Rafael Medina Silva

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Associate Professor

Emory University School of Medicine
Health Sciences Research Building II, N548
1750 Haygood Drive

Overview

Dr. Rafael A. Medina, Ph.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and part of the Emory Vaccine Center in the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Medina obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at the university of Western Sydney, Australia, completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at The University of New Mexico and his Postdoctoral Fellowship in Virology with Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Sastre at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Medina conducts basic and translational interdisciplinary research on RNA viruses, and has extensive expertise on Hantaviruses, Influenza virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The Medina Lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of disease, pathogenesis and immune responses induced during RNA virus infections, using systems biology approaches. Research projects in the lab include studying viral zoonosis, viral immune evasion and using several experimental and Omics tools to dissect molecular host-pathogen interactions leading to resilience versus severe disease.

Academic Appointment

Scientific Director of BSL3 facilities, Emory University School of Medicine

Education

Degrees

PhD in Biomedical Sciences from University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Science (Honors) from University of Western Sydney
Bachelor of Science from University of Western Sydney

Research

Publications

Cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 with PB2 adaptations.
Nat Commun Volume: 16 Page(s): 2232
03/06/2025 Authors: Pardo-Roa C; Nelson MI; Ariyama N; Aguayo C; Almonacid LI; Gonzalez-Reiche AS; Muoz G; Ulloa M; vila C; Navarro C
Humoral waning kinetics against SARS-CoV-2 is dictated by disease severity and vaccine platform.

