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Abdelwhab EM, Mettenleiter TC. Zoonotic Animal Influenza Virus and Potential Mixing Vessel Hosts. Viruses 2023; 15:980. [PMID: 37112960 PMCID: PMC10145017 DOI: 10.3390/v15040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae with a negative-sense, single-stranded segmented RNA genome. They infect a wide range of animals, including humans. From 1918 to 2009, there were four influenza pandemics, which caused millions of casualties. Frequent spillover of animal influenza viruses to humans with or without intermediate hosts poses a serious zoonotic and pandemic threat. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic overshadowed the high risk raised by animal influenza viruses, but highlighted the role of wildlife as a reservoir for pandemic viruses. In this review, we summarize the occurrence of animal influenza virus in humans and describe potential mixing vessel or intermediate hosts for zoonotic influenza viruses. While several animal influenza viruses possess a high zoonotic risk (e.g., avian and swine influenza viruses), others are of low to negligible zoonotic potential (e.g., equine, canine, bat and bovine influenza viruses). Transmission can occur directly from animals, particularly poultry and swine, to humans or through reassortant viruses in "mixing vessel" hosts. To date, there are less than 3000 confirmed human infections with avian-origin viruses and less than 7000 subclinical infections documented. Likewise, only a few hundreds of confirmed human cases caused by swine influenza viruses have been reported. Pigs are the historic mixing vessel host for the generation of zoonotic influenza viruses due to the expression of both avian-type and human-type receptors. Nevertheless, there are a number of hosts which carry both types of receptors and can act as a potential mixing vessel host. High vigilance is warranted to prevent the next pandemic caused by animal influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsayed M. Abdelwhab
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas C. Mettenleiter
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Serologic Evidence of Occupational Exposure to Avian Influenza Viruses at the Wildfowl/Poultry/Human Interface. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102153. [PMID: 34683475 PMCID: PMC8539340 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological interactions between wild aquatic birds and outdoor-housed poultry can enhance spillover events of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) from wild reservoirs to domestic birds, thus increasing the related zoonotic risk to occupationally exposed workers. To assess serological evidence of AIV infection in workers operating in Northern Italy at the wildfowl/poultry interface or directly exposed to wildfowl, serum samples were collected between April 2005 and November 2006 from 57 bird-exposed workers (BEWs) and from 7 unexposed controls (Cs), planning three sample collections from each individual. Concurrently, AIV surveillance of 3587 reared birds identified 4 AIVs belonging to H10N7, H4N6 and H2N2 subtypes while serological analysis by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay showed recent infections caused by H1, H2, H4, H6, H10, H11, H12, and H13 subtypes. Human sera were analyzed for specific antibodies against AIVs belonging to antigenic subtypes from H1 to H14 by using HI and virus microneutralization (MN) assays as a screening and a confirmatory test, respectively. Overall, antibodies specific to AIV-H3, AIV-H6, AIV-H8, and AIV-H9 were found in three poultry workers (PWs) and seropositivity to AIV-11, AIV-H13—still detectable in October 2017—in one wildlife professional (WP). Furthermore, seropositivity to AIV-H2, accounting for previous exposure to the “extinct” H2N2 human influenza viruses, was found in both BEWs and Cs groups. These data further emphasize the occupational risk posed by zoonotic AIV strains and show the possible occurrence of long-lived antibody-based immunity following AIV infections in humans.
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Guo J, Gao X, Liu B, Li Y, Liu W, Lu J, Liu C, Xue R, Li X. Mouse adaptation of the H9N2 avian influenza virus causes the downregulation of genes related to innate immune responses and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in mice. Med Microbiol Immunol 2020; 209:151-161. [PMID: 31982962 PMCID: PMC7087327 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-020-00656-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
H9N2 avian influenza viruses sporadically infect humans worldwide. These viruses have also contributed internal genes to H5N1, H5N6, H7N9, and H10N8 viruses, which have been isolated from humans with infections and are a substantial public health threat. To investigate the potential pathogenic mechanism of the H9N2 virus, we performed serial lung-to-lung passage of an avirulent H9N2 avian influenza virus (A/Chicken/Shandong/416/2016 [SD/416]) in mice to increase the pathogenicity of this virus. We generated a mouse-adapted (MA) virus that exhibited increased viral titers in the lungs, caused severe lung damage in mice, and induced body weight loss in mice; however, the avirulent parental virus did not cause any clinical symptoms in infected mice. Global gene expression analysis was performed and indicated that the transcriptional responses of these viruses were distinct. The lungs of mice infected with the MA virus exhibited the downregulation of genes related to innate immunity and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, which was not seen in infections with the avirulent parental virus. These data indicated that the MA virus might evade immune surveillance and changed its replication capacity to increase the viral replication level and pathogenicity. Our study demonstrates that host factors play an important role in the adaptive evolution of influenza virus in new hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinxin Gao
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baotao Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yubao Li
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbiao Lu
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Liu
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Xue
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuyong Li
- College of Agricultural, Liaocheng University, No. 1 Hunan Road, Shandong, Liaocheng, 252000, People's Republic of China.
