1
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Kuryshko M, Landmann M, Luttermann C, Ulrich R, Abdelwhab EM. In turkeys, unlike chickens, the non-structural NS1 protein does not play a significant role in the replication and tissue tropism of the H7N1 avian influenza virus. Virulence 2024; 15:2379371. [PMID: 39014540 PMCID: PMC11259080 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2379371] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The economic losses caused by high pathogenicity (HP) avian influenza viruses (AIV) in the poultry industry worldwide are enormous. Although chickens and turkeys are closely related Galliformes, turkeys are thought to be a bridging host for the adaptation of AIV from wild birds to poultry because of their high susceptibility to AIV infections. HPAIV evolve from low pathogenicity (LP) AIV after circulation in poultry through mutations in different viral proteins, including the non-structural protein (NS1), a major interferon (IFN) antagonist of AIV. At present, it is largely unknown whether the virulence determinants of HPAIV are the same in turkeys and chickens. Previously, we showed that mutations in the NS1 of HPAIV H7N1 significantly reduced viral replication in chickens in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the effect of NS1 on the replication and virulence of HPAIV H7N1 in turkeys after inoculation with recombinant H7N1 carrying a naturally truncated wild-type NS1 (with 224 amino-acid "aa" in length) or an extended NS1 with 230-aa similar to the LP H7N1 ancestor. There were no significant differences in multiple-cycle viral replication or in the efficiency of NS1 in blocking IFN induction in the cell culture. Similarly, all viruses were highly virulent in turkeys and replicated at similar levels in various organs and swabs collected from the inoculated turkeys. These results suggest that NS1 does not play a role in the virulence or replication of HPAIV H7N1 in turkeys and further indicate that the genetic determinants of HPAIV differ in these two closely related galliform species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Kuryshko
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maria Landmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christine Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elsayed M. Abdelwhab
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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2
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Zhang Z, Lei Z. The Alarming Situation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses in 2019-2023. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:200-213. [PMID: 38947761 PMCID: PMC11213626 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have the potential to cause severe illness in wild birds, domestic poultry, and humans. The ongoing circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) has presented significant challenges to global poultry industry and public health in recent years. This study aimed to elucidate the circulation of HPAIVs during 2019 to 2023. Specifically, we assess the alarming global spread and continuous evolution of HPAIVs. Moreover, we discuss their transmission and prevention strategies to provide valuable references for future prevention and control measures against AIVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zhao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
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3
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Filaire F, Bertran K, Gaide N, Valle R, Secula A, Perlas A, Foret-Lucas C, Nofrarías M, Cantero G, Croville G, Majó N, Guerin JL. Viral shedding and environmental dispersion of two clade 2.3.4.4b H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in experimentally infected mule ducks: implications for environmental sampling. Vet Res 2024; 55:100. [PMID: 39135123 PMCID: PMC11318174 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused major epizootics in recent years, with devastating consequences for poultry and wildlife worldwide. Domestic and wild ducks can be highly susceptible to HPAIVs, and infection leads to efficient viral replication and massive shedding (i.e., high titres for an extended time), contributing to widespread viral dissemination. Importantly, ducks are known to shed high amounts of virus in the earliest phase of infection, but the dynamics and impact of environmental contamination on the epidemiology of HPAIV outbreaks are poorly understood. In this study, we monitored mule ducks experimentally infected with two H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b goose/Guangdong HPAIVs sampled in France in 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 epizootics. We investigated viral shedding dynamics in the oropharynx, cloaca, conjunctiva, and feathers; bird-to-bird viral transmission; and the role of the environment in viral spread and as a source of samples for early detection and surveillance. Our findings showed that viral shedding started before the onset of clinical signs, i.e., as early as 1 day post-inoculation (dpi) or post-contact exposure, peaked at 4 dpi, and lasted for up to 14 dpi. The detection of viral RNA in aerosols, dust, and water samples mirrored viral shedding dynamics, and viral isolation from these environmental samples was successful throughout the experiment. Our results confirm that mule ducks can shed high HPAIV titres through the four excretion routes tested (oropharyngeal, cloacal, conjunctival, and feather) while being asymptomatic and that environmental sampling could be a non-invasive tool for early viral RNA detection in HPAIV-infected farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Filaire
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
- LanXess Group, THESEO France, Lanxess Biosecurity, Laval, France
| | - Kateri Bertran
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Nicolas Gaide
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Rosa Valle
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Aurélie Secula
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Albert Perlas
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Miquel Nofrarías
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Cantero
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Programa de Sanitat Animal, IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Natàlia Majó
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jean-Luc Guerin
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France.
