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Si YJ, Jang SG, Kim YI, Casel MAB, Kim DJ, Ji HY, Choi JH, Gil JR, Rollon R, Jang H, Cheun SY, Kim EH, Jeong H, Choi YK. Evolutional dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 genotypes in wintering bird habitats: Insights from South Korea's 2020-2021 season. One Health 2024; 18:100719. [PMID: 38585666 PMCID: PMC10995977 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The winter of 2020-2021 in South Korea witnessed severe outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, specifically multiple genotypes of the H5N8 subtype. These outbreaks prompted an extensive investigation into the genetic characteristics and evolutionary dynamics of these viruses. Under the auspices of the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), we conducted a nationwide surveillance program, collecting 7588 specimens from diverse wild bird habitats. Influenza A viruses were isolated at a rate of 5.0%, with HPAI H5N8 viruses accounting for 38.5% of isolates, predominantly found in wild bird carcasses (97.3%). Genetic analysis revealed the emergence of novel HPAI genotypes due to genetic reassortment events. G1 and G2 viruses were separately introduced into Korea, with G1 viruses displaying dynamic behavior, resulting in diverse sub-genotypes (G1-1 to G1-5) and mainly isolated from clinical specimens. Conversely, the G2 virus, introduced later, became the dominant strain consistently isolated mainly from bird carcasses (88.9%). These findings underscore the emergence of numerous novel HPAI genotypes shaped by multiple reassortment events in high-density wintering grounds of migratory birds. These sites act as hotspots for genetic exchanges, significantly influencing avian ecology, including resident bird species, and contributing to HPAI H5N8 evolution. The genetic diversity and ongoing evolution of these viruses highlight the need for vigilant surveillance and adaptive control measures. Recognizing the potential spillover to human populations, a One Health approach is essential to mitigate the evolving threats posed by avian influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Si
- National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-gyu Jang
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Il Kim
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Anthony B. Casel
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-ju Kim
- National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Young Ji
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Ryeon Gil
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Rare Rollon
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Jang
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - So Youn Cheun
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ha Kim
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jeong
- National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ki Choi
- Center for Study of Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
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Graziosi G, Lupini C, Catelli E, Carnaccini S. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Birds and Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1372. [PMID: 38731377 PMCID: PMC11083745 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are highly contagious respiratory viruses of birds, leading to significant morbidity and mortality globally and causing substantial economic losses to the poultry industry and agriculture. Since their first isolation in 2013-2014, the Asian-origin H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI) of clade 2.3.4.4b have undergone unprecedented evolution and reassortment of internal gene segments. In just a few years, it supplanted other AIV clades, and now it is widespread in the wild migratory waterfowl, spreading to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Wild waterfowl, the natural reservoir of LPAIVs and generally more resistant to the disease, also manifested high morbidity and mortality with HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b. This clade also caused overt clinical signs and mass mortality in a variety of avian and mammalian species never reported before, such as raptors, seabirds, sealions, foxes, and others. Most notably, the recent outbreaks in dairy cattle were associated with the emergence of a few critical mutations related to mammalian adaptation, raising concerns about the possibility of jumping species and acquisition of sustained human-to-human transmission. The main clinical signs and anatomopathological findings associated with clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in birds and non-human mammals are hereby summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Graziosi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Catelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Silvia Carnaccini
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Mihiretu BD, Usui T, Kiyama M, Soda K, Yamaguchi T. Novel Genotype of HA Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 Subtype High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Emerged at a Wintering Site of Migratory Birds in Japan, 2021/22 Winter. Pathogens 2024; 13:380. [PMID: 38787232 PMCID: PMC11124138 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Surveillance of avian influenza virus (AIV) was conducted in the 2021-2022 winter season at a wintering site of migratory Anatidae in Japan. An H5N8 subtype high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV) with a unique gene constellation and four low pathogenicity AIVs (LPAIVs) were isolated from environmental samples. The genetic origin of the HPAIV (NK1201) was determined with whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Six of NK1201's eight genes were closely related to HA clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 subtype HPAIVs, belonging to the G2a group, which was responsible for outbreaks in poultry farms in November 2021 in Japan. However, the remaining two genes, PB1 and NP, most closely matched those of the LPAIVs H7N7 and H1N8, which were isolated at the same place in the same 2021-2022 winter. No virus of the NK1201 genotype had been detected prior to the 2021-2022 winter, indicating that it emerged via genetic reassortment among HPAIV and LPAIVs, which were prevalent at the same wintering site. In addition, experimental infection in chickens indicated that NK1201 had slightly different infectivity compared to the reported infectivity of the representative G2a group H5N8 HPAIV, suggesting that the PB1 and NP genes derived from LPAIVs might have affected the pathogenicity of the virus in chickens. Our results directly demonstrate the emergence of a novel genotype of H5N8 HPAIV through gene reassortment at a wintering site. Analyses of AIVs at wintering sites can help to identify the emergence of novel HPAIVs, which pose risks to poultry, livestock, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berihun Dires Mihiretu
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan; (B.D.M.); (K.S.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tatsufumi Usui
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan; (B.D.M.); (K.S.); (T.Y.)
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kiyama
- Natural Green Resources Division, Department of the Environment and Consumer Affairs, Tottori Prefecture, 1-220 Higashi-machi, Tottori 680-8570, Japan
| | - Kosuke Soda
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan; (B.D.M.); (K.S.); (T.Y.)
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan; (B.D.M.); (K.S.); (T.Y.)
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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Kim JY, Jeong S, Kim DW, Lee DW, Lee DH, Kim D, Kwon JH. Genomic epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in wild birds in South Korea during 2021-2022: Changes in viral epidemic patterns. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae014. [PMID: 38455682 PMCID: PMC10919474 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses have been detected in wild birds worldwide, causing recurrent outbreaks since 2016. During the winter of 2021-2022, we detected one H5N8 and forty-three H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses from wild birds in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HA gene of H5N1 viruses was divided into two genetically distinct groups (N1.G1 and N1.G2). Bayesian phylodynamic analysis demonstrated that wild birds play a vital role in viral transmission and long-term maintenance. We identified five genotypes (N1.G1.1, N1.G2, N1.G2.1, N1.G2.2, and N1.G2.2.1) having distinct gene segment constellations most probably produced by reassortments with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Our results suggest that clade 2.3.4.4b persists in wild birds for a long time, causing continuous outbreaks, compared with previous clades of H5 HPAI viruses. Our study emphasizes the need for enhancing control measures in response to the changing viral epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yun Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Jeong
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), Ministry of Environment, 1, Songam-gil, Gwangju 62407, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Won Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehun Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), Ministry of Environment, 1, Songam-gil, Gwangju 62407, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Kwon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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Baek YG, Lee YN, Cha RM, Park MJ, Lee YJ, Park CK, Lee EK. Research Note: Comparative evaluation of pathogenicity in SPF chicken between different subgroups of H5N6 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103289. [PMID: 38103528 PMCID: PMC10764262 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2014, periodic outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) caused by clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HPAI virus (HPAIV) have resulted in huge economic losses in the Korean poultry industry. During the winter season of 2016-2017, clade 2.3.4.4e H5N6 HPAIVs classified into 5 subgroups (C1-5) were introduced into South Korea. Interestingly, it was revealed that the subgroup C2 and C4 viruses were predominantly distributed throughout the country, whereas detection of the subgroup C3 viruses was confined in a specific local region. In the present study, we conducted comparative evaluation of the pathogenicity of viruses belonging to subgroups C2 and C3 (H15 and HN1 strains) in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, and further compared them with previously determined pathogenicity of subgroup C4 (ES2 strain) virus. The HN1 strain showed lower viral replication in tissues, less transmissibility, and higher mean chicken lethal dose than the H15 and ES2 strains in SPF chickens. Considering that the HN1 strain has a different NS gene segment from the H15 and ES2 strains, the reassortment of the NS gene segment likely affects their infectivity and transmissibility in chickens. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring the genetic characteristics and pathogenic features of HPAIVs to effectively control their outbreaks in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Gi Baek
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute for Veterinary Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Na Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Ra Mi Cha
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Park
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Jeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea
| | - Choi-Kyu Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute for Veterinary Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun-Kyoung Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, Republic of Korea.
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Seo YR, Cho AY, Si YJ, Lee SI, Kim DJ, Jeong H, Kwon JH, Song CS, Lee DH. Evolution and Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2022-2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:299-309. [PMID: 38215495 PMCID: PMC10826760 DOI: 10.3201/eid3002.231274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
During October 2022-March 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus caused outbreaks in South Korea, including 174 cases in wild birds. To understand the origin and role of wild birds in the evolution and spread of HPAI viruses, we sequenced 113 HPAI isolates from wild birds and performed phylogenetic analysis. We identified 16 different genotypes, indicating extensive genetic reassortment with viruses in wild birds. Phylodynamic analysis showed that the viruses were most likely introduced to the southern Gyeonggi-do/northern Chungcheongnam-do area through whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and spread southward. Cross-species transmission occurred between various wild bird species, including waterfowl and raptors, resulting in the persistence of HPAI in wild bird populations and further geographic spread as these birds migrated throughout South Korea. Enhanced genomic surveillance was an integral part of the HPAI outbreak response, aiding in timely understanding of the origin, evolution, and spread of the virus.
