Volume 08 · Issue 03 · 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system, established under Article 12 of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, aims to promote timely sharing of pathogen materials and sequence information with pandemic potential while ensuring fair and equitable benefit-sharing. Proposed in response to inequities exposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and limitations in existing arrangements, the PABS annex remains under negotiation within the Intergovernmental Working Group. This article analyses the institutional background, core design, and key areas of contention in the PABS system. It highlights three challenges: Defining key terms and scope, designing benefit-sharing and allocation mechanisms, and establishing operational and governance arrangements. It also proposes recommendations to strengthen clarity, feasibility, and institutional coherence for pandemic preparedness and response.

Academic journals serve as the platform of scientific collaboration. As China’s contribution to world-class science is advancing at a remarkable pace, cultivating world-class English-language journals has become a national imperative issue. Taking Academician George F. Gao and the three flagship journals he founded or led—Protein & Cell (2010), China CDC Weekly (2019), and hLife (2023)—as examples, herein we trace the evolutionary trajectory of English-language periodicals in China, dissecting their evolving missions, internationalization strategies and contributions to biosafety and ethical governance to provide a reproducible roadmap for currently-emerging journals. Through analyses of the case of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene-editing ethics controversy, pandemic-data-sharing protocols, and international cooperation frameworks, we highlight that journals are pivotal arenas where domestic and global scientific discourses on critical biosafety and public health issues are made. Building internationally competitive journals for science data sharing scientific governance will serve as a critical foundation for China’s ambitions to become a scientific power and for its deeper engagement in global science and technology governance.

Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play diverse roles in numerous biological processes. miRNA-24-3p (miR-24-3p) has been reported to play an important role in viral infection. However, little is known about the involvement of miR-24-3p in persistent vaccinia virus infection. In this study, we discovered that vaccinia virus Western Reserve (VACV-WR) infection suppressed miR-24-3p expression. Delivery of synthetic miR-24-3p mimics into cells reduced viral genome replication, protein levels, and viral titers in VACV-WR-infected cells. Target prediction analysis identified KIF21B as a host target of miR-24-3p, and KIF21B deficiency significantly decreased VACV-WR replication and infection, suggesting that KIF21B is an important host factor facilitating VACV replication. Finally, in a VACV-infected mouse model, miR-24-3p was delivered using lipid nanoparticles (LNP), resulting in attenuated weight loss, higher survival rates, and lower viral loads, confirming that miR-24-3p overexpression significantly restricts VACV replication. In summary, our study demonstrates that miR-24-3p targets the host KIF21B sequence to coordinate suppression of VACV replication, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for VACV treatment.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a critical threat to burn patients due to multidrug resistance and high transmissibility. We analyzed CRKP isolates from 15 severe burn victims of a tanker explosion in China, identifying six ST15 strains and one ST273 strain co-harboring blaNDM-5 and mcr-8.1. Genomic analysis revealed that ST15 (KP1) carried the Tn1722-blaKPC-2 transposon and a mutated rmpA2 gene, whereas ST273 (KP6) exhibited colistin resistance. Whole-genome sequencing identified four complete plasmids: ST15 strains harbored blaKPC-2 and rmpA2, and ST273 carried mcr-8.1 and blaNDM-5 on separate plasmids. The mcr-8.1 gene resided on an IncFII(K) / IncFIA(HI1) plasmid with a conserved resistance region, suggesting horizontal transfer potential, while blaNDM-5 on IncX3 plasmids indicates clonal expansion. These findings reveal the genetic complexity and high transmissibility of CRKP strains, highlighting the urgent need for systematic surveillance to prevent the spread of emerging resistance determinants.