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4
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Warren CJ, Brookes SM, Arnold ME, Irvine RM, Hansen RDE, Brown IH, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ. Assessment of Survival Kinetics for Emergent Highly Pathogenic Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx Avian Influenza Viruses. Viruses 2024; 16:889. [PMID: 38932181 PMCID: PMC11209063 DOI: 10.3390/v16060889] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) cause high morbidity and mortality in poultry species. HPAIV prevalence means high numbers of infected wild birds could lead to spill over events for farmed poultry. How these pathogens survive in the environment is important for disease maintenance and potential dissemination. We evaluated the temperature-associated survival kinetics for five clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx HPAIVs (UK field strains between 2014 and 2021) incubated at up to three temperatures for up to ten weeks. The selected temperatures represented northern European winter (4 °C) and summer (20 °C); and a southern European summer temperature (30 °C). For each clade 2.3.4.4 HPAIV, the time in days to reduce the viral infectivity by 90% at temperature T was established (DT), showing that a lower incubation temperature prolonged virus survival (stability), where DT ranged from days to weeks. The fastest loss of viral infectivity was observed at 30 °C. Extrapolation of the graphical DT plots to the x-axis intercept provided the corresponding time to extinction for viral decay. Statistical tests of the difference between the DT values and extinction times of each clade 2.3.4.4 strain at each temperature indicated that the majority displayed different survival kinetics from the other strains at 4 °C and 20 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J. Warren
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Sharon M. Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Mark E. Arnold
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RB, UK;
| | - Richard M. Irvine
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
- Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO), Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, UK
| | - Rowena D. E. Hansen
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
- Veterinary Advice Services, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H. Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency, (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency, (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J. Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK; (S.M.B.); (R.M.I.); (R.D.E.H.); (I.H.B.); (A.C.B.)
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5
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Wolters WJ, Vernooij JCM, Spliethof TM, Wiegel J, Elbers ARW, Spierenburg MAH, Stegeman JA, Velkers FC. Comparison of the Clinical Manifestation of HPAI H5Nx in Different Poultry Types in the Netherlands, 2014-2022. Pathogens 2024; 13:280. [PMID: 38668235 PMCID: PMC11055007 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study describes clinical manifestations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, H5N8 and H5N6 outbreaks between 2014 and 2018 and 2020 and 2022 in the Netherlands for different poultry types and age groups. Adult duck (breeder) farms and juvenile chicken (broiler and laying pullet) farms were not diagnosed before 2020. Outbreaks in ducks decreased in 2020-2022 vs. 2014-2018, but increased for meat-type poultry. Neurological, locomotor and reproductive tract signs were often observed in ducks, whereas laying- and meat-type poultry more often showed mucosal membrane and skin signs, including cyanosis and hemorrhagic conjunctiva. Juveniles (chickens and ducks) showed neurological and locomotor signs more often than adults. Diarrhea occurred more often in adult chickens and juvenile ducks. Mortality increased exponentially within four days before notification in chickens and ducks, with a more fluctuating trend in ducks and meat-type poultry than in layers. For ducks, a mortality ratio (MR) > 3, compared to the average mortality of the previous week, was reached less often than in chickens. A lower percentage of laying flocks with MR > 3 was found for 2020-2022 vs. 2014-2018, but without significant differences in clinical signs. This study provides a basis for improvements in mortality- and clinical-sign-based early warning criteria, especially for juvenile chickens and ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy J. Wolters
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.J.W.); (J.C.M.V.)
| | - J. C. M. Vernooij
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.J.W.); (J.C.M.V.)
| | - Thomas M. Spliethof
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Armin R. W. Elbers
- Department of Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Animal Studies and Vaccine Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands;
| | | | - J. Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.J.W.); (J.C.M.V.)
| | - Francisca C. Velkers
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (W.J.W.); (J.C.M.V.)
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6
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Seekings AH, Liang Y, Warren CJ, Hjulsager CK, Thomas SS, Lean FZX, Nunez A, Skinner P, Selden D, Falchieri M, Simmons H, Brown IH, Larsen LE, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ. Transmission dynamics and pathogenesis differ between pheasants and partridges infected with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. J Gen Virol 2024; 105. [PMID: 38289661 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
During the UK 2020-2021 epizootic of H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), high mortality occurred during incursions in commercially farmed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Two pheasant farms, affected separately by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes, included adjacently housed red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), which appeared to be unaffected. Despite extensive ongoing epizootics, H5Nx HPAIV partridge outbreaks were not reported during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the UK, so it is postulated that partridges are more resistant to HPAIV infection than other gamebirds. To assess this, pathogenesis and both intra- and inter-species transmission of UK pheasant-origin H5N8-2021 and H5N1-2021 HPAIVs were investigated. Onward transmission to chickens was also assessed to better understand the risk of spread from gamebirds to other commercial poultry sectors. A lower infectious dose was required to infect pheasants with H5N8-2021 compared to H5N1-2021. However, HPAIV systemic dissemination to multiple organs within pheasants was more rapid following infection with H5N1-2021 than H5N8-2021, with the former attaining generally higher viral RNA levels in tissues. Intraspecies transmission to contact pheasants was successful for both viruses and associated with viral environmental contamination, while interspecies transmission to a first chicken-contact group was also efficient. However, further onward transmission to additional chicken contacts was only achieved with H5N1-2021. Intra-partridge transmission was only successful when high-dose H5N1-2021 was administered, while partridges inoculated with H5N8-2021 failed to shed and transmit, although extensive tissue tropism was observed for both viruses. Mortalities among infected partridges featured a longer incubation period compared to that in pheasants, for both viruses. Therefore, the susceptibility of different gamebird species and pathogenicity outcomes to the ongoing H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs varies, but pheasants represent a greater likelihood of H5Nx HPAIV introduction into galliforme poultry settings. Consequently, viral maintenance within gamebird populations and risks to poultry species warrant enhanced investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Charlotte K Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Alejandro Nunez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Paul Skinner