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Cana A, Zecchin B, Merovci X, Fusaro A, Giussani E, Heta S, Krstevski K, Mehmetukaj D, Goga I, Hulaj B, Murati B, Terregino C, Dodovski A. Emergence and Persistent Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N8) in Kosovo, May 2021-May 2022. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2226. [PMID: 37764070 PMCID: PMC10534373 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on 19 May 2021. The outbreak consisted of three phases: May-June 2021, September-November 2021, and January-May 2022. In total, 32 backyards and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that had been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of three H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armend Cana
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
- UBT—Higher Education Institution, Lagjja Kalabria, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Xhavit Merovci
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giussani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Sadik Heta
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Kiril Krstevski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, MK-1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dafina Mehmetukaj
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Izedin Goga
- Agricultural and Veterinary Faculty, University of Prishtina, Bulevardi Bill Clinton, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Beqe Hulaj
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Bafti Murati
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Industrial Zone, 10 000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Aleksandar Dodovski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Lazar Pop Trajkov 5-7, MK-1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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Gass JD, Hill NJ, Damodaran L, Naumova EN, Nutter FB, Runstadler JA. Ecogeographic Drivers of the Spatial Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Europe and the United States, 2016-Early 2022. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6030. [PMID: 37297634 PMCID: PMC10252585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20116030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4 have caused outbreaks in Europe among wild and domestic birds since 2016 and were introduced to North America via wild migratory birds in December 2021. We examined the spatiotemporal extent of HPAI viruses across continents and characterized ecological and environmental predictors of virus spread between geographic regions by constructing a Bayesian phylodynamic generalized linear model (phylodynamic-GLM). The findings demonstrate localized epidemics of H5Nx throughout Europe in the first several years of the epizootic, followed by a singular branching point where H5N1 viruses were introduced to North America, likely via stopover locations throughout the North Atlantic. Once in the United States (US), H5Nx viruses spread at a greater rate between US-based regions as compared to prior spread in Europe. We established that geographic proximity is a predictor of virus spread between regions, implying that intercontinental transport across the Atlantic Ocean is relatively rare. An increase in mean ambient temperature over time was predictive of reduced H5Nx virus spread, which may reflect the effect of climate change on declines in host species abundance, decreased persistence of the virus in the environment, or changes in migratory patterns due to ecological alterations. Our data provide new knowledge about the spread and directionality of H5Nx virus dispersal in Europe and the US during an actively evolving intercontinental outbreak, including predictors of virus movement between regions, which will contribute to surveillance and mitigation strategies as the outbreak unfolds, and in future instances of uncontained avian spread of HPAI viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon D. Gass
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nichola J. Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | | | - Elena N. Naumova
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02155, USA
| | - Felicia B. Nutter
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Runstadler
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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Djurdjević B, Polaček V, Pajić M, Petrović T, Vučićević I, Vidanović D, Aleksić-Kovačević S. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Outbreak in Backyard Chickens in Serbia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040700. [PMID: 36830487 PMCID: PMC9952722 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In winter 2016/2017, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 was detected in backyard poultry in Serbia for the first time. The second HPAI outbreak case in backyard poultry was reported in 2022, caused by subtype H5N1. This is the first study that documents the laboratory identification and pathology associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Serbia during the first and second introduction waves. In both cases, the diagnosis was based on real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The most common observed lesions included subepicardial hemorrhages, congestion and hemorrhages in the lungs, and petechial hemorrhages in coelomic and epicardial adipose tissue. Histologically, the observed lesions were mostly nonpurulent encephalitis accompanied by encephalomalacia, multifocal necrosis in the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys, pulmonary congestion, and myocardial and pulmonary hemorrhages. In H5N8-infected chickens, immunohistochemical examination revealed strong positive IHC staining in the brain and lungs. Following these outbreaks, strict control measures were implemented on farms and backyard holdings to prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease. Extensive surveillance of birds for avian influenza virus did not detect any additional cases in poultry. These outbreaks highlight the importance of a rapid detection and response system in order to quickly suppress outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Djurdjević
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Correspondence:
| | - Vladimir Polaček
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marko Pajić
- Department of Epizootiology, Clinical diagnostics and DDD, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tamaš Petrović
- Department of Virology, Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivana Vučićević
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Vidanović
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Sanja Aleksić-Kovačević
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
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Zhang G, Li B, Raghwani J, Vrancken B, Jia R, Hill SC, Fournié G, Cheng Y, Yang Q, Wang Y, Wang Z, Dong L, Pybus OG, Tian H. Bidirectional Movement of Emerging H5N8 Avian Influenza Viruses Between Europe and Asia via Migratory Birds Since Early 2020. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad019. [PMID: 36703230 PMCID: PMC9922686 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds play a critical role in the rapid spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 virus clade 2.3.4.4 across Eurasia. Elucidating the timing and pattern of virus transmission is essential therefore for understanding the spatial dissemination of these viruses. In this study, we surveyed >27,000 wild birds in China, tracked the year-round migration patterns of 20 bird species across China since 2006, and generated new HPAI H5N8 virus genomic data. Using this new data set, we investigated the seasonal transmission dynamics of HPAI H5N8 viruses across Eurasia. We found that introductions of HPAI H5N8 viruses to different Eurasian regions were associated with the seasonal migration of wild birds. Moreover, we report a backflow of HPAI H5N8 virus lineages from Europe to Asia, suggesting that Europe acts as both a source and a sink in the global HPAI virus transmission network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, National Bird Banding Center of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bingying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jayna Raghwani
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bram Vrancken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Evolutionary and Computational Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Ru Jia
- Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry, National Bird Banding Center of China, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah C Hill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume Fournié
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yanchao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Yang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Yuxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zengmiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Oliver G Pybus
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Huaiyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Science, Center for Global Change and Public Health, College of Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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11
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Yang Q, Xue X, Zhang Z, Wu MJ, Ji J, Wang W, Yin H, Li S, Dai H, Duan B, Liu Q, Song J. Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses Were Identified from the Common Crane Wintering in Yunnan Province, China. Viruses 2022; 15:38. [PMID: 36680078 PMCID: PMC9863098 DOI: 10.3390/v15010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The seasonal migration of wild aquatic birds plays a critical role in the maintenance, transmission, and incursion of the avian influenza virus (AIV). AIV surveillance was performed during 2020-2021 in two national nature reserves with abundant wild bird resources in Yunnan, China. Four H5N8 AIVs isolates from the common crane were identified by next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all eight gene segments of these H5N8 AIVs belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenic AIV (HPAIV) and shared high nucleotide sequence similarity with the strains isolated in Hubei, China, and Siberia, Russia, in 2020-2021. The H5N8 HPAIVs from common cranes were characterized by both human and avian dual-receptor specificity in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Moreover, possessing the substitutions contributes to overcoming transmission barriers of mammalian hosts in polymerase basic 2 (PB2), polymerase basic protein 1 (PB1), and polymerase acid (PA), and exhibiting the long stalk in the neck region of the neuraminidase (NA) protein contributes to adaptation in wild birds. Monitoring AIVs in migratory birds, at stopover sites and in their primary habitats, i.e., breeding or wintering grounds, could provide insight into potential zoonosis caused by AIVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinhong Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xue
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhang
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Virus Diseases Laboratory, Yunnan Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, 6 Qinglongshan, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Ming J. Wu
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Jia Ji
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Hongbin Yin
- Animal Disease Inspection and Supervision Institution of Yunnan Province, 118 Gulou Road, Kunming 650051, China
| | - Suhua Li
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Hongyang Dai
- The Management Bureau of Huize Black—Necked Crane National Nature Reserve, 744 Tongbao Road, Qujing 654200, China
| | - Bofang Duan
- Yunnan Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, 95 Jinhei Road, Kunming 650034, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest Forestry University, 300 Bailong Road, Kunming 650024, China
| | - Jianling Song
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Virus Diseases Laboratory, Yunnan Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, 6 Qinglongshan, Kunming 650224, China
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12
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Connect to Protect: Dynamics and Genetic Connections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry from 2016 to 2021 in Germany. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091849. [PMID: 36146657 PMCID: PMC9502251 DOI: 10.3390/v14091849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During autumn/winter in 2016–2017 and 2020–2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) caused severe outbreaks in Germany and Europe. Multiple clade 2.3.4.4b H5 HPAI subtypes were responsible for increased mortality in wild birds and high mortality and massive losses in the poultry sector. To clarify putative entry sources and delineate interconnections between outbreaks in poultry holdings and wild birds, we applied whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analyses combined with the results of epidemiological outbreak investigations. Varying outbreak dynamics of the distinct reassortants allowed for the identification of individual, putatively wild bird-mediated entries into backyard holdings, several clusters comprising poultry holdings, local virus circulation for several weeks, direct farm-to-farm transmission and potential reassortment within a turkey holding with subsequent spill-over of the novel reassorted virus into the wild bird population. Whole-genome sequencing allowed for a unique high-resolution molecular epidemiology analysis of HPAIV H5Nx outbreaks and is recommended to be used as a standard tool. The presented detailed account of the genetic, temporal, and geographical characteristics of the recent German HPAI H5Nx situation emphasizes the role of poultry holdings as an important source of novel genetic variants and reassortants.
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13
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Yun S, Hong MJ, Yang MS, Jeon HJ, Lee WS. Assessment of the spatiotemporal risk of avian influenza between waterfowl and poultry farms during the annual cycle: A spatial prediction study focused on seasonal distribution changes in resident waterfowl in South Korea. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3128-e3140. [PMID: 35894239 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies and efforts to prevent and manage avian influenza (AI) outbreaks have mainly focused on the wintering season. However, outbreaks of AI have been reported in the summer, including the breeding season of waterfowl. Additionally, the spatial distribution of waterfowl can easily change during the annual cycle due to their life-cycle traits and the presence of both migrants and residents in the population. Thus, we assessed the spatiotemporal variation in AI exposure risk in poultry due to spatial distribution changes in three duck species included in both major residents and wintering migrants in South Korea, the mandarin, mallard and spot-billed duck, during wintering (October-March), breeding (April-June) and whole annual seasons. To estimate seasonal ecological niche variations among the three duck species, we applied pairwise ecological niche analysis using the Pianka index. Subsequently, seasonal distribution models were projected by overlaying the monthly ranges estimated by the maximum entropy model. Finally, we overlaid each seasonal distribution range onto a poultry distribution map of South Korea. We found that the mandarin had less niche overlap with the mallard and spot-billed duck during the wintering season than during the breeding season, whereas the mallard had less niche overlap with the mandarin and spot-billed duck during the breeding season than during the wintering season. Breeding and annual distribution ranges of the mandarin and spot-billed duck, but not the mallard, were similar or even wider than their wintering ranges. Similarly, the mandarin and spot-billed duck showed more extensive overlap proportions between poultry and their distributional ranges during both the breeding and annual seasons than during the wintering season. These results suggest that potential AI exposure in poultry can occur more widely in the summer than in winter, depending on sympatry with the host duck species. Future studies considering the population density and variable pathogenicity of AI are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongho Yun
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jin Hong
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seung Yang
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jeong Jeon
- Korea Institute of Ornithology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Who-Seung Lee
- Environment Assessment Group, Korea Environment Institute, Sejong, Republic of Korea
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14
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5Nx) Virus of Clade 2.3.4.4b Emerging in Tibet, China, 2021. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0064322. [PMID: 35446151 PMCID: PMC9241900 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00643-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
H5N8 and H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of clade 2.3.4.4b were isolated from dead migratory birds and fecal samples collected in Tibet, China, in May 2021. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the viruses isolated in this study may have spread from wintering or stopover grounds of migratory birds in South Asia. We monitored two disparate clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses in migratory birds in Tibet during their breeding season. The data revealed that breeding grounds may exhibit a potential pooling effect among avian influenza viruses in different migratory populations. IMPORTANCE In this study, 15 H5N8 and two H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b were isolated from dead migratory birds and fecal samples in Tibet, China. Isolates of H5N1 virus of clade 2.3.4.4b have been rarely reported in China. Our findings highlight that breeding grounds may exhibit a potential pooling effect among avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in different migratory populations. In addition to intensification of the surveillance of AIVs in migratory birds in Tibet, China, international cooperation should be strengthened.
