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Andreev K, Jones JC, Seiler P, Kandeil A, Webby RJ, Govorkova EA. Genotypic and phenotypic susceptibility of emerging avian influenza A viruses to neuraminidase and cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 229:105959. [PMID: 38986873 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105959] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Avian influenza outbreaks, including ones caused by highly pathogenic A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, have devastated animal populations and remain a threat to humans. Risk elements assessed for emerging influenza viruses include their susceptibility to approved antivirals. Here, we screened >20,000 neuraminidase (NA) or polymerase acidic (PA) protein sequences of potentially pandemic A(H5Nx), A(H7Nx), and A(H9N2) viruses that circulated globally in 2010-2023. The frequencies of NA or PA substitutions associated with reduced inhibition (RI) or highly reduced inhibition (HRI) by NA inhibitors (NAIs) (oseltamivir, zanamivir) or a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor (baloxavir) were low: 0.60% (137/22,713) and 0.62% (126/20,347), respectively. All tested subtypes were susceptible to NAIs and baloxavir at sub-nanomolar concentrations. A(H9N2) viruses were the most susceptible to oseltamivir, with IC50s 3- to 4-fold lower than for other subtypes (median IC50: 0.18 nM; n = 22). NA-I222M conferred RI of A(H5N1) viruses by oseltamivir (with a 26-fold IC50 increase), but NA-S246N did not reduce inhibition. PA-E23G, PA-K34R, PA-I38M/T, and the previously unreported PA-A36T caused RI by baloxavir in all subtypes tested. Avian A(H9N2) viruses endemic in Egyptian poultry predominantly acquired PA-I38V, which causes only a <3-fold decrease in the baloxavir EC50 and fails to meet the RI criteria. PA-E199A/D in A(H7Nx) and A(H9N2) viruses caused a 2- to 4-fold decrease in EC50 (close to the borderline for RI) and should be closely monitored. Our data indicate antiviral susceptibility is high among avian influenza A viruses with pandemic potential and present novel markers of resistance to existing antiviral interventions.
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Andreev K, Jones JC, Seiler P, Kandeil A, Turner JCM, Barman S, Rubrum AM, Webby RJ, Govorkova EA. Antiviral Susceptibility of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Circulating Globally in 2022-2023. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1830-1835. [PMID: 37770028 PMCID: PMC11175693 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiviral susceptibility of currently circulating (2022-2023) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses was assessed by genotypic and phenotypic approaches. The frequency was low for neuraminidase (NA) and polymerase acidic (PA) substitutions associated with reduced inhibition by NA inhibitors (21/2698, 0.78%) or the PA inhibitor baloxavir (14/2600, 0.54%). Phenotypic testing of 22 clade 2.3.2.1a and 2.3.4.4b viruses revealed broad susceptibility to NA inhibitors and baloxavir for a conclusion that most contemporary HPAI A(H5N1) viruses retain susceptibility to antiviral drugs. Novel NA-K432E and NA-T438I substitutions (N2 numbering) were identified at elevated frequencies (104/2698, 3.85%) and caused reduced zanamivir and peramivir inhibition.
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El-Shesheny R, Franks J, Kandeil A, Badra R, Turner J, Seiler P, Marathe BM, Jeevan T, Kercher L, Hu M, Sim YE, Hui KPY, Chan MCW, Thompson AJ, McKenzie P, Govorkova EA, Russell CJ, Vogel P, Paulson JC, Peiris JSM, Webster RG, Ali MA, Kayali G, Webby RJ. Cross-species spill-over potential of the H9N2 bat influenza A virus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3449. [PMID: 38664384 PMCID: PMC11045754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47635-4] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2017, a novel influenza A virus (IAV) was isolated from an Egyptian fruit bat. In contrast to other bat influenza viruses, the virus was related to avian A(H9N2) viruses and was probably the result of a bird-to-bat transmission event. To determine the cross-species spill-over potential, we biologically characterize features of A/bat/Egypt/381OP/2017(H9N2). The virus has a pH inactivation profile and neuraminidase activity similar to those of human-adapted IAVs. Despite the virus having an avian virus-like preference for α2,3 sialic acid receptors, it is unable to replicate in male mallard ducks; however, it readily infects ex-vivo human respiratory cell cultures and replicates in the lungs of female mice. A/bat/Egypt/381OP/2017 replicates in the upper respiratory tract of experimentally-infected male ferrets featuring direct-contact and airborne transmission. These data suggest that the bat A(H9N2) virus has features associated with increased risk to humans without a shift to a preference for α2,6 sialic acid receptors.