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - David Selden
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marco Falchieri
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Hugh Simmons
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lars E Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
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7
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Pantin-Jackwood MJ, Spackman E, Leyson C, Youk S, Lee SA, Moon LM, Torchetti MK, Killian ML, Lenoch JB, Kapczynski DR, Swayne DE, Suarez DL. Pathogenicity in Chickens and Turkeys of a 2021 United States H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Clade 2.3.4.4b Wild Bird Virus Compared to Two Previous H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4 Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:2273. [PMID: 38005949 PMCID: PMC10674317 DOI: 10.3390/v15112273] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of subtype H5 of the Gs/GD/96 lineage remain a major threat to poultry due to endemicity in wild birds. H5N1 HPAIVs from this lineage were detected in 2021 in the United States (U.S.) and since then have infected many wild and domestic birds. We evaluated the pathobiology of an early U.S. H5N1 HPAIV (clade 2.3.4.4b, 2021) and two H5N8 HPAIVs from previous outbreaks in the U.S. (clade 2.3.4.4c, 2014) and Europe (clade 2.3.4.4b, 2016) in chickens and turkeys. Differences in clinical signs, mean death times (MDTs), and virus transmissibility were found between chickens and turkeys. The mean bird infective dose (BID50) of the 2021 H5N1 virus was approximately 2.6 log10 50% embryo infective dose (EID50) in chickens and 2.2 log10 EID50 in turkeys, and the virus transmitted to contact-exposed turkeys but not chickens. The BID50 for the 2016 H5N8 virus was also slightly different in chickens and turkeys (4.2 and 4.7 log10 EID50, respectively); however, the BID50 for the 2014 H5N8 virus was higher for chickens than turkeys (3.9 and ~0.9 log10 EID50, respectively). With all viruses, turkeys took longer to die (MDTs of 2.6-8.2 days for turkeys and 1-4 days for chickens), which increased the virus shedding period and facilitated transmission to contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J. Pantin-Jackwood
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Erica Spackman
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Christina Leyson
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Sungsu Youk
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si 28644, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Scott A. Lee
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Linda M. Moon
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - Mia K. Torchetti
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Mary L. Killian
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Julianna B. Lenoch
- Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Disease Program, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Darrell R. Kapczynski
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - David E. Swayne
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
| | - David L. Suarez
- Exotic and Emerging Avian Viral Diseases Unit, Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, U.S. National Poultry Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Athens, GA 30605, USA; (E.S.); (L.M.M.); (D.L.S.)
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8
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Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Thomas SS, Lean FZX, Selden D, Mollett BC, van Diemen PM, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ. Different Outcomes of Chicken Infection with UK-Origin H5N1-2020 and H5N8-2020 High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses (Clade 2.3.4.4b). Viruses 2023; 15:1909. [PMID: 37766317 PMCID: PMC10537040 DOI: 10.3390/v15091909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the "goose/Guangdong" lineage have caused a series of European epizootics since 2014. During autumn/winter 2020-2021, several H5Nx subtypes were detected in the UK, with H5N8 being the dominant subtype in wild birds and poultry. Despite the greater subtype diversity (due to viral neuraminidase gene reassortment) reported in wild birds, only H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes caused clade 2.3.4.4 UK HPAIV poultry outbreaks during this period. The direct inoculation of layer chickens showed that H5N8-2020 was more infectious than H5N1-2020, which supported the European H5N8 dominance during that season. However, the mean death time was longer for H5N8-2020 (3.42 days) than for H5N1-2020 (2.17 days). Transmission from directly infected to naive in-contact chickens was inefficient for both subtypes. Histological lesions, the tissue dissemination of viral antigen, and nucleic acid were more extensive and abundant and accumulated more rapidly for H5N1-2020 compared with H5N8-2020. Although inefficient, H5N1-2020 transmission was faster, with its greater virulence indicating that this subtype posed a major concern, as subsequently shown during H5N1 dominance of the clade 2.3.4.4 epizootic since autumn 2021. An evaluation of these in vivo viral characteristics is key to understanding the continuing poultry threats posed by clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx HPAIVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H. Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J. Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S. Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z. X. Lean
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - David Selden
- Department of Pathology and Animal Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Benjamin C. Mollett
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Pauline M. van Diemen
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C. Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J. Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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9
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El-Shall NA, Abd El Naby WSH, Hussein EGS, Yonis AE, Sedeik ME. Pathogenicity of H5N8 avian influenza virus in chickens and in duck breeds and the role of MX1 and IFN-α in infection outcome and transmission to contact birds. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 100:102039. [PMID: 37591150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102039] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the pathogenicity, immunogenicity, and transmission potential of the H5N8 HPAI clade 2.3.4.4b virus in three breeds of ducks and in broiler chickens. Chickens, Muscovy, Pekin, and Mallard ducks (n = 10) received a dose of 6 log10 EID50 of HPAIV H5N8 directly. Nine contact chickens were introduced to each group on the day of infection. All infected chickens died, with MDT of 7.6 days. Muscovy and Pekin ducks died by 11.1% and 10%, respectively, with MDTs of 7 and 6 days. No Mallards died but showed more severe clinical disease than Pekin ducks. Mallards had the highest MX1 gene expression in the lung and spleen and IFN-α in the spleen. MX1 expression levels were lower in the spleen and lung of Pekin ducks, in the spleen of chickens and in the lung of Muscovy ducks than in noninfected controls. However, viral shedding was higher in ducks than in chickens and was highest in Mallards. 66.7% of chickens placed in contact with infected chickens died and 77.8% of in-contact chickens to infected three duck breeds died. In conclusion, there was a diversity in sensitivity and immunogenicity for HPAIV H5N8 among duck breeds, resulting in diverse infection outcomes and transmissibility to contacts. This study provides duck/chicken interface models for HPAIV transmission to poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed A El-Shall
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt.
