potential autoimmune-relevant molecular mimics in microbial proteomes, with required adjustments according to the system.

IntroductionDengue has been prevalent in a regular fashion in Bangladesh and Chattogram for the last 6-7 years and is showing some serotype twisting. So, the objectives of the present study were to explore the burden of dengue serotypes in Chattogram. MethodsIn this study, 223 Dengue RT-PCR positive patients were evaluated for serotyping. Gender and age group, along with cycle threshold (CT) values, were also collected. Data after collection were compiled, analyzed, and plotted in Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 10.4. Ethical clearance was taken to conduct the study. ResultsAmong 223 patients analyzed, males and females were found near equal (113 and 110). Middle-aged patients were more than the extremes of age. The mean {+/-} SD of age was 33.55 {+/-} 13.67 years. Regarding serotype distributions, isolated Den 1, Den 2 and Den 3 were found 1.3%, 73.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Concurrent infections with multiple serotypes were observed in several patients, most notably the Den 2 and Den 3 combination, which accounted for 14.3% (n=32) of the cases. Other co-infections were less frequent: the Den 1 and Den 2 pairing appeared in 3.6% (n=8) of the cohort, while triple-serotype infections (Den 1, 2, and 3) and Den 3/Den 4 pairings were rare, each occurring in only 0.4% of patients. Statistical analysis of CT values revealed no significant sex-based differences for Den 2 and Den 3. However, significant variations in CT values were observed when comparing Den 1 against both Den 2 and Den 3 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the difference between Den 2 and Den 3 Ct values remained statistically insignificant. ConclusionIn the year 2025, Dengue serotypes 2 and 3 were found to be the most prevalent, both in isolated or in combinations and Den 1 and Den 4 were found minimum. Exposure to multiple serotypes and twisting from one serotype to another might influence the dengue outcome in future, which needs further exploration.

Edhazardia aedis is an obligate microsporidian parasite of the arthropod vector Aedes aegypti, which is responsible for the spread of several vertebrate pathogens of global health importance. E. aedis can be highly virulent to Ae. aegypti and infection has severely detrimental effects on multiple life history traits that are relevant to the vectoral capacity of Ae. aegypti, including longevity, body size, propensity to host-seek and blood-feed, and reproductive capacity. Because E. aedis is also highly specific to Ae. aegypti and is incapable of completing its full life cycle in any other mosquito species, E. aedis merits investigation as a novel tool for biological vector control. In the present study, we queried the effect of E. aedis infection on the bacterial microbiota of adult female Ae. aegypti using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Analysis of sequencing data revealed that the bacterial microbiota community is strikingly robust to E. aedis infection, as we observed no significant effect on alpha or beta diversity, differential abundance of any taxa, predicted metabolic function profile, or overall bacterial load. The data show that E. aedis, despite dramatically impacting the health and fitness of the adult female mosquito, does not affect the microbiota. These results provide unique insight into tripartite relationships (or lack thereof) between hosts, pathogens, and the microbiota.

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2), initially classified as a variant of concern due to its enhanced transmissibility and vaccine-escape mutations, underwent further genomic changes following the emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). This study investigates the genomic differences in Delta variant spike gene sequences collected before and after the emergence of Omicron. A total of 190 sequences were analyzed using an alignment-free approach incorporating k-mer-based feature extraction and machine learning models, including convolutional neural networks (CNN), K-means clustering, and random forest classification. The random forest model achieved 93% accuracy, with significant F1 scores, effectively distinguishing the two Delta variant groups. Comparative analysis revealed 157 persistent mutations and four vanished mutations in the post-Omicron group. Cluster analysis showed notable shifts, indicating stable yet evolving genomic patterns over time. The study demonstrates the advantage of alignment-free methods in detecting subtle sequence variations that alignment-based approaches may overlook. These findings enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and provide a framework for identifying key genomic signatures relevant to public health. The methodology and insights gained offer potential applications in variant surveillance, vaccine design, and viral evolutionary studies, supporting preparedness for future SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence.