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Barman S, Turner JCM, Kamrul Hasan M, Akhtar S, Jeevan T, Franks J, Walker D, Mukherjee N, Seiler P, Kercher L, McKenzie P, Webster RG, Feeroz MM, Webby RJ. Emergence of a new genotype of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses in Bangladesh. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2252510. [PMID: 37622753 PMCID: PMC10563617 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2252510] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Influenza virological surveillance was conducted in Bangladesh from January to December 2021 in live poultry markets (LPMs) and in Tanguar Haor, a wetland region where domestic ducks have frequent contact with migratory birds. The predominant viruses circulating in LPMs were low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 and clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Additional LPAIs were found in both LPM (H4N6) and Tanguar Haor wetlands (H7N7). Genetic analyses of these LPAIs strongly suggested long-distance movement of viruses along the Central Asian migratory bird flyway. We also detected a novel clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus from ducks in free-range farms in Tanguar Haor that was similar to viruses first detected in October 2020 in The Netherlands but with a different PB2. Identification of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI H5N1 viruses in Tanguar Haor provides continued support of the role of migratory birds in transboundary movement of influenza A viruses (IAV), including HPAI viruses. Domestic ducks in free range farm in wetland areas, like Tangua Haor, serve as a conduit for the introduction of LPAI and HPAI viruses into Bangladesh. Clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have dominated in many regions of the world since mid-2021, and it remains to be seen if these viruses will replace the endemic clade 2.3.2.1a H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh.
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Kercher L, Seiler P, Jeevan T, Franks J, Trifkovic S, Marathe B, Henry J, Gaut J, Webby RJ. It's the Wrong Virus: Rapid Adaptation of Operations Inside a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Select Agent Laboratory in Response to the 2019 SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2022; 27:58-63. [PMID: 36776748 PMCID: PMC9908283 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2021.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background The Animal Biosafety Level 3 Enhanced (ABSL-3+) laboratory at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has a long history of influenza pandemic preparedness. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent expansion into a pandemic has put new and unanticipated demands on laboratory operations since April 2020. Administrative changes, investigative methods requiring increased demand for inactivation and validation of sample removal, and the adoption of a new animal model into the space required all arms of our Biorisk Management System (BMS) to respond with speed and innovation. Results In this report, we describe the outcomes of three major operational changes that were implemented to adapt the ABSL-3+ select agent space into a multipathogen laboratory. First were administrative controls that were revised and developed with new Institutional Biosafety Committee protocols, laboratory space segregation, training of staff, and occupational health changes for potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 inside the laboratory. Second were extensive inactivation and validation experiments performed for both highly pathogenic avian influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to meet the demands for sample removal to a lower biosafety level. Third was the establishment of a new caging system to house Syrian Golden hamsters for SARS-CoV-2 risk assessment modeling. Summary The demands placed on biocontainment laboratories for response to SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the importance of a robust BMS. In a relatively short time, the ABSL-3+ was able to adapt from a single select agent space to a multipathogen laboratory and expand our pandemic response capacity.
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Halfmann PJ, Iida S, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Maemura T, Kiso M, Scheaffer SM, Darling TL, Joshi A, Loeber S, Singh G, Foster SL, Ying B, Case JB, Chong Z, Whitener B, Moliva J, Floyd K, Ujie M, Nakajima N, Ito M, Wright R, Uraki R, Warang P, Gagne M, Li R, Sakai-Tagawa Y, Liu Y, Larson D, Osorio JE, Hernandez-Ortiz JP, Henry AR, Ciuoderis K, Florek KR, Patel M, Odle A, Wong LYR, Bateman AC, Wang Z, Edara VV, Chong Z, Franks J, Jeevan T, Fabrizio T, DeBeauchamp J, Kercher L, Seiler P, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Sordillo EM, Chang LA, van Bakel H, Simon V, Douek DC, Sullivan NJ, Thackray LB, Ueki H, Yamayoshi S, Imai M, Perlman S, Webby RJ, Seder RA, Suthar MS, García-Sastre A, Schotsaert M, Suzuki T, Boon ACM, Diamond MS, Kawaoka Y. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus causes attenuated disease in mice and hamsters. Nature 2022; 603:687-692. [PMID: 35062015 PMCID: PMC8942849 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 201.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The recent emergence of B.1.1.529, the Omicron variant1,2, has raised concerns of escape from protection by vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. A key test for potential countermeasures against B.1.1.529 is their activity in preclinical rodent models of respiratory tract disease. Here, using the collaborative network of the SARS-CoV-2 Assessment of Viral Evolution (SAVE) programme of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), we evaluated the ability of several B.1.1.529 isolates to cause infection and disease in immunocompetent and human ACE2 (hACE2)-expressing mice and hamsters. Despite modelling data indicating that B.1.1.529 spike can bind more avidly to mouse ACE2 (refs. 3,4), we observed less infection by B.1.1.529 in 129, C57BL/6, BALB/c and K18-hACE2 transgenic mice than by previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, with limited weight loss and lower viral burden in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. In wild-type and hACE2 transgenic hamsters, lung infection, clinical disease and pathology with B.1.1.529 were also milder than with historical isolates or other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Overall, experiments from the SAVE/NIAID network with several B.1.1.529 isolates demonstrate attenuated lung disease in rodents, which parallels preliminary human clinical data.