| | - Walaa S H Abd El Naby
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt
| | - Eid G S Hussein
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Damanhour Branch, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt
| | - Ahlam E Yonis
- Biotechnology Department, Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production ( RLQP), Damanhour branch, Animal health research institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud E Sedeik
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758, Egypt
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10
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Slomka MJ, Reid SM, Byrne AMP, Coward VJ, Seekings J, Cooper JL, Peers-Dent J, Agyeman-Dua E, de Silva D, Hansen RDE, Banyard AC, Brown IH. Efficient and Informative Laboratory Testing for Rapid Confirmation of H5N1 (Clade 2.3.4.4) High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United Kingdom. Viruses 2023; 15:1344. [PMID: 37376643 PMCID: PMC10304448 DOI: 10.3390/v15061344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of the UK 2021-2022 H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) epizootic in commercial poultry, 12 infected premises (IPs) were confirmed by four real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT)-PCRs, which identified the viral subtype and pathotype. An assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether a large sample throughput would challenge laboratory capacity during an exceptionally large epizootic; hence, assay performance across our test portfolio was investigated. Statistical analysis of RRT-PCR swab testing supported it to be focused on a three-test approach, featuring the matrix (M)-gene, H5 HPAIV-specific (H5-HP) and N1 RRT-PCRs, which was successfully assessed at 29 subsequent commercial IPs. The absence of nucleotide mismatches in the primer/probe binding regions for the M-gene and limited mismatches for the H5-HP RRT-PCR underlined their high sensitivity. Although less sensitive, the N1 RRT-PCR remained effective at flock level. The analyses also guided successful surveillance testing of apparently healthy commercial ducks from at-risk premises, with pools of five oropharyngeal swabs tested by the H5-HP RRT-PCR to exclude evidence of infection. Serological testing at anseriform H5N1 HPAIV outbreaks, together with quantitative comparisons of oropharyngeal and cloacal shedding, provided epidemiological information concerning the chronology of initial H5N1 HPAIV incursion and onward spread within an IP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J. Slomka
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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11
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James J, Billington E, Warren CJ, De Sliva D, Di Genova C, Airey M, Meyer SM, Lewis T, Peers-Dent J, Thomas SS, Lofts A, Furman N, Nunez A, Slomka MJ, Brown IH, Banyard AC. Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) from the 2021/22 epizootic is highly duck adapted and poorly adapted to chickens. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 37167079 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2021/2022 epizootic of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAIV) remains one of the largest ever in the UK, being caused by a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV. This epizootic affected more than 145 poultry premises, most likely through independent incursion from infected wild birds, supported by more than 1700 individual detections of H5N1 from wild bird mortalities. Here an H5N1 HPAIV, representative of this epizootic (H5N1-21), was used to investigate its virulence, pathogenesis and transmission in layer chickens and Pekin ducks, two species of epidemiological importance. We inoculated both avian species with decreasing H5N1-21 doses. The virus was highly infectious in ducks, with high infection levels and accompanying shedding of viral RNA, even in ducks inoculated with the lowest dose, reflecting the strong waterfowl adaptation of the clade 2.3.4.4 HPAIVs. Duck-to-duck transmission was very efficient, coupled with high environmental contamination. H5N1-21 was frequently detected in water sources, serving as likely sources of infection for ducks, but inhalable dust and aerosols represented low transmission risks. In contrast, chickens inoculated with the highest dose exhibited lower rates of infection compared to ducks. There was no evidence for experimental H5N1-21 transmission to any naive chickens, in two stocking density scenarios, coupled with minimal and infrequent contamination being detected in the chicken environment. Systemic viral dissemination to multiple organs reflected the pathogenesis and high mortalities in both species. In summary, the H5N1-21 virus is highly infectious and transmissible in anseriformes, yet comparatively poorly adapted to galliformes, supporting strong host preferences for wild waterfowl. Key environmental matrices were also identified as being important in the epidemiological spread of this virus during the continuing epizootic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe James
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Elizabeth Billington
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Dilhani De Sliva
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Cecilia Di Genova
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Maisie Airey
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Stephanie M Meyer
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Thomas Lewis
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Jacob Peers-Dent
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Abigail Lofts
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Natalia Furman
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Nunez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
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12
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James J, Warren CJ, De Silva D, Lewis T, Grace K, Reid SM, Falchieri M, Brown IH, Banyard AC. The Role of Airborne Particles in the Epidemiology of Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus in Commercial Poultry Production Units. Viruses 2023; 15:v15041002. [PMID: 37112981 PMCID: PMC10142477 DOI: 10.3390/v15041002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since October 2021, Europe has experienced the largest avian influenza virus (AIV) epizootic, caused by clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity AIV (HPAIV), with over 284 poultry infected premises (IPs) and 2480 dead H5N1-positive wild birds detected in Great Britain alone. Many IPs have presented as geographical clusters, raising questions about the lateral spread between premises by airborne particles. Airborne transmission over short distances has been observed for some AIV strains. However, the risk of airborne spread of this strain remains to be elucidated. We conducted extensive sampling from IPs where clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIVs were confirmed during the 2022/23 epizootic, each representing a major poultry species (ducks, turkeys, and chickens). A range of environmental samples were collected inside and outside houses, including deposited dust, feathers, and other potential fomites. Viral RNA (vRNA) and infectious viruses were detected in air samples collected from inside and outside but in close proximity to infected houses, with vRNA alone being detected at greater distances (≤10 m) outside. Some dust samples collected outside of the affected houses contained infectious viruses, while feathers from the affected houses, located up to 80 m away, only contained vRNA. Together, these data suggest that airborne particles harboring infectious HPAIV can be translocated short distances (<10 m) through the air, while macroscopic particles containing vRNA might travel further (≤80 m). Therefore, the potential for airborne transmission of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV between premises is considered low. Other factors, including indirect contact with wild birds and the efficiency of biosecurity, represent greater importance in disease incursion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe James
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Dilhani De Silva
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Thomas Lewis
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Katherine Grace
- Epidemiology and Risk Policy Advice, Advice Services, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Scott M Reid
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marco Falchieri
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
- WOAH/FAO International Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone KT15 3NB, UK
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13
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Daniels RS, McCauley JW. The health of influenza surveillance and pandemic preparedness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 36800222 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is the first to have emerged when Next Generation Sequencing was readily available and it has played the major role in following evolution of the causative agent, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Response to the pandemic was greatly facilitated though use of existing influenza surveillance networks: World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), focussing largely on human influenza, and the OFFLU network of expertise on avian influenza established by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Data collection/deposition platforms associated with these networks, notably WHO's FluNet and the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) were/are being used intensely. Measures introduced to combat COVID-19 resulted in greatly decreased circulation of human seasonal influenza viruses for approximately 2 years, but circulation continued in the animal sector with an upsurge in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 with large numbers of wild bird deaths, culling of many poultry flocks and sporadic spill over into mammalian species, including humans, thereby increasing pandemic risk potential. While there are proposals/implementations to extend use of GISRS and GISAID to other infectious disease agents (e.g. Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Monkeypox), there is need to ensure that influenza surveillance is maintained and improved in both human and animal sectors in a sustainable manner to be truly prepared (early detection) for the next influenza pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Stuart Daniels
- Worldwide Influenza Centre (WIC), The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - John William McCauley
- Worldwide Influenza Centre (WIC), The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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14
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Liang Y, Hjulsager CK, Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Lean FZX, Núñez A, James J, Thomas SS, Banyard AC, Slomka MJ, Brown IH, Larsen LE. Pathogenesis and infection dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) in pheasants and onward transmission to chickens. Virology 2022; 577:138-148. [PMID: 36371872 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses clade 2.3.4.4 H5 have spread among wild birds worldwide during recent years causing annual die-offs among wild birds and outbreaks in poultry in multiple European countries. The outbreaks significantly impact the poultry and game bird sectors. Infected game birds may act as a bridging species potentially enabling spread of virus into commercial and backyard premises. In this study, the pathogenesis and transmission of a HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 virus was investigated in pheasants and chickens. Efficient virus transmission was detected between pheasants over multiple rounds of naïve pheasant introductions and onwards to chickens. Mortality of up to 100% was observed for both infected pheasants and chickens. Intra-species transmission from chicken to chicken was less efficient. The study confirmed that clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 HPAIV is highly virulent in pheasants and emphasises the role of pheasants as a bridging host for the infection of commercial poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte K Hjulsager
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Caroline J Warren
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology and Animal Sciences Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Joe James
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Marek J Slomka
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian H Brown
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Lars E Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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15
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JMM Profile: Avian influenza: a veterinary pathogen with zoonotic potential. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are classified as either low pathogenicity (LP; generally causing sub-clinical to mild infections) or high pathogenicity (HP; capable of causing significant mortality events in birds). To date, HPAIVs appear o be restricted to the haemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein H5 and H7 AIV subtypes. Both LPAIV and HPAIV H5 and H7 AIV subtypes are classified as the causative agents of notifiable disease in poultry. A broad range of non-H5/non-H7 LPAIVs also exist that have been associated with more severe disease outcomes in avian species. As a result, the constant threat from AIVs causes significant economic damage in poultry production systems worldwide. The close proximity between mammalian and susceptible avian species in some environments provides the opportunity for both inter-host transmission and mammalian adaptation, potentially resulting in novel AIV strains capable of infecting humans.