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Cross-Reactive Antibodies Binding to the Influenza Virus Subtype H11 Hemagglutinin. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040199. [PMID: 31640141 PMCID: PMC6963512 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
H11 subtype influenza viruses were isolated from a wide range of bird species and one strain also was isolated from swine. In an effort to generate reagents for a chimeric H11/1 hemagglutinin-based universal influenza virus vaccine candidate, we produced 28 monoclonal antibodies that recognize the H11 HA subtype. Here we characterized these antibodies in terms of binding breadth and functionality. We found that the antibodies bind broadly to North American and Eurasian lineage isolates and also show broad neutralizing activity, suggesting that immunogenic epitopes on the H11 head domain are not under strong pressure from immunity in the natural reservoir. Furthermore, we found that the antibodies were highly hemagglutination inhibition active against the homologous chimeric H11/1N1 virus, but approximately 50% lost this activity when tested against a virus expressing the same the full length H11 HA of which the head domain is present on cH11/1 HA. Furthermore, while strong neutralizing activity was found to a genetically distant North American lineage H11 isolate, little hemagglutination inhibition activity was detected. This suggests that small structural changes between wild type H11 and cH11/1 as well as between Eurasian and North American lineage H11 HAs can strongly influence the functionality of the isolated monoclonal antibodies.
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Rodriguez L, Nogales A, Iqbal M, Perez DR, Martinez-Sobrido L. Identification of Amino Acid Residues Responsible for Inhibition of Host Gene Expression by Influenza A H9N2 NS1 Targeting of CPSF30. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2546. [PMID: 30405591 PMCID: PMC6207622 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
H9N2 influenza A viruses (IAV) are considered low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV). These viruses are endemic in poultry in many countries in Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Several cases of H9N2-associated infections in humans as well as in pigs have led the World Health Organization (WHO) to include these viruses among those with pandemic potential. To date, the processes and mechanisms associated with H9N2 IAV adaptation to mammals are poorly understood. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) from IAV is a virulence factor that counteracts the innate immune responses. Here, we evaluated the ability of the NS1 protein from A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (HK/97) H9N2 to inhibit host immune responses. We found that HK/97 NS1 protein counteracted interferon (IFN) responses but was not able to inhibit host gene expression in human or avian cells. In contrast, the NS1 protein from earlier H9N2 IAV strains, including the first H9N2 A/turkey/Wisconsin/1/1966 (WI/66), were able to inhibit both IFN and host gene expression. Using chimeric constructs between WI/66 and HK/97 NS1 proteins, we identified the region and amino acid residues involved in inhibition of host gene expression. Amino acid substitutions L103F, I106M, P114S, G125D and N139D in HK/97 NS1 resulted in binding to the 30-kDa subunit of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF30) and, in consequence, inhibition of host gene expression. Notably, changes in the same amino acid residues resulted in the lack of inhibition of host gene expression by WI/66 NS1. Importantly, our results identified a new combination of amino acids required for NS1 binding to CPSF30 and inhibition of host gene expression. These results also confirm previous studies demonstrating strain specific differences in the ability of NS1 proteins to inhibit host gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aitor Nogales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Munir Iqbal
- Avian Viral Diseases Programme, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Perez
- Department of Population Health, Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Luis Martinez-Sobrido
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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Mostafa A, Abdelwhab EM, Mettenleiter TC, Pleschka S. Zoonotic Potential of Influenza A Viruses: A Comprehensive Overview. Viruses 2018; 10:v10090497. [PMID: 30217093 PMCID: PMC6165440 DOI: 10.3390/v10090497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) possess a great zoonotic potential as they are able to infect different avian and mammalian animal hosts, from which they can be transmitted to humans. This is based on the ability of IAV to gradually change their genome by mutation or even reassemble their genome segments during co-infection of the host cell with different IAV strains, resulting in a high genetic diversity. Variants of circulating or newly emerging IAVs continue to trigger global health threats annually for both humans and animals. Here, we provide an introduction on IAVs, highlighting the mechanisms of viral evolution, the host spectrum, and the animal/human interface. Pathogenicity determinants of IAVs in mammals, with special emphasis on newly emerging IAVs with pandemic potential, are discussed. Finally, an overview is provided on various approaches for the prevention of human IAV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mostafa
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Giza 12622, Egypt.