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15
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Sagong M, Lee YN, Song S, Cha RM, Lee EK, Kang YM, Cho HK, Kang HM, Lee YJ, Lee KN. Emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b novel reassortant H5N1 High Pathogenicity avian influenza virus in South Korea during late 2021. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3255-e3260. [PMID: 35413157 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza viruses pose a threat to both animal and human health worldwide. In late 2020, outbreaks of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b emerged in Europe, following on from outbreaks in East Asia in earlier years. However, very recent studies show that clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1, rather than 2.3.4.4b H5N8, has become predominant in wild birds and has infected poultry in several countries. In this study, we describe isolation of a novel H5N1 virus from a captured mandarin duck in South Korea, and another H5N1 virus from a quail farm. We performed genetic analysis of these two viruses to identify their origin and to determine their relationship with the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses currently circulating in Europe. Based on our results, it is presumed that the novel H5N1 virus isolated in Korea originated from an unknown reassortant between clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 viruses circulating from 2020 and other Eurasian viruses, with additional reassortment of genes and point mutations that discriminate them from the recently reported H5N1 virus in Europe. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingeun Sagong
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Yu-Na Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - San Song
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Ra Mi Cha
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Yong-Myung Kang
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyu Cho
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Hyun-Mi Kang
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Youn-Jeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
| | - Kwang-Nyeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
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16
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Amirgazin A, Shevtsov A, Karibayev T, Berdikulov M, Kozhakhmetova T, Syzdykova L, Ramankulov Y, Shustov AV. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the A/H5N8 subtype, clade 2.3.4.4b, caused outbreaks in Kazakhstan in 2020. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13038. [PMID: 35256921 PMCID: PMC8898005 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Large poultry die-offs happened in Kazakhstan during autumn of 2020. The birds' disease appeared to be avian influenza. Northern Kazakhstan was hit first and then the disease propagated across the country affecting eleven provinces. This study reports the results of full-genome sequencing of viruses collected during the outbreaks and investigation of their relationship to avian influenza virus isolates in the contemporary circulation in Eurasia. Methods Samples were collected from diseased birds during the 2020 outbreaks in Kazakhstan. Initial virus detection and subtyping was done using RT-PCR. Ten samples collected during expeditions to Northern and Southern Kazakhstan were used for full-genome sequencing of avian influenza viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was used to compare viruses from Kazakhstan to viral isolates from other world regions. Results Phylogenetic trees for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase show that viruses from Kazakhstan belong to the A/H5N8 subtype and to the hemagglutinin H5 clade 2.3.4.4b. Deduced hemagglutinin amino acid sequences in all Kazakhstan's viruses in this study contain the polybasic cleavage site (KRRKR-G) indicative of the highly pathogenic phenotype. Building phylogenetic trees with the Bayesian phylogenetics results in higher statistical support for clusters than using distance methods. The Kazakhstan's viruses cluster with isolates from Southern Russia, the Russian Caucasus, the Ural region, and southwestern Siberia. Other closely related prototypes are from Eastern Europe. The Central Asia Migratory Flyway passes over Kazakhstan and birds have intermediate stops in Northern Kazakhstan. It is postulated that the A/H5N8 subtype was introduced with migrating birds. Conclusion The findings confirm the introduction of the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the A/Goose/Guangdong/96 (Gs/GD) H5 lineage in Kazakhstan. This virus poses a tangible threat to public health. Considering the results of this study, it looks justifiable to undertake measures in preparation, such as install sentinel surveillance for human cases of avian influenza in the largest pulmonary units, develop a human A/H5N8 vaccine and human diagnostics capable of HPAI discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asylulan Amirgazin
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Alexandr Shevtsov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Talgat Karibayev
- National Reference Veterinary Center, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Maxat Berdikulov
- National Reference Veterinary Center, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Laura Syzdykova
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Ramankulov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan,National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Akmola Region, Kazakhstan
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17
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Yehia N, Erfan AM, Adel A, El-Tayeb A, Hassan WMM, Samy A, Abd El-Hack ME, El-Saadony MT, El-Tarabily KA, Ahmed KA. Pathogenicity of three genetically distinct and highly pathogenic Egyptian H5N8 avian influenza viruses in chickens. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101662. [PMID: 35093769 PMCID: PMC8808262 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In late 2016, Egypt encountered multiple cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the H5N8 subtype. In a previous study, three distinct genotypes, including A/common-coot/Egypt/CA285/2016 (H5N8) (CA285), A/duck/Egypt/SS19/2017 (H5N8) (SS19), and A/duck/Egypt/F446/2017 (H5N8) (F446), were isolated from wild birds, a backyard, and a commercial farm, respectively, during the first wave of infection. In this current study, we investigated the differences in the pathogenicity, replication and transmissibility of the three genotypes and A/chicken/Egypt/15S75/2015 (H5N1) (S75) was used as the control. The intravenous pathogenicity index was between 2.68 and 2.9. The chicken lethal dose 50 values of F446, SS19 and CA285 were 103.7, 103.7, an 104 with a natural route of infection, respectively. These strains took longer than S75 to cause death when infection was carried out through the natural route (HPAI H5N1). After inoculation with the original concentration of 105 and 106 egg infective dose 50 (EID50), F446 had a higher mortality rate with short mean death times of 4, and 7 days, respectively compared with the other H5N8 viruses. Chickens inoculated with F446 and contacted exposed chickens infected with F446 showed the highest viral titer with remarkable differences in all H5N8 tested swabs at 2-4 days postinfection (dpi) compared to S75 at 2 dpi. This indicates that F446 had a more efficient transmission and spread from contact exposed birds to other birds. All H5N8 viruses were able to replicate systematically in all organs (trachea, brain, lung, and spleen) of the chicken with high viral titer with significantly different and more pathological changes observed in F446 than in other H5N8 viruses at 2 and 4 dpi. Compared with H5N1, we recorded a significantly high viral titer in the samples obtained from the lung, brain and both cloacal and tracheal swabs at 2 and 4 dpi, respectively and in the samples obtained from the spleen at 2 and 4 dpi among the experimental chicken. The comparative pathogenesis study revealed that in comparison with the other HPAI H5N8 viruses, the genotype F446 was more pathogenic, and showed more efficient viral replication and transmissibility in chickens in Egypt. The genotype F446 also showed a high viral titer than HPAI H5N1 and short mean death time at the third day after inoculation with 106 and 105 EID50, which revealed a conservation of certain H5N8 genotypes and a decrease in the incidence of H5N1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Yehia
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Erfan
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Amany Adel
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Ahmed El-Tayeb
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M M Hassan
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Samy
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, 12618, Egypt; Immunogenetics, The Pirbright Institute, Surrey, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Mohamed E Abd El-Hack
- Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
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18
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Rapid and sensitive detection of high pathogenicity Eurasian clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry. J Virol Methods 2022; 301:114454. [PMID: 34998830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Avian influenza virus (AIV) is classified as high or low pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV/LPAIV) based on intravenous pathogenicity in chickens and/or the presence or absence of multiple basic residues at the heamagglutinin (HA) cleavage site (CS). Since 2014, Europe has experienced waves of incursions of H5Nx HPAIV. Between November 2020 and March 2021, these included HPAIV H5N8, with sporadic of H5N1 and H5N5 (all clade 2.3.4.4b), detected in more than 300 "found dead" wild birds submitted through a passive surveillance programme in the United Kingdom. Currently, H5Nx HPAIV detection relies on identification of AIV RNA and H5 subtyping using real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) assays. The pathotype is subsequently determined by Sanger sequencing of the HA CS. Here, we report the validation and application of a rapid, more cost-effective HP H5-detection rRT-PCR assay. The HP H5 rRT-PCR assay specifically, sensitively and reproducibly detected RNA from contemporary clade 2.3.4.4b H5 HPAIVs with comparable sensitivity to the diagnostic H5-specific rRT-PCR; LPAIV H5 RNA and non-AIV RNA were not detected. On material from "found-dead" wild birds, and for statutory disease diagnosis on poultry, the HP H5 rRT-PCR results provided 100% discrimination when compared to conventional CS sequencing, significantly reducing time-to-pathotype determination and cost, enhancing the diagnostic workflow.
