Advances in Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics:A systematic review

Zika virus(ZIKV)is the causative agent of a viral infection that causes neurological complications in newborns and adults worldwide.Its wide transmission route and alarming spread rates are of great concern to the scientific community.Numerous trials have been conducted to develop treatment options for ZIKV infection.This review highlights the latest developments in the fields of vaccinology and pharmaceuticals developments for ZIKV infection.A systematic and comprehensive approach was used to gather relevant and up-to-date data so that inferences could be made about the gaps in therapeutic development.The results indicate that several therapeutic interventions are being tested against ZIKV infection,such as DNA vaccines,subunit vaccines,live-attenuated vaccines,virus-vector-based vaccines,inactivated vaccines,virus-like particles,and mRNA-based vaccines.In addition,approved anti-ZIKV drugs that can reduce the global burden are discussed.Although many vaccine candidates for ZIKV are at different stages of development,none of them have received Food and Drug Authority approval for use up to now.The issue of side effects associated with these drugs in vulnerable newborns and pregnant women is a major obstacle in the therapeutic pathway.

Nipah Virus Unveiled: A Review Article

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly infectious zoonotic pathogen that poses a significant threat to human and animal health. First identified in Malaysia in 1998, NiV has since caused several outbreaks in Southeast Asia, with sporadic cases reported in Bangladesh and India. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, primarily fruit bats, or through the consumption of contaminated fruits and their juices. NiV infection presents a wide spectrum of clinical features, ranging from mild respiratory illness to severe encephalitis, with a high case fatality rate. The incubation period typically ranges from 4 to 14 days, during which patients develop fever, headache, myalgia, and respiratory symptoms such as cough and sore throat. As the disease progresses, neurological signs become prominent, including altered consciousness, seizures, and focal deficits. Severe cases may exhibit acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi organ failure. Laboratory findings often include lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. Diagnosis of NiV infection requires specialized laboratory testing, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serological assays. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment exists for NiV infection, and management primarily focuses on supportive care. Prevention and control strategies encompass public health interventions, surveillance, and raising awareness among healthcare providers and the general population. The emergence and re-emergence of NiV highlight the urgent need for continued research, improved diagnostic capabilities, and the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics to mitigate the impact of this deadly virus.

Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs Reveal How Ranavirus Interacts with Amphibian Immune Defense

Ranaviruses are harmful viruses that infect amphibians, fish, and reptiles, and have caused particularly devastating declines in amphibian populations. One particular type of ranavirus, called Frog Virus 3 (FV3), has been extensively studied due to its prevalence and impact on amphibians. Previous research has primarily focused on the virus’s genes, but little attention has been given to the non-coding regions of its genome. This article reviews recent studies that reveal the ability of ranaviruses, including FV3, to encode microRNA (miRNA), a type of regulatory RNA. These viral miRNAs play a crucial role in suppressing frog immune genes, modulating the virus-host interaction, and promoting viral infection. Understanding how ranaviruses use miRNAs to control disease progression is essential for addressing the health threat they pose to wildlife and ecosystems.

56 Years of the Marburg Virus—A Review of Therapeutics

Background: The Marburg virus (MARV) is the causative agent of Marburg virus disease (MVD). This filovirus first appeared in 1967 and has since caused several outbreaks with case fatality rates between 23% and 90%. The earliest cases of MVD are thought to be caused by exposure to an infected animal, either a reservoir host (some bat species, e.g., Rousettus aegyptiacus) or a spill-over host, such as non-human primates. The virus is spread between people by direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids (including saliva, sweat, faeces, urine, tears, and breast milk) from infected individuals. Despite the high fatality rate, the Marburg virus has no vaccine or drug treatment. Recent outbreaks of the virus in 2023 in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea have reignited the need to develop effective therapeutics, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: This review seeks to highlight the drug discovery efforts aimed at developing vaccines or possible treatments as potential therapeutics. Several existing antiviral agents are being probed, and vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical stages. Natural products are also an important source of possible drugs or lead compounds and when coupled with computational techniques, these strategies offer possible therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially in Africa, which has a high disease burden. Methods: Using the search engines Google Scholar and PubMed;keywords e.g. Marburg virus, Marburg treatments, Marburg virus drug discovery were utilized. Several results were yielded, and articles published in recent years were accepted into the final list.Results and Conclusion: This study shows there is a growing interest in therapeutics for the Marburg virus, especially with the recent outbreaks and pandemic preparedness. Initiatives that to support vaccine development and access like the MARVAC consort time are critical to fighting this public health threat.