| | - Elsayed M Abdelwhab
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Thomas C Mettenleiter
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Stephan Pleschka
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Agunos A, Pierson FW, Lungu B, Dunn PA, Tablante N. Review of Nonfoodborne Zoonotic and Potentially Zoonotic Poultry Diseases. Avian Dis 2017; 60:553-75. [PMID: 27610715 DOI: 10.1637/11413-032416-review.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging diseases are continuously diagnosed in poultry species. A few of these diseases are known to cross the species barrier, thus posing a public health risk and an economic burden. We identified and synthesized global evidence for poultry nonfoodborne zoonoses to better understand these diseases in people who were exposed to different poultry-related characteristics (e.g., occupational or nonoccupational, operational types, poultry species, outbreak conditions, health status of flocks). This review builds on current knowledge on poultry zoonoses/potentially zoonotic agents transmitted via the nonfoodborne route. It also identifies research gaps and potential intervention points within the poultry industry to reduce zoonotic transmission by using various knowledge synthesis tools such as systematic review (SR) and qualitative (descriptive) and quantitative synthesis methods (i.e., meta-analysis). Overall, 1663 abstracts were screened and 156 relevant articles were selected for further review. Full articles (in English) were retrieved and critically appraised using routine SR methods. In total, eight known zoonotic diseases were reviewed: avian influenza (AI) virus (n = 85 articles), Newcastle disease virus (n = 8), West Nile virus (WNV, n = 2), avian Chlamydia (n = 24), Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (n = 3), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, n = 15), Ornithonyssus sylvarium (n = 4), and Microsporum gallinae (n = 3). In addition, articles on other viral poultry pathogens (n = 5) and poultry respiratory allergens derived from mites and fungi (n = 7) were reviewed. The level of investigations (e.g., exposure history, risk factor, clinical disease in epidemiologically linked poultry, molecular studies) to establish zoonotic linkages varied across disease agents and across studies. Based on the multiple outcome measures captured in this review, AI virus seems to be the poultry zoonotic pathogen that may have considerable and significant public health consequences; however, epidemiologic reports have only documented severe human cases clustered in Asia and not in North America. In contrast, avian Chlamydia and MRSA reports clustered mainly in Europe and less so in North America and other regions. Knowledge gaps in other zoonoses or other agents were identified, including potential direct (i.e., nonmosquito-borne) transmission of WNV from flocks to poultry workers, the public health and clinical significance of poultry-derived (livestock-associated) MRSA, the zoonotic significance of other viruses, and the role of poultry allergens in the pathophysiology of respiratory diseases of poultry workers. Across all pathogens reviewed, the use of personal protective equipment was commonly cited as the most important preventive measure to reduce the zoonotic spread of these diseases and the use of biosecurity measures to reduce horizontal transmission in flock populations. The studies also emphasized the need for flock monitoring and an integrated approach to prevention (i.e., veterinary-public health coordination with regard to diagnosis, and knowledge translation and education in the general population) to reduce zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Agunos
- A Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G5B2
| | - F William Pierson
- B Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Bwalya Lungu
- C Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Patricia A Dunn
- D Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (PADLS-PSU), Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Nathaniel Tablante
- E Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740
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Ge Y, Yao QC, Wang XF, Fan ZQ, Deng GH, Chai HL, Chen HL, Hua YP. Epidemic of wild-origin H1NX avian influenza viruses in Anhui, China. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:98. [PMID: 28669354 PMCID: PMC5494855 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As the natural hosts of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), aquatic and migratory birds provide a gene pool for genetic transfer among species and across species, forming transient “genome constellations.” This work describes the phylogenetic dynamics of H1NX based on the complete molecular characterization of eight genes of viruses that were collected from 2014 to 2015 in Anhui Province, China. Methods Hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition tests were used to determine the hemagglutination (HA) activity of the HA subtypes. The entire genomes of the viruses were sequenced on an ABI PRISM 3500xl DNA Analyzer. The sequences were genetically analysed to study their genetic evolution using DNASTAR and MEGA 6. The pathogenic effects of the viruses were evaluated using mouse infection models. Results Seven strains of the H1 subtype avian influenza virus were isolated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated natural recombination of the H1 influenza viruses between the Eurasian lineage and the North American lineage. Some genes had high sequence identity with A/bean goose/Korea/220/2011(H9N2), which is a typical case involving viral reassortment between the Eurasian lineage and the North American lineage. The results of infection experiments in mice showed that the viruses could acquire the ability to multiply in mouse respiratory organs without adaptation. Conclusions These findings suggest that continued surveillance of wild birds, particularly migratory birds, is important to provide early warning of possible H1 influenza epidemics and to understand the ecology of the virus. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-017-0304-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Ge
- College of Wildlife Resources, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Qiu-Cheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xian-Fu Wang
- Natural Protection & Management Station of Forestry Department Centre of Anhui Province, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Fan
- School of Life Sciences, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guo-Hua Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
| | - Hong-Liang Chai
- College of Wildlife Resources, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Hua-Lan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-Ping Hua
- College of Wildlife Resources, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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M Gene Reassortment in H9N2 Influenza Virus Promotes Early Infection and Replication: Contribution to Rising Virus Prevalence in Chickens in China. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.02055-16. [PMID: 28148803 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02055-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Segment reassortment and base mutagenesis of influenza A viruses are the primary routes to the rapid evolution of high-fitness virus genotypes. We recently described a predominant G57 genotype of avian H9N2 viruses that caused countrywide outbreaks in chickens in China during 2010 to 2013, which led to the zoonotic emergence of H7N9 viruses. One of the key features of the G57 genotype is the replacement of the earlier A/chicken/Beijing/1/1994 (BJ/94)-like M gene with the A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/1997 (G1)-like M gene of quail origin. We report here the functional significance of the G1-like M gene in H9N2 viruses in conferring increased infection severity and infectivity in primary chicken embryonic fibroblasts and chickens. H9N2 virus housing the G1-like M gene, in place of the BJ/94-like M gene, showed an early surge in viral mRNA and viral RNA (vRNA) transcription that was associated with enhanced viral protein production and with an early elevated release of progeny virus comprising largely spherical rather than filamentous virions. Importantly, H9N2 virus with the G1-like M gene conferred extrapulmonary virus spread in chickens. Five highly represented signature amino acid residues (37A, 95K, 224N, and 242N in the M1 protein and 21G in the M2 protein) encoded by the prevalent G1-like M gene were demonstrated to be prime contributors to enhanced infectivity. Therefore, the genetic evolution of the M gene in H9N2 virus increases reproductive virus fitness, indicating its contribution to the rising virus prevalence in chickens in China.IMPORTANCE We recently described the circulation of a dominant genotype (genotype G57) of H9N2 viruses in countrywide outbreaks in chickens in China, which was responsible, through reassortment, for the emergence of H7N9 viruses that cause severe human infections. A key feature of the genotype G57 H9N2 virus is the presence of the quail-origin G1-like M gene, which had replaced the earlier BJ/94-like M gene. We found that H9N2 virus with the G1-like M gene, but not the BJ/94-like M gene, showed an early surge in progeny virus production and more severe pathology and extrapulmonary virus spread in chickens. Five highly represented amino acid residues in the M1 and M2 proteins derived from the G1-like M gene were shown to mediate enhanced virus infectivity. These observations enhance what we currently know about the roles of reassortment and mutations in virus fitness and have implications for assessing the potential of variant influenza viruses that can cause a rising prevalence in chickens.
