Virology: Current Research

Airborne pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can be transmitted through the air and cause diseases in humans and other animals. These pathogens are typically carried in respiratory droplets, aerosols, or dust particles and can remain suspended in the air for varying periods, depending on factors like particle size, humidity, and ventilation. Influenza, or the flu, is caused by various strains of the influenza virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Influenza viruses can also become airborne in aerosol form. Airborne pathogens are microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that can be transmitted through the air and cause diseases in humans and other animals.

This variability underscores the multifaceted nature of the interplay between infections and the development of vasculitis in susceptible hosts. Numerous human studies and animal models have pointed to the involvement of various infectious agents in the development of vasculitis, particularly in susceptible individuals. However, the relationship between infection and vasculitis is exceedingly intricate and not yet fully comprehended. What makes it even more complex is that different agents can trigger the same type of vasculitis, as is evident in the case of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. Conversely, the same infectious agent can evoke a wide spectrum of host responses. These responses can range from a clinically silent infection or limited involvement of a particular organ to the development of devastating, widespread vasculitis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed brought to light various uncertainties and complexities regarding the transmission of respiratory pathogens among individuals. Traditionally, it was widely believed that respiratory pathogens primarily spread through large droplets generated during activities like coughing and sneezing, as well as via direct contact with contaminated surfaces, known as fomites. Numerous human studies and animal models have pointed to the involvement of various infectious agents in the development of vasculitis, particularly in susceptible individuals. However, the relationship between infection and vasculitis is exceedingly intricate and not yet fully comprehended. What makes it even more complex is that different agents can trigger the same type of vasculitis, as is evident in the case of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. Conversely, the same infectious agent can evoke a wide spectrum of host responses.

Dengue is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Over the years, researchers and innovators have been actively working on various aspects of dengue prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Developing an effective dengue vaccine has been a major focus of research. Several vaccine candidates have been in different stages of development, aiming to provide immunity against all four dengue virus serotypes. Innovations in controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, have included the use of genetically modified mosquitoes, novel insecticides, and community-based approaches to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

The impact of climate changes and air pollution on the prevalence of asthma in the general population and on the timing of asthma exacerbations, although the global rise in asthma prevalence and severity could also be an effect of air pollution and climate change. Since airborne allergens and air pollutants are frequently increased contemporaneously in the atmosphere, an enhanced IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and enhanced airway inflammation could account for the increasing frequency of respiratory allergy and asthma in atopic subjects in the last 5 decades. Pollen allergy is frequently used to study the relationship between air pollution and respiratory allergic diseases, such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma.