This Week in Virology

TWiV reviews the administrations dismantling of the committee that studies pandemic potential, firing of CDC vaccine advisory committee and replacing them with unqualified anti-vaxxers, zoonotic and sustained Mpox spread in Nigeria and Cameroon, and breadth of influenza A antibody cross-reactivity. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV 2:39 NIH terminates pandemic preparedness committee (Science) RFK Jr. fires all ACIP members (CNN) RFK Jr. names dubious members of new ACIP (NPR) Zoonotic and sustained Mpox spread in West Africa (Nature) Breadth of influenza A antibody cross-reactivity (Nat Micro) Letters read on TWiV 1227 Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Weekly Picks Brianne – Accidental discovery in planetarium show Alan – Project Hail Mary Vincent – How to speak to a vaccine sceptic: research reveals what works Listener Picks James – Looking at the world through a microscope Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your virology questions and comments to twiv@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin with Vincent Racaniello in horror examine dismantling of public infrastructure for establishing vaccine guidelines, the creation of a autism taskforce by someone disciplined for practicing medicine without a license, the ongoing pertussis, bird flu and measles outbreaks, before Dr. Griffin reviews recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, the effective of oseltamivir vs supportive care when one is hospitalized with influenza infection, whether or not the NB.1.8.1 should be included in the fall 2025 vaccines, approval of another anti-RSV monoclonal antibody for treatment in infants, immunization recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, where to find PEMGARDA, results from the phase 3 randomized clinical trial of pemivibart, provides information for Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s long COVID treatment center, where to go for answers to your long COVID questions, how artery disease impacts SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes, contacting your federal government representative to stop the assault on science and biomedical research and the recent public health programs that have been unfunded. Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Vaccine Opponent Hired by RFK Jr. Scours Official Records for Link to Autism (Wall Street Journal) Correcting our record (Salon) You are FIRED! Kennedy removes all ACIP members, eyes replacement (CIDRAP) UPI Investigates: The vaccine conflict…..investigative reporting? (UPI) RFK Jr.: HHS Moves to Restore Public Trust in Vaccines…to avoid conflicts UGHHHH! (Wall Street Journal) GREAT Vaccine advisory panel (Great Barrington Declaration) National Vaccine Information Center (Wikipedia: National Vaccine Information Center) Nonprofit organization 501(c)  (Wikipedia) Kennedy Announces Eight New Members of C.D.C. Vaccine Advisory Panel (NY Times) Whooping cough deaths! (Kentucky. Gov) Kentucky announces two pertussis deaths in infants this year (CIDRAP) H5 bird flu: current situation (CDC: Avian Influenza) Stability of influenza viruses in the milk of cows and sheep (medRxiv) Wastewater for measles (WasterWater Scan) Measles cases and outbreaks (CDC Rubeola) Weekly measles and rubella monitoring (Government of Canada) Canada’s Ontario province reports death of child from measles (Reuters) Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge (gov.UK) Measles (WHO) Measles vaccine recommendations from NYP (jpg) Get the FACTS about measles (NY State Department of Health) Measles (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Measles vaccine (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Presumptive evidence of measles immunity (CDC) Contraindications and precautions to measles vaccination (CDC) Measles (CDC Measles (Rubeola) Adverse events associated with childhood vaccines: evidence bearing on causality (NLM) Measles Vaccination: Know the Facts (ISDA: Infectious Diseases Society of America) Deaths following vaccination: what does the evidence show (Vaccine) Influenza: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) US respiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Weekly surveillance report: clift notes (CDC FluView) Respiratory virus activity levels (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Weekly surveillance report: clift notes (CDC FluView) Oseltamivir Treatment vs Supportive Care for Seasonal Influenza Requiring Hospitalization (JAMA) FDA-CDC-DOD: 2025-2046 influenza vaccine composition (FDA) RSV: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) US respiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) RSV-Network (CDC Respiratory Syncytial virus Infection) Approval for Merck’s ENFLONSIA™ (clesrovimab-cfor) for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Lower Respiratory Tract Disease in Infants Born During or Entering Their First RSV Season (Merck) Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) COVID-19 deaths (CDC) COVID-19 national and regional trends (CDC) COVID-19 variant tracker (CDC) SARS-CoV-2 genomes galore (Nextstrain) Antigenic and Virological Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 (biRxiV) COVID-19 vaccine for 6 months, 12 years (CDC: childhood vaccination) COVID-19 vaccine for65 years and older (CDC: Adult vaccination) Where to get pemgarda (Pemgarda) EUA for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 (INVIYD) Infusion center (Prime Fusions) CDC Quarantine guidelines (CDC) NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines (NIH) Drug interaction checker (University of Liverpool) Infectious Disease Society guidelines for treatment and management (ID Society) Molnupiravir safety and efficacy (JMV) Convalescent plasma recommendation for immunocompromised (ID Society) What to do when sick with a respiratory virus (CDC) Managing healthcare staffing shortages (CDC) Steroids,dexamethasone at the right time (OFID) Anticoagulation guidelines (hematology.org) Daniel Griffin’s evidence based medical practices for long COVID (OFID) Long COVID hotline (Columbia : Columbia University Irving Medical Center) The answers: Long COVID Long-term outcomes of patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection (eBioMedicine) Reaching out to US house representative Trump Budget Eliminates Funding for Crucial Global Vaccination Programs(NY Times) Letters read on TWiV 1226 Dr. Griffin’s COVID treatment summary (pdf) Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your questions for Dr. Griffin to daniel@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.