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Turner JCM, Barman S, Feeroz MM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Walker D, Jeevan T, Mukherjee N, El-Shesheny R, Seiler P, Franks J, McKenzie P, Kercher L, Webster RG, Webby RJ. Distinct but connected avian influenza virus activities in wetlands and live poultry markets in Bangladesh, 2018-2019. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e605-e620. [PMID: 34989481 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14450] [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: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
From April 2018 to October 2019, we continued active surveillance for influenza viruses in Bangladeshi live poultry markets (LPMs) and in Tanguar Haor, a wetland region of Bangladesh where domestic ducks have frequent contact with migratory birds. The predominant virus subtypes circulating in the LPMs were low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 and clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses of the H5N1-R1 genotype, like those found in previous years. Viruses of the H5N1-R2 genotype, which were previously reported as co-circulating with H5N1-R1 genotype viruses in LPM, were not detected. In addition to H9N2 viruses, which were primarily found in chicken and quail, H2N2, H3N8 and H11N3 LPAI viruses were detected in LPMs, exclusively in ducks. Viruses in domestic ducks and/or wild birds in Tanguar Haor were more diverse, with H1N1, H4N6, H7N1, H7N3, H7N4, H7N6, H8N4, H10N3, H10N4 and H11N3 detected. Phylogenetic analyses of these LPAI viruses suggested that some were new to Bangladesh (H2N2, H7N6, H8N4, H10N3 and H10N4), likely introduced by migratory birds of the Central Asian flyway. Our results show a complex dynamic of viral evolution and diversity in Bangladesh based on factors such as host populations and geography. The LPM environment was characterised by maintenance of viruses with demonstrated zoonotic potential and H5N1 genotype turnover. The wetland environment was characterised by greater viral gene pool diversity but a lower overall influenza virus detection rate. The genetic similarity of H11N3 viruses in both environments demonstrates that LPM and wetlands are connected despite their having distinct influenza ecologies.
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Diamond M, Halfmann P, Maemura T, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Iida S, Kiso M, Scheaffer S, Darling T, Joshi A, Loeber S, Foster S, Ying B, Whitener B, Floyd K, Ujie M, Nakajima N, Ito M, Wright R, Uraki R, Li R, Sakai Y, Liu Y, Larson D, Osorio J, Hernandez-Ortiz J, Čiuoderis K, Florek K, Patel M, Bateman A, Odle A, Wong LY, Wang Z, Edara VV, Chong Z, Thackray L, Ueki H, Yamayoshi S, Imai M, Perlman S, Webby R, Seder R, Suthar M, Garcia-Sastre A, Schotsaert M, Suzuki T, Boon A, Kawaoka Y, Douek D, Moliva J, Sullivan N, Gagne M, Ransier A, Case J, Jeevan T, Franks J, Fabrizio T, DeBeauchamp J, Kercher L, Seiler P, Singh G, Warang P, Gonzalez-Reiche AS, Sordillo E, van Bakel H, Simon V. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 Omicron virus causes attenuated infection and disease in mice and hamsters. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021:rs.3.rs-1211792. [PMID: 34981044 PMCID: PMC8722607 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1211792/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development and deployment of antibody and vaccine countermeasures, rapidly-spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations at key antigenic sites in the spike protein jeopardize their efficacy. The recent emergence of B.1.1.529, the Omicron variant1,2, which has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein, has raised concerns for escape from protection by vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. A key test for potential countermeasures against B.1.1.529 is their activity in pre-clinical rodent models of respiratory tract disease. Here, using the collaborative network of the SARS-CoV-2 Assessment of Viral Evolution (SAVE) program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), we evaluated the ability of multiple B.1.1.529 Omicron isolates to cause infection and disease in immunocompetent and human ACE2 (hACE2) expressing mice and hamsters. Despite modeling and binding data suggesting that B.1.1.529 spike can bind more avidly to murine ACE2, we observed attenuation of infection in 129, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mice as compared with previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, with limited weight loss and lower viral burden in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Although K18-hACE2 transgenic mice sustained infection in the lungs, these animals did not lose weight. In wild-type and hACE2 transgenic hamsters, lung infection, clinical disease, and pathology with B.1.1.529 also were milder compared to historical isolates or other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Overall, experiments from multiple independent laboratories of the SAVE/NIAID network with several different B.1.1.529 isolates demonstrate attenuated lung disease in rodents, which parallels preliminary human clinical data.