Some Anopheles species that act as malaria vectors are members of species complexes, a concept whereby sibling species cannot be differentiated solely on the basis of morphological characters. Therefore, species complexes represent a major problem in malaria vector control, because within an Anopheles complex, vectors cannot be differentiated from non-vector species, unless molecular techniques are used to identify them. The Anopheles tessellatus species complex is an important potential vector in South, East, and Southeast Asia, including certain regions of Indonesia. However, no in-depth studies have been conducted on this species complex in that country. Therefore, this study investigated the taxonomic status of An. tessellatus from diverse populations across five Indonesian islands (Sumatra, Java, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi) and identified interpopulation genetic variation based on molecular data of the ITS2, COI, and COII genes. Phylogenetic relationships were constructed using the Maximum Likelihood method. Haplotype and network analysis were also conducted. The results indicate that An. tessellatus constitutes a monophyletic group comprising three well-defined lineages that exhibit clear intraspecific genetic differentiation. Cluster 1 corresponds to the population of Sumatra, Cluster 2 represents population from Sulawesi, and Cluster 3 encompasses populations from Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara. These findings demonstrate high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity within the species. Populations from West Sumatra, Manado, Tojo Una - Una, and North Morowali (Sulawesi) have the potential for speciation with a genetic distance of 0.61 - 0.94% for COI, between 0.81 - 0.95% for ITS2, and between 0.62 - 0.71% for COII. These findings underscore the need for further integrative studies to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the An. tessellatus complex in Indonesia and its role in malaria transmission.

Dengue disease remains a significant global health threat, with current vaccines exhibiting variable efficacy and safety concerns. Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer a promising alternative by mimicking native virus structures without infectious genomes. We engineered a mammalian expression plasmid encoding Dengue-1 prM and E proteins, optimized for secretion using Japanese Encephalitis virus signal sequences, and transiently expressed it in HeLa cells. Purified VLPs exhibited spherical morphology ([~]39 nm diameter) consistent with native virions, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunization of mice with these VLPs elicited robust Dengue-1 specific IgG antibody responses. Our study demonstrates production of immunogenic Dengue-1 VLPs in HeLa cells, highlighting their potential as a vaccine candidate and a tool for serodiagnosis. Further characterization of VLP epitopes and protective efficacy is warranted to advance vaccine development. ImportanceDengue remains a significant global health challenge, with serotype 1 being one of the dominant strains causing recurrent outbreaks in Nepal. Existing vaccines demonstrate limited efficacy and pose significant safety concerns, particularly in seronegative populations. To address these limitations, this study explores virus-like particles (VLPs) as a safer alternative vaccine platform. VLPs elicit robust immunogenicity by mimicking the structure of native virus while completely lacking genetic components. This study combines DENV1 structural proteins with optimized expression systems to enhance immunogenicity. This work is particularly significant as the first dengue vaccine research conducted in Nepal, directly addressing antigenic mismatches between existing commercial vaccines and locally circulating viral strains. Furthermore, the study provides scalable platform for developing region-specific dengue vaccines for other serotypes and flaviviruses.

In this study the phenotypic consequences of naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MERS-CoV Spike protein were investigated. The impact of Spike mutations on virus entry and neutralisation of contemporary MERS-CoV strains is not currently well understood. Naturally occurring mutations were identified by aligning 584 MERS-CoV Spike sequences from either human clinical isolates collected between 2012 - 2024 or from viruses passaged in human cells. Fifteen SNPs of interest occurring in the NTD, RBD and adjacent to the S1/S2 cleavage site were selected for further characterisation based on their location in the Spike protein, frequency and identification in previous studies. A representative clade B, lineage 5 wildtype Spike sequence, which reflected those carried by MERS-CoV viruses circulating in the Middle East, was used in this study. The mutations of interest were introduced to the wildtype backbone to generate Spike variants. A lentiviral-based pseudotyping system was then used to investigate the impact of these Spike mutations on entry and neutralisation. I529T, E536K and L745F were shown to improve MERS-CoV entry. L411F, T424I, L506F, L745F and T746K were found to increase resistance to neutralisation by pooled patient sera. This study has identified novel naturally occurring Spike mutations that resulted in phenotypic differences in virus entry and neutralisation of contemporary MERS-CoV strains. Continued investigation of the phenotypic consequences of naturally occurring MERS-CoV Spike mutations is essential for assessing the risk to public health, especially given the pandemic potential of this virus. ImportanceThe main aim of this study was to investigate the impact of naturally occurring MERS-CoV Spike mutations on virus entry and neutralisation. The phenotypic consequences of mutations occurring in the Spike protein of contemporary MERS-CoV strains are not currently well understood. Improving our understanding is of particular importance due to MERS-CoV continuing to pose a public health risk, with frequent spillover events and mounting evidence of human-to-human transmission since the virus emerged in 2012. A major concern is that as MERS-CoV continues to evolve, it may become more infectious, resulting in increased transmission between humans. To add to this, surveillance is limited and there are currently no specific medical countermeasures available to treat MERS-CoV disease. The MERS-CoV Spike pseudotyping system developed in this study is a useful tool that could be used alongside surveillance systems to rapidly assess novel Spike mutations in functional assays. This MERS-CoV pseudotyping system could also be used to aid the development of medical countermeasures such as vaccines, antivirals and antibody therapies.

BackgroundStigma - a procedures with label, stereotype, prejudice, status loss, and discrimination -has long played a role in the spread of HIV since the beginning of the epidemic. However, few researchers conducted on the HIV-related stigma and discrimination for general population in China. Consequently, we introduced translated and adapted the English version of HIV/AIDS Stigma and Discrimination Scale applied for undergraduates in China. ObjectiveThis study aimed to adapt the HIV/AIDS Public Stigma and Discrimination Scale (HPSDS) in China and to investigate its psychometric properties (e.g., reliability and validity). MethodsUsing translation, back-translation, quality evaluation, cross-cultural adaption and pre-assessment, a Chinese draft version of the HPSDS was obtained. From April 2022 to July 2022, the scale was distributed to179 universities and colleges and 2,333 college students filled out the translated and adapted questionnaires. Finally, we collected 1,604 valid questionnaires. The results were recruited to assess the psychometric characteristics of the CV-HPSDS. ResultThe CV-PHSDS consists of 3 dimensions and 14 items with Cronbachs alpha coefficient, McDonalds omega coefficient and test-retest reliability of the scale are 0.869, 0.883 and 0.857 respectively, manifesting good internal consistency and stability. To construct validity of adapted scale, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted with the cumulative variance contribution rate of 76.6% was obtained. For confirmatory factor analysis, the CFI, GFI, TLI, and IFI showed excellent fitness to the structure, with fitness indices of 0.972, 0.949, 0.965, and 0.972, respectively. Finally, a valid and reliable instrument to measure the HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination level is obtained. ConclusionThe translated and adapted version of HPSDS shows to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing stigma and discrimination level for undergraduates.

BackgroundDengue virus infection remains a significant public health concern in India, with changing serotype dynamics influencing disease epidemiology. Understanding local serotype distribution and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective disease management and surveillance. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of dengue virus serotypes and analyze their clinical characteristics among NS1-positive patients at a tertiary-care hospital in Gujarat, India. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on NS1-positive dengue patients admitted to AIIMS Rajkot from September 2023 to November 2024. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for serotype identification. Clinical and demographic data were collected and analyzed. ResultsNS1-positive patients (70) were confirmed by RT-PCR. DENV-2 was the predominant serotype (53 cases, 75.7%), followed by DENV-1 and DENV-3 (7 cases each, 10.0%), and DENV-4 (2 cases, 2.9%). One co-infection case (DENV-2 + DENV-3) (1.4%) was identified. The mean age was 27.7 {+/-} 14.4 years, with male predominance (58.6%). Young adults (19-35 years) were most affected (45.7%), followed by pediatric patients [&le;]18 years (32.9%). Severe dengue occurred in only one case (1.4%), while hospitalization was required in 25 cases (35.7%). All patients presented with fever, chills, headache (50%), rashes (56%), and malaise (56%), being the most common associated symptoms. ConclusionsDENV-2 showed clear predominance in the Rajkot region during the study period, with low rates of severe disease. The significant pediatric and young adult involvement highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies. These findings contribute to the understanding of regional dengue epidemiology and support evidence-based surveillance and control measures.