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16
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Martins de Camargo M, Caetano AR, Ferreira de Miranda Santos IK. Evolutionary pressures rendered by animal husbandry practices for avian influenza viruses to adapt to humans. iScience 2022; 25:104005. [PMID: 35313691 PMCID: PMC8933668 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercial poultry operations produce and crowd billions of birds every year, which is a source of inexpensive animal protein. Commercial poultry is intensely bred for desirable production traits, and currently presents very low variability at the major histocompatibility complex. This situation dampens the advantages conferred by the MHC’s high genetic variability, and crowding generates immunosuppressive stress. We address the proteins of influenza A viruses directly and indirectly involved in host specificities. We discuss how mutants with increased virulence and/or altered host specificity may arise if few class I alleles are the sole selective pressure on avian viruses circulating in immunocompromised poultry. This hypothesis is testable with peptidomics of MHC ligands. Breeding strategies for commercial poultry can easily and inexpensively include high variability of MHC as a trait of interest, to help save billions of dollars as a disease burden caused by influenza and decrease the risk of selecting highly virulent strains.
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17
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Verma AK, Kumar M, Murugkar HV, Nagarajan S, Tosh C, Namdeo P, Singh R, Mishra S, Kombiah S, Dhanapal S, Singh VP. Experimental Infection and In-Contact Transmission of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Crows. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030304. [PMID: 35335628 PMCID: PMC8955285 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential of H9N2 avian influenza virus to cause disease and intra-species transmission in house crows (Corvus splendens). A group of six crows were intranasally inoculated with 106.0 EID50 of H9N2 virus (A/chicken/India/07OR17/2021), and 24 h post-inoculation six naïve crows were co-housed with infected crows. Crows were observed for 14 days for any overt signs of illness. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected up to 14 days to assess virus excretion. No apparent clinical signs were observed in either infected or in-contact crows. Virus excretion was observed only in infected birds up to 9 days post-infection (dpi) through both oropharyngeal and cloacal routes. All six infected crows seroconverted to H9N2 virus at 14 dpi, whereas all in-contact crows remained negative to H9N2 virus antibodies. No virus could be isolated from tissues viz., lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine. Although crows became infected with the H9N2 virus, transmission of the virus was inefficient to the in-contact group. However, virus excretion through oral and cloacal swabs from infected crows suggests a potential threat for inter-species transmission, including humans. Crows, being a common synanthrope species, might have some role in influenza virus transmission to poultry and humans, which needs to be explored further.
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18
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Abstract
The 2016–17 European outbreak of H5N8 HPAIV (Clade 2.3.4.4b) affected a wider range of avian species than the previous H5N8 outbreak (2014–15), including an incursion of H5N8 HPAIV into gamebirds in England. Natural infection of captive-reared pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) led to variable disease presentation; clinical signs included ruffled feathers, reluctance to move, bright green faeces, and/or sudden mortality. Several birds exhibited neurological signs (nystagmus, torticollis, ataxia). Birds exhibiting even mild clinical signs maintained substantial levels of virus replication and shedding, with preferential shedding via the oropharyngeal route. Gross pathology was consistent with HPAIV, in gallinaceous species but diphtheroid plaques in oropharyngeal mucosa associated with necrotising stomatitis were novel but consistent findings. However, minimal or modest microscopic pathological lesions were detected despite the systemic dissemination of the virus. Serology results indicated differences in the timeframe of exposure for each case (n = 3). This supported epidemiological conclusions confirming that the movement of birds between sites and other standard husbandry practices with limited hygiene involved in pheasant rearing (including several fomite pathways) contributed to virus spread between premises.
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Multiple Gene Segments Are Associated with Enhanced Virulence of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Mallards. J Virol 2021; 95:e0095521. [PMID: 34232725 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00955-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses from the H5Nx Goose/Guangdong/96 lineage continue to cause outbreaks in domestic and wild bird populations. Two distinct genetic groups of H5N8 HPAI viruses, hemagglutinin (HA) clades 2.3.4.4A and 2.3.4.4B, caused intercontinental outbreaks in 2014 to 2015 and 2016 to 2017, respectively. Experimental infections using viruses from these outbreaks demonstrated a marked difference in virulence in mallards, with the H5N8 virus from 2014 causing mild clinical disease and the 2016 H5N8 virus causing high mortality. To assess which gene segments are associated with enhanced virulence of H5N8 HPAI viruses in mallards, we generated reassortant viruses with 2014 and 2016 viruses. For single-segment reassortants in the genetic backbone of the 2016 virus, pathogenesis experiments in mallards revealed that morbidity and mortality were reduced for all eight single-segment reassortants compared to the parental 2016 virus, with significant reductions in mortality observed with the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2), nucleoprotein (NP), and matrix (M) reassortants. No differences in morbidity and mortality were observed with reassortants that either have the polymerase complex segments or the HA and neuraminidase (NA) segments of the 2016 virus in the genetic backbone of the 2014 virus. In vitro assays showed that the NP and polymerase acidic (PA) segments of the 2014 virus lowered polymerase activity when combined with the polymerase complex segments of the 2016 virus. Furthermore, the M segment of the 2016 H5N8 virus was linked to filamentous virion morphology. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that gene segments related to the more virulent 2016 H5N8 virus have persisted in the contemporary H5Nx HPAI gene pool until 2020. IMPORTANCE Outbreaks of H5Nx HPAI viruses from the goose/Guangdong/96 lineage continue to occur in many countries and have resulted in substantial impact on wild birds and poultry. Epidemiological evidence has shown that wild waterfowl play a major role in the spread of these viruses. While HPAI virus infection in gallinaceous species causes high mortality, a wide range of disease outcomes has been observed in waterfowl species. In this study, we examined which gene segments contribute to severe disease in mallards infected with H5N8 HPAI viruses. No virus gene was solely responsible for attenuating the high virulence of a 2016 H5N8 virus, but the PB2, NP, and M segments significantly reduced mortality. The findings herein advance our knowledge on the pathobiology of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl and have potential implications on the ecology and epidemiology of H5Nx HPAI in wild bird populations.