10/18/2024 Authors: Tong X; Kellman B; Avendano M-J; Mendu M; Hsiao JC; Serrano E; Garcia-Salum T; Muena N; Pardo-Roa C; Morales M
Replication kinetics of novel swine influenza A viruses: an approach to vaccine production.
Austral J Vet Sci Volume: 56 Page(s): 85 - 90
05/01/2024 Authors: Tapia R; Medina R; Neira V
Novel influenza A viruses in pigs with zoonotic potential, Chile.
Microbiol Spectr Volume: 12 Page(s): e0218123
04/02/2024 Authors: Tapia R; Brito B; Saavedra M; Mena J; Garca-Salum T; Rathnasinghe R; Barriga G; Tapia K; Garca V; Bucarey S
Novel introductions of human-origin H3N2 influenza viruses in swine, Chile.
Front Vet Sci Volume: 11 Page(s): 1505497
01/01/2024 Authors: Agero BM; Ariyama N; Berrios F; Enciso N; Quezada B; Medina RA; Neira V
Mass mortality event in South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) correlated to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in Chile.
Vet Q Volume: 43 Page(s): 1 - 10
12/01/2023 Authors: Ulloa M; Fernndez A; Ariyama N; Colom-Rivero A; Rivera C; Nuez P; Sanhueza P; Johow M; Araya H; Torres JC
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, Chile.
Emerg Infect Dis Volume: 29 Page(s): 1842 - 1845
09/01/2023 Authors: Ariyama N; Pardo-Roa C; Muoz G; Aguayo C; vila C; Mathieu C; Almonacid LI; Medina RA; Brito B; Johow M
Waning and boosting of antibody Fc-effector functions upon SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Nat Commun Volume: 14 Page(s): 4174
07/13/2023 Authors: Tong X; McNamara RP; Avendao MJ; Serrano EF; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Bertera HL; Chicz TM; Levican J; Poblete E
Cross-species transmission and PB2 mammalian adaptations of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses in Chile.
bioRxiv
06/30/2023 Authors: Pardo-Roa C; Nelson MI; Ariyama N; Aguayo C; Almonacid LI; Munoz G; Navarro C; Avila C; Ulloa M; Reyes R
Immunoglobulin, glucocorticoid, or combination therapy for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a propensity-weighted cohort study.
Lancet Rheumatol Volume: 5 Page(s): e184 - e199
04/01/2023 Authors: Channon-Wells S; Vito O; McArdle AJ; Seaby EG; Patel H; Shah P; Pazukhina E; Wilson C; Broderick C; D'Souza G
Short-term complications and post-acute sequelae in hospitalized paediatric patients with COVID-19 and obesity: A multicenter cohort study.
Pediatr Obes Volume: 18 Page(s): e12980
02/01/2023 Authors: Valenzuela G; Alarcn-Andrade G; Schulze-Schiapacasse C; Rodrguez R; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Levican J; Serrano E; Avendao MJ; Gutirrez M
Cross-protection of commercial vaccines against Chilean swine influenza A virus using the guinea pig model as a surrogate.
Front Vet Sci Volume: 10 Page(s): 1245278
01/01/2023 Authors: Tapia R; Mena J; Garca V; Culhane M; Medina RA; Neira V
Tracking the emergence of antigenic variants in influenza A virus epidemics in Brazil.
Virus Evol Volume: 9 Page(s): vead027
01/01/2023 Authors: Pillai TK; Johnson KE; Song T; Gregianini TS; Tatiana G B; Wang G; Medina RA; Van Bakel H; Garca-Sastre A; Nelson MI
Phantosmia May Predict Long-Term Measurable Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID-19.
Laryngoscope Volume: 132 Page(s): 2445 - 2452
12/01/2022 Authors: Leung J-S; Cordano VP; Fuentes-Lpez E; Lagos AE; Garca-Huidobro FG; Aliaga R; Daz LA; Garca-Salum T; Salinas E; Toro A
Autoantibodies against type I IFNs in patients with critical influenza pneumonia.
J Exp Med Volume: 219
11/07/2022 Authors: Zhang Q; Pizzorno A; Miorin L; Bastard P; Gervais A; Le Voyer T; Bizien L; Manry J; Rosain J; Philippot Q
First report and genetic characterization of Seneca Valley virus (SVV) in Chile.
Transbound Emerg Dis Volume: 69 Page(s): e3462 - e3468
11/01/2022 Authors: Bennett B; Urza-Encina C; Pardo-Roa C; Ariyama N; Lecocq C; Rivera C; Bada C; Surez P; Agredo M; Aguayo C
High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 detection and prolonged viral shedding in stools: A systematic review and cohort study.
Gastroenterol Hepatol Volume: 45 Page(s): 593 - 604
10/01/2022 Authors: Daz LA; Garca-Salum T; Fuentes-Lpez E; Reyes D; Ortiz J; Chahuan J; Levican J; Almonacid LI; Valenzuela GH; Serrano E
Waning and boosting of functional humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
bioRxiv
07/25/2022 Authors: Tong X; McNamara RP; Avendao MJ; Serrano EF; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Levican J; Poblete E; Salina E; Muoz A
