Posts by vgn1
Further Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Variability: D614G
Can a single amino acid mutation in the spike protein affect the infectivity and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2? Recently, a great deal of attention has become focused on a specific SARS-CoV2 mutant in which amino acid residue 614 of the spike protein is changed from aspartic acid to the less bulky and more neutral glycine. This…
Read MoreCleveland Clinic and The University of Southern Denmark Join Global Virus Network to Combat Viral Diseases
GVN’s latest additions further bolster its 55 Centers for Excellence, expanding knowledge of viruses and treatment Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Tuesday, July 7, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), comprising foremost experts around the world in every class of virus causing disease in humans and some animals, today announced the addition of Cleveland Clinic and the…
Read MoreOn the Surface, Using a Good Disinfection Strategy Matters
One approach to COVID-19 that has been gaining traction, is the idea of decontaminating surfaces to inactivate viruses that have been deposited upon them, either by aerosols, droplets, or contaminated touch. Infection from surfaces is a major concern for public entities and private businesses such as schools, public transportation, airlines, hotels, hospitals and doctors’ offices,…
Read MoreSo Where Did the Virus Come From, Anyway?
The question of where viruses involved in spillover zoonoses originate is always important and fascinating. Identifying their origin is critical in understanding how zoonotic epidemics originate, and in preparing preventive strategies for future epidemic. Fascinating, because identification, like solving a difficult whodunit, involves a series of forensics including those from epidemiology, molecular genetics, phylogenetics, and…
Read MoreThe Global Virus Network’s Position Regarding the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission by Asymptomatic Infected Subjects
BALTIMORE, MD, June 12, 2020: According to the Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world’s preeminent human and animal virologists from 53 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 32 countries, whether or not asymptomatic COVID-19 infected subjects can transmit the virus has tremendous impact on the global public health strategy against…
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network Suggests Oral Polio Vaccine May Provide Temporary Protection Against COVID-19
World-renowned scientists publish strong argument for the live attenuated vaccine in Journal Science BALTIMORE, MD, June 11, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world’s preeminent human and animal virologists from 53 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 32 countries, published a viewpoint in Science today that the stimulation of…
Read MoreWhat’s Going to Happen When Summer Gets Here?
How seasonality and climate affect SARS-CoV-2 There has been much speculation over the effects of climate on the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This is obviously a difficult question, as there are many variables to tease apart, including: population density, socioeconomic status, geography, and cultural norms. Viral -transmission seems to occur more easily indoors than outdoors. Another…
Read MoreTWO CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE OF THE GLOBAL VIRUS NETWORK INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY AN ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY THAT ERADICATES SARS-CoV-2 ON SURFACES FOR MORE THAN SIX WEEKS
Global Virus Network Also Advances The Study Of The Oral Polio Vaccine As A Preventive Measure Against SARS-CoV-2 Baltimore, Maryland, USA, June 4, 2020: The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world’s preeminent human and animal virologists from 53 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 32 countries, announced that two of…
Read MoreNew Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
There has been some very interesting news in the last several days that relate to vaccine development. The first of these is a report of results on the Phase 1 trials of the Moderna mRNA vaccine. Most importantly, the vaccine appeared to be safe; no major adverse events were reported. Vaccines developed binding antibodies to…
Read MoreWhy Do Genes and Mutations Matter in SARS-CoV-2?
Why should we concern ourselves with genetics and mutations in SARS-CoV-2? There are many reasons why these are of interest, including the rate at which mutations are occurring. One reason is that mutations can result in immune evasion. Changes can occur in recognition sites (epitopes) for antibodies and for cytotoxic T cells, and these could,…
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