TWiV reviews the administration’s call for fools gold-standard science, NIH may publish in-house, avian influenza viruses in birds in China, and Omicron pathogenicity and immune responses. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Fool’s Gold Standard Science (Nature) NIH may publish in-house (Stat News) Diversity of H9N2 in China (Nat Micro) Omicron and immunity (Cell Rep) Letters read on TWiV 1225 Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Weekly Picks Kathy – mSphere virus species names standardization Rich –   Real Tides & Currents Graph HD Alan – Invasive termites spreading from privately owned boats Vincent – Entomologist Answers Insect Questions Listener Picks Gerry – Citations Needed podcast 221: Anti-science mugging Joyrell – Mayday: Air Disaster Favorite one, two, three, for Vincent Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your virology questions and comments to twiv@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin with Vincent Racaniello in dismay examine the MAHA-Make America Health Again-report and its inclusion of fictious studies or “Creative literature degree Medical Science writing”, RFK Jr contradicted by the CDC for COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children, reduction in MMR vaccine coverage, the ongoing bird flu and measles outbreaks, how the General Accounting Office instructed HHS to fix deficiencies in infectious disease testing before the next pandemic, before Dr. Griffin reviews recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, whether or not the NB.1.8.1 should be included in the fall 2025 vaccines approval of Moderna’s mNEXSPIKE vaccine for fall 2025, childhood immunization recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines, where to find PEMGARDA, results from the phase 3 randomized clinical trial of pemivibart, provides information for Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s long COVID treatment center, where to go for answers to your long COVID questions, the identification of an association between FOXP4 and long COVID and contacting your federal government representative to stop the assault on science and biomedical research. Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode The MAHA report (The White House) White House Health Report Included Fake Citations (NY Times) C.D.C. Contradicts Kennedy and Keeps Advice That Children May Get Covid Shots (NY TImes) CDC revises recommendation for COVID vaccines in kids (CIDRAP) Exclusive: CDC Expert resigns from COVID vaccines advisory role (Reuters) Trends in County-Level MMR Vaccination Coverage in Children in the United States (JAMA Network) U.S. Cancels Contract With Moderna to Develop Bird Flu Vaccine (NY Times) Canada Wants to Kill 400 Ostriches. Kennedy and Dr. Oz Want to Save Them. (NY Times) Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks (USDA: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) H5 bird flu: current situation (CDC: Avian Influenza) Bird flu (CDC: Avian Influenza) H5N1 avian flu strikes another Arizona layer farm (CIDRAP) Bird flu outbreak kills 95% of Hickman’s Arizona chickens, closes West Valley farms (AZCentral) Wastewater for measles (WasterWater Scan) Additional Denver Resident Tests Positive forMeasles (Denver: The Mile High City) Health officials alert public of potential measles exposure at Denver International Airport and nearby hotel (Colorado: Department of public health and environment) Colorado announces another measles case linked to Turkish Airlines flight (CIDRAP) Measles cases and outbreaks (CDC Rubeola) Weekly measles and rubella monitoring (Government of Canada) Measles (WHO) Measles vaccine recommendations from NYP (jpg) Get the FACTS about measles (NY State Department of Health) Measles (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Measles vaccine (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Presumptive evidence of measles immunity (CDC) Contraindications and precautions to measles vaccination (CDC) Measles (CDC Measles (Rubeola)) Adverse events associated with childhood vaccines: evidence bearing on causality (NLM) Measles Vaccination: Know the Facts (ISDA: Infectious Diseases Society of America) Deaths following vaccination: what does the evidence show (Vaccine) Public Health Preparedness: HHS Needs a Coordinated National Approach for Diagnostic Testing for Pandemic Threats (GAO: US Government Accountability Office) GAO to HHS: Fix ‘persistent deficiencies’ in infectious-disease testing before next pandemic (CIDRAP) Influenza: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) US respiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Weekly surveillance report: clift notes (CDC FluView) Respiratory virus activity levels (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) Weekly surveillance report: clift notes (CDC FluView) FDA-CDC-DOD: 2025-2046 influenza vaccine composition (FDA) RSV: Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) US respiratory virus activity (CDC Respiratory Illnesses) RSV-Network (CDC Respiratory Syncytial virus Infection) Waste water scan for 11 pathogens (WastewaterSCan) COVID-19 deaths (CDC) COVID-19 national and regional trends (CDC) COVID-19 variant tracker (CDC) SARS-CoV-2 genomes galore (Nextstrain) Antigenic and Virological Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.3.2, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 (biRxiV) mNEXSPIKE is now approved and coming this fall (mNEXSPIKE) FDA approval for mNEXSPIKE (moderna) COVID-19 vaccine for 6 months, 12 years (CDC: childhood vaccination) COVID-19 vaccine for65 years and older (CDC: Adult vaccination) ACIP Shared Clinical Decision-Making Recommendations (CDC: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices(ACIP)) Safety and Efficacy of Pemivibart, a Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibody, for Prevention of Symptomatic COVID-19 (CID) Where to get pemgarda (Pemgarda) EUA for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 (INVIYD) Infusion center (Prime Fusions) CDC Quarantine guidelines (CDC) NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines (NIH) Drug interaction checker (University of Liverpool) Infectious Disease Society guidelines for treatment and management (ID Society) Molnupiravir safety and efficacy (JMV) Convalescent plasma recommendation for immunocompromised (ID Society) What to do when sick with a respiratory virus (CDC) Managing healthcare staffing shortages (CDC) Steroids,dexamethasone at the right time (OFID) Anticoagulation guidelines (hematology.org) Daniel Griffin’s evidence based medical practices for long COVID (OFID) Long COVID hotline (Columbia : Columbia University Irving Medical Center) The answers: Long COVID Genome-wide association study of long COVID (Nature Genetics) Reaching out to US house representative Letters read on TWiV 1224 Dr. Griffin’s COVID treatment summary (pdf) Timestamps by Jolene Ramsey. Thanks! Intro music is by Ronald Jenkees Send your questions for Dr. Griffin to daniel@microbe.tv Content in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice.