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Sikkema RS, Freidl GS, de Bruin E, Koopmans M. Weighing serological evidence of human exposure to animal influenza viruses - a literature review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:30388. [PMID: 27874827 PMCID: PMC5114483 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2016.21.44.30388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Assessing influenza A virus strains circulating in animals and their potential to cross the species barrier and cause human infections is important to improve human influenza surveillance and preparedness. We reviewed studies describing serological evidence of human exposure to animal influenza viruses. Comparing serological data is difficult due to a lack of standardisation in study designs and in laboratory methods used in published reports. Therefore, we designed a scoring system to assess and weigh specificity of obtained serology results in the selected articles. Many studies report reliable evidence of antibodies to swine influenza viruses among persons occupationally exposed to pigs. Most avian influenza studies target H5, H7 and H9 subtypes and most serological evidence of human exposure to avian influenza viruses is reported for these subtypes. Avian influenza studies receiving a low grade in this review often reported higher seroprevalences in humans compared with studies with a high grade. Official surveillance systems mainly focus on avian H5 and H7 viruses. Swine influenza viruses and avian subtypes other than H5 and H7 (emphasising H9) should be additionally included in official surveillance systems. Surveillance efforts should also be directed towards understudied geographical areas, such as Africa and South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Saapke Sikkema
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening (IDS), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gudrun Stephanie Freidl
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening (IDS), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin de Bruin
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Koopmans
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening (IDS), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Rudneva IA, Timofeeva TA, Ignatieva AV, Shilov AA, Ilyushina NA. Effects of hemagglutinin amino acid substitutions in H9 influenza A virus escape mutants. Arch Virol 2016; 161:3515-3520. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-3038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Prevailing PA Mutation K356R in Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus Increases Mammalian Replication and Pathogenicity. J Virol 2016; 90:8105-14. [PMID: 27384648 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00883-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Adaptation of the viral polymerase complex comprising PB1, PB2, and PA is necessary for efficient influenza A virus replication in new host species. We found that PA mutation K356R (PA-K356R) has become predominant since 2014 in avian H9N2 viruses in China as with seasonal human H1N1 viruses. The same mutation is also found in most human isolates of emergent avian H7N9 and H10N8 viruses whose six internal gene segments are derived from the H9N2 virus. We further demonstrated the mammalian adaptive functionality of the PA-K356R mutation. Avian H9N2 virus with the PA-K356R mutation in human A549 cells showed increased nuclear accumulation of PA and increased viral polymerase activity that resulted in elevated levels of viral transcription and virus output. The same mutant virus in mice also enhanced virus replication and caused lethal infection. In addition, combined mutation of PA-K356R and PB2-E627K, a well-known mammalian adaptive marker, in the H9N2 virus showed further cooperative increases in virus production and severity of infection in vitro and in vivo In summary, PA-K356R behaves as a novel mammalian tropism mutation, which, along with other mutations such as PB2-E627K, might render avian H9N2 viruses adapted for human infection. IMPORTANCE Mutations of the polymerase complex (PB1, PB2, and PA) of influenza A virus are necessary for viral adaptation to new hosts. This study reports a novel and predominant mammalian adaptive mutation, PA-K356R, in avian H9N2 viruses and human isolates of emergent H7N9 and H10N8 viruses. We found that PA-356R in H9N2 viruses causes significant increases in virus replication and severity of infection in human cells and mice and that PA-K356R cooperates with the PB2-E627K mutation, a well-characterized human adaptive marker, to exacerbate mammalian infection in vitro and in vivo Therefore, the PA-K356R mutation is a significant adaptation in H9N2 viruses and related H7N9 and H10N8 reassortants toward human infectivity.