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19
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Stoimenov GM. Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Bulgaria - a review. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2020-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarise the information about the cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Bulgaria during the last two decades. According to the EMPRES-I FAO data, from January 2006 to the end of 2019, 141 HPAI outbreaks have been registered in Bulgaria, with two identified virus serotypes (H5N1 and H5N8). The H5N1 outbreaks were reported in 2006, 2010 and 2015. Almost all H5N1 cases were observed in wild birds, with only one outbreak in domestic chickens in a backyard farm in 2015. From 2016 to the end of 2019, 132 outbreaks of HPAI identified as H5N8 were recorded: sixteen in wild birds and the other 116 - in domestic poultry. Large farms with fattening ducks used for foie gras production in four administrative districts (Plovdiv, Haskovo, Stara Zagora, Dobrich) were mainly affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. M. Stoimenov
- Department of Infectious Pathology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria
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20
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Soda K, Tomioka Y, Usui T, Uno Y, Nagai Y, Ito H, Hiono T, Tamura T, Okamatsu M, Kajihara M, Nao N, Sakoda Y, Takada A, Ito T. Susceptibility of herons (family: Ardeidae) to clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 subtype high pathogenicity avian influenza virus. Avian Pathol 2021; 51:146-153. [PMID: 34967244 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2021.2022599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of the H5 subtype high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in Ardeidae bird species has not been investigated yet, despite the increasing infections reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the susceptibility of the Ardeidae species, which had already been reported to be susceptible to HPAIVs, to a clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 HPAIV. Juvenile herons (4 grey herons, 1 intermediate egret, 2 little egrets, and 3 black-crowned night herons) were intranasally inoculated with 106 50% egg infectious dose of the virus and observed for 10 days. Two of the four grey herons showed lethargy and conjunctivitis; among them, one died at 6 days post-inoculation (dpi). The viruses were transmitted to the other two cohoused naïve grey herons. Some little egrets and black-crowned night herons showing neurological disorders died at 4-5 dpi; these birds mainly shed the virus via the oral route. The viruses dominantly replicated in the brains of birds that died of infection. Seroconversion was observed in most surviving birds, except some black-crowned night herons. These results demonstrate that most Ardeidae species are susceptible to H5 HPAIVs, sometimes with lethal effects. Herons are mostly colonial and often share habitats with Anseriformes, natural hosts of influenza A viruses; therefore, the risks of cluster infection and contribution to viral dissemination should be continuously evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Soda
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.,Avian Zoonosis Research Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tomioka
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Tatsufumi Usui
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.,Avian Zoonosis Research Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yukiko Uno
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yasuko Nagai
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.,Avian Zoonosis Research Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hiono
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Tamura
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Okamatsu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, 001-0020 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naganori Nao
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, 001-0020 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sakoda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan.,International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, 001-0020 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, 001-0020 Sapporo, Japan.,International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, 001-0020 Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Department of Joint Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan.,Avian Zoonosis Research Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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21
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Chang N, Zhang C, Mei X, Du F, Li J, Zhang L, Du H, Yun F, Aji D, Shi W, Bi Y, Ma Z. Novel reassortment 2.3.4.4b H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses circulating in Xinjiang, China. Prev Vet Med 2021; 199:105564. [PMID: 34959041 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2016, H5N8 avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b were detected at Qinghai Lake, China. Afterwards, the viruses of this clade rapidly spread to Asia, Europe, and Africa via migratory birds, and caused massive deaths in poultry and wild birds globally. In this study, four H5N8 isolates (abbreviated as 001, 002, 003, and 004) were isolated from the live poultry market in Xinjiang in 2017. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the hemagglutinin genes of the four isolates belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, while the viral gene segments were from multiple geographic origins. For 002, the polymerase acidic gene had the highest sequence homology (99.55 %) with H5N8 virus identified from green-winged teal in Egypt in 2016, and the remaining genes exhibited the highest sequence homologies (99.18-100 %) with those of H5N8 viruses isolated from domestic duck sampled in Siberia in 2016. The polymerase basic 1 gene clustered together with H5N8 virus identified from painted stork of India in 2016, and the remaining genes had relatively close genetic relationships with H5N8 viruses identified from the duck of Siberia in 2016 and turkey in Italy in 2017. For the other three isolates, the nucleoprotein gene of 001 had the highest sequence homology (98.82 %) and relatively close genetic relationship with H9N2 viruses identified from poultry in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2015-2017, and all the remaining genes had the highest sequence homologies (99.18 %-99.58 %) and relatively close genetic relationships with H5N8 viruses identified from poultry and waterfowl sampled in African countries in 2017 and swan sampled in China in 2016. Multiple basic amino acids were observed at cleavage sites in the hemagglutinin proteins of the H5N8 isolates, indicating high pathogenicity. In addition, the L89V, G309D, R477G, I495V, A676T and I504V mutations in the polymerase basic 2 protein, N30D and T215A mutations in the matrix 1 protein, P42S mutation, and 80-84 amino acid deletion in the nonstructural 1 protein were detected in all isolates. These mutations were associated with increased virulence and polymerase activity in mammals. Therefore, our results indicate that the H5N8 isolates involved multiple introductions of reassorted viruses, and also revealed that the wetlands of Northern Tianshan Mountain may play a key role in H5N8 AIVs disseminating among Central China, the Eurasian continent, and East African Countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Chang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Influenza Research and Early-Warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xindi Mei
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Fei Du
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Emerging Infections Disease in Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271016, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Han Du
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Fengze Yun
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Dilihuma Aji
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Emerging Infections Disease in Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271016, China
| | - Yuhai Bi
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Institute of Microbiology, Center for Influenza Research and Early-Warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhenghai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, 830046, China.
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22
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Sapachova M, Kovalenko G, Sushko M, Bezymennyi M, Muzyka D, Usachenko N, Mezhenskyi A, Abramov A, Essen S, Lewis NS, Bortz E. Phylogenetic Analysis of H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in Ukraine, 2016–2017. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:979-988. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Sapachova
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ganna Kovalenko
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Mykola Sushko
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Denys Muzyka
- National Scientific Center Institute for Experimental Clinical and Veterinary Medicine (NSC IECVM), Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Usachenko
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Andrii Mezhenskyi
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Artur Abramov
- State Scientific Control Institute of Biotechnology and Strains of Microorganisms (SSCIBSM), Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Stephen Essen
- OIE/FAO International Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola S. Lewis
- OIE/FAO International Reference Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge, United Kingdom
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Bortz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Anchorage, Alaska, USA
- Institute for Veterinary Medicine (IVM), Kyiv, Ukraine
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23
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Li X, Lv X, Li Y, Xie L, Peng P, An Q, Fu T, Qin S, Cui Y, Zhang C, Qin R, Qu F, Zhao Z, Wang M, Xu Q, Li Y, Yang G, Chen G, Zhang J, Zheng H, Ma E, Zhou R, Zeng X, Wang Y, Hou Z, Wang Y, Chu D, Li Y, Chai H. Emergence, prevalence, and evolution of H5N8 avian influenza viruses in central China, 2020. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 11:73-82. [PMID: 34825854 PMCID: PMC8725850 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2011622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N8) viruses have caused several worldwide outbreaks in birds and are able cross the species barrier to infect humans, posing a substantial threat to public health. After the first detection of H5N8 viruses in deceased swans in Inner Mongolia, we performed early warning and active monitoring along swan migration routes in central China. We isolated and sequenced 42 avian influenza viruses, including 40 H5N8 viruses, 1 H5N2 virus, and 1 H9N2 virus, in central China. Our H5N8 viruses isolated in swan stopover sites and wintering grounds showed high nucleotide homologies in the whole genome, revealing a common evolutionary source. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H5 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b prevalent in 2020 have further diverged into two sub-clades: b1 and b2. The phylogeographic analysis also showed that the viruses of sub-clade b2 most likely originated from poultry in Russia. Notably, whooper swans were found to be responsible for the introduction of sub-clade b2 viruses in central China; whooper and tundra swans play a role in viral spread in the Yellow River Basin and the Yangtze River Basin, respectively. Our findings highlight swans as an indicator species for transborder spreading and monitoring of the H5N8 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Lv
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Linhong Xie
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration, General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Disease & Wildlife Borne Diseases, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Peng
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration, General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Disease & Wildlife Borne Diseases, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing An
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Fu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration, General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Disease & Wildlife Borne Diseases, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Cui
- Sanmenxia Administration of the National Nature Reserve of the Yellow River Wetland, Sanmenxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengbo Zhang
- Ordos Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ordos, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongxiu Qin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengyi Qu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenliang Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixi Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuzi Xu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Li
- Research and Development Center, Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang Yang
- Research and Development Center, Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Chen
- Research and Development Center, Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Research and Development Center, Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hesong Zheng
- Research and Development Center, Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Enda Ma
- Bayannur Forestry and Grassland Administration, Bayannur, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifang Zhou
- Bayannur Forestry and Grassland Administration, Bayannur, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangwei Zeng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulong Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajun Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Chu
- National Forestry and Grassland Administration, General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Disease & Wildlife Borne Diseases, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Chai
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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24
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Wang D, Li M, Xiong C, Yan Y, Hu J, Hao M, Liang B, Chen J, Chen G, Yang G, Li Y, Zhang J, Gulyaeva M, Shestopalov A, Shi W, Bi Y, Liu H, Wang H, Liu D, Chen J. Ecology of avian influenza viruses in migratory birds wintering within the Yangtze River wetlands. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2021; 66:2014-2024. [PMID: 36654171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Migratory birds are considered natural reservoirs of avian influenza A viruses (AIVs). To further our viral ecology knowledge and understand the subsequent risk posed by wild birds, we conducted a 4-year surveillance study of AIVs in the bird wintering wetlands of the Yangtze River, China. We collected over 8000 samples and isolated 122 AIV strains. Analyses were then carried out with 108 novel sequenced genomes and data were deposited in GISAID and other public databases. The results showed that the Yangtze River wintering wetlands functioned as a mixing ground, where various subtypes of AIVs were detected harboring a high diversity of nucleotide sequences; moreover, a portion of AIV gene segments were persistent inter-seasonally. Phylogenetic incongruence presented complex reassortment events and distinct patterns among various subtypes. In addition, we observed that viral gene segments in wintering wetlands were closely related to known North American isolates, indicating that intercontinental gene flow occurred. Notably, highly pathogenic H5 and low pathogenic H9 viruses, which usually circulate in poultry, were found to have crossed the poultry/wild bird interface, with the viruses introduced to wintering birds. Overall, this study represented the largest AIV surveillance effort of wild birds within the Yangtze River wintering wetlands. Surveillance data highlighted the important role of wintering wild birds in the ecology of AIVs and may enable future early warnings of novel AIV emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingxin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chaochao Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juefu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Mengchan Hao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bilin Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Research and Development Center, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Research and Development Center, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Guoxiang Yang
- Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Research and Development Center, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yong Li
- Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Research and Development Center, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Hubei Wildlife Rescue, Research and Development Center, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Marina Gulyaeva
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Alexander Shestopalov
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Weifeng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, China
| | - Yuhai Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Center for Influenza Research and Early Warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haizhou Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hanzhong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Di Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Influenza Research and Early Warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; National Virus Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan 430071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Center for Influenza Research and Early Warning (CASCIRE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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25
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Multiple Gene Segments Are Associated with Enhanced Virulence of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Mallards. J Virol 2021; 95:e0095521. [PMID: 34232725 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00955-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses from the H5Nx Goose/Guangdong/96 lineage continue to cause outbreaks in domestic and wild bird populations. Two distinct genetic groups of H5N8 HPAI viruses, hemagglutinin (HA) clades 2.3.4.4A and 2.3.4.4B, caused intercontinental outbreaks in 2014 to 2015 and 2016 to 2017, respectively. Experimental infections using viruses from these outbreaks demonstrated a marked difference in virulence in mallards, with the H5N8 virus from 2014 causing mild clinical disease and the 2016 H5N8 virus causing high mortality. To assess which gene segments are associated with enhanced virulence of H5N8 HPAI viruses in mallards, we generated reassortant viruses with 2014 and 2016 viruses. For single-segment reassortants in the genetic backbone of the 2016 virus, pathogenesis experiments in mallards revealed that morbidity and mortality were reduced for all eight single-segment reassortants compared to the parental 2016 virus, with significant reductions in mortality observed with the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2), nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix (M) reassortants. No differences in morbidity and mortality were observed with reassortants that either have the polymerase complex segments or the HA and neuraminidase (NA) segments of the 2016 virus in the genetic backbone of the 2014 virus. In vitro assays showed that the NP and polymerase acidic (PA) segments of the 2014 virus lowered polymerase activity when combined with the polymerase complex segments of the 2016 virus. Furthermore, the M segment of the 2016 H5N8 virus was linked to filamentous virion morphology. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that gene segments related to the more virulent 2016 H5N8 virus have persisted in the contemporary H5Nx HPAI gene pool until 2020. IMPORTANCE Outbreaks of H5Nx HPAI viruses from the goose/Guangdong/96 lineage continue to occur in many countries and have resulted in substantial impact on wild birds and poultry. Epidemiological evidence has shown that wild waterfowl play a major role in the spread of these viruses. While HPAI virus infection in gallinaceous species causes high mortality, a wide range of disease outcomes has been observed in waterfowl species. In this study, we examined which gene segments contribute to severe disease in mallards infected with H5N8 HPAI viruses. No virus gene was solely responsible for attenuating the high virulence of a 2016 H5N8 virus, but the PB2, NP, and M segments significantly reduced mortality. The findings herein advance our knowledge on the pathobiology of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and have potential implications on the ecology and epidemiology of H5Nx HPAI in wild bird populations.