Role of viruses in periodontitis:An extensive review of herpesviruses,human immunodeficiency virus,coronavirus-19,papillomavirus and hepatitis viruses

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the supporting structures around the dentition.Several microbial agents,mostly bacteria,have been identified as causative factors for periodontal disease.On the other hand,oral cavity is a rich reservoir for viruses since it contains a wide variety of cell types that can be targeted by viruses.Traditionally,the focus of research about the oral flora has been on bacteria because the most widespread oral diseases,like periodontitis and dental caries,are outcomes of bacterial infection.However,recently and especially after the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019,there is a growing tendency toward including viruses also into the scope of oral microbiome investigations.The global high prevalence of periodontitis and viral infections may point out to a concomitant or synergistic effect between the two.Although the exact nature of the mechanism still is not clearly understood,this could be speculated through the manipulation of the immune system by viruses;hence facilitating the furthermore colonization of the oral tissues by bacteria.This review provides an extensive and detailed update on the role of the most common viruses including herpes family(herpes simplex,varicella-zoster,Epstein-Barr,cytomegalovirus),Human papillomaviruses,Human immunodeficiency virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the initiation,progression and prognosis of periodontitis.

Shear-wave elastography to predict hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C virus eradication:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents(DAAs)are highly effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C(CHC)with a significant rate of sustained virologic response(SVR).The achievement of SVR is crucial to prevent additional liver damage and slow down fibrosis progression.The assessment of fibrosis degree can be performed with transient elastography,magnetic resonance elastography or shear-wave elastography(SWE).Liver elastography could function as a predictor for hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)in CHC patients treated with DAAs.AIM To explore the predictive value of SWE for HCC development after complete clearance of hepatitis C virus(HCV).METHODS A comprehensive literature search of clinical studies was performed to identify the ability of SWE to predict HCC occurrence after HCV clearance.In accordance with the study protocol,a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evidence was planned.RESULTS At baseline and after 12 wk of follow-up,a trend was shown towards greater liver stiffness(LS)in those who go on to develop HCC compared to those who do not[baseline LS standardized mean difference(SMD):1.15,95%confidence interval(95%CI):020-2.50;LS SMD after 12 wk:0.83,95%CI:0.33-1.98].The absence of a statistically significant difference between the mean LS in those who developed HCC or not may be related to the inability to correct for confounding factors and the absence of raw source data.There was a statist-ically significant LS SMD at 24 wk of follow-up between patients who developed HCC vs not(0.64;95%CI:0.04-1.24).CONCLUSION SWE could be a promising tool for prediction of HCC occurrence in patients treated with DAAs.Further studies with larger cohorts and standardized timing of elastographic evaluation are needed to confirm these data.

Review on article of effects of tenofovir alafenamide and entecavir in chronic hepatitis B virus patients

This letter comments on the article which reported that tenofovir alafenamide may increase blood lipid levels compared with entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B published on World J Hepatol 2023 August 27.We review the related research content,topic selection,methodology,conclusions,strengths and weaknesses of this article.And evaluate it in relation to other published relevant articles.