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Seekings AH, Warren CJ, Thomas SS, Mahmood S, James J, Byrne AMP, Watson S, Bianco C, Nunez A, Brown IH, Brookes SM, Slomka MJ. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) has a preferable host tropism for waterfowl reflected in its inefficient transmission to terrestrial poultry. Virology 2021; 559:74-85. [PMID: 33839461 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4b) incurred into Europe in late 2017 and was predominantly detected in wild birds, with very few terrestrial poultry cases. Pekin ducks directly-infected with a UK virus (H5N6-2017) were donors of infection to investigate contact transmission to three recipient species: Ducks, chickens and turkeys. H5N6-2017 transmission to ducks was 100% efficient, but transmission to in-contact galliforme species was infrequent and unpredictable, thereby reflecting the European 2017-2018 H5N6 epidemiology. Although only two of 28 (7%) infected ducks died, the six turkeys and one chicken which became infected all died and displayed systemic H5N6-2017 dissemination, while pathogenesis in ducks was generally milder. Analysis of H5N6-2017 progeny in the contacts revealed no emergent polymorphisms in an infected duck, but the galliforme species included changes in the polymerase (PB2 A199T, PA D347A), matrix (M1 T218A) and neuraminidase genes (T88I). H5N6-2017 environmental contamination was associated with duck shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Seekings
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - C J Warren
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S S Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - J James
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - A M P Byrne
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S Watson
- Animal Sciences Unit, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - C Bianco
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - A Nunez
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - I H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - S M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - M J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
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21
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Gaide N, Foret-Lucas C, Figueroa T, Vergne T, Lucas MN, Robertet L, Souvestre M, Croville G, Le Loc'h G, Delverdier M, Guérin JL. Viral tropism and detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in feathers of ducks and geese. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5928. [PMID: 33723295 PMCID: PMC7960704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses (HPAIVs) display a tissue pantropism, which implies a possible spread in feathers. HPAIV detection from feathers had been evaluated for H5N1 or H7N1 HPAIVs. It was suggested that viral RNA loads could be equivalent or higher in samples of immature feather compared to tracheal (TS) or cloacal swabs (CS). We investigated the suitability of feathers for the detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAIV in ducks and geese field samples. In the six H5N8 positive flocks that were included in this study, TS, CS and immature wing feathers were taken from at least 10 birds. Molecular loads were then estimated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targetting H5 and M genes. In all flocks, viral loads were at least equivalent between feather and swab samples and in most cases up to 103 higher in feathers. Bayesian modelling confirmed that, in infected poultry, RT-qPCR was much more likely to be positive when applied on a feather sample only (estimated sensitivity between 0.89 and 0.96 depending on the positivity threshold) than on a combination of a tracheal and a cloacal swab (estimated sensitivity between 0.45 and 0.68 depending on the positivity threshold). Viral tropism and lesions in feathers were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Epithelial necrosis of immature feathers and follicles was observed concurrently with positive viral antigen detection and leukocytic infiltration of pulp. Accurate detection of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs in feather samples were finally confirmed with experimental H5N8 infection on 10-week-old mule ducks, as viral loads at 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection were higher in feathers than in tracheal or cloacal swabs. However, feather samples were associated with lower viral loads than tracheal swabs at day 1, suggesting better detectability of the virus in feathers in the later course of infection. These results, based on both field cases and experimental infections, suggest that feather samples should be included in the toolbox of samples for detection of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses, at least in ducks and geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gaide
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Charlotte Foret-Lucas
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Thomas Figueroa
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Timothée Vergne
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Lucas
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Luc Robertet
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Marie Souvestre
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Croville
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Le Loc'h
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Maxence Delverdier
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-Luc Guérin
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses at the Wild-Domestic Bird Interface in Europe: Future Directions for Research and Surveillance. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020212. [PMID: 33573231 PMCID: PMC7912471 DOI: 10.3390/v13020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds and poultry are no longer a rare phenomenon in Europe. In the past 15 years, HPAI outbreaks—in particular those caused by H5 viruses derived from the A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage that emerged in southeast Asia in 1996—have been occuring with increasing frequency in Europe. Between 2005 and 2020, at least ten HPAI H5 incursions were identified in Europe resulting in mass mortalities among poultry and wild birds. Until 2009, the HPAI H5 virus outbreaks in Europe were caused by HPAI H5N1 clade 2.2 viruses, while from 2014 onwards HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses dominated outbreaks, with abundant genetic reassortments yielding subtypes H5N1, H5N2, H5N3, H5N4, H5N5, H5N6 and H5N8. The majority of HPAI H5 virus detections in wild and domestic birds within Europe coincide with southwest/westward fall migration and large local waterbird aggregations during wintering. In this review we provide an overview of HPAI H5 virus epidemiology, ecology and evolution at the interface between poultry and wild birds based on 15 years of avian influenza virus surveillance in Europe, and assess future directions for HPAI virus research and surveillance, including the integration of whole genome sequencing, host identification and avian ecology into risk-based surveillance and analyses.