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El-Shesheny R, Turner JCM, Walker D, Franks J, Seiler P, Barman S, Feeroz MM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Mukherjee N, Kercher L, McKenzie P, Webster RG, Webby RJ. Detection of a Novel Reassortant H9N9 Avian Influenza Virus in Free-Range Ducks in Bangladesh. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122357. [PMID: 34960626 PMCID: PMC8704232 DOI: 10.3390/v13122357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild aquatic birds are the primary natural reservoir for influenza A viruses (IAVs). In this study, an A(H9N9) influenza A virus (A/duck/Bangladesh/44493/2020) was identified via routine surveillance in free-range domestic ducks in Bangladesh. Phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin showed that the H9N9 virus belonged to the Y439-like lineage. The HA gene had the highest nucleotide identity to A/Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)/South Korea/KNU 2019-16/2019 (H9N2). The other seven gene segments clustered within the Eurasian lineage.
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Turner JCM, Barman S, Feeroz MM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Jeevan T, Walker D, Franks J, Seiler P, Mukherjee N, Kercher L, McKenzie P, Lam T, El-Shesheny R, Webby RJ. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Virus Clade 2.3.4.4h in Wild Birds and Live Poultry Markets, Bangladesh. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2492-2494. [PMID: 34424167 PMCID: PMC8386775 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.210819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory birds play a major role in spreading influenza viruses over long distances. We report highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses in migratory and resident ducks in Bangladesh. The viruses were genetically similar to viruses detected in wild birds in China and Mongolia, suggesting migration-associated dissemination of these zoonotic pathogens.
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Horwood PF, Fabrizio T, Horm SV, Metlin A, Ros S, Tok S, Jeevan T, Seiler P, Y P, Rith S, Suttie A, Buchy P, Karlsson EA, Webby R, Dussart P. Transmission experiments support clade-level differences in the transmission and pathogenicity of Cambodian influenza A/H5N1 viruses. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020; 9:1702-1711. [PMID: 32666894 PMCID: PMC7473085 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1792353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A/H5N1 has circulated in Asia since 2003 and is now enzootic in many countries in that region. In Cambodia, the virus has circulated since 2004 and has intermittently infected humans. During this period, we have noted differences in the rate of infections in humans, potentially associated with the circulation of different viral clades. In particular, a reassortant clade 1.1.2 virus emerged in early 2013 and was associated with a dramatic increase in infections of humans (34 cases) until it was replaced by a clade 2.3.2.1c virus in early 2014. In contrast, only one infection of a human has been reported in the 6 years since the clade 2.3.2.1c virus became the dominant circulating virus. We selected three viruses to represent the main viral clades that have circulated in Cambodia (clade 1.1.2, clade 1.1.2 reassortant, and clade 2.3.2.1c), and we conducted experiments to assess the virulence and transmissibility of these viruses in avian (chicken, duck) and mammalian (ferret) models. Our results suggest that the clade 2.3.2.1c virus is more "avian-like," with high virulence in both ducks and chickens, but there is no evidence of aerosol transmission of the virus from ducks to ferrets. In contrast, the two clade 1 viruses were less virulent in experimentally infected and contact ducks. However, evidence of chicken-to-ferret aerosol transmission was observed for both clade 1 viruses. The transmission experiments provide insights into clade-level differences that might explain the variation in A/H5N1 infections of humans observed in Cambodia and other settings.
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Kim H, Seiler P, Jones JC, Ridout G, Camp KP, Fabrizio TP, Jeevan T, Miller LA, Throm RE, Ferrara F, Fredrickson RL, Lowe JF, Wang L, Odemuyiwa SO, Wan XF, Webby RJ. Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Humans and Animals. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040684. [PMID: 33207583 PMCID: PMC7712576 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To optimize the public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we must first understand the antibody response to individual proteins on the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the antibody's cross reactivity to other coronaviruses. Using a panel of 37 convalescent COVID-19 human serum samples, we showed that the magnitude and specificity of responses varied across individuals, independent of their reactivity to seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs). These data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will elicit primary humoral immune responses in naïve individuals and variable responses in those previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Unlike the limited cross-coronavirus reactivities in humans, serum samples from 96 dogs and 10 cats showed SARS-CoV-2 protein-specific responses focused on non-S1 proteins. The correlation of this response with those to other coronaviruses suggests that the antibodies are cross-reactive and generated to endemic viruses within these hosts, which must be considered in seroepidemiologic studies. We conclude that substantial variation in antibody generation against coronavirus proteins will influence interpretations of serologic data in the clinical and veterinary settings.