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26
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Liu Y, Liu C, Dang A, Sun S, Zhang D, Wang M, Chen F, Li Y, Xue R, Chen J, Lan Z. Pathological analysis and genetic characterization of the first outbreak H5N8 subtype avian influenza virus isolated from wild swan in Shandong, China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3200-3206. [PMID: 34359099 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In January 2021, an outbreak of H5N8 subtype avian influenza was identified from wild mute swans (Cygnus olor) in an overwintering site located within Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve in Shandong, China, for the first time. We sequenced the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genome segments of the virus, named A/mute swan/Shandong/1/2021 (H5N8), and explored the genetic characterization and comparative phylogenetic analysis to track its origin. The wild swans prior to death showed nervous signs accompanied by a twisted neck. The major pathological changes of the heart, lung, trachea, kidney, spleen, and glandular stomach were hemorrhage, and extensive necrotic lesions in the liver and pancreas were also observed. Further analysis of the HA and NA phylogenetic trees generated by H5N8 strains isolated worldwide revealed that the isolate has a close genetic relationship with the H5N8 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) recently isolated in Korea and Japan from 2020 to 2021, suggesting the potential role of mute swans in the global dissemination of the H5N8 subtype AIVs along the migration routes. Therefore, enhanced active surveillance in wild and domestic birds is required to monitor the introduction and spread of the H5N8 subtype AIV by migratory birds in order to decrease the risk of H5N8 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhan Liu
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cun Liu
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ankun Dang
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengfu Sun
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miaoli Wang
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ruixue Xue
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zouran Lan
- Shandong Provincial Center for Animal Disease Control, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Sobolev I, Sharshov K, Dubovitskiy N, Kurskaya O, Alekseev A, Leonov S, Yushkov Y, Irza V, Komissarov A, Fadeev A, Danilenko D, Mine J, Tsunekuni R, Uchida Y, Saito T, Shestopalov A. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4b, Western Siberia, Russia, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2224-2227. [PMID: 34287138 PMCID: PMC8314819 DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.204969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two variants of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus were detected in dead poultry in Western Siberia, Russia, during August and September 2020. One variant was represented by viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b and the other by a novel reassortant between clade 2.3.4.4b and Eurasian low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses circulating in wild birds.
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Beerens N, Heutink R, Harders F, Roose M, Pritz-Verschuren SBE, Germeraad EA, Engelsma M. Incursion of Novel Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus, the Netherlands, October 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1750-1753. [PMID: 34013854 PMCID: PMC8153856 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.204464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus was detected in mute swans in the Netherlands during October 2020. The virus shares a common ancestor with clade 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in Egypt during 2018–2019 and has similar genetic composition. The virus is not directly related to H5N8 viruses from Europe detected in the first half of 2020.
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Svyatchenko SV, Goncharova NI, Marchenko VY, Kolosova NP, Shvalov AN, Kovrizhkina VL, Durymanov AG, Onkhonova GS, Tregubchak TV, Susloparov IM, Gudymo AS, Ilyicheva TN, Ryzhikov AB. An influenza A(H5N8) virus isolated during an outbreak at a poultry farm in Russia in 2017 has an N294S substitution in the neuraminidase and shows reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir. Antiviral Res 2021; 191:105079. [PMID: 33933515 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the antiviral susceptibility of influenza A(H5N8) viruses isolated in Russia in 2014-2018. Genetic analysis of 57 Russian isolates with full genome sequences did not find any markers of reduced susceptibility to baloxavir. Only one strain bore an amino acid substitution associated with adamantane resistance (M2-S31N). The neuraminidase of 1 strain had an NA-N293/294S (N8/N2 numbering) substitution associated with reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and normal inhibition by zanamivir, which was confirmed phenotypically. There were no other strains with reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and zanamivir in the phenotypic analysis. In order to estimate the worldwide prevalence of influenza A(H5N8) viruses bearing genetic markers of antiviral resistance, genome sequences deposited in the GISAID database were analyzed (database access: October 2020). The M2 protein of A(H5N8) viruses from the 2.3.4.4c clade had an M2-S31N substitution associated with reduced susceptibility to adamantanes. On the contrary, the majority (94%) of viruses from the 2.3.4.4b clade had the M2-S31 genotype. Fewer than 1% of analyzed viruses had amino acid substitutions associated with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir (PA-E199G, PA-E199E/G) or reduced or highly reduced inhibition by neuraminidase inhibitors (NA-R150/152K, NA-I221/222M, NA-I221/222I/M, NA-I221/222V, NA-I115/117V, NA-G145/147R, NA-R291/292R/K). An NA-N293/294S substitution was not present in sequences from the GISAID database. To the best of our knowledge, influenza A(H5N8) viruses with reduced inhibition by oseltamivir bearing an NA-N293/294S substitution have not been previously reported in epidemiological surveillance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V Svyatchenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation.
| | - Natalia I Goncharova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Vasiliy Y Marchenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia P Kolosova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander N Shvalov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Valentina L Kovrizhkina
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander G Durymanov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Galina S Onkhonova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Tatyana V Tregubchak
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Ivan M Susloparov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey S Gudymo
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Tatyana N Ilyicheva
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander B Ryzhikov
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, 630559, Russian Federation
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Baek YG, Lee YN, Lee DH, Shin JI, Lee JH, Chung DH, Lee EK, Heo GB, Sagong M, Kye SJ, Lee KN, Lee MH, Lee YJ. Multiple Reassortants of H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4b Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in South Korea during the Winter of 2020-2021. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030490. [PMID: 33809549 PMCID: PMC8001867 DOI: 10.3390/v13030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During October 2020–January 2021, we isolated a total of 67 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 viruses from wild birds and outbreaks in poultry in South Korea. We sequenced the isolates and performed phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences to determine the origin, evolution, and spread patterns of these viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed that all the isolates belong to H5 clade 2.3.4.4 subgroup B (2.3.4.4b) and form two distinct genetic clusters, G1 and G2. The cluster G1 was closely related to the 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAI viruses detected in Europe in early 2020, while the cluster G2 had a close genetic relationship with the 2.3.4.4b H5N8 viruses that circulated in Europe in late 2020. A total of seven distinct genotypes were identified, including five novel reassortants carrying internal genes of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Our Bayesian discrete trait phylodynamic analysis between host types suggests that the viruses initially disseminated from migratory waterfowl to domestic duck farms in South Korea. Subsequently, domestic duck farms most likely contributed to the transmission of HPAI viruses to chicken and minor poultry farms, highlighting the need for enhanced, high levels of biosecurity measures at domestic duck farms to effectively prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Gi Baek
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Yu-Na Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, The University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3089, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.-H.L.); (D.H.C.)
| | - Jae-in Shin
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Ji-Ho Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - David H. Chung
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, The University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Unit-3089, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.-H.L.); (D.H.C.)