Review of Albanian studies suggests the need for further efforts to counteract significant hepatitis B virus prevalence

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus(HBV)is categorized as one of the smallest enveloped DNA viruses and is the prototypical virus of the Hepatoviridae family.It is usually transmitted through body fluids such as blood,semen,and vaginal secretions.The majority(more than 95%)of immunocompetent adults infected with HBV spontaneously clear the infection.In the context of the high prevalence of HBV infection in Albania,the research gap is characterized by the lack of studies aimed at advancing the current understanding and improving the prevailing situation.The main objective of this study was to address the low rate of HBV diagnosis and the lack of a comprehensive national program to facilitate widespread diagnosis.AIM To analyze the prevalence of HBV infection in Albania and elucidate the persistently high prevalence despite efforts and measures implemented.METHODS Using a systematic literature review,we collected existing research on the epidemiology of HBV in Albania from PubMed,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,and Albanian Medical Journals,focusing on studies published after the 1980s and conducted solely in the Albanian population.RESULTS The findings reveal a dynamic shift in HBV prevalence in Albania over several decades.Initially high,the prevalence gradually declined following the implementation of screening and vaccination programs.However,the prevalence rates have remained notably high,exceeding 8%in recent years.Contributing factors include vertical transmission,inadequate healthcare infrastructure,and challenges in screening and diagnosis.Studies among Albanian refugees in neighboring countries also reported high prevalence rates,emphasizing the need for transnational interventions.Despite advancements in screening,vaccination,and healthcare infrastructure,Albania continues to face a substantial burden of HBV infection.CONCLUSION The persistence of high prevalence underscores the complexity of the issue,requiring ongoing efforts to ensure a comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation.Addressing gaps in vaccination coverage,improving access to screening and diagnosis,and enhancing public awareness are crucial steps toward reducing HBV prevalence in Albania.

Emerging role of liquid biopsy in rat sarcoma virus mutated metastatic colorectal cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC),the treatment options are limited and have been proved to be affected by rat sarcoma virus(RAS)mutational status.In RAS wild-type(wt)patients,the combination of antiepidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy(CT)is more effective than CT alone.On the other hand,RAS-mutated patients are not eligible for treatment with anti-EGFR antibodies.CASE SUMMARY Eleven patients with initially RAS-mutated mCRC were followed from diagnosis to May 2022.At the time of cell-free DNA determination,five patients had undergone one CT line,five patients had undergone two CT lines,and one patient had undergone three CT lines(all in combination with bevacizumab).At the second and third treatment lines[second line(2L),third line(3L)],patients with neo-RAS wt received a combination of CT and cetuximab.In neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR,our findings indicated an increase in progression-free survival for both 2L and 3L(14.5 mo,P=0.119 and 3.9 mo,P=0.882,respectively).Regarding 2L overall survival,we registered a slight increase in neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR(33.6 mo vs 32.4 mo,P=0.385).At data cut-off,two patients were still alive:A RAS-mutated patient undergoing 3L treatment and a neo-RAS wt patient who received 2L treatment with anti-EGFR(ongoing).CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that monitoring RAS mutations in mCRC by liquid biopsy may provide an additional treatment line for neo-RAS wt patients.

Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation:Implications for disease progression and management strategies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management.This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation,emphasizing disease progression and management.It delves into host immune responses and reactivation’s delicate balance,spanning innate and adaptive immunity.Viral factors’disruption of this balance,as are interac-tions between viral antigens,immune cells,cytokine networks,and immune checkpoint pathways,are examined.Notably,the roles of T cells,natural killer cells,and antigen-presenting cells are discussed,highlighting their influence on disease progression.HBV reactivation’s impact on disease severity,hepatic flares,liver fibrosis progression,and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed.Management strategies,including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches,are critically analyzed.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation.In conclusion,this compre-hensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation.With a dedicated focus on understanding its implic-ations for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management stra-tegies,this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base.The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches,ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes.The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized,spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches.The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.

