1
|
Lee SH, Kwon JH, Youk S, Lee SW, Lee DH, Song CS. Epidemiology and pathobiology of H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza in South Korea (2003-2024): a comprehensive review. Vet Q 2025; 45:23-38. [PMID: 40332021 PMCID: PMC12064103 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2025.2498918] [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: 01/09/2025] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
Since their emergence in Guangdong, China, in 1996, Gs/GD H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have diversified into multiple clades, spreading globally through wild bird migrations and causing substantial losses in poultry and wildlife. In South Korea, HPAIVs, including H5N1, H5N8, and H5N6 subtypes, have been repeatedly introduced since 2003. This review examines the epidemiology, genetic characteristics, and pathobiological features of these viruses in South Korea. Outbreaks typically occur between October and December, aligning with the arrival of wintering migratory birds. While outbreaks in poultry farms dominated before 2018, wild bird cases became more prevalent in subsequent years. Seasonal outbreaks in poultry have declined, but large-scale mortality events in wild birds emerged biennially from 2020. Genotypic diversity has increased since 2014 due to reassortment with low pathogenic viruses, with novel genomic traits detected in recent seasons. Infection studies show consistently fatal outcomes in chickens, while high mortality in domestic ducks was observed only with two of the studied strains, despite efficient transmission. Wild bird studies reveal species-specific roles in viral shedding and transmission. This review underscores the dynamic nature of HPAI outbreaks, highlighting the importance of surveillance, biosecurity, and genetic and pathogenicity analyses to mitigate future risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hak Lee
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Kwon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsu Youk
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barman S, Turner JCM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Jeevan T, Franks J, Walker D, Mukherjee N, Seiler P, Kercher L, McKenzie P, Webster RG, Feeroz MM, Webby RJ. Reassortment of newly emergent clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses in Bangladesh. Emerg Microbes Infect 2025; 14:2432351. [PMID: 39584394 PMCID: PMC11632930 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2432351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACTAvian influenza active surveillance was conducted in Bangladesh from January 2022 to November 2023 in live-poultry markets (LPMs) and Tanguar Haor wetlands. The predominant viruses circulating in LPMs were low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A(H9N2) and clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses. Non-H9N2 LPAIs were found at Tanguar Haor and at a lower prevalence in LPMs. Starting from June 2023, we detected novel genotypes of clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) viruses from ducks in LPMs. The HA, NA, and M genes of these viruses are related to those of 2020 European clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses such as A/Eurasian Wigeon/Netherlands/1/2020 (Netherlands/1). However, analyses of the other five gene segments' sequences identified three distinct genotypes (BD-G2, BD-G3, and BD-G4). BD-G2 viruses were closely related to the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses that have been detected in Japan and nearby regions since November 2022. BD-G3 viruses were reassortants, with gene segments from other Eurasian LPAI viruses. BD-G4 viruses were similar to BD-G2 viruses, but their NS gene was accrued from contemporary Bangladeshi clade 2.3.2.1a A(H5N1) viruses. The ability of any of the clade 2.3.4.4b viruses to displace the long-entrenched 2.3.2.1a A(H5N1) viruses in Bangladesh is unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Barman
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jasmine C. M. Turner
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - M. Kamrul Hasan
- Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Akhtar
- Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Trushar Jeevan
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John Franks
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - David Walker
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nabanita Mukherjee
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Patrick Seiler
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lisa Kercher
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Pamela McKenzie
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Robert G. Webster
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohammed M. Feeroz
- Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Richard J. Webby
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song JH, Son SE, Kim HW, Kim SJ, An SH, Lee CY, Kwon HJ, Choi KS. Intranasally administered whole virion inactivated vaccine against clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 influenza virus with optimized antigen and increased cross-protection. Virol J 2025; 22:131. [PMID: 40320528 PMCID: PMC12051338 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-025-02760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