| | - Eun-Kyoung Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Gyeong-Beom Heo
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Mingeun Sagong
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Soo-Jeong Kye
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Kwang-Nyeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Myoung-Heon Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Youn-Jeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (Y.-G.B.); (Y.-N.L.); (J.-i.S.); (J.-H.L.); (E.-K.L.); (G.-B.H.); (M.S.); (S.-J.K.); (K.-N.L.); (M.-H.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-54-912-0968; Fax: +82-54-912-0977
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Kalaiyarasu S, Bhatia S, Mishra N, Senthil Kumar D, Kumar M, Sood R, Rajukumar K, Ponnusamy B, Desai D, Singh VP. Elicitation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 M2e and HA2-Specific Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Chicken Following Immunization With Recombinant M2e-HA2 Fusion Protein. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:571999. [PMID: 33614753 PMCID: PMC7892607 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.571999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was aimed to evaluate the elicitation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (AIV) M2e and HA2-specific immunity in chicken to develop broad protective influenza vaccine against HPAI H5N1. Based on the analysis of Indian AIV H5N1 sequences, the conserved regions of extracellular domain of M2 protein (M2e) and HA2 were identified. Synthetic gene construct coding for M2e and two immunodominant HA2 conserved regions was designed and synthesized after codon optimization. The fusion recombinant protein (~38 kDa) was expressed in a prokaryotic system and characterized by Western blotting with anti-His antibody and anti-AIV polyclonal chicken serum. The M2e–HA2 fusion protein was found to be highly reactive with known AIV-positive and -negative chicken sera by ELISA. Two groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were immunized (i/m) with M2e synthetic peptide and M2e–HA2 recombinant protein along with one control group with booster on the 14th day and 28th day with the same dose and route. Pre-immunization sera and whole blood were collected on day 0 followed by 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and 2 weeks after the second booster (42 day). Lymphocyte proliferation assay by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method revealed that the stimulation index (SI) was increased gradually from days 0 to 14 in the immunized group (p < 0.05) than that in control chicken. Toll-like receptor (TLR) mRNA analysis by RT-qPCR showed maximum upregulation in the M2e–HA2-vaccinated group compared to M2e- and sham-vaccinated groups. M2e–HA2 recombinant protein-based indirect ELISA revealed that M2e–HA2 recombinant fusion protein has induced strong M2e and HA2-specific antibody responses from 7 days post-primary immunization, and then the titer gradually increased after booster dose. Similarly, M2e peptide ELISA revealed that M2e–HA2 recombinant fusion protein elicited M2e-specific antibody from day 14 onward. In contrast, no antibody response was detected in the chicken immunized with synthetic peptide M2e alone or control group. Findings of this study will be very useful in future development of broad protective H5N1 influenza vaccine targeting M2e and HA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semmannan Kalaiyarasu
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Sandeep Bhatia
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Niranjan Mishra
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Dhanapal Senthil Kumar
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Richa Sood
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Katherukamem Rajukumar
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
| | - Boopathi Ponnusamy
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Dhruv Desai
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Vijendra Pal Singh
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, India
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses at the Wild-Domestic Bird Interface in Europe: Future Directions for Research and Surveillance. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020212. [PMID: 33573231 PMCID: PMC7912471 DOI: 10.3390/v13020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds and poultry are no longer a rare phenomenon in Europe. In the past 15 years, HPAI outbreaks—in particular those caused by H5 viruses derived from the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage that emerged in southeast Asia in 1996—have been occuring with increasing frequency in Europe. Between 2005 and 2020, at least ten HPAI H5 incursions were identified in Europe resulting in mass mortalities among poultry and wild birds. Until 2009, the HPAI H5 virus outbreaks in Europe were caused by HPAI H5N1 clade 2.2 viruses, while from 2014 onwards HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses dominated outbreaks, with abundant genetic reassortments yielding subtypes H5N1, H5N2, H5N3, H5N4, H5N5, H5N6 and H5N8. The majority of HPAI H5 virus detections in wild and domestic birds within Europe coincide with southwest/westward fall migration and large local waterbird aggregations during wintering. In this review we provide an overview of HPAI H5 virus epidemiology, ecology and evolution at the interface between poultry and wild birds based on 15 years of avian influenza virus surveillance in Europe, and assess future directions for HPAI virus research and surveillance, including the integration of whole genome sequencing, host identification and avian ecology into risk-based surveillance and analyses.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Clade 2.3.4.4b Subtype H5N8 Virus Isolated from Mandarin Duck in South Korea, 2020. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121389. [PMID: 33291548 PMCID: PMC7761861 DOI: 10.3390/v12121389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In October 2020, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8 virus was identified from a fecal sample of a wild mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) in South Korea. We sequenced all eight genome segments of the virus, designated as A/Mandarin duck/Korea/K20-551-4/2020(H5N8), and conducted genetic characterization and comparative phylogenetic analysis to track its origin. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis show that the hemagglutinin gene belongs to H5 clade 2.3.4.4 subgroup B. All genes share high levels of nucleotide identity with H5N8 HPAI viruses identified from Europe during early 2020. Enhanced active surveillance in wild and domestic birds is needed to monitor the introduction and spread of HPAI via wild birds and to inform the design of improved prevention and control strategies.
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Rohaim MA, El Naggar RF, Madbouly Y, AbdelSabour MA, Ahmed KA, Munir M. Comparative infectivity and transmissibility studies of wild-bird and chicken-origin highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N8 in chickens. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101594. [PMID: 33271478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in avian influenza viruses surveillance and genomic data, fundamental questions concerning the ecology and evolution of these viruses remain elusive. In Egypt, H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) are co-circulating simultaneously with HPAIVs of subtypes H5N1 and low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of subtype H9N2 in both commercial and backyard poultry. In order to isolate AIVs from wild birds and to assess their potential in causing infection in commercial poultry, a total of thirty-four cloacal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy migratory wild birds (Anas acuta, Anas crecca, Rallus aquaticus, and Bubulcus ibis) from four Egyptian Governorates (Giza, Menoufia, Gharbia, and Dakahlia). Based on matrix (M) gene-targeting real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and subsequent genetic characterization, our results revealed two positive isolates (2/34) for H5N8 whereas no H5N1 and H9N2 subtypes were detected. Genetic characterization of the full-length haemagglutinin (HA) genes revealed the clustering of two reported isolates within genotype 5 of clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential of a wild bird-origin H5N8 virus isolated from a cattle egret for its transmission capability within and between chickens was investigated in compare to chicken origin H5N8 AIV. Chickens inoculated with cattle egret isolate showed varying clinical signs and detection of virus shedding. In contrast, the contact chickens showed less levels of virus secretion indicating efficient virus inter/intra-species transmission. These results demonstrated the possibility for spreading of wild bird origin H5N8 viruses between chicken. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for continuous and frequent monitoring of the genetic diversity of H5N8 AIVs in wild birds as well as commercial poultry sectors for better understanding and determining the genetic nature of these viruses, which is fundamental to predict any future threat through virus reassortment with the potential to threaten human and animal health. Likewise, an assessment of coverage and efficacy of different vaccines and or vaccination regimes in the field conditions should be reconsidered along with strict biosecurity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Rohaim
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania F El Naggar
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, 32897 Sadat, Egypt
| | - Yehia Madbouly
- Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Abbassia, Cairo 11381, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt
| | - Mohammed A AbdelSabour
- Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute, Abbassia, Cairo 11381, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Division of Biomedical and Life Science, Lancaster University, LA1 4YG Lancaster, Lancashire, UK.
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King J, Harder T, Conraths FJ, Beer M, Pohlmann A. The genetics of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of subtype H5 in Germany, 2006-2020. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1136-1150. [PMID: 32964686 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The H5 A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (gs/GD) lineage emerged in China in 1996. Rooted in the respective gs/GD lineage, the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) has genetically diversified into a plethora of clades and subclades and evolved into an assortment of sub- and genotypes. Some caused substantial losses in the poultry industry and had a major impact on wild bird populations alongside public health implications due to a zoonotic potential of certain clades. After the primary introduction of the HPAI H5N1 gs/GD lineage into Europe in autumn 2005 and winter 2005/2006, Germany has seen recurring incursions of four varying H5Nx subtypes (H5N1, H5N8, H5N5, H5N6) carrying multiple distinct reassortants, all descendants of the gs/GD virus. The first HPAIV H5 epidemic in Germany during 2006/2007 was caused by a clade 2.2 subtype H5N1 virus. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed three distinct clusters belonging to clades 2.2.1, 2.2.2 and 2.2, concurring with geographic and temporal structures. From 2014 onwards, HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4 has dominated the epidemiological situation in Germany. The initial clade 2.3.4.4a HPAIV H5N8, reaching Germany in November 2014, caused a limited epidemic affecting five poultry holdings, one zoo in Northern Germany and few wild birds. After November 2016, HPAIV of clade 2.3.4.4b have dominated the situation to date. The most extensive HPAIV H5 epidemic on record reached Germany in winter 2016/2017, encompassing multiple incursion events with two subtypes (H5N8, H5N5) and entailing five reassortants. A novel H5N6 clade 2.3.4.4b strain affected Germany from December 2017 onwards, instigating low-level infection in smallholdings and wild birds. Recently, in spring 2020, a novel incursion of a genetically distinct HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 virus caused another epidemic in Europe, which affected a small number of poultry holdings, one zoo and two wild birds throughout Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline King
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Timm Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, Germany
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Zhang T, Fan K, Zhang X, Xu Y, Xu J, Xu B, Li R. Diversity of avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses in wild birds in southern China. J Gen Virol 2020; 101:902-909. [PMID: 32519938 PMCID: PMC7654745 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The predominance of H5N6 in ducks and continuous human cases have heightened its potential threat to public health in China. Therefore, the detection of emerging variants of H5N6 avian influenza viruses has become a priority for pandemic preparedness. Questions remain as to its origin and circulation within the wild bird reservoir and interactions at the wild-domestic interface. Samples were collected from migratory birds in Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province, PR China during the routine bird ring survey in 2014-16. Phylogenetic and coalescent analyses were conducted to uncover the evolutionary relationship among viruses circulating in wild birds. Here, we report the potential origin and phylogenetic diversity of H5N6 viruses isolated from wild birds in Poyang Lake. Sequence analyses indicated that Jiangxi H5N6 viruses most likely evolved from Eurasian-derived H5Nx and H6N6 viruses through multiple reassortment events. Crucially, the diversity of the HA gene implies that these Jiangxi H5N6 viruses have diverged into two primary clades - clade 2.3.4.4 and clade 2.3.2.1 c. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two independent pathways of reassortment during 2014-16 that might have facilitated the generation of emerging variants within wild bird populations as well as inter-species infections. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the genetic diversification of H5N6 viruses in the wild bird population. These results highlight the necessity of large-scale surveillance of wild birds in the Poyang Lake area to address the threat of regional epizootic epidemics and attendant pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modelling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
- Centre for Healthy Cities, Institute for China Sustainable Urbanization, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kai Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yujuan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jian Xu
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, Ministry of Education’s Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Wetland and Watershed Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Bing Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Earth System Modelling, Department of Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
- Centre for Healthy Cities, Institute for China Sustainable Urbanization, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruiyun Li
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Genesis and spread of multiple reassortants during the 2016/2017 H5 avian influenza epidemic in Eurasia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20814-20825. [PMID: 32769208 PMCID: PMC7456104 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001813117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016/2017, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the subtype H5 spilled over into wild birds and caused the largest known HPAI epidemic in Europe, affecting poultry and wild birds. During its spread, the virus frequently exchanged genetic material (reassortment) with cocirculating low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. To determine where and when these reassortments occurred, we analyzed Eurasian avian influenza viruses and identified a large set of H5 HPAI reassortants. We found that new genetic material likely came from wild birds across their migratory range and from domestic ducks not only in China, but also in central Europe. This knowledge is important to understand how the virus could adapt to wild birds and become established in wild bird populations. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5 A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage can cause severe disease in poultry and wild birds, and occasionally in humans. In recent years, H5 HPAI viruses of this lineage infecting poultry in Asia have spilled over into wild birds and spread via bird migration to countries in Europe, Africa, and North America. In 2016/2017, this spillover resulted in the largest HPAI epidemic on record in Europe and was associated with an unusually high frequency of reassortments between H5 HPAI viruses and cocirculating low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses. Here, we show that the seven main H5 reassortant viruses had various combinations of gene segments 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Using detailed time-resolved phylogenetic analysis, most of these gene segments likely originated from wild birds and at dates and locations that corresponded to their hosts’ migratory cycles. However, some gene segments in two reassortant viruses likely originated from domestic anseriforms, either in spring 2016 in east China or in autumn 2016 in central Europe. Our results demonstrate that, in addition to domestic anseriforms in Asia, both migratory wild birds and domestic anseriforms in Europe are relevant sources of gene segments for recent reassortant H5 HPAI viruses. The ease with which these H5 HPAI viruses reassort, in combination with repeated spillovers of H5 HPAI viruses into wild birds, increases the risk of emergence of a reassortant virus that persists in wild bird populations yet remains highly pathogenic for poultry.