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RahimiRad S, Alizadeh A, Alizadeh E, Hosseini SM. The avian influenza H9N2 at avian-human interface: A possible risk for the future pandemics. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:51. [PMID: 28083072 PMCID: PMC5216463 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.187253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The avian influenza subtype H9N2 is considered a low pathogenic virus which is endemic in domestic poultry of a majority of Asian countries. Many reports of seropositivity in occupationally poultry-exposed workers and a number of confirmed human infections with an H9N2 subtype of avian influenza have been documented up to now. Recently, the human infections with both H7N9 and H10N8 viruses highlighted that H9N2 has a great potential for taking a part in the emergence of new human-infecting viruses. This review aimed at discussing the great potential of H9N2 virus which is circulating at avian-human interface, for cross-species transmission, contribution in the production of new reassortants and emergence of new pandemic subtypes. An intensified surveillance is needed for controlling the future risks which would be created by H9N2 circulation at avian-human interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh RahimiRad
- Student of Medicine, Tuberclosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Alizadeh
- Department of English, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Masoud Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Freidl GS, van den Ham HJ, Boni MF, de Bruin E, Koopmans MPG. Changes in heterosubtypic antibody responses during the first year of the 2009 A(H1N1) influenza pandemic. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20385. [PMID: 26853924 PMCID: PMC4745054 DOI: 10.1038/srep20385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Seropositivity to avian influenza (AI) via low-level antibody titers has been reported in the general population and poultry-exposed individuals, raising the question whether these findings reflect true infection with AI or cross-reactivity. Here we investigated serological profiles against human and avian influenza viruses in the general population using a protein microarray platform. We hypothesized that higher antibody diversity across recent H1 and H3 influenza viruses would be associated with heterosubtypic reactivity to older pandemic- and AI viruses. We found significant heterogeneity in antibody profiles. Increased antibody diversity to seasonal influenza viruses was associated with low-level heterosubtypic antibodies to H9 and H7, but not to H5 AI virus. Individuals exposed to the recent 2009 A(H1N1) pandemic showed higher heterosubtypic reactivity. We show that there is a complex interplay between prior exposures to seasonal and recent pandemic influenza viruses and the development of heterosubtypic antibody reactivity to animal influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudrun S Freidl
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Virology Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Maciej F Boni
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Erwin de Bruin
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Virology Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marion P G Koopmans
- Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Virology Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Khan SU, Anderson BD, Heil GL, Liang S, Gray GC. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Seroprevalence of Influenza A(H9N2) Infection Among Humans. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:562-9. [PMID: 25712969 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given that influenza A(H9N2) is recognized as a pandemic threat, we evaluated the overall burden of influenza A(H9N2) infections among avian-exposed human populations. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed, AGRICOLA, and CAB Abstracts databases for literature published during 1997-2013. Studies reporting serological evidence of human influenza A(H9N2) infection among avian-exposed populations were included. We used a World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended case definition for serological evidence of infection based on results of hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization (MN) assays. We calculated overall seroprevalence through a random effects meta-analysis model. RESULTS Seroprevalence data reported by the studies ranged from 1% to 43% (median, 9%) by HI, which was not significantly different from the seroprevalence estimated through the WHO-recommended case definition (median, 1.3%; range, 0.5%-42.6%). Reported seroprevalence by MN ranged from 0.6% to 9% (median, 2.7%), which was greater than the seroprevalence estimated through the WHO-recommended case definition (median, 0.3%; range, 0.1%-1.4%). CONCLUSIONS A small proportion of avian-exposed humans had evidence of influenza A(H9N2) infection. As the virus has a near global distribution in poultry, it seems likely that present surveillance efforts are missing mild or asymptomatic infections among avian-exposed persons. It seems prudent to closely monitor avian-exposed populations for influenza A(H9N2) infection to provide prepandemic warnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Uddin Khan
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Benjamin D Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville Division of Infectious Diseases, Global Health Institute, & Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Laboratory of One Health Research, Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Gary L Heil
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Song Liang
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Gregory C Gray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Global Health Institute, & Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Laboratory of One Health Research, Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
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Li X, Shi J, Guo J, Deng G, Zhang Q, Wang J, He X, Wang K, Chen J, Li Y, Fan J, Kong H, Gu C, Guan Y, Suzuki Y, Kawaoka Y, Liu L, Jiang Y, Tian G, Li Y, Bu Z, Chen H. Genetics, receptor binding property, and transmissibility in mammals of naturally isolated H9N2 Avian Influenza viruses. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004508. [PMID: 25411973 PMCID: PMC4239090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