Is Gamma (P.1) Variant Associated with a Higher Severity in ICU Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Volume: 205
05/01/2022 Authors: Vera M; Angulo J; Medina R; Ferres M; Bruhn A; Castro R; Pardo-Roa C
Omicron variant Spike-specific antibody binding and Fc activity are preserved in recipients of mRNA or inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.
Sci Transl Med Volume: 14 Page(s): eabn9243
04/27/2022 Authors: Bartsch YC; Tong X; Kang J; Avendao MJ; Serrano EF; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Riquelme A; Cai Y; Renzi I
Induction of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies by CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines in nave and previously infected individuals.
EBioMedicine Volume: 78 Page(s): 103972
04/01/2022 Authors: Muena NA; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Avendao MJ; Serrano EF; Levican J; Almonacid LI; Valenzuela G; Poblete E; Strohmeier S
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus in ambulatory children under 2 years old.
Front Pediatr Volume: 10 Page(s): 957273
01/01/2022 Authors: Perez CA; Ormazabal I; Prez-Valenzuela J; Araya A; Medina RA; Perret C
Assessment of Mutations Associated With Genomic Variants of SARS-CoV-2: RT-qPCR as a Rapid and Affordable Tool to Monitoring Known Circulating Variants in Chile, 2021.
Front Med (Lausanne) Volume: 9 Page(s): 841073
01/01/2022 Authors: Angulo J; Martinez-Valdebenito C; Pardo-Roa C; Almonacid LI; Fuentes-Luppichini E; Contreras AM; Maldonado C; Le Corre N; Melo F; Medina RA
Preserved Omicron Spike specific antibody binding and Fc-recognition across COVID-19 vaccine platforms.
medRxiv
12/27/2021 Authors: Bartsch Y; Tong X; Kang J; Jos Avendao M; Serrano EF; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Riquelme A; Medina RA; Alter G
Circulation patterns of human seasonal Influenza A viruses in Chile before H1N1pdm09 pandemic.
Sci Rep Volume: 11 Page(s): 21469
11/02/2021 Authors: Mena J; Tapia R; Verdugo C; Avendao L; Parra-Castro P; Medina RA; Barriga G; Neira V
Avian orthoavulavirus 1 (Newcastle Disease virus) antibodies in five penguin species, Antarctic peninsula and Southern Patagonia.
Transbound Emerg Dis Volume: 68 Page(s): 3096 - 3102
11/01/2021 Authors: Ariyama N; Tapia R; Godoy C; Agero B; Valds V; Berrios F; Garca Borboroglu P; Ptz K; Alegria R; Barriga GP
Ubiquitous influenza A virus in Chilean swine before the H1N1pdm09 introduction.
Transbound Emerg Dis Volume: 68 Page(s): 3174 - 3179
11/01/2021 Authors: Mena J; Ariyama N; Navarro C; Quezada M; Brevis C; Rojas D; Medina RA; Brito B; Ruiz ; Neira V
Prospective assessment of smell and taste impairment in a South-American coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cohort: Association with the need for hospitalization and reversibility of dysfunction.
Int Forum Allergy Rhinol Volume: 11 Page(s): 1273 - 1277
08/01/2021 Authors: Gonzlez C; Garca-Huidobro FG; Lagos AE; Aliaga R; Fuentes-Lpez E; Daz LA; Garca-Salum T; Salinas E; Toro A; Callejas CA
Evaluation of ELISA-Based Multiplex Peptides for the Detection of Human Serum Antibodies Induced by Zika Virus Infection across Various Countries.
Viruses Volume: 13
07/08/2021 Authors: Martinez Viedma MDP; Panossian S; Gifford K; Garca K; Figueroa I; Parham L; de Moraes L; Nunes Gomes L; Garca-Salum T; Perret C
Treatment of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
N Engl J Med Volume: 385 Page(s): 11 - 22
07/01/2021 Authors: McArdle AJ; Vito O; Patel H; Seaby EG; Shah P; Wilson C; Broderick C; Nijman R; Tremoulet AH; Munblit D
Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis in a Newborn With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019.
Pediatr Infect Dis J Volume: 40 Page(s): e252 - e254
06/01/2021 Authors: Schulze-Schiappacasse C; Alarcn-Andrade G; Valenzuela G; Ferreiro M; Cavagnaro A; Garca-Salum T; Gutirrez M; Medina RA
Long-lasting neutralizing antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals are robustly boosted by immunization with the CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines.
medRxiv
05/18/2021 Authors: Muena NA; Garca-Salum T; Pardo-Roa C; Serrano EF; Levican J; Avendao MJ; Almonacid LI; Valenzuela G; Poblete E; Strohmeier S
Symptom Profiles and Risk Factors for Hospitalization in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: A Large Cohort From South America.
Gastroenterology Volume: 159 Page(s): 1148 - 1150
