Publications by authors named "M H Yunker"
Respiratory disease, attributed to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, was reported nationally during the 2023/2024 respiratory viral season. The emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants was considered a significant factor contributing to the rise in COVID-19 cases. Data from the Johns Hopkins Hospital System (JHHS) showed that enterovirus/rhinovirus had also been circulating at high rates.
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- - Influenza, caused by viruses from the Orthomyxoviridae family, affects a significant portion of the population each year, with infection rates varying by age group and geographical location.
- - This study involved sequencing the genomes of positive influenza samples, identifying predominant types and subtypes, mainly focusing on H1N1pdm09, while assessing changes in key proteins that might impact treatment and vaccine effectiveness.
- - Findings highlighted the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance to track how influenza viruses evolve seasonally, as well as their potential effects on public health and clinical outcomes.
Article Synopsis
- RSV is a major health concern for infants, and this study analyzed its genetic variations and outcomes between August and December 2023 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
- The research found that the RSV-B GB5.0.5a genotype was the most common, but infections from RSV-A GA2.3.5 led to higher hospitalization rates.
- Genetic analysis revealed various mutations in both RSV-A and RSV-B, indicating potential for antibody evasion, and the study aims to support understanding the impact of new RSV vaccines on genetic evolution and mutations.
Seasonal influenza viruses frequently acquire mutations that have the potential to alter both virus replication and antigenic profile. Recent seasonal H1N1 viruses have acquired mutations to their hemagglutinin (HA) protein receptor binding site (RBS) and antigenic sites, and have branched into the clades 5a.2a and 5a.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEvolution of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses in 2 Consecutive Seasons of Genomic Surveillance, 2021-2023.
Open Forum Infect Dis
December 2023
Article Synopsis
- The study examined the circulation and genetic evolution of influenza A(H3N2) viruses during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons, focusing on how these factors impacted infection outcomes.
- A total of 121,683 respiratory samples were tested for influenza, resulting in 6,071 positive cases, with hemagglutinin (HA) sequencing done on 610 samples predominantly consisting of H3N2 viruses.
- Despite an increase in cases and genetic variation in the 2022/2023 season, there was no significant change in disease severity or clinical outcomes when compared to the previous season.