H9N2 subtype influenza viruses have been detected in different species of wild birds and domestic poultry in many countries for several decades. Because these viruses are of low pathogenicity in poultry, their eradication is not a priority for animal disease control in many countries, which has allowed them to continue to evolve and spread. Here, we characterized the genetic variation, receptor-binding specificity, replication capability, and transmission in mammals of a series of H9N2 influenza viruses that were detected in live poultry markets in southern China between 2009 and 2013. Thirty-five viruses represented 17 genotypes on the basis of genomic diversity, and one specific “internal-gene-combination” predominated among the H9N2 viruses. This gene combination was also present in the H7N9 and H10N8 viruses that have infected humans in China. All of the 35 viruses preferentially bound to the human-like receptor, although two also retained the ability to bind to the avian-like receptor. Six of nine viruses tested were transmissible in ferrets by respiratory droplet; two were highly transmissible. Some H9N2 viruses readily acquired the 627K or 701N mutation in their PB2 gene upon infection of ferrets, further enhancing their virulence and transmission in mammals. Our study indicates that the widespread dissemination of H9N2 viruses poses a threat to human health not only because of the potential of these viruses to cause an influenza pandemic, but also because they can function as “vehicles” to deliver different subtypes of influenza viruses from avian species to humans. Avian influenza viruses continue to present challenges to human health. Recently the H7N9 and H10N8 viruses that are of low pathogenicity for poultry have caused human infections and deaths in China. H9N2 influenza virus have been isolated worldwide from wild and domestic avian species for several decades, and their low pathogenic nature to poultry made them a low priority for animal disease control, which has allowed them to continue to evolve and spread. Here, we investigated a series of H9N2 influenza viruses that were detected in live poultry markets in southern China. We found that these viruses are able to preferentially bind to the human-type receptor, and some of them can cause disease and transmit between ferrets by respiratory droplet. All the transmissible H9N2 viruses have a similar internal gene constellation, which was also present in the H7N9 and H10N8 viruses. Our study indicates that the widespread dissemination of H9N2 viruses poses a threat to human health not only because of the potential of these viruses to cause an influenza pandemic, but also because they can function as “vehicles” to deliver different subtypes of influenza viruses from avian species to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohua Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xijun He
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaicheng Wang
- Laboratory of Avian Disease Surveillance, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiming Chen
- Laboratory of Avian Disease Surveillance, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiui Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuantao Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasuo Suzuki
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kawaoka
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Liling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guobin Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigao Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hualan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Reed C, Bruden D, Byrd KK, Veguilla V, Bruce M, Hurlburt D, Wang D, Holiday C, Hancock K, Ortiz JR, Klejka J, Katz JM, Uyeki TM. Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2014; 8:516-23. [PMID: 24828535 PMCID: PMC4181814 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries. OBJECTIVES We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. METHODS We enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain. RESULTS Hunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. CONCLUSIONS We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Reed
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAnchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kathy K Byrd
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
- Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAnchorage, AK, USA
| | - Vic Veguilla
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAnchorage, AK, USA
| | - Debby Hurlburt
- Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAnchorage, AK, USA
| | - David Wang
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Crystal Holiday
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathy Hancock
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justin R Ortiz
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of WashingtonSeattle, WA, USA
| | - Joe Klejka
- Yukon Kuskokwim Health CorporationBethel, AK, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Katz
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - Timothy M Uyeki
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
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18
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Lin Z, Xu C, Liu B, Ji Y, Fu Y, Guo J, Zhu Q. Analysis of the phylogeny of Chinese H9N2 avian influenza viruses and their pathogenicity in mice. Arch Virol 2014; 159:2575-86. [PMID: 24838853 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We isolated nineteen strains of H9N2 influenza virus from farms across five northern Chinese provinces between 2001 and 2012. Sequence analysis of the genes for the two surface glycoproteins revealed that residue 226 of the hemagglutinin (HA) of eight isolates was a leucine. A T300I mutation in three strains resulted in the loss of a potential glycosylation site. The P315S mutation in seven strains added a potential glycosylation site in HA. The isolates CK/HN/323/08 and CK/HN/321/08 had a full-length neuraminidase (NA) that differed from those seen in other isolates. Phylogenetic and molecular analysis revealed that the nineteen strains shared common ancestry with strains BJ/94 and G1. We examined eight gene sequences in the present study and concluded that the HA and NS genes appeared to be derived directly from BJ/94. The remaining six genes evolved from different reference strains. Specifically, the NA and PA genes of CK/HN/321/08 and CK/HN/323/08 clustered with the G9 and Y439 branch, respectively, and the PB2 genes of CK/SD/513/11 and CK/GS/419/12 were in an unknown lineage. We found evidence that seven new genotypes had undergone intra-subtype reassortment. A mouse infection experiment with six selected isolates showed that five of these isolates were able to replicate in mouse lungs without adaptation. Viral replication in infected mice resulted in minimal weight loss, suggesting that these H9N2 avian influenza viruses had low virulence in mammals. Our findings highlight the genetic and biological diversity of H9N2 avian influenza viruses circulating in China and emphasize the importance in continuing surveillance of these viruses so as to better understand the potential risks they pose to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqing Lin
- The State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xujiaping, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China
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Shi J, Gao L, Zhu Y, Chen T, Liu Y, Dong L, Liu F, Yang H, Cai Y, Yu M, Yao Y, Xu C, Xiao X, Shu Y. Investigation of avian influenza infections in wild birds, poultry and humans in Eastern Dongting Lake, China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95685. [PMID: 24755911 PMCID: PMC3995770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated avian influenza infections in wild birds, poultry, and humans at Eastern Dongting Lake, China. We analyzed 6,621 environmental samples, including fresh fecal and water samples, from wild birds and domestic ducks that were collected from the Eastern Dongting Lake area from November 2011 to April 2012. We also conducted two cross-sectional serological studies in November 2011 and April 2012, with 1,050 serum samples collected from people exposed to wild birds and/or domestic ducks. Environmental samples were tested for the presence of avian influenza virus (AIV) using quantitative PCR assays and virus isolation techniques. Hemagglutination inhibition assays were used to detect antibodies against AIV H5N1, and microneutralization assays were used to confirm these results. Among the environmental samples from wild birds and domestic ducks, AIV prevalence was 5.19 and 5.32%, respectively. We isolated 39 and 5 AIVs from the fecal samples of wild birds and domestic ducks, respectively. Our analysis indicated 12 subtypes of AIV were present, suggesting that wild birds in the Eastern Dongting Lake area carried a diverse array of AIVs with low pathogenicity. We were unable to detect any antibodies against AIV H5N1 in humans, suggesting that human infection with H5N1 was rare in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghong Shi