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Barman S, Turner JCM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, El-Shesheny R, Franks J, Walker D, Seiler P, Friedman K, Kercher L, Jeevan T, McKenzie P, Webby RJ, Webster RG, Feeroz MM. Continuing evolution of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in Bangladeshi live poultry markets. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:650-661. [PMID: 31014196 PMCID: PMC6493222 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1605845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Since November 2008, we have conducted active avian influenza surveillance in Bangladesh. Clades 2.2.2, 2.3.4.2, and 2.3.2.1a of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses have all been identified in Bangladeshi live poultry markets (LPMs), although, since the end of 2014, H5N1 viruses have been exclusively from clade 2.3.2.1a. In June 2015, a new reassortant H5N1 virus (H5N1-R1) from clade 2.3.2.1a was identified, containing haemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and matrix genes of H5N1 viruses circulating in Bangladesh since 2011, plus five other genes of Eurasian-lineage low pathogenic avian influenza A (LPAI) viruses. Here we report the status of circulating avian influenza A viruses in Bangladeshi LPMs from March 2016 to January 2018. Until April 2017, H5N1 viruses exclusively belonged to H5N1-R1 clade 2.3.2.1a. However, in May 2017, we identified another reassortant H5N1 (H5N1-R2), also of clade 2.3.2.1a, wherein the PA gene segment of H5N1-R1 was replaced by that of another Eurasian-lineage LPAI virus related to A/duck/Bangladesh/30828/2016 (H3N8), detected in Bangladeshi LPM in September 2016. Currently, both reassortant H5N1-R1 and H5N1-R2 co-circulate in Bangladeshi LPMs. Furthermore, some LPAI viruses isolated from LPMs during 2016–2017 were closely related to those from ducks in free-range farms and wild birds in Tanguar haor, a wetland region of Bangladesh where ducks have frequent contact with migratory birds. These data support a hypothesis where Tanguar haor-like ecosystems provide a mechanism for movement of LPAI viruses to LPMs where reassortment with poultry viruses occurs adding to the diversity of viruses at this human-animal interface.
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Seiler P, Kercher L, Feeroz MM, Shanmuganatham K, Jones-Engel L, Turner J, Walker D, Alam SMR, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, McKenzie P, Franks J, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Webster RG. H9N2 influenza viruses from Bangladesh: Transmission in chicken and New World quail. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018; 12:814-817. [PMID: 29989679 PMCID: PMC6185884 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The H9N2 influenza viruses that have become established in Bangladeshi live poultry markets possess five gene segments of the highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza virus. We assessed the replication, transmission, and disease potential of three H9N2 viruses in chickens and New World quail. Each virus replicated to high titers and transmitted by the airborne route to contacts in both species. Infected chickens showed no disease signs, and the viruses differed in their disease potential in New World quail. New World quail were more susceptible than chickens to H9N2 viruses and shed virus after airborne transmission for 10 days. Consequently, New World quail are a potential threat in the maintenance and spread of influenza virus in live poultry markets.
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El-Shesheny R, Barman S, Feeroz MM, Hasan MK, Jones-Engel L, Franks J, Turner J, Seiler P, Walker D, Friedman K, Kercher L, Begum S, Akhtar S, Datta AK, Krauss S, Kayali G, McKenzie P, Webby RJ, Webster RG. Genesis of Influenza A(H5N8) Viruses. Emerg Infect Dis 2017; 23:1368-1371. [PMID: 28609260 PMCID: PMC5547793 DOI: 10.3201/eid2308.170143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) clade 2.3.4.4 virus emerged in 2016 and spread to Russia, Europe, and Africa. Our analysis of viruses from domestic ducks at Tanguar haor, Bangladesh, showed genetic similarities with other viruses from wild birds in central Asia, suggesting their potential role in the genesis of A(H5N8).
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Marinova-Petkova A, Shanmuganatham K, Feeroz MM, Jones-Engel L, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Turner J, Walker D, Seiler P, Franks J, McKenzie P, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Webster RG. The Continuing Evolution of H5N1 and H9N2 Influenza Viruses in Bangladesh Between 2013 and 2014. Avian Dis 2017; 60:108-17. [PMID: 27309046 DOI: 10.1637/11136-050815-reg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, avian influenza surveillance at the Bangladesh live bird markets (LBMs) showed complete replacement of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus of clade 2.2.2 (Qinghai-like H5N1 lineage) by the HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1. This clade, which continues to circulate in Bangladesh and neighboring countries, is an intra-and interclade reassortant; its HA, polymerase basic 1 (PB1), polymerase (PA), and nonstructural (NS) genes come from subclade 2.3.2.1a; the polymerase basic 2 (PB2) comes from subclade 2.3.2.1c; and the NA, nucleocapsid protein (NP), and matrix (M) gene from clade 2.3.4.2. The H9N2 influenza viruses cocirculating in the Bangladesh LBMs are also reassortants, possessing five genes (NS, M, NP, PA, and PB1) from an HPAI H7N3 virus previously isolated in Pakistan. Despite frequent coinfection of chickens and ducks, reassortment between these H5N1 and H9N2 viruses has been rare. However, all such reassortants detected in 2011 through 2013 have carried seven genes from the local HPAI H5N1 lineage and the PB1 gene from the Bangladeshi H9N2 clade G1 Mideast, itself derived from HPAI H7N3 virus. Although the live birds we sampled in Bangladesh showed no clinical signs of morbidity, the emergence of this reassortant HPAI H5N1 lineage further complicates endemic circulation of H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh, posing a threat to both poultry and humans.