The global spread, frequent antigenic changes, and pandemic potential of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 underscore the urgent need for robust cross-protective vaccines. Here, we developed a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 whole inactivated virus (WIV) vaccine strain with improved structural stability, productivity, and safety. By analyzing the evolutionary trends of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses, we identified a key mutation (R90K) that increases heat stability while preserving antigenicity. Additionally, the PB2 gene of PR8 was replaced with a prototypical avian PB2 gene to increase replication efficiency in embryonated chicken eggs and reduce replication efficiency in mammalian cells, thereby improving productivity and biosafety. We found that our optimized clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 vaccine strain (22W_KY), inactivated with binary ethylenimine (BEI), had superior antigen internalization into respiratory epithelial cells compared to those inactivated with formaldehyde or beta-propiolactone. Following intranasal administration to mice, the BEI-inactivated 22W_KY also elicited significantly stronger systemic IgG, mucosal IgA, and T-cell responses, especially in the lungs. Protective efficacy studies revealed that the BEI-inactivated 22W_KY vaccine provided complete protection against heterologous viral challenges and significant protection against heterosubtypic viral challenges, with no weight loss and complete suppression of the viral load in the respiratory tract in 2 of 3 mice. These results indicate that the BEI-inactivated 22W_KY vaccine could serve as a promising candidate for a safe, stable, cost-efficient, and broadly protective intranasal influenza vaccine against zoonotic and pandemic threats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ha Song
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Eun Son
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Won Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ji Kim
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hee An
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung-Young Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk-Joon Kwon
- Laboratory of Poultry Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, BK21 PLUS for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea.
- GeNiner Inc, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kang-Seuk Choi
- Laboratory of Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 88026, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cha RM, Park MJ, Baek YG, Lee YN, Jang Y, Kang YM, Heo GB, An SH, Lee KN, Kim JK, Kim HR, Lee YJ, Lee EK. Genetic characteristics and pathogenesis of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus isolated from poultry in South Korea, 2022-2023. Virus Res 2025; 353:199541. [PMID: 39894372 PMCID: PMC11850744 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2025.199541] [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: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2025] [Accepted: 01/31/2025] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
During the 2022-2023 winter season in South Korea, a novel clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV was first detected in wild birds, which then subsequently caused multiple outbreaks in poultry farms and wild birds. This study aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics of H5N1 HPAIVs isolated during the 2022-2023, along with their pathogenicity and transmissibility in chickens and ducks. The clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV viruses caused outbreaks in 75 poultry farms and detected in 174 wild bird cases. Phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin genes revealed that the South Korean H5N1 HPAIV isolates were closely related to Eurasian and American HPAIVs isolated between 2022 and 2023. In total, 21 diverse genotypes (22G0-22G20) were identified in virus isolates from poultry and wild birds, among which 22G7 was the dominant genotype. The 22G1 genotype (A/duck/Korea/H493/2022(H5N1)) caused high virulence and pathogenicity, with a 100 % mortality rate in specific-pathogen-free chickens. Ducks inoculated with genotypes 22G1 or 22G7 (A/duck/Korea/H537/2022(H5N1)) showed neurological signs, with 60 %-80 % mortality rate. In the contact groups of ducks, 100 % of transmissibility was observed. Notably, in the 22G7-inoculated group, viral shedding via the cloacal route was longer, and viral replication in the cecal tonsil was higher than that in the 22G1-inoculated group, which may have contributed to the dominancy of the 22G7 genotype. Therefore, better understanding of the genetic and pathogenic features of HPAI viruses is important for effective virus control in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ra Mi Cha
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Park
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Yoon-Gi Baek
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Yu-Na Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Yunyueng Jang
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Yong-Myung Kang
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Gyeong-Beom Heo
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Se-Hee An
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Nyeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Jae-Kyeom Kim
- Avian Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Hye-Ryoung Kim
- Avian Disease Research Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Youn-Jeong Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Lee
- Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 39660, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim DH, Kim DY, Kim JH, Lim KB, Cho AY, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Lee DH, Kim DG, Choi IS. Utility of hypervariable region in hepatitis E virus for genetic evolution analysis and epidemiological studies. J Gen Virol 2025; 106. [PMID: 39937581 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.002080] [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: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental studies have advanced our understanding of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection; however, translating the findings to improve prevention and clinical outcomes remains challenging. Phylogenetic analyses of HEV show inconsistencies due to variations in the nucleotide regions studied. This study examined specific HEV regions to facilitate comprehensive molecular and phylogenetic analyses by examining the complete genome and commonly studied partial genome regions. We compared topological similarities between phylogenetic trees and evaluated evolutionary divergence using base substitutions and pairwise distances. The hypervariable region (HVR) showed the closest topology (Robinson-Foulds, Jaccard Robinson-Foulds and clustering information) to the complete genome and a higher mutation rate, resulting in longer branch lengths and clearer genotypic distinctions. Pairwise analysis revealed greater intra- and intergenotypic diversity in the HVR than in other regions. The higher base substitution rate and longer branch lengths of HVR suggest its key role in genotype evolution. Classifying HEV using HVR instead of the other partial genomic regions can reveal subtypes that more accurately reflect the genetic characteristics of HEV. Future research could focus on HVRs to better compare clinical symptoms and genetic features of HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hwi Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yoon Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Beom Lim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrew Y Cho