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Lidong Gao
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Chen
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yunzhi Liu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Libo Dong
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Fuqiang Liu
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Yahui Cai
- Yueyang City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Yueyang, China
| | - Mingdong Yu
- Yueyang City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Yueyang, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Hunan East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve, Yueyang, China
| | - Cuilin Xu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangming Xiao
- University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Yuelong Shu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory for Medical Virology, National Health and Family Plan Commission, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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To KKW, Tsang AKL, Chan JFW, Cheng VCC, Chen H, Yuen KY. Emergence in China of human disease due to avian influenza A(H10N8)--cause for concern? J Infect 2014; 68:205-15. [PMID: 24406432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In December 2013, China reported the first human case of avian influenza A(H10N8). A 73-year-old female with chronic diseases who had visited a live poultry market succumbed with community-acquired pneumonia. While human infections with avian influenza viruses are usually associated with subtypes prevalent in poultries, A(H10N8) isolates were mostly found in migratory birds and only recently in poultries. Although not possible to predict whether this single intrusion by A(H10N8) is an accident or the start of another epidemic like the preceding A(H7N9) and A(H5N1), several features suggest that A(H10N8) is a potential threat to humans. Recombinant H10 could attach to human respiratory epithelium, and A(H10N4) virus could cause severe infections in minks and chickens. A(H10N8) viruses contain genetic markers for mammalian adaptation and virulence in the haemagglutinin (A135T, S138A[H3 numbering]), M1(N30D, T215A), NS1(P42S) and PB2(E627K) protein. Studies on this human A(H10N8) isolate will reveal its adaptability to humans. Clinicians should alert the laboratory to test for A(H5,6,7,9,10) viruses in patients with epidemiological exposure in endemic geographical areas especially when human influenza A(H1,3) and B are negative. Vigilant virological and serological surveillance for A(H10N8) in human, poultry and wild bird is important for following the trajectory of this emerging influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin K W To
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Alan K L Tsang
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Vincent C C Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Honglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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21
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Li C, Chen H. Enhancement of influenza virus transmission by gene reassortment. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2014; 385:185-204. [PMID: 25048543 DOI: 10.1007/82_2014_389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A virus is characterized by a genome composed of eight single-stranded, negative sense RNA segments, which allow for reassortment between different strains when they co-infect the same host cell. Reassortment is an important driving force for the evolution of influenza viruses. The ability of reassortment allows influenza virus to endlessly reinvent itself and pose a constant threat to the health of humans and other animals. Of the four human influenza pandemics since the beginning of the last century, three of them were caused by reassortant viruses bearing genes of avian, human or swine influenza virus origin. In the past decade, great efforts have been made to understand the transmissibility of influenza viruses. The use of reverse genetics technology has made it substantially easier to generate reassortant viruses and evaluate the contribution of individual virus gene on virus transmissibility in animal models such as ferrets and guinea pigs. H5, H7, and H9 avian influenza viruses represent the top three subtypes that are candidates to cause the next human influenza pandemic. Many studies have been conducted to determine whether the transmission of these avian influenza viruses could be enhanced by acquisition of gene segments from human influenza viruses. Moreover, the 2009 pdmH1N1 viruses and the triple reassortant swine influenza viruses were extensively studied to identify the gene segments that contribute to their transmissibility. These studies have greatly deepened our understanding of the transmissibility of reassortant influenza viruses, which, in turn, has improved our ability to be prepared for reassortant influenza virus with enhanced transmissibility and pandemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 427 Maduan Street, Harbin, 150001, Nangang, China,
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22
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Krueger WS, Heil GL, Yoon KJ, Gray GC. No evidence for zoonotic transmission of H3N8 canine influenza virus among US adults occupationally exposed to dogs. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2013; 8:99-106. [PMID: 24237615 PMCID: PMC3877156 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The zoonotic potential of H3N8 canine influenza virus (CIV) has not been previously examined; yet considering the popularity of dogs as a companion animal and the zoonotic capabilities of other influenza viruses, the public health implications are great. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against CIV among a US cohort. DESIGN A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study was conducted between 2007 and 2010. SETTING Recruitments primarily occurred in Iowa and Florida. Participants were enrolled at dog shows, or at their home or place of employment. SAMPLE Three hundred and four adults occupationally exposed to dogs and 101 non-canine-exposed participants completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Microneutralization and neuraminidase inhibition assays were performed to detect human sera antibodies against A/Canine/Iowa/13628/2005(H3N8). An enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) was adapted to detect antibodies against a recombinant N8 neuraminidase protein from A/Equine/Pennsylvania/1/2007(H3N8). RESULTS For all assays, no significant difference in detectable antibodies was observed when comparing the canine-exposed subjects to the non-canine-exposed subjects. CONCLUSION While these results do not provide evidence for cross-species CIV transmission, influenza is predictably unpredictable. People frequently exposed to ill dogs should continually be monitored for novel zoonotic CIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney S Krueger
