Navigating Novel Viral Challenges: Understanding, Tracking, and Mitigating Emerging Threats

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 3732

Special Issue Editors


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Unit of Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; statistics; public health; artificial intelligence; predictive modeling; infectious diseases; data analysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the dynamic landscape of emerging viral threats, focusing on understanding, tracking, and mitigating these challenges. While encompassing a broad spectrum of viral pathogens, this Special Issue particularly emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures in response to the evolving nature of infectious diseases. Through comprehensive research articles, reviews, and perspectives, this collection will delve into the molecular, epidemiological, and ecological aspects of viral emergence. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying viral spillover, transmission dynamics, and host–pathogen interactions, this Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights into predicting and preventing future outbreaks. Additionally, it will examine the role of advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaborations in enhancing preparedness and response efforts. Ultimately, this Special Issue seeks to foster a deeper understanding of emerging viral threats and promote evidence-based strategies for safeguarding global health security.

Dr. Francesco Branda
Prof. Dr. Massimo Ciccozzi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • emerging viral threats
  • viral spillover
  • infectious disease dynamics
  • surveillance systems
  • global health security
  • molecular epidemiology
  • viral emergence
  • preparedness and response efforts
  • interdisciplinary collaborations

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 163 KiB  
Editorial
Navigating Novel Viral Challenges: Understanding, Tracking, and Mitigating Emerging Threats
by Francesco Branda and Massimo Ciccozzi
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040807 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
The emergence of new viral threats continues to pose significant challenges to global health security [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial

12 pages, 1120 KiB  
Article
High Prevalence of High-Risk HPV Among People with and Without HIV: Insights into Risk Factors for Tailored Screening Approaches
by Elena Bruzzesi, Federica Gandini, Sara Diotallevi, Riccardo Lolatto, Massimo Cernuschi, Caterina Candela, Angelo Roberto Raccagni, Flavia Passini, Andrea Marco Tamburini, Roberto Burioni, Antonella Castagna and Silvia Nozza
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122571 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 667
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with HIV are at increased risk of anal HPV infection and cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anal HPV among MSM with HIV (MWH) and without HIV (MWoH), as well as [...] Read more.
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and people with HIV are at increased risk of anal HPV infection and cancer. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anal HPV among MSM with HIV (MWH) and without HIV (MWoH), as well as among MSM under and over 35 years. Factors associated with infection from high-risk (HR) HPV were investigated. This retrospective cohort analysis included MSM receiving care at IRCCS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, with at least one HPV test collected from 2014 to 2023. Among 1577 MSM, 1427 (90%) were MWH. At first screening, 87.6% were had HR-HPV and MWoH were significantly younger, as compared to MWH. Cytological abnormalities were more frequent among younger MSM, while high-grade lesions were more frequent among those over 35 years of age. In multivariate regressions, the risk of ≥1 HR-HPV genotype at first and last screening was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR (95% confidence interval): 0.33 (0.18, 0.59); 0.34 (0.18, 0.58), p < 0.001) and concomitant STI (aOR 2.74 (1.59, 5.08), p < 0.001; 1.68 (1.09, 2.67), p: 0.023). A discrepancy between the recommend and actual age for screening was found. As a younger age and concomitant STIs were associated with infection by ≥1 HR-HPV, we promote a more tailored screening approach for both MWH and MWoH. Full article
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12 pages, 709 KiB  
Article
A Survey of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis E Virus at the Human–Wildlife Interface in the Peruvian Amazon
by María Fernanda Menajovsky, Johan Espunyes, Gabriela Ulloa, Stephanie Montero, Andres G. Lescano, Meddly L. Santolalla, Oscar Cabezón and Pedro Mayor
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1868; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091868 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1344
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are zoonotic pathogens posing significant health concerns in rural Amazonia, a region marked by high endemicity, poverty, and limited healthcare access. However, the epidemiology of HBV and HEV in this ecosystem remains underexplored. This [...] Read more.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are zoonotic pathogens posing significant health concerns in rural Amazonia, a region marked by high endemicity, poverty, and limited healthcare access. However, the epidemiology of HBV and HEV in this ecosystem remains underexplored. This study examines the circulation of HBV and HEV at the human–wildlife interface and identifies risk factors within an isolated Amazonian indigenous community reliant on hunting for subsistence. Antibodies against HBV core antigens (HBcAbs) were found in three wildlife species: Cuniculus paca (0.8%), Tayassu pecari (1.6%), and Mazama americana (4.1%), marking the first record of HBV antibodies in free-ranging wildlife in the Amazon. However, further research is necessary to identify circulating strains and their relation to human HBV. HBcAbs were also detected in 9.1% of human samples, confirming exposure to HBV in the region. HEV IgG antibodies were present in 17.1% of humans and were associated with higher age. All wildlife and domestic animal samples tested negative for HEV, but transmission through consumption of wild animals and contaminated water needs further investigation. The identified risk factors highlight the urgent need for measures to promote safer food handling, improved sanitation, hygiene, and practices related to contact with wild animals. Full article
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