This Week in Virology TWiV 1207: Taking a shot at dementia
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Apr 6, 2025 The hosts reflect on the legacy of Klaus Conzelmann and explore how pig farming impacts the evolution of influenza viruses. Fascinating research highlights the unexpected connection between the Zostavax vaccine and reduced dementia risk. Listeners also enjoy a quirky look at how roller coasters might help kidney stones pass. The episode further delves into the effects of political decisions on vaccination mandates and the dire consequences of scaling back malaria initiatives. A must-listen for science enthusiasts!
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Pigs as Viral Mixing Bowls
- Pigs are a likely source of future pandemic viruses.
- The 2009 H1N1 pandemic originated from a strain that evolved in pigs for decades.
The Importance of Pigs in Viral Evolution
- The 2009 H1N1 virus highlights pigs' role as intermediate hosts.
- Birds are the ancestral host, but pigs facilitate viral evolution and transmission.
Interspecies Transmission
- Human-to-pig transmission of influenza is frequent, occurring 370 times since 2009 H1N1.
- Swine-to-human transmission is less common, with 17 occurrences since 2010.