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Świętoń E, Fusaro A, Shittu I, Niemczuk K, Zecchin B, Joannis T, Bonfante F, Śmietanka K, Terregino C. Sub-Saharan Africa and Eurasia Ancestry of Reassortant Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus, Europe, December 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26:1557-1561. [PMID: 32568059 PMCID: PMC7323556 DOI: 10.3201/eid2607.200165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report detection of a highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) clade 2.3.4.4b virus in Europe. This virus was generated by reassortment between H5N8 subtype virus from sub-Saharan Africa and low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses from Eurasia.
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Spatial spread and emergence of reassortant H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Iran. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 83:104342. [PMID: 32348876 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Since 2005, H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the Goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) lineage have spread worldwide, affecting poultry and wild birds in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. So far, the role of Western Asia and the Middle East in the diffusion dynamics of this virus has been poorly explored. In order to investigate the genetic diversity and the role of Iran in the transmission dynamics of the Gs/GD lineage, we sequenced the complete genome of twenty-eight H5Nx viruses which were circulating in the country between 2016 and 2018. We reported the first characterization of the HPAI H5N6 subtype of clade 2.3.4.4B in Iran and gave evidence of the high propensity of the Gs/GD H5 AIVs to reassort, describing six novel H5N8 genotypes of clade 2.3.4.4B, some of them likely generated in this area, and one H5N1 reassortant virus of clade 2.3.2.1c. Our spatial analyses demonstrated that the viruses resulted from different viral introductions from Asia and Europe and provided evidence of virus spread from Iran to the Middle East. Therefore, Iran may represent a hot-spot for virus introduction, dissemination and for the generation of new genetic variability. Increasing surveillance efforts in this high-risk area is of utmost importance for the early detection of novel emerging strains with zoonotic potential.
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Abstract
In 1918, a strain of influenza A virus caused a human pandemic resulting in the deaths of 50 million people. A century later, with the advent of sequencing technology and corresponding phylogenetic methods, we know much more about the origins, evolution and epidemiology of influenza epidemics. Here we review the history of avian influenza viruses through the lens of their genetic makeup: from their relationship to human pandemic viruses, starting with the 1918 H1N1 strain, through to the highly pathogenic epidemics in birds and zoonoses up to 2018. We describe the genesis of novel influenza A virus strains by reassortment and evolution in wild and domestic bird populations, as well as the role of wild bird migration in their long-range spread. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, and the zoonotic incursions of avian H5 and H7 viruses into humans over the last couple of decades are also described. The threat of a new avian influenza virus causing a human pandemic is still present today, although control in domestic avian populations can minimize the risk to human health. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes’. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control’.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paul Digard
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , UK
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Genetic variability of avian influenza virus subtype H5N8 in Egypt in 2017 and 2018. Arch Virol 2020; 165:1357-1366. [PMID: 32285202 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the incursion of avian influenza virus subtype H5N8 in Egypt in late 2016, it has spread rapidly, causing severe losses in poultry production. Multiple introductions of different reassorted strains were observed in 2017. In this study, a genetic characterization of the HA gene was carried out with 31 isolates selected from different governorates and sectors. Fifteen isolates were selected for NA gene sequence analysis. The HA and NA genes were divided into two subgroups (I and II) with positive selection pressure identified at positions 174 and 29, respectively. The HA gene contained two novel mutations in the antigenic sites, A and E. The HA nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 77 to 90% with different vaccine seeds. Full-genome sequence analysis was carried out for eight viruses, representing different governorates and sectors, to identify the predominant reassorted strain in Egypt. All viruses were similar to a reassorted strain of clade 2.3.4.4b that has been identified in Germany, among other countries. Analysis of these viruses revealed mutations specific to Egyptian strains and not the original virus characterized in 2017 (A/duck/Egypt/F446/2017), with a novel antiviral resistance marker, V27A, indicating resistance to amantadine in the M2 protein of two strains. The results indicate increased variability of circulating H5N8 viruses compared to earlier viruses sequenced in 2016 and 2017. The predominant reassorted virus circulating in 2017 and 2018 originated from an early 2017 strain. It is important to continue this surveillance of avian influenza viruses to monitor the evolution of circulating viruses.
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Muzyka D, Rula O, Tkachenko S, Muzyka N, Köthe S, Pishchanskyi O, Stegniy B, Pantin-Jackwood M, Beer M. Highly Pathogenic and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Subtype Viruses in Wild Birds in Ukraine. Avian Dis 2020; 63:219-229. [PMID: 31131580 DOI: 10.1637/11879-042718-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There have been three waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in commercial, backyard poultry, and wild birds in Ukraine. The first (2005-2006) and second (2008) waves were caused by H5N1 HPAI virus, with 45 outbreaks among commercial poultry (chickens) and backyard fowl (chickens, ducks, and geese) in four regions of Ukraine (AR Crimea, Kherson, Odesa, and Sumy Oblast). H5N1 HPAI viruses were isolated from dead wild birds: cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus) in 2006 and 2008. The third HPAI wave consisted of nine outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI in wild and domestic birds, beginning in November 2016 in the central and south regions (Kherson, Odesa, Chernivtsi, Ternopil, and Mykolaiv Oblast). H5N8 HPAI virus was detected in dead mute swans (Cygnus olor), peacocks (Pavo cristatus) (in zoo), ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea), white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), and from environmental samples in 2016 and 2017. Wide wild bird surveillance for avian influenza (AI) virus was conducted from 2006 to 2016 in Ukraine regions suspected of being intercontinental (north-south and east-west) flyways. A total of 21 511 samples were collected from 105 species of wild birds representing 27 families and 11 orders. Ninety-five avian influenza (AI) viruses were isolated (including one H5N2 LPAI virus in 2010) from wild birds with a total of 26 antigenic hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) combinations. Fifteen of 16 known avian HA subtypes were isolated. Two H5N8 HPAI viruses (2016-2017) and two H5N2 LPAI viruses (2016) were isolated from wild birds and environmental samples (fresh bird feces) during surveillance before the outbreak in poultry in 2016-2017. The Ukrainian H5N1, H5N8 HPAI, and H5N2 LPAI viruses belong to different H5 phylogenetic groups. Our results demonstrate the great diversity of AI viruses in wild birds in Ukraine, as well as the importance of this region for studying the ecology of avian influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denys Muzyka
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine,
| | - Oleksandr Rula
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Semen Tkachenko
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Muzyka
- State Poultry Research Station, v. Birky, Kharkiv Region, 63422, Ukraine
| | - Susanne Köthe
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Pishchanskyi
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Borys Stegniy
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, 61023, Ukraine
| | - Mary Pantin-Jackwood
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30677
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Pénzes Z, Czeglédi A, Nagy Z, Kollár A, Tóth Á, Misák F, Rendes K, Ivók M, Gyimesi R, Lovrecz G, Tretyakova I, El-Attrache J, Palya V, Pushko P. Rapid Construction and Immunogenicity Testing of a Novel H5 Virus-Like Particle Prototype Vaccine Against Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus. Avian Dis 2020; 63:203-208. [PMID: 31131578 DOI: 10.1637/11888-042718-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
From October 2016 to July 2017, 47 countries have been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 subtype, including European and African, and it has been the most severe HPAI outbreak ever in Europe. The development of effective influenza vaccines is required to combine preventive and control measures in order to avoid similar avian influenza epidemics taking place. Here we describe a novel prototype recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine based on a clade 2.3.4.4 H5 HA derived from a French duck HPAI H5N8 isolate of the 2016-2017 epidemics. Prototype vaccines with different antigen content were formulated and the immunogenicity was examined in specific-pathogen-free chickens and in ducks. Serum samples were collected at 3 and 4 weeks postvaccination, and development of the immune response was evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition test and ELISA. The VLP vaccines induced a dose-dependent and high level of antibody response in both chickens and ducks. The results of HPAI H5N8 challenge experiments in ducks are reported separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Pénzes
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary,
| | - Alíz Czeglédi
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Nagy
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Kollár
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Tóth
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Misák
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Rendes
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Ivók
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Réka Gyimesi
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Vilmos Palya
- Ceva Animal Health (Ceva-Phylaxia), 1107 Budapest, Hungary
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Yamaji R, Saad MD, Davis CT, Swayne DE, Wang D, Wong FYK, McCauley JW, Peiris JSM, Webby RJ, Fouchier RAM, Kawaoka Y, Zhang W. Pandemic potential of highly pathogenic avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4 A(H5) viruses. Rev Med Virol 2020; 30:e2099. [PMID: 32135031 PMCID: PMC9285678 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The panzootic caused by A/goose/Guangdong/1/96‐lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses has occurred in multiple waves since 1996. From 2013 onwards, clade 2.3.4.4 viruses of subtypes A(H5N2), A(H5N6), and A(H5N8) emerged to cause panzootic waves of unprecedented magnitude among avian species accompanied by severe losses to the poultry industry around the world. Clade 2.3.4.4 A(H5) viruses have expanded in distinct geographical and evolutionary pathways likely via long distance migratory bird dispersal onto several continents and by poultry trade among neighboring countries. Coupled with regional circulation, the viruses have evolved further by reassorting with local viruses. As of February 2019, there have been 23 cases of humans infected with clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 viruses, 16 (70%) of which had fatal outcomes. To date, no HPAI A(H5) virus has caused sustainable human‐to‐human transmission. However, due to the lack of population immunity in humans and ongoing evolution of the virus, there is a continuing risk that clade 2.3.4.4 A(H5) viruses could cause an influenza pandemic if the ability to transmit efficiently among humans was gained. Therefore, multisectoral collaborations among the animal, environmental, and public health sectors are essential to conduct risk assessments and develop countermeasures to prevent disease and to control spread. In this article, we describe an assessment of the likelihood of clade 2.3.4.4 A(H5) viruses gaining human‐to‐human transmissibility and impact on human health should such human‐to‐human transmission occur. This structured analysis assessed properties of the virus, attributes of the human population, and ecology and epidemiology of these viruses in animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Yamaji