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Turner JCM, Feeroz MM, Hasan MK, Akhtar S, Walker D, Seiler P, Barman S, Franks J, Jones-Engel L, McKenzie P, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Kayali G, Webster RG. Insight into live bird markets of Bangladesh: an overview of the dynamics of transmission of H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e12. [PMID: 28270655 PMCID: PMC5378921 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 viruses have been recognized as threats to public health in Bangladesh since 2007. Although live bird markets (LBMs) have been implicated in the transmission, dissemination, and circulation of these viruses, an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of avian transmission of H5N1 and H9N2 viruses at the human-animal interface has been lacking. Here we present and evaluate epidemiological findings from active surveillance conducted among poultry in various production sectors in Bangladesh from 2008 to 2016. Overall, the prevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in collected samples was 24%. Our data show that AIVs are more prevalent in domestic birds within LBMs (30.4%) than in farms (9.6%). Quail, chickens and ducks showed a high prevalence of AIVs (>20%). The vast majority of AIVs detected (99.7%) have come from apparently healthy birds and poultry drinking water served as a reservoir of AIVs with a prevalence of 32.5% in collected samples. HPAI H5N1 was more frequently detected in ducks while H9N2 was more common in chickens and quail. LBMs, particularly wholesale markets, have become a potential reservoir for various types of AIVs, including HPAI H5N1 and LPAI H9N2. The persistence of AIVs in LBMs is of great concern to public health, and this study highlights the importance of regularly reviewing and implementing infection control procedures as a means of reducing the exposure of the general public to AIVs.Emerging Microbes & Infections (2017) 6, e12; doi:10.1038/emi.2016.142; published online 8 March 2017.
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Marinova-Petkova A, Georgiev G, Petkov T, Darnell D, Franks J, Kayali G, Walker D, Seiler P, Danner A, Graham A, McKenzie P, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Webster RG. Influenza surveillance on 'foie gras' duck farms in Bulgaria, 2008-2012. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2016; 10:98-108. [PMID: 26663739 PMCID: PMC4746559 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Ducks can shed and spread influenza A viruses (IAVs) while showing no disease signs. Our objective was to clarify the role of ‘foie gras’ ducks in the circulation of IAVs in Bulgaria. Methods Monthly avian influenza surveillance was conducted on 63 ‘foie gras’ duck farms, 52 of which were surveyed throughout the study between November 2008 and April 2012. Virologic and serologic samples were collected and tested. During this time, wild bird samples were collected at major wild bird‐resting areas near the Black Sea coast and Danube River. Results The study showed high isolation frequency of low‐pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. In the raising population (<75 days old), subtypes H3, H4, and H6 were detected monthly and H5 LPAIV, sporadically. Different subtypes (H1, H10, H11) were isolated from the fattening premises (75‐ to 100‐day‐old ducks), suggesting different routes of introduction. Only 6 of the 52 farms that were surveyed both virologically and serologically were influenza‐free throughout the study, possibly due to higher biosecurity measures implemented. No evidence of direct transmission of IAV from wild birds was found. Wild bird surveillance showed low isolation frequency of IAV. IAV prevalence of 0·55% for migratory ducks and 0·53% for migratory geese was estimated in November–December 2011 and January–February 2012, respectively, at two ornithologically important locations near the Black Sea coast. Conclusions The ‘foie gras’ duck farms in Bulgaria are an optimal niche where Eurasian‐like IAVs are maintained and reassorted unapparent to farmers and veterinarians.