Brucella abortus (B. abortus) is an important zoonotic pathogen, and genomic profiles of circulating B. abortus strains in Yunnan Province remain poorly characterized. This study reports the first human infection case caused by B. abortus biovar 1 in Yunnan, China, highlighting an emerging public health threat. Epidemiological investigation, bacterial isolation, serological testing, conventional bio-typing, and whole-genome sequencing-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (WGS-SNP) analysis were conducted to elucidate molecular characteristics and phylogenetic origins of the isolate. Strain YN24001 was recovered from a febrile patient with documented livestock exposure. The patient yielded positive results in both the rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test (SAT), with a SAT titer of 1:200 (+ +). The isolate was confirmed as B. abortus via Brucella cell surface protein 31 (BCSP-31, 223 bp) and AMOS-PCR (489 bp), showing 99.98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to B. abortus 544; conventional biotyping further assigned it to B. abortus biovar 1. Genomic annotation classified strain YN24001 as sequence type 1 (ST1), harboring 72 virulence-associated genes and the defensin resistance gene mprF. Phylogenetic analyses based on multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA)-16 and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) demonstrated that YN24001 is genetically more closely related to South American isolates than to domestic Chinese strains, representing a novel B. abortus lineage in Yunnan. This study expands known regional diversity of Brucella species and highlights the emerging public health risk of B. abortus, providing evidence for targeted brucellosis surveillance and prevention.

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), located at the junction of Southwestern and Southern China, is a region with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Understanding the genomic features and transmission dynamics of circulating HIV-1 strains is crucial for effective epidemic control. This study aimed to analyze the near-full-length genomic (NFLG) characteristics, recombination patterns, and cross-provincial transmission relationships of the newly reported recombinants CRF120_0107 and CRF149_01B in Guangxi. We selected six near-full-length HIV-1 genomic sequences (8,483–8,732 bp) from the entire study containing 508 samples collected from 2019 to 2024 in Nanning and Baise, Guangxi. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that samples GX.NN55.HET.2024, GX.NN152.MSM.2019, and GX.NN130.HET.2024 clustered into the same branch as the CRF120_0107 strain reported in Guangdong Province in October 2022. Recombination breakpoint analysis showed that CRF120_0107 was formed by recombination between CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. Samples GX.BS401.HET.2024, GX.NN59.HET.2024, and GX.NN118.HET.2024 were highly homologous to the CRF149_01B strain reported in Yunnan Province in April 2025, which was recombined from CRF55_01B and subtype B. Sub-region phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that each fragment clustered with the corresponding subtype reference strain (bootstrap values > 90%). The first identification of CRF120_0107 and CRF149_01B strains in the Guangxi region based on six sequences suggests cross-provincial transmission of HIV-1 recombinant strains, highlighting the importance of molecular surveillance and targeted interventions to control viral spread.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a key pathogen of respiratory tract infections, and the development of rapid, sensitive, and simple point-of-care testing (POCT) methods is of great clinical significance. In this study, enzymatic recombinase amplification (ERA) was combined with a colloidal gold-based lateral flow dipstick (LFD) to establish a novel MP detection method. Specific primers targeting the P1 protein gene were designed, with the downstream primer and probe labeled with biotin and 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) at their 5' ends, respectively, and the primer pair combinations, reaction temperature, and time were optimized to construct the ERA-LFD method. The detection performance for different MP strains was evaluated using reference samples and compared with a commercial fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) kit. Subsequently, specificity, sensitivity, and clinical applicability were assessed using clinical specimens. The results showed that the target gene fragment of MP could be successfully amplified at 37 °C within 15 min, and the ERA amplification products could be visualized on the colloidal gold LFD by the naked eye. The limit of detection (LoD) of the assay was as low as 10 copies/μL, which was 1,000-fold more sensitive than conventional PCR, with no cross-reactivity to nucleic acids from other common respiratory pathogens. Evaluation of 158 clinical samples using qPCR as the gold standard demonstrated that the method achieved 98.0% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 98.7% overall agreement, and a Kappa value of 0.973. Collectively, this study developed a simple, rapid, and sensitive MP detection method that is suitable for both routine clinical applications and POCT scenarios.

