Viral Genomics

The reticuloendotheliosis viruses (REVs) comprise several closely related amphotropic retroviruses isolated from birds. These viruses exhibit several highly unusual characteristics that have not so far been adequately explained, including their extremely close relationship to mammalian retroviruses, and their presence as endogenous sequences within the genomes of certain large DNA viruses. We present evidence for an iatrogenic origin of REVs that accounts for these phenomena. Firstly, we identify endogenous retroviral fossils in mammalian genomes that share a unique recombinant structure with REVs—unequivocally demonstrating that REVs derive directly from mammalian retroviruses. Secondly, through sequencing of archived REV isolates, we confirm that contaminated Plasmodium lophurae stocks have been the source of multiple REV outbreaks in experimentally infected birds. Finally, we show that both phylogenetic and historical evidence support a scenario wherein REVs originated as mammalian retroviruses that were accidentally introduced into avian hosts in the late 1930s, during experimental studies of P. lophurae, and subsequently integrated into the fowlpox virus (FWPV) and gallid herpesvirus type 2 (GHV-2) genomes, generating recombinant DNA viruses that now circulate in wild birds and poultry. Our findings provide a novel perspective on the origin and evolution of REV, and indicate that horizontal gene transfer between virus families can expand the impact of iatrogenic transmission events.

Aims To isolate and characterise phage which could lyse P. acnes and to formulate the phage into a delivery form for potential application in topical treatment of acne infection. Methods and Results Using standard phage isolation techniques, ten phage capable of lysing P. acnes were isolated from human skin microflora. Their genomes showed high homology to previously reported P. acnes phage. These phage were formulated into cetomacrogol cream aqueous at a concentration of 2.5x10 8 PFU per gram, and shown to lyse underlying P. acnes cells grown as lawn cultures. These phage formulations remained active for at least 90 days when stored at four degrees Celsius in a light protected container. Conclusions P. acnes phage formulated into cetomacrogol cream aqueous will lyse surrounding and underlying P. acnes bacteria, and are effective for at least 90 days if stored appropriately. Significance and Impact of the Study There are few reports of phage formulation into semi solid preparations for application as phage therapy. The formulation method described here could potentially be applied topically to treat human acne infections. The potential exists for this model to be extended to other phage applied to treat other bacterial skin infections.

Background: Globally, the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has impacted humans in all ramifications of life posing a serious public health threat. The development of vaccines and therapeutic agents is a continuous struggle by scientists with promising breakthroughs and current statistical incidence data examined suggest a potential proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the future which might result in high mortality rate if not adequately controlled. Over the years, statistics has proved to be an effective and indispensable tool to public health practitioners in epidemiological surveillance of disease progression and subsequent control of disease outbreak via application of statistical tools. Methods: Using a structured-observational research, this review examined the prevalence data of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United Kingdom and United States via descriptive statistics with major focus on its epidemiological and genomics findings, health interventions and challenges, in conjunction with evidence-based useful control. Specifically, we examined the effectiveness of the lockdown measure imposed to controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection in these regions. Additionally, we provide vital updates on vaccine developments and therapeutic interventions in the control of SARS-CoV-2 infection worldwide. Results: The lockdown measure examined was effective to mitigating SARS-CoV-2 incidence and mortality rates in the UK and US during the unprecedented intervention in March 2020. Moreover, genomics findings reveal a possible re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strain. Conclusions: Following a significant increase in incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK after the easement of the lockdown measure and considering the efficacy of the lockdown measure as revealed in the observed data analysed, an informed decision was reached by the UK health officials to instigating a second lockdown measure in the control of the outbreak. This approach evidently reveals the effectiveness of statistics to health officials in disease control most especially, in the absence of an approved vaccine (as of that period) for prophylactic activities against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusively, the unprecedented lockdown intervention might be used to controlling future epidemics and pandemics by measuring its effectiveness via applied statistics and awareness of a possible re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strain is important to the scientific community in its effective control.