- Global Influenza Programme, Infectious Hazards Management, WHO Emergency Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Magdi D Saad
- Global Influenza Programme, Infectious Hazards Management, WHO Emergency Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles T Davis
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David E Swayne
- Department of Agriculture, OIE Collaborating Centre for Research on Emerging Avian Diseases, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Dayan Wang
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China
| | - Frank Y K Wong
- CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Australia
| | - John W McCauley
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Crick Worldwide Influenza Centre, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - J S Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Richard J Webby
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Special Pathogens, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Global Influenza Programme, Infectious Hazards Management, WHO Emergency Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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EXPERIMENTAL INFECTIONS AND SEROLOGY INDICATE THAT AMERICAN WHITE IBIS ( EUDOCIUMUS ALBUS) ARE COMPETENT RESERVOIRS FOR TYPE A INFLUENZA VIRUS. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:530-537. [PMID: 31895646 DOI: 10.7589/2019-05-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a nomadic wading bird common to wetland habitats in the southeastern US. In south Florida, US, habitat depletion has driven many ibis to become highly urbanized. Although they forage in neighborhood parks, artificial wetlands, backyards, and golf courses, the majority continue to nest in natural wetlands, often in dense, mixed species colonies. Adults and juveniles commonly disperse thousands of kilometers to other breeding colonies along the Gulf and southeast Atlantic coasts, presenting the potential for close contact with humans, domestic animals, and other wild bird species. Historically, wading birds were not considered to be significant hosts for influenza A virus (IAV), yet as ibis regularly move among various human, domestic animal, and wildlife interfaces, their potential to be exposed to or infected with IAV deserves attention. We experimentally challenged wild-caught, captive-reared White Ibis (n=20) with IAV, tested wild White Ibis for IAV, and serologically tested wild White Ibis for antibodies to IAV. White Ibis were highly susceptible to experimental challenge with H6N1 and H11N9 IAVs, with cloacal shedding lasting an average of 6 d. All 13 infected birds seroconverted by 14 d postinfection as determined by microneutralization. In contrast, no birds challenged with H3N8 were infected. We tested 118 swabs and 578 serum samples from White Ibis captured in southeastern Florida for IAV infection and antibodies to IAV, respectively. Although no IAVs were isolated, 70.4% serum samples were antibody positive by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA). Neutralizing antibodies to H1-H12 were detected in 96.0% of a subset of bELISA positive birds (n=196) and 81.0% tested antibody positive to two or more hemagglutinin subtypes, indicating that exposure to multiple IAVs is common. These results provide evidence that White Ibis are susceptible and naturally infected with IAV and may represent a component of the IAV natural reservoir system.
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Disentangling the role of Africa in the global spread of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5310. [PMID: 31757953 PMCID: PMC6874648 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13287-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Africa in the dynamics of the global spread of a zoonotic and economically-important virus, such as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx of the Gs/GD lineage, remains unexplored. Here we characterise the spatiotemporal patterns of virus diffusion during three HPAI H5Nx intercontinental epidemic waves and demonstrate that Africa mainly acted as an ecological sink of the HPAI H5Nx viruses. A joint analysis of host dynamics and continuous spatial diffusion indicates that poultry trade as well as wild bird migrations have contributed to the virus spreading into Africa, with West Africa acting as a crucial hotspot for virus introduction and dissemination into the continent. We demonstrate varying paths of avian influenza incursions into Africa as well as virus spread within Africa over time, which reveal that virus expansion is a complex phenomenon, shaped by an intricate interplay between avian host ecology, virus characteristics and environmental variables.
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47
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A novel reassortant clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6 virus identified in South Korea in 2018. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 78:104056. [PMID: 31683010 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since 2017, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have been detected over a broad geographic region, including Eurasia. These viruses have evolved through reassortment with Eurasian low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs), resulting in multiple genotypes. Here, we sequenced the full-length genome of 15 H5N6 HPAIVs collected from wild birds and poultry farms in South Korea from January to March 2018. A comparative phylogenetic analysis was then conducted. Three distinct genotypes were identified in South Korea during 2017/2018, including a novel reassortant genotype, H214. The novel reassortant H5N6 viruses isolated in this study possessed PB2, PA, and NP gene segments of Eurasian LPAIV on a genetic backbone of the H35-like genotype, which was identified in Korea and the Netherlands during 2017. Bayesian molecular clock analysis suggested that the novel reassortant viruses were generated most likely during the fall migration/wintering season of migratory waterfowl in 2017. Considering the continued emergence and spread of clade 2.3.4.4 HPAIV, enhanced surveillance of wild waterfowl is needed for early detection of HPAIV incursions.
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Comparative Virological and Pathogenic Characteristics of Avian Influenza H5N8 Viruses Detected in Wild Birds and Domestic Poultry in Egypt during the Winter of 2016/2017. Viruses 2019; 11:v11110990. [PMID: 31717865 PMCID: PMC6893538 DOI: 10.3390/v11110990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The surveillance and virological characterization of H5N8 avian influenza viruses are important in order to assess their zoonotic potential. The genetic analyses of the Egyptian H5N8 viruses isolated through active surveillance in wild birds and domestic poultry in the winter of 2016/2017 showed multiple introductions of reassortant viruses. In this study, we investigated and compared the growth kinetics, infectivity, and pathogenicity of the three reassortant forms of H5N8 viruses detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Egypt during the first introduction wave in the winter of 2016/2017. Three representative H5N8 viruses (abbreviated as 813, 871, and 13666) were selected. The 871/H5N8 virus showed enhanced growth properties in vitro in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and A549 cells. Interestingly, all viruses replicated well in mice without prior adaptation. Infected C57BL/6 mice showed 20% mortality for 813/H5N8 and 60% mortality for 871/H5N8 and 13666/H5N8, which could be attributed to the genetic differences among the viruses. Studies on the pathogenicity in experimentally infected ducks revealed a range of pathogenic effects, with mortality rate ranging from 0% for 813/H5N8 and 13666/H5N8 to 28% for 871/H5N8. No significant differences were observed among the three compared viruses in infected chickens. Overall, different H5N8 viruses had variable biological characteristics, indicating a continuous need for surveillance and virus characterization efforts.
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Pathogenicity and genomic changes of a 2016 European H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (clade 2.3.4.4) in experimentally infected mallards and chickens. Virology 2019; 537:172-185. [PMID: 31493656 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 virus caused outbreaks in poultry and unusually high mortality in wild birds in 2016-2017. The pathobiology of one of these viruses was examined in mallards and chickens. High mortality and transmission to direct contacts were observed in mallards inoculated with medium and high doses of the virus. However, in chickens, high mortality occurred only when birds are given the high virus dose and no transmission was observed, indicating that the virus was better adapted to mallards. In comparison with the virus inoculum, viral sequences obtained from the chickens had a higher number of nucleotide changes but lower intra-host genomic diversity than viral sequences obtained from the mallards. These observations are consistent with population bottlenecks occurring when viruses infect and replicate in a host that it is not well adapted to. Whether these observations apply to influenza viruses in general remains to be determined.
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Tsunekuni R, Sudo K, Nguyen PT, Luu BD, Phuong TD, Tan TM, Nguyen T, Mine J, Nakayama M, Tanikawa T, Sharshov K, Takemae N, Saito T. Isolation of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus in Southern Vietnam with genetic similarity to those infecting humans in China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2209-2217. [PMID: 31309743 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since 2013, H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have been responsible for outbreaks in poultry and wild birds around Asia. H5N6 HPAIV is also a public concern due to sporadic human infections being reported in China. In the current study, we isolated an H5N6 HPAIV strain (A/Muscovy duck/Long An/AI470/2018; AI470) from an outbreak at a Muscovy duck farm in Long An Province in Southern Vietnam in July 2018 and genetically characterized it. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis revealed that the eight genomic segments of AI470 were most closely related (99.6%-99.9%) to A/common gull/Saratov/1676/2018 (H5N6), which was isolated in October 2018 in Russia. Furthermore, AI470 also shared 99.4%-99.9% homology with A/Guangxi/32797/2018, an H5N6 HPAIV strain that infected humans in China in 2018. Phylogenetic analyses of the entire genome showed that AI470 was directly derived from H5N6 HPAIVs that were in South China from 2015 to 2018 and clustered with four H5N6 HPAIV strains of human origin in South China from 2017 to 2018. This indicated that AI470 was introduced into Vietnam from China. In addition, molecular characteristics related to mammalian adaptation among the recent human H5N6 HPAIV viruses, except PB2 E627K, were shared by AI470. These findings are cause for concern since H5N6 HPAIV strains that possess a risk of human infection have crossed the Chinese border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tsunekuni
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasumi Sudo
- National Veterinary Assay Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Phuong Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Animal Health Office No. 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bach Duc Luu
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Animal Health Office No. 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thai Duy Phuong
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Animal Health Office No. 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tran Minh Tan
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Animal Health Office No. 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tung Nguyen
- Division of International Cooperation and Communications, Department of Animal Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Junki Mine
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Momoko Nakayama
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Taichiro Tanikawa
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kirill Sharshov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nobuhiro Takemae
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Takehiko Saito
- Division of Transboundary Animal Disease, National Institute of Animal Health, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan.,Thailand-Japan Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand.,United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
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