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Geun Kim
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
- KU Center for Animal Blood Medical Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Seoul 05029, Gwangjin-gu, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Si YJ, Kim DJ, Lee SH, Seo YR, Jeong H, Lee S, Lee DH. New incursions of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild birds, South Korea, October 2024. Front Vet Sci 2025; 11:1526118. [PMID: 39867599 PMCID: PMC11758627 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1526118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jae Si
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ju Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hak Lee
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Ram Seo
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jeong
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Suwoong Lee
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mostafa A, Naguib MM, Nogales A, Barre RS, Stewart JP, García-Sastre A, Martinez-Sobrido L. Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in dairy cattle: origin, evolution, and cross-species transmission. mBio 2024; 15:e0254224. [PMID: 39535188 PMCID: PMC11633217 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02542-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b as a novel reassortant virus from subtype H5N8, the virus has led to a massive number of outbreaks worldwide in wild and domestic birds. Compared to the parental HPAIV H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b, the novel reassortant HPAIV H5N1 displayed an increased ability to escape species barriers and infect multiple mammalian species, including humans. The virus host range has been recently expanded to include ruminants, particularly dairy cattle in the United States, where cattle-to-cattle transmission was reported. As with the avian 2.3.4.4.b H5N1 viruses, the cattle-infecting virus was found to transmit from cattle to other contact animals including cats, raccoons, rodents, opossums, and poultry. Although replication of the virus in cows appears to be mainly confined to the mammary tissue, with high levels of viral loads detected in milk, infected cats and poultry showed severe respiratory disease, neurologic signs, and eventually died. Furthermore, several human infections with HPAIV H5N1 have also been reported in dairy farm workers and were attributed to exposures to infected dairy cattle. This is believed to represent the first mammalian-to-human transmission report of the HPAIV H5N1. Fortunately, infection in humans and cows, as opposed to other animals, appears to be mild in most cases. Nevertheless, the H5N1 bovine outbreak represents the largest outbreak of the H5N1 in a domestic mammal close to humans, increasing the risk that this already mammalian adapted H5N1 further adapts to human-to-human transmission and starts a pandemic. Herein, we discuss the epidemiology, evolution, pathogenesis, and potential impact of the recently identified HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in dairy cattle in the United States. Eventually, interdisciplinary cooperation under a One Health framework is required to be able to control this ongoing HPAIV H5N1 outbreak to stop it before further expansion of its host range and geographical distribution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mostafa
- Department of Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M. Naguib
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Center for Animal Health Research, CISA-INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramya S. Barre
- Department of Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luis Martinez-Sobrido
- Department of Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seo YR, Lee SH, Jeong S, Cho H, Kim D, Kim DJ, Si YJ, Jeong H, Lee S, Song CS, Swayne DE, Lee DH. Genetic and pathological analysis of hooded cranes ( Grus monacha) naturally infected with clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in South Korea in the winter of 2022. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1499440. [PMID: 39568482 PMCID: PMC11576466 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1499440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ram Seo
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hak Lee
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Jeong
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjun Cho
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehun Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ju Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jae Si
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jeong
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Suwoong Lee
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Disease Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - David E Swayne
- Birdflu Veterinarian LLC, Watkinsville, GA, United States