Maximum biosafety level laboratories, also known as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories are pivotal to advancing basic research and technological innovation for preventing and treating infections caused by maximum biosafety level pathogens. Herein, we conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify global research trends and hotspots in this field, with the aim of guiding future scientific strategy and fostering international collaboration. A total of 604 relevant English publications (1980–2025) from the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the bibliometrix R package. The results delineate a two-phase growth pattern: annual publication output transitioned from a prolonged period of slow growth to a sustained high-output plateau following the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Ebola virus is the most frequently studied pathogen, while the Journal of Infectious Diseases is the most prolific journal. Keyword analysis revealed an evolution in research focus from basic research towards applied medical countermeasures, with current priorities centered on evaluating the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The United States emerged as the dominant force, producing the leading institutions, core researchers, and maintained a robust collaborative network with partners like Canada and Germany that significantly outpaced Asian countries. This concentration of research effort, observed within our pathogen cohort, underscores the need for more balanced global cooperation focused on a wider spectrum of maximum biosafety level pathogens.

The study aimed to establish a three-dimensional risk matrix model as a simplified, practical semi-quantitative risk assessment tool for primary-level pathogenic microorganism laboratories, and to verify the model using actual laboratory activity data from district Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDCs) in Beijing. Three core dimensions of laboratory biosafety risk—pathogen hazard (H), laboratory activity type (A), and annual operation frequency (F) mapped to the likelihood of event occurrence (L[F])—were quantitatively defined. A novel risk calculation formula, R = H × A × L[F], and a hierarchical risk matrix were established. Based on the calculated R values, definitive risk levels and targeted control measures were formulated. Laboratory activity data from 16 district CDCs in Beijing in 2024 were collected and analyzed to validate the model. The 16 CDCs conducted 130 tests for pathogenic microorganisms in 2024, of which 88 % involved Category III pathogens. Laboratory utilization intensity varied significantly across CDCs, with only two reporting a daily workload of ≥ 5 tests per Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) room. One laboratory activity was determined to pose an unacceptable level of risk. The proportion of acceptable risks reached 100 % for inactivated and non-infectious materials, 89 %–100 % for uncultured infectious materials, and 52 %–100 % for viable pathogen cultures. A total of 62 laboratory activities were classified as hazard zones, primarily involving Category II pathogens (47 %) and viable pathogen cultures (61 %). Our findings demonstrate that the three-dimensional risk matrix model establishes a standardized semi-quantitative risk assessment framework for primary-level laboratories handling pathogenic microorganisms. It further provides a robust quantitative basis to inform evidence-based risk management and resource allocation. Notably, procedures involving viable pathogen cultures emerge as critical control points, warranting prioritized intervention in risk prevention and mitigation strategies.

While mpox is typically a self-limiting zoonosis, individuals with advanced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection are at increased risk for severe visceral complications and high mortality. We report a fatal case of fulminant mpox pneumonia in a 38-year-old male with advanced HIV-1 Infection and severe immunosuppression (CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/µL). The patient initially presented with characteristic cutaneous lesions but rapidly progressed to dyspnea and respiratory failure. Serial chest imaging revealed diffuse, solid perivascular nodules and patchy consolidations were highly suggestive of pulmonary malignancy. While initial microbiological cultures and clinical presentation (Day 4) suggested bacterial and fungal superinfections, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of lung tissue biopsy identified an overwhelming burden of mpox virus (MPXV; 260,840 sequence reads), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), confirming direct viral invasion of the pulmonary parenchyma. Despite comprehensive treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, CMV-targeted therapy, and mechanical ventilation (specific anti-orthopoxvirus agents were unavailable), the patient succumbed to progressive respiratory failure on Day 31. This case highlights that mpox can manifest as severe necrotizing pneumonia with tumor-like radiological features in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It underscores the necessity of early pulmonary imaging and molecular testing in high-risk populations to differentiate mpox pneumonia from malignancy or opportunistic infections.