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Di Trani L, Porru S, Bonfanti L, Cordioli P, Cesana BM, Boni A, Di Carlo AS, Arici C, Donatelli I, Tomao P, Vonesch N, De Marco MA. Serosurvey against H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses in Italian poultry workers. Avian Dis 2013; 56:1068-71. [PMID: 23402138 DOI: 10.1637/10184-041012-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic (HP) and low pathogenic (LP) avian influenza viruses (AIVs) belonging to H5 and H7 subtypes have been found to be associated with human infection as the result of direct transmission from infected poultry. Human infections by AIVs can cause mild or subclinical disease, and serosurveys are believed to represent an important tool to identify risk of zoonotic transmission. Therefore, we sought to examine Italian poultry workers exposed during LPAI and HPAI outbreaks with the aim of assessing serologic evidence of infection with H5 and H7 AIVs. From December 2008 to June 2010 serum samples were collected from 188 poultry workers and 379 nonexposed controls in Northern Italy. The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay using horse red blood cells (RBCs) and a microneutralization (MN)-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test were used to analyze human sera for antibodies against the following H5 and H7 LPAI viruses: A/Dk/It/4445/07(H5N2); A/Ty/It/2369/09(H5N7); A/Ty/It/218-193/ 10; A/Ck/It/3775/99(H7N1); A/Ty/It/214845/03(H7N3); and A/Dk/It/332145/09(H7N3). Since previous studies identified low antibody titer to AIVs in people exposed to infected poultry, a cutoff titer of > or = 1:10 was chosen for both serologic assays. Only HI-positive results confirmed by MN assay were considered positive for presence of specific antibodies. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze differences in seroprevalence between poultry workers and control groups, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. MN results showed a proportion of H7-seropositive poultry workers (6/188, i.e., 3.2%), significantly higher than that of controls (0/379), whereas no MN-positive result was obtained against three H5 LPAI subtypes recently identified in Italy. In conclusion, the survey indicated that assessing seroprevalence can be an important tool in risk assessment and health,surveillance of poultry workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Di Trani
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, V.le Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Runstadler J, Hill N, Hussein ITM, Puryear W, Keogh M. Connecting the study of wild influenza with the potential for pandemic disease. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 17:162-87. [PMID: 23541413 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Continuing outbreaks of pathogenic (H5N1) and pandemic (SOIVH1N1) influenza have underscored the need to understand the origin, characteristics, and evolution of novel influenza A virus (IAV) variants that pose a threat to human health. In the last 4-5years, focus has been placed on the organization of large-scale surveillance programs to examine the phylogenetics of avian influenza virus (AIV) and host-virus relationships in domestic and wild animals. Here we review the current gaps in wild animal and environmental surveillance and the current understanding of genetic signatures in potentially pandemic strains.
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Shafir SC, Fuller T, Smith TB, Rimoin AW. A national study of individuals who handle migratory birds for evidence of avian and swine-origin influenza virus infections. J Clin Virol 2012; 54:364-7. [PMID: 22632900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with occupational or recreational exposure to migratory birds may be at risk for infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza and other avian influenza viruses since wild birds are the natural reservoir of influenza A. Additionally, bird handlers may host avian and swine-origin influenza (pH1N1) virus co-infections, which generate reassortant viruses with high pathogenicity in mammals. OBJECTIVES We assessed the prevalence of avian and swine influenza viruses in US-based bird handlers and estimated their exposure to different orders of wild birds including waterfowl (Anseriformes), songbirds (Passeriformes), and shorebirds (Charadriiformes). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional serologic survey accompanied by a questionnaire to estimate behavioral risk factors. This is first survey of US-based bird handlers who also work at international sites. RESULTS 401 participants were recruited and tested over the course of 3 years. One participant with occupational exposure to migratory birds had evidence of past infections with a H5N2 virus antigenically related to A/Nopi/MN/07/462960-02, which is the first case of this influenza subtype in a human host associated with exposure to wild rather than domestic birds. We detected no avian and swine-origin influenza virus co-infections. The exposure of bird handlers to songbirds was four times greater than to shorebirds or waterfowl. CONCLUSIONS Though rare, the transmission of avian influenza viruses from migratory birds to US-based bird handlers has potentially significant public health and economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira C Shafir
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Reperant LA, Kuiken T, Osterhaus ADME. Adaptive pathways of zoonotic influenza viruses: from exposure to establishment in humans. Vaccine 2012; 30:4419-34. [PMID: 22537992 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human influenza viruses have their ultimate origin in avian reservoirs and may adapt, either directly or after passage through another mammalian species, to circulate independently in the human population. Three sets of barriers must be crossed by a zoonotic influenza virus before it can become a human virus: animal-to-human transmission barriers; virus-cell interaction barriers; and human-to-human transmission barriers. Adaptive changes allowing zoonotic influenza viruses to cross these barriers have been studied extensively, generating key knowledge for improved pandemic preparedness. Most of these adaptive changes link acquired genetic alterations of the virus to specific adaptation mechanisms that can be screened for, both genetically and phenotypically, as part of zoonotic influenza virus surveillance programs. Human-to-human transmission barriers are only sporadically crossed by zoonotic influenza viruses, eventually triggering a worldwide influenza outbreak or pandemic. This is the most devastating consequence of influenza virus cross-species transmission. Progress has been made in identifying some of the determinants of influenza virus transmissibility. However, interdisciplinary research is needed to further characterize these ultimate barriers to the development of influenza pandemics, at both the level of the individual host and that of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Reperant
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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