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The Impact of Selected Risk Factors on The Occurrence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial Poultry Flocks in Poland. J Vet Res 2021; 65:45-52. [PMID: 33817394 PMCID: PMC8009582 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2021-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) into a country and its further spread may have a devastating impact on the poultry industry and lead to serious economic consequences. Various risk factors may increase the probability of HPAI outbreak occurrence but their relative influence is often difficult to determine. The study evaluates how the densities of selected poultry species and proximity to the areas inhabited by wild birds impacted HPAI outbreak occurrence during the recently reported epidemics in Poland. Material and methods The analysis was developed using these risk factors in the locations of affected and randomly chosen unaffected commercial farms. Generalised linear and non-linear models, specifically logistic regression, classification tree and random forest, were used to indicate the most relevant risk factors, to quantify their association with HPAI outbreak occurrence, and to develop a map depicting spatial risk distribution. Results The most important risk factors comprised the densities of turkeys, geese and ducks. The abundance of these species of poultry in an area increased the probability of HPAI occurrence, and their farming intensity in several areas of central, western, eastern and northern Poland put these areas at the highest risk. Conclusion The results may improve the targeting of active surveillance, strengthen biosecurity in the areas at risk and contribute to early detection of HPAI in outbreak reoccurrences.
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A universal RT-qPCR assay for "One Health" detection of influenza A viruses. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244669. [PMID: 33471840 PMCID: PMC7817021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mutual dependence of human and animal health is central to the One Health initiative as an integrated strategy for infectious disease control and management. A crucial element of the One Health includes preparation and response to influenza A virus (IAV) threats at the human-animal interface. The IAVs are characterized by extensive genetic variability, they circulate among different hosts and can establish host-specific lineages. The four main hosts are: avian, swine, human and equine, with occasional transmission to other mammalian species. The host diversity is mirrored in the range of the RT-qPCR assays for IAV detection. Different assays are recommended by the responsible health authorities for generic IAV detection in birds, swine or humans. In order to unify IAV monitoring in different hosts and apply the One Health approach, we developed a single RT-qPCR assay for universal detection of all IAVs of all subtypes, species origin and global distribution. The assay design was centred on a highly conserved region of the IAV matrix protein (MP)-segment identified by a comprehensive analysis of 99,353 sequences. The reaction parameters were effectively optimised with efficiency of 93–97% and LOD95% of approximately ten IAV templates per reaction. The assay showed high repeatability, reproducibility and robustness. The extensive in silico evaluation demonstrated high inclusivity, i.e. perfect sequence match in the primers and probe binding regions, established as 94.6% for swine, 98.2% for avian and 100% for human H3N2, pandemic H1N1, as well as other IAV strains, resulting in an overall predicted detection rate of 99% on the analysed dataset. The theoretical predictions were confirmed and extensively validated by collaboration between six veterinary or human diagnostic laboratories on a total of 1970 specimens, of which 1455 were clinical and included a diverse panel of IAV strains.
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25
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Lean FZX, Lamers MM, Smith SP, Shipley R, Schipper D, Temperton N, Haagmans BL, Banyard AC, Bewley KR, Carroll MW, Brookes SM, Brown I, Nuñez A. Development of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation for the detection of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21894. [PMID: 33318594 PMCID: PMC7736337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, and its dissemination globally has caused an unprecedented strain on public health. Animal models are urgently being developed for SARS-CoV-2 to aid rational design of vaccines and therapeutics. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation techniques that facilitate reliable and reproducible detection of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viral products in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens would be of great utility. A selection of commercial antibodies generated against SARS-CoV spike protein and nucleoprotein, double stranded RNA, and RNA probe for spike genes were evaluated for the ability to detect FFPE infected cells. We also tested both heat- and enzymatic-mediated virus antigen retrieval methods to determine the optimal virus antigen recovery as well as identifying alternative retrieval methods to enable flexibility of IHC methods. In addition to using native virus infected cells as positive control material, the evaluation of non-infected cells expressing coronavirus (SARS, MERS) spike as a biosecure alternative to assays involving live virus was undertaken. Optimized protocols were successfully applied to experimental animal-derived tissues. The diverse techniques for virus detection and control material generation demonstrated in this study can be applied to investigations of coronavirus pathogenesis and therapeutic research in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Z X Lean
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Mart M Lamers
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel P Smith
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK.,Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Rebecca Shipley
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK.,School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Debby Schipper
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Greenwich and Kent at Medway, Chatham, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Bart L Haagmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Kevin R Bewley
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Miles W Carroll
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Ian Brown
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Alejandro Nuñez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
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