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Shanmuganatham KK, Jones JC, Marathe BM, Feeroz MM, Jones-Engel L, Walker D, Turner J, Rabiul Alam SM, Kamrul Hasan M, Akhtar S, Seiler P, McKenzie P, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Webster RG. The replication of Bangladeshi H9N2 avian influenza viruses carrying genes from H7N3 in mammals. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e35. [PMID: 27094903 PMCID: PMC4855072 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
H9N2 avian influenza viruses are continuously monitored by the World Health Organization because they are endemic; they continually reassort with H5N1, H7N9 and H10N8 viruses; and they periodically cause human infections. We characterized H9N2 influenza viruses carrying internal genes from highly pathogenic H7N3 viruses, which were isolated from chickens or quail from live-bird markets in Bangladesh between 2010 and 2013. All of the H9N2 viruses used in this study carried mammalian host-specific mutations. We studied their replication kinetics in normal human bronchoepithelial cells and swine tracheal and lung explants, which exhibit many features of the mammalian airway epithelium and serve as a mammalian host model. All H9N2 viruses replicated to moderate-to-high titers in the normal human bronchoepithelial cells and swine lung explants, but replication was limited in the swine tracheal explants. In Balb/c mice, the H9N2 viruses were nonlethal, replicated to moderately high titers and the infection was confined to the lungs. In the ferret model of human influenza infection and transmission, H9N2 viruses possessing the Q226L substitution in hemagglutinin replicated well without clinical signs and spread via direct contact but not by aerosol. None of the H9N2 viruses tested were resistant to the neuraminidase inhibitors. Our study shows that the Bangladeshi H9N2 viruses have the potential to infect humans and highlights the importance of monitoring and characterizing this influenza subtype to better understand the potential risk these viruses pose to humans.
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Wong SS, Kaplan B, Zanin M, Debeauchamp J, Kercher L, Crumpton JC, Seiler P, Sun Y, Tang L, Krauss S, Webster R, Webby RJ. Impact of Adjuvants on the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Split-Virion H7N9 Vaccine in Ferrets. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:542-51. [PMID: 25712975 PMCID: PMC4598806 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An effective vaccine is urgently needed against the H7N9 avian influenza virus. We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a split-virion H7N9 vaccine with or without the oil-in-water adjuvants in ferrets. METHODS Ferrets were vaccinated with 2 doses of unadjuvanted, MF59 or AS03-adjuvanted A/Shanghai/2/2013 (H7N9) vaccine, and the induction of antibodies to hemagglutinin (HA) or neuraminidase proteins was evaluated. Ferrets were then challenged with wild-type H7N9 virus to assess the vaccine's protective efficacy. The vaccine composition and integrity was also evaluated in vitro. RESULTS Adjuvanted vaccines stimulated robust serum antibody titers against HA and neuraminidase compared with the unadjuvanted vaccines. Although there was a difference in adjuvanticity between AS03 and MF59 at a lower dose (3.75 µg of HA), both adjuvants induced comparable antibody responses after 2 doses of 15 µg. On challenge, ferrets that received adjuvanted vaccines showed lower viral burden than the control or unadjuvanted vaccine group. In vitro examinations revealed that the vaccine contained visible split-virus particles and retained the native conformation of HA recognizable by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The adjuvanted H7N9 vaccines demonstrated superior immunogenicity and protective efficacy against H7N9 infection in ferrets and hold potential as a vaccination regimen.
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Duan S, Govorkova EA, Bahl J, Zaraket H, Baranovich T, Seiler P, Prevost K, Webster RG, Webby RJ. Epistatic interactions between neuraminidase mutations facilitated the emergence of the oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 influenza viruses. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5029. [PMID: 25297528 PMCID: PMC4197134 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 influenza viruses carrying the H275Y neuraminidase mutation predominated worldwide during the 2007–2009 seasons. While several neuraminidase substitutions were found to be necessary to counteract the adverse effects of H275Y, the order and impact of evolutionary events involved remain elusive. Here, we reconstruct H1N1 neuraminidase phylogeny during 1999–2009, estimate the timing and order of crucial amino acid changes, and evaluate their impact on the biological outcome of the H275Y mutation. Of the twelve neuraminidase substitutions that occurred during 1999–2009, five (chronologically, V234M, R222Q, K329E, D344N, H275Y, and D354G) are necessary for maintaining full neuraminidase function in the presence of the H275Y mutation by altering protein accumulation or enzyme affinity/activity. The sequential emergence and cumulative effects of these mutations clearly illustrate a role for epistasis in shaping the emergence and subsequent evolution of a drug-resistant virus population, which can be useful in understanding emergence of novel viral phenotypes of influenza.
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Wong SS, Yoon SW, Zanin M, Song MS, Oshansky C, Zaraket H, Sonnberg S, Rubrum A, Seiler P, Ferguson A, Krauss S, Cardona C, Webby RJ, Crossley B. Characterization of an H4N2 influenza virus from Quails with a multibasic motif in the hemagglutinin cleavage site. Virology 2014; 468-470:72-80. [PMID: 25151061 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The cleavage motif in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of highly pathogenic H5 and H7 subtypes of avian influenza viruses is characterized by a peptide insertion or a multibasic cleavage site (MBCS). Here, we isolated an H4N2 virus from quails (Quail/CA12) with two additional arginines in the HA cleavage site, PEKRRTR/G, forming an MBCS-like motif. Quail/CA12 is a reassortant virus with the HA and neuraminidase (NA) gene most similar to a duck-isolated H4N2 virus, PD/CA06 with a monobasic HA cleavage site. Quail/CA12 required exogenous trypsin for efficient growth in culture and caused no clinical illness in infected chickens. Quail/CA12 had high binding preference for α2,6-linked sialic acids and showed higher replication and transmission ability in chickens and quails than PD/CA06. Although the H4N2 virus remained low pathogenic, these data suggests that the acquisition of MBCS in the field is not restricted to H5 or H7 subtypes.