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Zoonotic Disease Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Takadate Y, Mine J, Tsunekuni R, Sakuma S, Kumagai A, Nishiura H, Miyazawa K, Uchida Y. Genetic diversity of H5N1 and H5N2 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses isolated from poultry in Japan during the winter of 2022-2023. Virus Res 2024; 347:199425. [PMID: 38906223 PMCID: PMC11250885 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 and H5N2 subtypes were responsible for 84 HPAI outbreaks on poultry premises in Japan during October 2022-April 2023. The number of outbreaks during the winter of 2022-2023 is the largest ever reported in Japan. In this study, we performed phylogenetic analyses using the full genetic sequences of HPAIVs isolated in Japan during 2022-2023 and those obtained from a public database to identify their genetic origin. Based on the hemagglutinin genes, these HPAIVs were classified into the G2 group of clade 2.3.4.4b, whose ancestors were H5 HPAIVs that circulated in Europe in late 2020, and were then further divided into three subgroups (G2b, G2d, and G2c). Approximately one-third of these viruses were classified into the G2b and G2d groups, which also included H5N1 HPAIVs detected in Japan during 2021-2022. In contrast, the remaining two-thirds were classified into the G2c group, which originated from H5N1 HPAIVs isolated in Asian countries and Russia during the winter of 2021-2022. Unlike the G2b and G2d viruses, the G2c viruses were first detected in Japan in the fall of 2022. Importantly, G2c viruses caused the largest number of outbreaks throughout Japan over the longest period during the season. Phylogenetic analyses using eight segment genes revealed that G2b, G2d, and G2c viruses were divided into 2, 4, and 11 genotypes, respectively, because they have various internal genes closely related to those of avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds in recent years in Asia, Russia, and North America, respectively. These results suggest that HPAIVs were disseminated among migratory birds, which may have generated numerous reassortant viruses with various gene constellations, resulting in a considerable number of outbreaks during the winter of 2022-2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Takadate
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Junki Mine
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Ryota Tsunekuni
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Saki Sakuma
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Asuka Kumagai
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Hayate Nishiura
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Miyazawa
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan
| | - Yuko Uchida
- Emerging Virus Group, Division of Zoonosis Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305856, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li M, Tian J, Bai X, Song X, Zhao Z, Shi J, Deng G, Zeng X, Tian G, Kong H, Liu J, Li C, Li Y. Spatiotemporal and Species-Crossing Transmission Dynamics of Subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx HPAIVs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2024; 2024:2862053. [PMID: 40303175 PMCID: PMC12017169 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2862053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
Subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, emerged in 2013 with multiple subtypes of H5N8, H5N1, and H5N6, had unprecedently caused a global epizootic by H5N1 since 2021, which had devasted multiple species of wild birds, poultry, and wild mammals (terrestrial and marine) with a high mortality, causing severe ecological damage. The infected wild mammals may become new "mixers" for influenza viruses, posing the potential transmission to human. Frequent outbreaks of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses among wild birds and poultry had exposed major gaps in our knowledge on their evolution, spatiotemporal diffusion, and species-crossing transmission. Here, we integrated the phylogenetic and epidemiological data of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses in public database and used Bayesian phylodynamic analysis to reveal the pattern of the global large-scale transmission. Phylogenic analysis demonstrated that the HA gene of these viruses diverged into two dominant clusters around 2015 and 2016. The Bayesian phylodynamic analysis illustrated that the viruses presented spatiotemporally complex transmission network with geographical and host relative expansion and recombination with different subtypes of NA segment. Spatially, the Russian Federation (Siberia) was identified as the primary hub for virus transmission, which was further facilitated by the establishment of strong epidemiological linkages between West Europe and broader regions, such as North America. As for hosts, wild Anseriformes were the primary species for the virus spillover, contributing to the spatial expansion and rapid diffusion globally of subclade 2.3.4.4b viruses. We investigated the phylogeny of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses and the spatiotemporal pattern of transmission with initial location and the primary host, which could provide comprehensive insights for subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses. Due to the wild birds involved the widespread of subclade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses, the epizootics in poultry are inevitable, so we highly recommend to apply the policy of culling plus with vaccination to protect the poultry industry and potentially protect the public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Jingman Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Xiaoli Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Xingdong Song
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Jianzhong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Guohua Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Xianying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Guobin Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Huihui Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Jinxiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionHarbin Veterinary Research InstituteChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cho AY, Si YJ, Kim DJ, Seo YR, Lee DY, Kim D, Lee D, Son Y, Jeong H, Song CS, Lee DH. Novel Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1285-1288. [PMID: 38703022 PMCID: PMC11139000 DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.240192] [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: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We isolated novel reassortant avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses containing genes from clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus and low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in carcasses of whooper swans and bean geese in South Korea during December 2023. Neuraminidase gene was from a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 virus infecting poultry and humans in China.