Alterations in the gut microbiome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with hepatitis B virus-related portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Gut microbiota(GM)affects the progression and response to treatment in liver diseases.The GM composition is diverse and associated with different etiologies of liver diseases.Notably,alterations in GM alterations are observed in patients with portal hypertension(PH)secondary to cirrhosis,with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection being a major cause of cirrhosis in China.Thus,understanding the role of GM alterations in patients with HBV infection-related PH is essential.AIM To evaluate GM alterations in patients with HBV-related PH after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)placement.METHODS This was a prospective,observational clinical study.There were 30 patients(with a 100%technical success rate)recruited in the present study.Patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding due to HBV infection-associated PH who underwent TIPS were enrolled.Stool samples were obtained before and one month after TIPS treatment,and GM was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing.RESULTS One month after TIPS placement,8 patients developed hepatic encephalopathy(HE)and were assigned to the HE group;the other 22 patients were assigned to the non-HE group.There was no substantial disparity in the abundance of GM at the phylum level between the two groups,regardless of TIPS treatment(all,P>0.05).However,following TIPS placement,the following results were observed:(1)The abundance of Haemophilus and Eggerthella increased,whereas that of Anaerostipes,Dialister,Butyricicoccus,and Oscillospira declined in the HE group;(2)The richness of Eggerthella,Streptococcus,and Bilophila increased,whereas that of Roseburia and Ruminococcus decreased in the non-HE group;and(3)Members from the pathogenic genus Morganella appeared in the HE group but not in the non-HE group.CONCLUSION Intestinal microbiota-related synergism may predict the risk of HE following TIPS placement in patients with HBVrelated PH.Prophylactic microbiome therapies may be useful for preventing and treating HE after TIPS placement.

Perioperative remedial antiviral therapy in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma resection:How to achieve a better outcome

BACKGROUND Although the benefits of antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have been proven,researchers have not con-firmed the differences in patient outcomes between patients who received preoperative antiviral therapy for a period of time(at least 24 wk)and patients who received remedial antiviral therapy just before radical resection for HBV-related HCC.AIM To investigate the efficacy of perioperative remedial antiviral therapy in patients with HBV-related HCC.METHODS A retrospective study of patients who underwent radical resection for HBV-related HCC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2016 to June 2019 was conducted.Considering the history of antiviral therapy,patients were assigned to remedial antiviral therapy and preoperative antiviral therapy groups.RESULTS Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival(P<0.0001)and disease-free survival(P=0.035)between the two groups.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a history of preoperative antiviral treatment was independently related to improved survival(hazard ratio=0.27;95%confidence interval:0.08-0.88;P=0.030).CONCLUSION In patients with HBV-related HCC,it is ideal to receive preoperative long-term antiviral therapy,which helps patients tolerate more extensive hepatectomy;however,remedial antiviral therapy,which reduces preoperative HBV-DNA levels to less than 4 Log10 copies DNA/mL,can also result in improved outcomes.

Autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis after direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a major global health concern that leads to liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,and cancer.Regimens containing direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)have become the mainstay of HCV treatment,achieving a high sustained virological response(SVR)with minimal adverse events.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old woman with chronic HCV infection was treated with the DAAs ledipasvir,and sofosbuvir for 12 wk and achieved SVR.Twenty-four weeks after treatment completion,the liver enzyme and serum IgG levels increased,and antinuclear antibody became positive without HCV viremia,suggesting the development of autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).After liver biopsy indicated AIH,a definite AIH diagnosis was made and prednisolone was initiated.The treatment was effective,and the liver enzyme and serum IgG levels normalized.However,multiple strictures of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts with dilatation of the peripheral bile ducts appeared on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography after 3 years of achieving SVR,which were consistent with primary sclerosing cholangitis.CONCLUSION The potential risk of developing autoimmune liver diseases after DAA treatment should be considered.

Disparities in the Levels of Whole-Blood Epstein-Barr Virus between the Cancer and Non-Cancer Populations in Zhejiang,China

Objective This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection in patients with and without cancer.Methods A total of 26,648 participants who underwent whole-blood EBV DNA(WBEBV)assays between January 1,2020,and August 31,2023,were included.The chi-square test was used for categorical data analysis,and R software was used to analyze the differences in EBV DNA load levels and the diagnostic capabilities of WBEBV.Results Positive rates were 10.2%and 25.4%for healthy controls(HC)and patients,respectively.The positivity rate for EBV-associated neoplasms(EN)was the highest at 7.53%,followed by leukemia(Le)at 5.49%.The subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate for abnormal proliferation or hyperplasia(APH)was 31.9%,followed by 30.5%for Le.The WBEBV of patients with transplants(TP),especially living-related transplants(LT),was the highest among all subgroups.WBEBV at diagnosis was used to differentiate between infectious mononucleosis(IM)and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus(CAEBV),with a sensitivity of 67.4%(95%confidence interval[CI]:57.6-75.8)and specificity of 72%(95%CI:63.3-79.3).We conclude that the prevalence of EBV infection is low in the healthy population in this region and that a high EBV load at baseline is more common in LT,IM,and Lymphocyte Leukemia(LL).Conclusion This study used a large-sample survey to characterize the prevalence of whole-blood EBV levels in various diseases,including the stages and subtypes.The EBV detection rate was higher in patients with malignant disease than in those with benign disease.Our study provides clinicians with baseline information regarding EBV-associated diseases.

CRISPR/CasRx-mediated resistance to Soybean mosaic virus in soybean

Soybean mosaic virus(SMV),an RNA virus,is the most common and destructive pathogenic virus in soybean fields.The newly developed CRISPR/Cas immune system has provided a novel strategy for improving plant resistance to viruses;hence,this study aimed to engineer SMV resistance in soybean using this system.Specifically,multiple sgRNAs were designed to target positive-and/or negative-sense strands of the SMV HC-Pro gene.Subsequently,the corresponding CRISPR/CasRx vectors were constructed and transformed into soybeans.After inoculation with SMV,39.02%,35.77%,and 18.70%of T_(1)plants were confirmed to be highly resistant(HR),resistant(R),and mildly resistant(MR)to SMV,respectively,whereas only 6.50%were identified as susceptible(S).Additionally,qRT-PCR and DAS-ELISA showed that,both at 15 and 30 d post-inoculation(dpi),SMV accumulation significantly decreased or was even undetectable in HR and R plants,followed by MR and S plants.Additionally,the expression level of the CasRx gene varied in almost all T_(1)plants with different resistance level,both at 15 and 30 dpi.Furthermore,when SMV resistance was evaluated in the T_(2)generation,the results were similar to those recorded for the T_(1)generation.These findings provide new insights into the application of the CRISPR/CasRx system for soybean improvement and offer a promising alternative strategy for breeding for resistance to biotic stress that will contribute to the development of SMV-immune soybean germplasm to accelerate progress towards greater soybean crop productivity.

Current status of liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in China's Mainland

According to the report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection exceeded 1.2 million individuals by the year 2022,with an annual increase of about 80000 cases.The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among individuals co-infected with HIV reached 13.7%,almost twice the rate of the general population in China.In addition to the well-documented susceptibility to opportunistic infections and new malignancies,HIV infected patients frequently experience liver-related organ damage,with the liver and kidneys being the most commonly affected.This often leads to the development of end-stage liver and kidney diseases.Therefore,organ transplantation has emerged as an important part of active treatment for HIV infected patients.However,the curative effect is not satisfactory.HIV infection has been considered a contraindication for organ transplantation.Until the emergence of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in 1996,the once intractable replication of retrovirus was effectively inhibited.With prolonged survival,the failure of important organs has become the main cause of death among HIV patients.Therefore,transplant centers worldwide have resu-med exploration of organ transplantation for HIV-infected individuals and reached a positive conclusion.This study provides an overview of the current landscape of HIV-positive patients receiving liver transplantation(LT)in main-land China.To date,our transplant center has conducted LT for eight end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with HIV,and all but one,who died two months postoperatively due to sepsis and progressive multi-organ failure,have survived.Comparative analysis with hepatitis B virus-infected patients during the same period revealed no statistically significant differences in acute rejection reactions,cytomegalovirus infection,bacteremia,pulmonary infections,acute kidney injury,new-onset cancers,or vascular and biliary complications.

Preclinical and clinical trials of oncolytic vaccinia virus in cancer immunotherapy:a comprehensive review

Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for human cancers owing to an ability to elicit curative effects via systemic administration.Tumor cells often create an unfavorable immunosuppressive microenvironment that degrade viral structures and impede viral replication;however,recent studies have established that viruses altered via genetic modifications can serve as effective oncolytic agents to combat hostile tumor environments.Specifically,oncolytic vaccinia virus(OVV)has gained popularity owing to its safety,potential for systemic delivery,and large gene insertion capacity.This review highlights current research on the use of engineered mutated viruses and gene-armed OVVs to reverse the tumor microenvironment and enhance antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo,and provides an overview of ongoing clinical trials and combination therapies.In addition,we discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of OVV as a cancer therapy,and explore different perspectives in this field.