The hosts dive into the slippery world of misinformation in scientific reporting, critiquing a controversial health report that lacks proper citations. A new fungus threatens North American bats, while innovative surveillance using bird guano reveals insights into avian influenza viruses. They also explore the fascinating dynamics of Merbecoviruses and their interactions with bat receptors. Creating a warm connection with listeners, the conversation weaves in personal stories, touching on vaccination's vital role amidst today's challenges.

Dr. Griffin discusses critical vaccination policy shifts, focusing on new recommendations for children and pregnant women. Concerns arise over misinformation and legislative changes affecting vaccine exemptions in Texas. The conversation touches on the global measles outbreak and recent COVID-19 statistics. Highlights include the importance of updated vaccination strategies and the role of respiratory pathogens. The impact of COVID-19 on child health, including post-infection complications, is emphasized, alongside insights on PPE usage among healthcare providers.

The hosts discuss alarming cuts to NSF funding and their implications for research at institutions like Harvard. They explore the complexities of immune responses to endemic coronaviruses and the genetic factors influencing vaccine reactions. Delving into IFNAR1 deficiencies, they highlight struggles with viral infections and the potential for tailored vaccines. They also share innovative retinal technology allowing infrared vision in humans and tackle the environmental and health impacts of PFAS chemicals. Listener engagement emphasizes the importance of clear scientific communication.

Dr. Griffin tackles the evolving landscape of FDA vaccine approvals, particularly for COVID-19 and Novavax. The discussion highlights global outbreaks of measles and flu fatalities, emphasizing the need for equitable vaccine access. Insights into long COVID reveal potential cognitive impairments and treatment options, while the impact of prolonged steroid therapy on COVID patient outcomes is examined. The hosts also respond to listener feedback about vaccine language sensitivity, stressing the importance of clear and inclusive discussions.

The hosts tackle the pause on the chikungunya vaccine and changing COVID recommendations for vulnerable populations. They dive into the evolution of viruses, exploring receptor interactions and the fascinating world of koala retroviruses. Unique insights into the microbial makeup of belly buttons and the protective role of skin bacteria against UV radiation add a quirky touch. The discussion also reflects on the urgent need to rebuild public trust in vaccines amid misinformation and highlights the importance of effective science communication.

Join infectious disease specialist Dr. Daniel Griffin as he dives into pressing public health challenges. He discusses the disturbing cancellation of CDC committees and rising mpox cases in Sierra Leone. Dr. Griffin also sheds light on the ongoing measles outbreaks and the importance of vaccination amid these crises. Unpacking insights from wastewater analysis, he emphasizes its role in tracking COVID-19. He also explores the connection between long COVID, obesity, and emerging treatment options like remdesivir, pushing for advocacy in health policy.