2017 international meeting of the Global Virus Network

Factors responsible for the emergence of novel viruses: An emphasis on SARS-CoV-2

Structural and genetic differences among various viruses play a significant factor in host infectivity and vulnerability to environmental stressors. Zoonoses of viruses require several recombinations and mutations in their genetic material and among several viruses allowing them to switch hosts and infect new species. Additionally, the host genetics play a significant role in successful viral transmission among various hosts. For example, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus and influenza viruses. In efficient zoonotic events, selective stresses in the host milieu-interieur are critical during viral infection of the first human host. The genetic rearrangement of the virus and the selective environmental pressure of the host immune system dominate the emergence of new viral disease outbreaks.

Recent Advances in Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 292 million people worldwide and is associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the availability of an effective vaccine HBV still causes nearly 900,000 deaths every year. Current treatment options keep HBV under control, but they do not offer a cure as they cannot completely clear HBV from infected hepatocytes. The recent development of reliable cell culture systems allowed for a better understanding of the host and viral mechanisms affecting HBV replication and persistence. Recent advances into the understanding of HBV biology, new potential diagnostic markers of hepatitis B infection, as well as novel antivirals targeting different steps in the HBV replication cycle are summarized in this review article.

2018 international meeting of the Global Virus Network

The Global Virus Network (GVN) was established in 2011 to strengthen research and responses to emerging viral causes of human disease and to prepare against new viral pandemics. There are now 45 GVN Centers of Excellence and 7 Affiliate laboratories in 29 countries. The 10th International GVN meeting was held from November 28–30, 2018 in Veyrier du Lac, France and was co-hosted by the two GVN Centers of Excellence, the Mérieux Foundation and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo). The theme of this 10th International GVN meeting was “Eradication and control of (re-) emerging viruses”. This report highlights the recent accomplishments of GVN researchers in several important areas of medical virology, including strategies for the eradication of smallpox, measles, polio, SARS and vector-borne or zoonotic infections, emergence and intervention strategies for retroviruses and arboviruses, preparedness for outbreaks of Filo- and other hemophilic viruses, pathogenesis, impact and prevention of respiratory viruses, as well as, viruses affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. Also threats in crisis settings like refugee camps were presented.