Epidemiological and Paraclinical Aspects of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in the Republic of Congo

Objective: Describe the epidemiological and paraclinical aspects of HP infection in hepatitis B virus carriers. Population and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study running from January 1 to August 30, 2019, a period of 8 months. It took place in the Hospital Centers of the two major cities of Congo (Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire). The target population of our study consists of patients carrying HBV under antiviral treatment or not. Patients aged at least 18 years and consenting with a biological and morphological assessment were included. We did not include in our study patients taking or having taken antibiotics and/or PPIs less than 4 weeks ago. We excluded all patients who did not deposit fresh stools and those in whom stool extraction could not be done manually. The variables studied covered sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical aspects. Data entry was done using Excel 8.0 software. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 20.0 software. Results: During our study, we included 169 patients. The frequency of HPAG in the stools of HBV carriers in our study population was 63.9% (n = 109). Male patients represented 69% (n = 75) and female patients represented 31% (n = 34). The average age of the patients is 43.92 ± 13.51 years with extremes of 18 years and 80 years. Concerning profession, unemployed patients and those working in the private sector were the most represented in respectively 28.4% (n = 31) and 22.9% (n = 25) without statistical link. Households comprising between 4 - 10 people and the use of public latrines were the risk factors most represented in respectively 69% (n = 75) and 88% (n = 96) without statistical link. Clinically, hepatomegaly and signs of portal hypertension were most represented in 53% (n = 58) and 47% (n = 51). Biologically, HBV DNA was detectable in 60.5% of cases (n = 66).

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection – an important aspect of multifaceted problem

In this editorial we comment on the article published in the recent issue of the W orld Journal of Gastroenterology.We focus specifically on the problem of occult hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,that is a result of previous hepatitis B(PHB)and a source for reactivation of HBV.The prevalence of PHB is underestimated due to the lack of population testing programs.However,this condition not only com-plicate anticancer treatment,but may be responsible for the development of other diseases,like cancer or autoimmune disorders.Here we unveil possible mecha-nisms responsible for realization of these processes and suggest practical approa-ches for diagnosis and treatment.

Current updates on the epidemiology,pathogenesis and development of small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of Ebola virus infections

Ebola virus disease(EVD)is a rare,highly contagious and a deadly disease with a variable fatality rate ranging from 30%to 90%.Over the past two decades,Ebola pandemic has severely affected the sub-Sahara region including Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC),and Uganda.The causative agents of the most EVD cases are three distinct species out of six Ebolaviruses namely Zaire Ebolavirus(ZEBOV),Sudan Ebolavirus(SUDV)and Bundibugyo Ebolavirus(BDBV).In recent years,significant strides have been made in therapeutic interventions.Notably,the US Food and Drug Administration has approved two monoclonal antibodies:InmazebTM(REGN-EB3)and Ansuvimab or EbangaTM.Additionally,many small molecules are currently in the developmental stage,promising further progress in medical treatment.Addressing the critical need for preventive measures,this review provides an in-depth analysis of the licensed Ebola vaccines-Ervebo and the combination of Zabdeno(Ad26.ZEBOV)and Mvabea(MVA-BN-Filo)as well as the vaccines which are currently being tested for their efficacy and safety in clinical studies.These vaccines might play an important role in curbing the spread and mitigating the impact of this lethal disease.The current treatment landscape for EVD encompasses both nutritional(supportive)and drug therapies.The review comprehensively details the origin,pathogenesis,and epidemiology of EVD,shedding light on the ongoing efforts to combat this devastating disease.It explores small molecules in various stages of the development,discusses patents filed or granted,and delves into the clinical and supportive therapies that form the cornerstone of EVD management.This review aims to provide the recent developments made in the design and synthesis of small molecules for scientific community to facilitate a deeper understanding of the disease and fostering the development of effective strategies for prevention,treatment,and control of EVD.