Uncover the latest news in infectious diseases provided by your friends at The Native Antigen Company
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Dear Customers and Partners,
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, contact us at this email address.
Brazil Reports First Case of Swine-Origin Influenza A(H1N1) Variant in 2024 and Avian Influenza A(H10N5) and Influenza A(H3N2) coinfection reported in China
Article
On February 7, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) received notification from Brazil regarding an isolated case of human infection with swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) variant virus in Toledo, State of Paraná. The patient, an adult male with underlying health conditions, exhibited symptoms and was hospitalized in early December 2023. The individual had no exposure history to pigs, and no close contacts were identified through epidemiological investigation. Laboratory analysis confirmed the influenza A(H1N1) variant virus, with genetic similarities to previous cases in the region. Read more here.
Just a few days earlier on January 27, 2024, China reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) the first global case of human co-infection with avian influenza A(H10N5) and seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses. The infected individual, a female farmer over 60 years old from Anhui Province, displayed symptoms starting on November 30, 2023, and sadly passed away on December 16, 2023. The patient, with a history of chronic co-morbidities, had contact with live poultry, and subsequent testing confirmed the dual viral infection. Notably, this marks the initial global instance of human avian influenza A(H10N5) infection. Read more here.
Discover our Pandemic Influenza portfolio, including the newest 2024 Influenza Antigen for the Southern Hemisphere Flu Season!
Rare Cases of Bubonic Plague Transmission: Oregon Cat Infects Owner
Article
In a rare case of bubonic plague transmission in the US, a cat in Oregon is blamed for infecting its owner. Oregon officials confirmed the infected person likely contracted the disease from the feline. This marks the first bubonic plague incident reported in Oregon in nine years.
The disease, caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria, is transmitted through fleas or broken skin and is infamous for causing the Black Death in the Middle Ages. Signs of the plague typically manifest between two to eight days following exposure to an infected animal or flea. Symptoms may encompass fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches, and visibly swollen lymph nodes known as buboes, from which the plague derives its name. Antibiotics can effectively treat the disease if caught early.Currently, three countries, including Madagascar, consider bubonic plague endemic. Read more here.
See our Yersinia products and watch this space as we introduce a few new Yersinia Pestis antigens!
Surges in Measles Clusters Across England Persists, Prompting Concerns and Urgent Calls for Vaccination
Article
In recent days, England has witnessed a surge in measles cases, with clusters reported in various regions, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, the Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands. The latest figures reveal 166 cases in January alone. The West Midlands, notably Birmingham, accounted for approximately half of the 166 cases since January 15, with case numbers seemingly stabilizing.
Despite being preventable with MMR vaccination, uptake rates in some areas remain worryingly low, contributing to the resurgence of measles. In 2022-23, only about 85% of children in England had received both MMR doses by their fifth birthday, falling short of the recommended 95%. The complications of measles, including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures, underscore the urgency of vaccination efforts. Updates on the measles emergency are published by UKHSA here every Thursday.
Measles is also a threat to adults as recent studies show the infection can deplete the immune memory of an individual. Learn more about the history of measles and its impact on immune memory by listening to podcasts linked below!
Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak Origin Traced to Municipal Water System in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Article
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Minnesota, responsible for six deaths and 134 cases last year, has been linked to the municipal water system, state health officials report. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed 14 cases in Grand Rapids that resulted from exposure to contaminated water through daily activities such as handwashing, showering, and teeth brushing.
The affected area has been identified north of Golf Course Road/SE 10th Street, south of NE/NW 8th Street, east of 11th Avenue SW/10th Avenue NW, and west of 7th Avenue SE/8th Avenue NE. MDH stresses the seriousness of Legionnaires' disease, caused by Legionella bacteria in water, and urges individuals with symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, and headache to seek immediate medical attention. The Grand Rapids Public Utilities water supply, not chlorinated, is being addressed collaboratively with local authorities. Read more here.
Friday, 8 March is International Women’s Day, and the best way to celebrate is to introduce our amazing woman scientist!
Carol Fernandes, Senior Assay Development Scientist
Carol Fernandes, an employee at The Native Antigen Company, has a breadth of knowledge and experience in scientific assay development. Carol writes:
‘’I was born and raised in Goa, India, but my adventure in the world of biotechnology kicked off in the bustling city of Bangalore, where I completed my Master’s degree at the Bangalore University. Following my education, I began my career as a trainee molecular biologist in the Research and Development department at Unichem Laboratories Ltd, a pharmaceutical company, where I gained valuable experience. I subsequently advanced to a position at Tulip Group of Companies, a clinical diagnostic company renowned for its expertise in ELISA and LFD technologies. During my tenure of 3.5 years, I served as a Quality Control and Complaint Handling Officer, overseeing quality processes and addressing customer feedback.
In 2015, I relocated to England in pursuit of new opportunities to advance my burgeoning career. The London startup scene beckoned with its promise of cutting-edge technologies, leading me to the enchanting realm of multiplex assays on a microfluidic platform. After that, I joined TNAC in 2016 and have been an integral part of the company for nearly 8 years. In my current role, I design and develop serological assays, particularly focusing on infectious diseases. Additionally, I have experience in developing quantitative assays tailored to client requests for detecting biological markers in biofluids.
My career has been a journey filled with twists, turns and scientific wonders, my path has been paved with innovation, dedication, and a sprinkle of biotechnological magic!’’
Resources you might have missed...
Resources
We keep our content up to date so that you can stay in touch with the news and resources that are the latest and greatest for everything "Antibodies and Antigens." Check out the latest:
The Native Antigen Company is pleased to announce our biggest sale ever, up to 80% off selected lines of products. All the items on sale exhibit the same high quality as our full-price products. There are only a few last vials available for some of the products on the list, so do not wait, contact us today!
On February 7, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) received notification from Brazil regarding an isolated case of human infection with swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) variant virus in Toledo, State of Paraná. The patient, an adult male with underlying health conditions, exhibited symptoms and was hospitalized in early December 2023. The individual had no exposure history to pigs, and no close contacts were identified through epidemiological investigation. Laboratory analysis confirmed the influenza A(H1N1) variant virus, with genetic similarities to previous cases in the region. 
In a rare case of bubonic plague transmission in the US, a cat in Oregon is blamed for infecting its owner. Oregon officials confirmed the infected person likely contracted the disease from the feline. This marks the first bubonic plague incident reported in Oregon in nine years. 
In recent days, England has witnessed a surge in measles cases, with clusters reported in various regions, including London, the North West, Yorkshire, the Humber, the East Midlands, and the West Midlands. The latest figures reveal 166 cases in January alone. The West Midlands, notably Birmingham, accounted for approximately half of the 166 cases since January 15, with case numbers seemingly stabilizing. 
An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Minnesota, responsible for six deaths and 134 cases last year, has been linked to the municipal water system, state health officials report. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed 14 cases in Grand Rapids that resulted from exposure to contaminated water through daily activities such as handwashing, showering, and teeth brushing. 