09/01/2020 Authors: Daz LA; Garca-Salum T; Fuentes-Lpez E; Ferrs M; Medina RA; Riquelme A
Viral shedding dynamics reveals sputum as a reliable and cost-saving specimen for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis within the first 10 days since symptom onset: A prospective cohort study.
medRxiv
09/01/2020 Authors: Levican-Asenjo JE; Almonacid LI; Valenzuela G; Garcia T; Rojas L; Serrano E; Pardo-Roa C; Salinas E; Avendano MJ; Perazzo F
First report of porcine respirovirus 1 in South America.
Vet Microbiol Volume: 246 Page(s): 108726
07/01/2020 Authors: Agero B; Mena J; Berrios F; Tapia R; Salinas C; Dutta J; van Bakel H; Mor SK; Brito B; Medina RA
Author Correction: Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract during influenza A virus infection.
Nat Commun Volume: 11 Page(s): 3132
06/16/2020 Authors: Kaul D; Rathnasinghe R; Ferres M; Tan GS; Barrera A; Pickett BE; Methe BA; Das SR; Budnik I; Halpin RA
Microbiome disturbance and resilience dynamics of the upper respiratory tract during influenza A virus infection.
Nat Commun Volume: 11 Page(s): 2537
05/21/2020 Authors: Kaul D; Rathnasinghe R; Ferres M; Tan GS; Barrera A; Pickett BE; Methe BA; Das SR; Budnik I; Halpin RA
[Humoral immune response induced by influenza vaccine in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].
Rev Chilena Infectol Volume: 37 Page(s): 138 - 146
04/01/2020 Authors: Cerda C; Martnez-Valdebenito C; Barriga F; Contreras M; Vidal M; Moreno R; Claverie X; Contreras P; Huenuman L; Garca T
Antigenic characterization of novel H1 influenza A viruses in swine.
Sci Rep Volume: 10 Page(s): 4510
03/11/2020 Authors: Tapia R; Torremorell M; Culhane M; Medina RA; Neira V
Novel penguin Avian avulaviruses 17, 18 and 19 are widely distributed in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Transbound Emerg Dis Volume: 66 Page(s): 2227 - 2232
11/01/2019 Authors: Olivares F; Tapia R; Glvez C; Meza F; Barriga GP; Borras-Chavez R; Mena-Vasquez J; Medina RA; Neira V
[Clinical and epidemiological characterization of healthcare acquired influenza in critical ill patients].
Rev Chilena Infectol Volume: 36 Page(s): 274 - 282
06/01/2019 Authors: Gutirrez V; Cerda J; Le Corre N; Medina R; Ferrs M
Reemergence of H3N8 Equine Influenza A virus in Chile, 2018.
Transbound Emerg Dis Volume: 65 Page(s): 1408 - 1415
12/01/2018 Authors: Mena J; Brito B; Moreira R; Tadich T; Gonzlez I; Cruces J; Ortega R; van Bakel H; Rathnasinghe R; Pizarro-Lucero J
Infection of novel reassortant H1N2 and H3N2 swine influenza A viruses in the guinea pig model.
Vet Res Volume: 49 Page(s): 73
07/27/2018 Authors: Tapia R; Garca V; Mena J; Bucarey S; Medina RA; Neira V
1918 influenza virus: 100 years on, are we prepared against the next influenza pandemic?
Nat Rev Microbiol Volume: 16 Page(s): 61 - 62
01/15/2018 Authors: Medina RA
Novel Avulaviruses in Penguins, Antarctica.
Emerg Infect Dis Volume: 23 Page(s): 1212 - 1214
07/01/2017 Authors: Neira V; Tapia R; Verdugo C; Barriga G; Mor S; Ng TFF; Garca V; Del Ro J; Rodrigues P; Briceo C
Defining the antibody cross-reactome directed against the influenza virus surface glycoproteins.
Nat Immunol Volume: 18 Page(s): 464 - 473
04/01/2017 Authors: Nachbagauer R; Choi A; Hirsh A; Margine I; Iida S; Barrera A; Ferres M; Albrecht RA; Garca-Sastre A; Bouvier NM
Epidemiological investigations of the introduction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Chile, 2013-2015.
PLoS One Volume: 12 Page(s): e0181569
01/01/2017 Authors: Neira V; Brito B; Mena J; Culhane M; Apel MI; Max V; Perez P; Moreno V; Mathieu C; Johow M
Avian Influenza Virus H5 Strain with North American and Eurasian Lineage Genes in an Antarctic Penguin.
Emerg Infect Dis Volume: 22 Page(s): 2221 - 2223
12/01/2016 Authors: Barriga GP; Boric-Bargetto D; San Martin MC; Neira V; van Bakel H; Thompsom M; Tapia R; Toro-Ascuy D; Moreno L; Vasquez Y
Infection in Health Personnel with High and Low Levels of Exposure in a Hospital Setting during the H1N1 2009 Influenza A Pandemic.
PLoS One Volume: 11 Page(s): e0147271
01/01/2016 Authors: Sandoval C; Barrera A; Ferrs M; Cerda J; Retamal J; Garca-Sastre A; Medina RA; Hirsch T
Development of a reverse genetic system for infectious salmon anemia virus: rescue of recombinant fluorescent virus by using salmon internal transcribed spacer region 1 as a novel promoter.
Appl Environ Microbiol Volume: 81 Page(s): 1210 - 1224
