Please find the next edition of the Monthly Infectious Diseases Summary, our subjective look at the most important news of the month. Please let us know how you like it and if there is something interesting, we missed by contacting us at nac.contact@lgcgroup.com
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms additional cases of Clade Ib mpox
A Clade 1b mpox case was detected in Leeds, involving a traveller from Uganda where community transmission is ongoing. The patient is under care in Sheffield, and UKHSA reassures the public that the risk remains low, with contact tracing underway. This case is unrelated to prior ones in London. Mpox spreads through close contact, animals, or sexual transmission, causing rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Clade 1b has circulated widely in the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, with imported cases reported in Canada, Sweden, India, Thailand, and Germany. Read more >>
The Native Antigen Company offer a variety of antigens in support of mpox virus research. Please contact us for further information.
Leptospirosis Cases Following Severe Flooding in Eastern Spain
Following the devastating flash floods in eastern Spain between October 29 and 30, 2024, public health authorities have reported an increase in leptospirosis cases. As of November 14, 2024, two confirmed cases and two probable cases among recovery volunteers have been identified in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often linked to contaminated water exposure, poses a significant risk in post-flood environments. Cleanup activities and contact with floodwaters are key risk factors, particularly for volunteers and residents in affected areas. To mitigate the risk, health authorities recommend the use of protective equipment, including gloves and boots, when working in flooded areas. Communities are also urged to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated water and ensure access to safe drinking water. Surveillance systems have been activated to monitor further cases, highlighting the importance of timely detection and response to this zoonotic disease. Read more >>
Discover our portfolio of Leptospira antigens and antibodies at the link: Leptospira Reagents
Detection of cVDPV2 in Warsaw Sewage – Public Health Response
On 21 November 2024, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) was identified in a sewage sample from Warsaw, Poland, collected on 22 October. The virus is linked to an outbreak originating in Zamfara, Nigeria, previously detected internationally, including in Barcelona, Spain. No local circulation or cases of paralysis have been reported.
Polish health authorities have intensified surveillance, including wastewater testing and monitoring acute flaccid paralysis in children under 15. Efforts to close immunization gaps have been ramped up, with updates to vaccine inventories, public campaigns, and guidance to healthcare providers on vaccinating unprotected children and reporting flaccid paralysis cases.
Despite being polio-free since 2002, Europe remains at risk of reintroduction due to gaps in vaccination coverage. In Poland, 85% of children received the third dose of the inactivated polio vaccine in 2023. Maintaining high vaccination rates and robust surveillance is critical to preventing further spread of poliovirus.
Discover our portfolio of Enterovirus antigens and antibodies at the link: Enterovirus Reagents
RSV Vaccines: Key Findings and Monitoring Solutions
Since their introduction in 2023, researchers have been closely monitoring the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. RSV, a leading cause of severe respiratory illness in older adults, leads to millions of infections and thousands of deaths annually among individuals aged 60 and older.
The FDA-approved vaccines from Pfizer, GSK, and Moderna demonstrated over 80% effectiveness in preventing RSV-related pneumonia, bronchitis, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. CDC data confirmed consistent efficacy across age groups, including individuals 75+ and immunocompromised populations, with no evidence of waning protection.
Despite the vaccines’ success, uptake remained low at 24% among US adults aged 60 and older during the 2023-2024 season. Updated guidelines now recommend RSV vaccination for adults 75+, those 60+ in long-term care, or with high-risk conditions. Read more >>
Native Antigen Company offers a portfolio of RSV proteins ideal for use in assays monitoring vaccine performance, supporting critical advancements in RSV prevention and public health.
Rubella virus is notoriously difficult to culture and extremely challenging – and therefore costly – to propagate at scale. Rubella Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) hold huge potential as a scalable, cost-effective route to immunization for vaccine developers, and as a novel platform for rubella research and diagnostics. Download the Rubella Virus-Like Particles eBook to find out why:
These additions offer enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and scalability, providing more consistent and reliable diagnostic outcomes. By offering these advanced tools, The Native Antigen Company continues to support the fight against HCMV, advancing both diagnostics and vaccine development.
Every Virusys monoclonal antibody combines precision and reliability to deliver reproducible results across diverse platforms. From basic research to diagnostic applications, our antibodies are trusted by researchers worldwide.