Collapse
|
12
|
Heo GB, Kang YM, An SH, Kim Y, Cha RM, Jang Y, Lee EK, Lee YJ, Lee KN. Concurrent Infection with Clade 2.3.4.4b Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 and H5N1 Viruses, South Korea, 2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1223-1227. [PMID: 38703023 PMCID: PMC11138991 DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.240194] [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: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6 and H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b were simultaneously introduced into South Korea at the end of 2023. An outbreak at a broiler duck farm consisted of concurrent infection by both viruses. Sharing genetic information and international surveillance of such viruses in wild birds and poultry is critical.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cho AY, Si YJ, Lee DY, Kim DJ, Kim D, Jeong H, Song CS, Lee DH. Index case of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in wild birds, South Korea, November 2023. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1366082. [PMID: 38699674 PMCID: PMC11064161 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1366082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Yong Cho
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jae Si
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeop Lee
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ju Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehun Kim
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Jeong
- Wildlife Disease Research Team, National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Disease Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Wildlife Health Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Konkuk University Zoonotic Disease Research Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kang YM, Tseren Ochir EO, Heo GB, An SH, Jeong H, Dondog U, Myagmarsuren T, Lee YJ, Lee KN. Surveillance and Genetic Analysis of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Feces of Wild Birds in Mongolia, 2021 to 2023. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1105. [PMID: 38612344 PMCID: PMC11011059 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071105] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of novel highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses into Korea has been attributed to recombination events occurring at breeding sites in the Northern Hemisphere. This has increased interest in monitoring and genetically analyzing avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in northern regions, such as Mongolia, which share migratory bird flyways with Korea. AIVs in Mongolia were monitored by analyzing 10,149 fecal samples freshly collected from wild birds from April to October in 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of AIVs in wild birds was 1.01%, with a total of 77 AIVs isolated during these 3 years. These 77 AIVs included hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H10 and H13 and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes N1, N2, N3, N6, N7 and N8. The most frequently detected subtype combinations were H3N8 (39.0%) and H4N6 (19.5%), although HPAI viruses were not detected. Genetic analysis indicated that theses AIVs isolated from Mongolian samples were closely related to AIVs in wild birds in Korea, including those of Eurasian lineage. These findings indicate the necessity of continuous AIV surveillance and monitoring, as HPAI viruses introduced into Korea may derive from strains in Mongolia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Myung Kang
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Erdene-Ochir Tseren Ochir
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan Street, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia; (E.-O.T.O.); (U.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Gyeong-Beom Heo
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Se-Hee An
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Hwanseok Jeong
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Urankhaich Dondog
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan Street, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia; (E.-O.T.O.); (U.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Temuulen Myagmarsuren
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan Street, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia; (E.-O.T.O.); (U.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Youn-Jeong Lee
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Kwang-Nyeong Lee
- Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, 177 Hyeoksin 8-ro, Gimcheon-si 39660, Republic of Korea; (Y.-M.K.); (G.-B.H.); (S.-H.A.); (H.J.); (Y.-J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|