02/01/2015 Authors: Toro-Ascuy D; Tambley C; Beltran C; Mascayano C; Sandoval N; Olivares E; Medina RA; Spencer E; Cortez-San Martn M
Glycosylations in the globular head of the hemagglutinin protein modulate the virulence and antigenic properties of the H1N1 influenza viruses.
Sci Transl Med Volume: 5 Page(s): 187ra70
05/29/2013 Authors: Medina RA; Stertz S; Manicassamy B; Zimmermann P; Sun X; Albrecht RA; Uusi-Kerttula H; Zagordi O; Belshe RB; Frey SE
Pandemic H1N1 influenza isolated from free-ranging Northern Elephant Seals in 2010 off the central California coast.
PLoS One Volume: 8 Page(s): e62259
01/01/2013 Authors: Goldstein T; Mena I; Anthony SJ; Medina R; Robinson PW; Greig DJ; Costa DP; Lipkin WI; Garcia-Sastre A; Boyce WM
Influenza A viruses: new research developments.
Nat Rev Microbiol Volume: 9 Page(s): 590 - 603
07/11/2011 Authors: Medina RA; Garca-Sastre A
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against hantavirus nucleocapsid protein and their use for immunohistochemistry on rodent and human samples.
Arch Virol Volume: 156 Page(s): 443 - 456
03/01/2011 Authors: Kucinskaite-Kodze I; Petraityte-Burneikiene R; Zvirbliene A; Hjelle B; Medina RA; Gedvilaite A; Razanskiene A; Schmidt-Chanasit J; Mertens M; Padula P
Development and characterization of a highly specific and sensitive SYBR green reverse transcriptase PCR assay for detection of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus on the basis of sequence signatures.
J Clin Microbiol Volume: 49 Page(s): 335 - 344
01/01/2011 Authors: Medina RA; Rojas M; Tuin A; Huff S; Ferres M; Martinez-Valdebenito C; Godoy P; Garca-Sastre A; Fofanov Y; SantaLucia J
Oseltamivir-resistant variants of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus are not attenuated in the guinea pig and ferret transmission models.
J Virol Volume: 84 Page(s): 11219 - 11226
11/01/2010 Authors: Seibert CW; Kaminski M; Philipp J; Rubbenstroth D; Albrecht RA; Schwalm F; Stertz S; Medina RA; Kochs G; Garca-Sastre A
Variations in the hemagglutinin of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus: potential for strains with altered virulence phenotype?
PLoS Pathog Volume: 6 Page(s): e1001145
10/14/2010 Authors: Ye J; Sorrell EM; Cai Y; Shao H; Xu K; Pena L; Hickman D; Song H; Angel M; Medina RA
Inefficient control of host gene expression by the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus NS1 protein.
J Virol Volume: 84 Page(s): 6909 - 6922
07/01/2010 Authors: Hale BG; Steel J; Medina RA; Manicassamy B; Ye J; Hickman D; Hai R; Schmolke M; Lowen AC; Perez DR
Mutations in the NS1 C-terminal tail do not enhance replication or virulence of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus.
J Gen Virol Volume: 91 Page(s): 1737 - 1742
07/01/2010 Authors: Hale BG; Steel J; Manicassamy B; Medina RA; Ye J; Hickman D; Lowen AC; Perez DR; Garca-Sastre A
Pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine protects against 1918 Spanish influenza virus.
Nat Commun Volume: 1 Page(s): 28
06/15/2010 Authors: Medina RA; Manicassamy B; Stertz S; Seibert CW; Hai R; Belshe RB; Frey SE; Basler CF; Palese P; Garca-Sastre A
Sin Nombre virus infection in field workers, Colorado, USA.
Emerg Infect Dis Volume: 16 Page(s): 308 - 310
02/01/2010 Authors: Torres-Perez F; Wilson L; Collinge SK; Harmon H; Ray C; Medina RA; Hjelle B
Protection of mice against lethal challenge with 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus by 1918-like and classical swine H1N1 based vaccines.
PLoS Pathog Volume: 6 Page(s): e1000745
01/29/2010 Authors: Manicassamy B; Medina RA; Hai R; Tsibane T; Stertz S; Nistal-Villn E; Palese P; Basler CF; Garca-Sastre A
Ecology, genetic diversity, and phylogeographic structure of andes virus in humans and rodents in Chile.
J Virol Volume: 83 Page(s): 2446 - 2459
03/01/2009 Authors: Medina RA; Torres-Perez F; Galeno H; Navarrete M; Vial PA; Palma RE; Ferres M; Cook JA; Hjelle B
Ribavirin, human convalescent plasma and anti-beta3 integrin antibody inhibit infection by Sin Nombre virus in the deer mouse model.
J Gen Virol Volume: 88 Page(s): 493 - 505
02/01/2007 Authors: Medina RA; Mirowsky-Garcia K; Hutt J; Hjelle B
Use of IgG avidity to indirectly monitor epizootic transmission of sin nombre virus in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
Am J Trop Med Hyg Volume: 75 Page(s): 1135 - 1139
12/01/2006 Authors: Safronetz D; Lindsay R; Hjelle B; Medina RA; Mirowsky-Garcia K; Drebot MA