TWiV 1319: An earful of SARS-CoV-2

Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV2) continues to emerge in the Central African Republic, demonstrating that the novel oral polio vaccine (NOPV2) remains susceptible to recombination with non-polio enteroviruses, necessitating a shift toward inactivated poliovirus vaccines (IPV) for long-term eradication. Simultaneously, SARS-CoV-2 directly infects inner ear spiral ganglion neurons, inducing hearing dysfunction through the viral spike protein’s inhibition of the mTOR pathway and subsequent accumulation of stress granules, rather than through traditional inflammatory responses. Beyond these scientific findings, the discussion addresses the loss of prominent virologists, the political instability affecting the National Science Foundation, and the critical role of global immunization programs. These insights underscore the persistent challenges in balancing vaccine accessibility with the biological realities of viral evolution and pathogenesis in complex, resource-limited environments.