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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions
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Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Virology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 10885

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sherif T. S. Hassan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: gene; infectious diseases; herpesviruses; pharmacology and toxicology; molecular medicine; oncology and hematology; cardiovascular diseases; natural products; drug discovery; analytical and bioanalytical techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Viral diseases continue to pose significant challenges to global public health, necessitating ongoing research efforts to understand their complex mechanisms and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Viruses are ubiquitous pathogens that can cause a diverse range of diseases, from the common cold to more severe conditions, including AIDS and COVID-19. In addition to acute infections, certain viruses have the potential to induce chronic conditions, including cancer. Viral-induced cancers, such as those caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), represent a significant global health burden. Understanding the mechanisms by which these viruses contribute to oncogenesis is essential for developing targeted therapies and preventive strategies. In this Special Issue, we bring together a collection of articles that delve into various aspects of viral diseases, including their role in cancer development. From fundamental studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis to clinical research exploring novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, each contribution provides valuable insights into combating viral infections and associated health complications. Moreover, this Special Issue emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of viral disease research, spanning fields such as virology, immunology, epidemiology and computational biology. As we navigate the complex landscape of viral diseases, it is crucial to not only focus on the immediate challenges, but also anticipate and prepare for future threats. Therefore, this Special Issue also explores innovative approaches and technologies that hold promise for advancing our understanding of viral pathogenesis and transforming the landscape of disease prevention and control. By sharing knowledge, expertise and innovative solutions, we can collectively work toward a world where the impact of viral infections is minimized, and communities are better equipped to respond to public health challenges.

Dr. Sherif T.S. Hassan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • RNA viruses
  • DNA viruses
  • virus–host interactions
  • immune evasion strategies
  • host immune response
  • viral epidemiology, biology and pathogenesis
  • virus diagnosis
  • viral diseases
  • prevention, management and treatment strategies
  • antiviral therapeutics
  • vaccine development