Climate change driven saltwater intrusion is expanding coastal brackish water habitats, promoting the proliferation of salinity-tolerant mosquitoes such as Culex sitiens, a vector of lymphatic filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. This study investigated whether environmental salinity affects mosquito morphology, specifically proboscis length, a trait of ecological significance related to feeding efficiency and vector competence. Late fourth-instar larvae and pupae of Cx. sitiens were collected from habitats with varying salinity levels in the Muttukadu Backwater, Tamil Nadu, India, and reared under controlled conditions using habitat specific water. Adult female body and proboscis lengths were measured, and water quality parameters were analysed to characterize environmental variation. Statistical analyses (Welchs ANOVA, regression, and ANCOVA) revealed a significant positive relationship between salinity and body length (R2 = 0.94, p=0.0003) as well as with proboscis length (R2 = 0.90, p=0.001). Additionally, ANCOVA indicated that the proboscis elongation remained significant after adjusting for body length (F{square}, {square}{square}{square} = 32.36, p < 0.001, partial 2 = 0.257). This confirmed that the salinity exerts an independent effect on this morphological trait. These findings provide the first field-based evidence that the environmental salinity drives proboscis elongation in Cx. sitiens, indicating an adaptive response under saline stress. This may have implications for disease transmission in climate-affected coastal regions.

HLA loci are highly polymorphic genome regions, with allele frequencies varying significantly across different populations. Population HLA frequency databases may contain biases and make cross-study comparison complicated due to varying data curation protocols, genotyping methodologies, resolution, and inconsistencies in the selection criteria for population samples. This study presents HLA allele frequencies of class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQB1, -DQA1) as well as their combined haplotypes obtained from over 18,000 whole genome sequencing samples of the Russian population. Cohort was stratified based on PCA and admixture components providing frequencies for 14 different ethnic groups. For 12 groups cohort size allowed us to reach average saturation of 96% of allele frequencies in groups. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of composed statistics for disease populational study using type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an example. Populations with similar aggregated genetic risk for T1D demonstrated substantial differences in frequencies of risk and protective HLA alleles. Obtained frequency data was made publicly available through the Allele Frequency Net Database improving previously sparse coverage in HLA frequencies data for east Europe and north Asia regions.

Human diversity did not only remain restricted to their socio-cultural and linguistic domains but also have penetrated deep inside their genetic root. Africa harbors more genetic diversity than any other part of the world. Diversification of the African lineages were complex, involving long-distance gene flow. Data from Africansis needed to better understand the origin and evolution of modern humans, the genetic basis local adaptation, and the evolution of complex traits and related diseases. This analysis formed the basis for this study of determining the origin and migration of the Ameru community in Kenya. Blood samples was collected from 132 male adults of 65 year and above. DNA was extracted and analyzed for the Hyper variable region 1and 2. The sequences were sequenced using Sanger sequence alignment and analyzed using Geneious. Phylogenetic analysis was done using Mega-X while haplotype analysis was done using DNASP software. L1 haplogroup (2.9%) was found among Igembe (7%), Tharaka (6%), and Chuka (7%) and is common in West, Central, and parts of East Africa. L2 haplogroup (6.7%) was present in all subgroups except Imenti and Tigania, indicating West and Central African maternal ancestry. L1 and L2 haplotypes indicate that most Ameru subgroups share partial maternal ancestry from West and Central Africa, while Imenti and Tigania have different maternal lineages. L0-L4 haplogroups indicate predominant East, Central, and West African maternal origins, with subgroups showing variation in haplotype frequencies (e.g., L1 and L2 in Igembe, Tharaka, Chuka; L3 in Tharaka, Mwimbi, Chuka; L4 across all subgroups). Subgroup differences suggest that certain communities, particularly Imenti, have distinct maternal lineages, with less contribution from L1, L2, and L3 but potential links to Afro-Asiatic groups via L4 (found in the Middle East). Non-African haplogroups (N and R) point to historical interactions or shared ancestry with populations in Eurasia and the Horn of Africa, primarily in Tigania and Imenti. Overally, the Ameru maternal gene pool is heterogeneous, shaped by multiple migration routes and interactions across East Africa and beyond, with subgroup-specific maternal histories.