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Stimulation of Human Adenovirus Infection Modulated by Emerging Micropollutants
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Researchers tested how pharmaceuticals and nanoplastics affect human adenovirus replication in lung cells under various exposure scenarios. They found that while individual pre- or post-infection exposure had no significant effect, co-incubating the contaminants with viral particles at body temperature significantly increased viral replication by up to 30-fold. The study suggests that emerging contaminants in water environments may enhance viral infectivity through direct physical and chemical interactions.
Contaminants of emergent concern (CECs), such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics, are increasingly found in aquatic environments, yet their interactions with viral pathogens remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of antibiotics, antidepressants, microfibers, and nanoplastics on human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) replication in A549 cells. A series of in vitro assays simulating distinct exposure scenarios across the viral replication cycle was conducted. Results showed that individual pre- or post-infection exposure to CECs did not significantly impact HAdV-5 replication. However, co-incubation of CECs with viral particles at physiological temperature (37 °C) led to a significant increase in viral replication up to 1.5 log₁₀ compared to viral control, highlighting temperature-dependent interactions. No enhancement was observed at room temperature. The findings suggest that CECs can modulate viral infectivity through direct physicochemical interactions, particularly under conditions resembling those of wastewater environments. This study provides new insights into the potential risks posed by the co-occurrence of viruses and CECs in aquatic ecosystems.
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Micropollutants and Their Interactions With Relevant Environmental Viruses
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This review examined how microplastics and other micropollutants interact with viruses in aquatic environments, particularly within the One Health framework linking environmental, animal, and human health. Researchers found that viruses can adsorb onto microplastic surfaces and their biofilms, potentially aiding viral transport and persistence in water. The study highlights the need for more research on how these pollutant-virus interactions could affect disease transmission.
Micro-nanoplastics enhance viral survival and infectivity: Experimental evidence from a bacteriophage D1 model system
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Researchers found that micro- and nanoplastics significantly enhanced the survival and infectivity of bacteriophage D1 in aquatic environments, with the effect positively correlated with microplastic concentration and varying by particle type, size, and environmental conditions.
Enteric virus infection was boosted by the accumulation of micro- and nano-particles in host cells
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Researchers discovered that polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics can boost viral infection by promoting the release of virus-carrying extracellular vesicles from host cells. In experiments with murine norovirus, pre-exposure to the plastic particles enhanced viral spread while simultaneously suppressing key immune responses. The study identifies a previously unrecognized mechanism by which environmental plastic pollution could increase vulnerability to enteric virus infections.
Microplastics as Vectors for Viral Transmission: Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Ecological-Health Risks
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Tiny plastic particles floating in the environment can stick to viruses and help them survive longer and spread more easily, which could increase the risk of getting sick. This review article summarizes what scientists have learned about how plastics and viruses interact, and why it matters, because many of us are now exposed to both microplastics and viruses at the same time, which could be worse for our immune systems than facing either threat alone. Understanding this problem better will help researchers figure out how to protect public health as plastic pollution continues to grow worldwide.
Microplastics and viruses in the aquatic environment: a mini review
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This review summarizes what is currently known about how microplastics interact with viruses in aquatic environments. Researchers found that microplastics can serve as carriers for viruses, potentially influencing their persistence, transmission, and ability to cause infection in water systems. The evidence indicates that the growing presence of microplastics in waterways may create new pathways for viral spread that are not yet fully understood.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.