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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14 pages, 2217 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of HDV, HCV, and HIV Infection in the Population of Patients Infected with HBV in a Romanian Cohort
by Antoanela Curici, Olivia Mioara Ilie and Dana Elena Mindru
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010118 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain a significant global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare services is often limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis delta virus (HDV), hepatitis C [...] Read more.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections remain a significant global health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare services is often limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis delta virus (HDV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infections in a cohort of 426,528 patients tested for HBsAg in Romania between 2018 and 2023. Of the 17,082 HBsAg-positive individuals (4.0% prevalence), the highest HBV positivity rates were observed in the 30–39 and over 60 age groups. Chronic HBV infection was identified in 13.2% of the cohort, with 3.6% testing positive for HBeAg, indicating active viral replication. Co-infection rates were 11.3% for HDV, 1.4% for HCV, and 0.45% for HIV. The incidence of HDV co-infection increased significantly from 2018 to 2023, particularly in older populations. HCV co-infection was more prevalent in individuals aged 50–59 and over 60, with a declining trend from 2020 onward. The study also revealed a weak correlation between liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST) and HBV viral load, suggesting that liver function tests may not fully reflect the severity of HBV infection. HIV co-infection was notably rare compared to other regions, likely due to regional healthcare interventions. The findings from our study highlight the need for targeted interventions, particularly for high-risk groups such as older adults and middle-aged individuals, to reduce the burden of chronic HBV and its complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions)
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10 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Performance Comparison of Four Hepatitis E Antibodies Detection Methods
by Milagros Muñoz-Chimeno, Nazaret Díaz-Sánchez, Lucía Morago, Vanessa Rodríguez-Paredes, Silvia Barturen, Álvaro Rodríguez-Recio, Maira Alejandra García-Lugo, Maria Isabel Zamora, María Mateo, Mónica Sánchez-Martínez and Ana Avellón
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091875 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 898
Abstract
HEV antibody detection constitutes the main screening test for HEV infection. The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of four techniques: LIAISON® MUREX DiaSorin anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM assays, Hepatitis E VIRCLIA® IgM and IgG [...] Read more.
HEV antibody detection constitutes the main screening test for HEV infection. The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of four techniques: LIAISON® MUREX DiaSorin anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM assays, Hepatitis E VIRCLIA® IgM and IgG monotests, WANTAI HEV-IgM and IgG ELISA and VIDAS® anti-HEV IgM and IgG tests in five panels of samples configurated according to the immunoblot (RecomLine, Mikrogen, Neuss, Germany). Anti-HEV IgM sensitivity in the acute phase was 100% in all techniques, while sensitivity, including the immediate convalescence phase, was 96.74% for LIAISON®, 83.14% for VIRCLIA®, 84.78% for WANTAI and 88.04% for VIDAS®. Anti-HEV IgM specificity was 100% for both LIAISON® and VIRCLIA®. Anti-HEV IgM WANTAI agreed with VIRCLIA® with a good Kappa coefficient (κ = 0.71). Anti-HEV IgG post-infection sensitivity was 100% for LIAISON®, VIDAS® and VIRCLIA® and 99% for WANTAI. Anti-HEV IgG specificity reached 97.17% for LIAISON and 88.68% for VIRCLIA®. Our results demonstrated a better capacity of LIAISON® MUREX anti-HEV IgM than that of competitors for detecting acute infections as well as accurate anti-HEV IgG results and in how to resolve them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions)
16 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-Delivered Exosomal TAT and BiTE Molecule CD4-αCD3 Facilitate the Elimination of CD4 T Cells Harboring Latent HIV-1
by Xiaoli Tang, Huafei Lu, Patrick M. Tarwater, David L. Silverberg, Christoph Schorl and Bharat Ramratnam
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081707 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2137
Abstract
Combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV infection from a death sentence to a controllable chronic disease, but cannot eliminate the virus. Latent HIV-1 reservoirs are the major obstacles to cure HIV-1 infection. Previously, we engineered exosomal Tat (Exo-Tat) to reactivate latent HIV-1 [...] Read more.
Combinatorial antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV infection from a death sentence to a controllable chronic disease, but cannot eliminate the virus. Latent HIV-1 reservoirs are the major obstacles to cure HIV-1 infection. Previously, we engineered exosomal Tat (Exo-Tat) to reactivate latent HIV-1 from the reservoir of resting CD4+ T cells. Here, we present an HIV-1 eradication platform, which uses our previously described Exo-Tat to activate latent virus from resting CD4+ T cells guided by the specific binding domain of CD4 in interleukin 16 (IL16), attached to the N-terminus of exosome surface protein lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 variant B (Lamp2B). Cells with HIV-1 surface protein gp120 expressed on the cell membranes are then targeted for immune cytolysis by a BiTE molecule CD4-αCD3, which colocalizes the gp120 surface protein of HIV-1 and the CD3 of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Using primary blood cells obtained from antiretroviral treated individuals, we find that this combined approach led to a significant reduction in replication-competent HIV-1 in infected CD4+ T cells in a clonal in vitro cell system. Furthermore, adeno-associated virus serotype DJ (AAV-DJ) was used to deliver Exo-Tat, IL16lamp2b and CD4-αCD3 genes by constructing them in one AAV-DJ vector (the plasmid was named pEliminator). The coculture of T cells from HIV-1 patients with Huh-7 cells infected with AAV-Eliminator viruses led to the clearance of HIV-1 reservoir cells in the in vitro experiment, which could have implications for reducing the viral reservoir in vivo, indicating that Eliminator AAV viruses have the potential to be developed into therapeutic biologics to cure HIV-1 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions)
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10 pages, 2553 KiB  
Case Report
The Silent Threat of Human Metapneumovirus: Clinical Challenges and Diagnostic Insights from a Severe Pneumonia Case
by Rubens Carmo Costa-Filho, Felipe Saddy, João Luiz Ferreira Costa, Leandro Reis Tavares and Hugo Caire Castro Faria Neto
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010073 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 6912
Abstract
Background: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory pathogen that has gained increasing recognition due to advancements in molecular diagnostic tools, which have improved its detection and characterization. While severe disease manifestations are traditionally associated with pediatric, elderly, or immunocompromised patients, hMPV-related pneumonia in [...] Read more.
Background: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory pathogen that has gained increasing recognition due to advancements in molecular diagnostic tools, which have improved its detection and characterization. While severe disease manifestations are traditionally associated with pediatric, elderly, or immunocompromised patients, hMPV-related pneumonia in immunocompetent adults remains underexplored. Methods: This case report describes a 68-year-old male who developed severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by hMPV despite being immunocompetent and having no significant comorbidities. The diagnosis was confirmed via multiplex RT-PCR, excluding bacterial and viral coinfections. Laboratory and imaging findings supported a viral etiology, while empirical antibiotics were initially prescribed due to diagnostic uncertainty. Results: The patient presented with respiratory symptoms that progressed to hypoxia, productive cough, and fatigue, requiring hospitalization. Imaging revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidations typical of viral pneumonia. Molecular diagnostics enabled accurate pathogen identification and guiding appropriate management, and the patient fully recovered with supportive care. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of rapid molecular diagnostics for hMPV, reducing unnecessary antibiotics and enhancing management. Routine incorporation of hMPV testing into clinical protocols could improve the diagnosis and resource use. The development of vaccines, such as the IVX-A12 in phase II trials, offers hope for targeted prevention, underscoring the need for further research and therapeutic innovations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases: Current Research and Future Directions)
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