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Wong SS, Jeevan T, Kercher L, Yoon SW, Petkova AM, Crumpton JC, Franks J, Debeauchamp J, Rubrum A, Seiler P, Krauss S, Webster R, Webby RJ. A single dose of whole inactivated H7N9 influenza vaccine confers protection from severe disease but not infection in ferrets. Vaccine 2014; 32:4571-4577. [PMID: 24950355 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The H7N9 influenza virus caused significant mortality and morbidity in infected humans during an outbreak in China in 2013 stimulating vaccine development efforts. As previous H7-based vaccines have been poorly immunogenic in humans we sought to determine the immunogenic and protective properties of an inactivated whole virus vaccine derived from a 2013 H7N9 virus in ferrets. As whole virus vaccine preparations have been shown to be more immunogenic in humans, but less likely to be used, than split or surface antigen formulations, we vaccinated ferrets with a single dose of 15, 30, or 50 μg of the vaccine and subsequently challenged with wild-type A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) either by direct instillation or by contact with infected animals. Although ferrets vaccinated with higher doses of vaccine had higher serum hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titers, the titers were still low. During subsequent instillation challenge, however, ferrets vaccinated with 50 μg of vaccine showed no illness and shed significantly less virus than mock vaccinated controls. All vaccinated ferrets had lower virus loads in their lungs as compared to controls. In a separate study where unvaccinated-infected ferrets were placed in the same cage with vaccinated-uninfected ferrets, vaccination did not prevent infection in the contact ferrets, although they showed a trend of lower viral load. Overall, we conclude that inactivated whole-virus H7N9 vaccine was able to reduce the severity of infection and viral load, despite the lack of hemagglutinin-inhibiting antibodies.
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Shanmuganatham K, Feeroz MM, Jones-Engel L, Smith GJD, Fourment M, Walker D, McClenaghan L, Alam SMR, Hasan MK, Seiler P, Franks J, Danner A, Barman S, McKenzie P, Krauss S, Webby RJ, Webster RG. Antigenic and molecular characterization of avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses, Bangladesh. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19. [PMID: 23968540 PMCID: PMC3810925 DOI: 10.3201/eid1909.130336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was identified in Bangladesh in 2011. Surveillance for influenza viruses in apparently healthy poultry in live-bird markets in Bangladesh during 2008-2011 showed that subtype H9N2 viruses are isolated year-round, whereas highly pathogenic subtype H5N1 viruses are co-isolated with subtype H9N2 primarily during the winter months. Phylogenetic analysis of the subtype H9N2 viruses showed that they are reassortants possessing 3 gene segments related to subtype H7N3; the remaining gene segments were from the subtype H9N2 G1 clade. We detected no reassortment with subtype H5N1 viruses. Serologic analyses of subtype H9N2 viruses from chickens revealed antigenic conservation, whereas analyses of viruses from quail showed antigenic drift. Molecular analysis showed that multiple mammalian-specific mutations have become fixed in the subtype H9N2 viruses, including changes in the hemagglutinin, matrix, and polymerase proteins. Our results indicate that these viruses could mutate to be transmissible from birds to mammals, including humans.
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Jones JC, Sonnberg S, Koçer ZA, Shanmuganatham K, Seiler P, Shu Y, Zhu H, Guan Y, Peiris M, Webby RJ, Webster RG. Possible role of songbirds and parakeets in transmission of influenza A(H7N9) virus to humans. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:380-5. [PMID: 24572739 PMCID: PMC3944875 DOI: 10.3201/eid2003.131271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian-origin influenza A(H7N9) recently emerged in China, causing severe human disease. Several subtype H7N9 isolates contain influenza genes previously identified in viruses from finch-like birds. Because wild and domestic songbirds interact with humans and poultry, we investigated the susceptibility and transmissibility of subtype H7N9 in these species. Finches, sparrows, and parakeets supported replication of a human subtype H7N9 isolate, shed high titers through the oropharyngeal route, and showed few disease signs. Virus was shed into water troughs, and several contact animals seroconverted, although they shed little virus. Our study demonstrates that a human isolate can replicate in and be shed by such songbirds and parakeets into their environment. This finding has implications for these birds' potential as intermediate hosts with the ability to facilitate transmission and dissemination of A(H7N9) virus.
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