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Van Borm S, Boseret G, Dellicour S, Steensels M, Roupie V, Vandenbussche F, Mathijs E, Vilain A, Driesen M, Dispas M, Delcloo AW, Lemey P, Mertens I, Gilbert M, Lambrecht B, van den Berg T. Combined Phylogeographic Analyses and Epidemiologic Contact Tracing to Characterize Atypically Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H3N1) Epidemic, Belgium, 2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:351-359. [PMID: 36692362 PMCID: PMC9881769 DOI: 10.3201/eid2902.220765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The high economic impact and zoonotic potential of avian influenza call for detailed investigations of dispersal dynamics of epidemics. We integrated phylogeographic and epidemiologic analyses to investigate the dynamics of a low pathogenicity avian influenza (H3N1) epidemic that occurred in Belgium during 2019. Virus genomes from 104 clinical samples originating from 85% of affected farms were sequenced. A spatially explicit phylogeographic analysis confirmed a dominating northeast to southwest dispersal direction and a long-distance dispersal event linked to direct live animal transportation between farms. Spatiotemporal clustering, transport, and social contacts strongly correlated with the phylogeographic pattern of the epidemic. We detected only a limited association between wind direction and direction of viral lineage dispersal. Our results highlight the multifactorial nature of avian influenza epidemics and illustrate the use of genomic analyses of virus dispersal to complement epidemiologic and environmental data, improve knowledge of avian influenza epidemiologic dynamics, and enhance control strategies.
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Chen S, Quan K, Wang D, Du Y, Qin T, Peng D, Liu X. Truncation or Deglycosylation of the Neuraminidase Stalk Enhances the Pathogenicity of the H5N1 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus in Mallard Ducks. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:583588. [PMID: 33193225 PMCID: PMC7641914 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.583588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
H5N1 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) with a deletion of 20 amino acids at residues 49–68 in the stalk region of neuraminidase (NA) became a major epidemic virus. To determine the effect of truncation or deglycosylation of the NA stalk on virulence, we used site-directed mutagenesis to insert 20 amino acids in the short-stalk virus A/mallard/Huadong/S/2005 (SY) to recover the long-stalk virus (rSNA+). A series of short-stalk or deglycosylated-stalk viruses were also constructed basing on the long-stalk virus, and then the characteristics and pathogenicity of the resulting viruses were evaluated. The results showed that most of the short-stalk or deglycosylated-stalk viruses had smaller plaques, and increased thermal and low-pH stability, and a decreased neuraminidase activity when compared with the virus rSNA+. In a mallard ducks challenge study, most of the short-stalk or deglycosylated-stalk viruses showed increased pathological lesions and virus titers in the organ tissues and increased virus shedding in the oropharynx and cloaca when compared with the rSNA+ virus, while most of the short-stalk viruses, especially rSNA-20, showed higher pathogenicity than the deglycosylated-stalk virus. In addition, the short-stalk viruses showed a significantly upregulated expression of the immune-related factors in the lungs of the infected mallard ducks, including IFN-α, Mx1, and IL-8. The results suggested that NA stalk truncation or deglycosylation increases the pathogenicity of H5N1 subtype AIV in mallard ducks, which will provide a pre-warning for prevention and control of H5N1 subtype avian influenza in the waterfowl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Research Centre of Engineering and Technology for Prevention and Control of Poultry Disease, Yangzhou, China
| | - Keji Quan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yinping Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tao Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Research Centre of Engineering and Technology for Prevention and Control of Poultry Disease, Yangzhou, China
| | - Daxin Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Research Centre of Engineering and Technology for Prevention and Control of Poultry Disease, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiufan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Dynamic Propagation and Impact of Pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) in Children: A Detailed Review. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3809-3820. [PMID: 32959089 PMCID: PMC7505219 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the circulating Swine flu virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the unique blending strain of influenza A H1N1 2009 (Swine Flu) is a pandemic affecting several geographical regions, including India. Previous literature indicates that children are "drivers" of influenza pandemics. At present, satisfactory data were not available to accurately estimate the role of children in the spread of influenza (in particular 2009 pandemic influenza). However, the role of children in the spread of pandemics influenza is unclear. Several studies in children have indicated that the immunization program decreased the occurrence of influenza, emphasizing the significance of communities impacted by global immunization programs. This article provides a brief overview on how children are a key contributor to pandemic Influenza A (2009 H1N1) and we would like to draw your attention to the need for a new vaccine for children to improve disease prevention and a positive impact on the community.
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Gonzales JL, Pritz-Verschuren S, Bouwstra R, Wiegel J, Elbers ARW, Beerens N. Seasonal risk of low pathogenic avian influenza virus introductions into free-range layer farms in the Netherlands. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:127-136. [PMID: 32506770 PMCID: PMC8048991 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Poultry can become infected with avian influenza viruses (AIV) via (in) direct contact with infected wild birds. Free‐range chicken farms in the Netherlands were shown to have a higher risk for introduction of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus than indoor chicken farms. Therefore, during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), free‐range layers are confined indoors as a risk mitigation measure. In this study, we characterized the seasonal patterns of AIV introductions into free‐range layer farms, to determine the high‐risk period. Data from the LPAI serological surveillance programme for the period 2013–2016 were used to first estimate the time of virus introduction into affected farms and then assess seasonal patterns in the risk of introduction. Time of introduction was estimated by fitting a mathematical model to seroprevalence data collected longitudinally from infected farms. For the period 2015–2016, longitudinal follow‐up included monthly collections of eggs for serological testing from a cohort of 261 farms. Information on the time of introduction was then used to estimate the monthly incidence and seasonality by fitting harmonic and Poisson regression models. A significant yearly seasonal risk of introduction that lasted around 4 months (November to February) was identified with the highest risk observed in January. The risk for introduction of LPAI viruses in this period was on average four times significantly higher than the period of low risk around the summer months. Although the data for HPAI infections were limited in the period 2014–2018, a similar risk period for introduction of HPAI viruses was observed. The results of this study can be used to optimize risk‐based surveillance and inform decisions on timing and duration of indoor confinement when HPAI viruses are known to circulate in the wild bird population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Gonzales
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Armin R W Elbers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
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van der Kolk JH. Role for migratory domestic poultry and/or wild birds in the global spread of avian influenza? Vet Q 2019; 39:161-167. [PMID: 31752591 PMCID: PMC6913625 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2019.1697013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes H. van der Kolk
- Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty,
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Bergervoet SA, Pritz-Verschuren SBE, Gonzales JL, Bossers A, Poen MJ, Dutta J, Khan Z, Kriti D, van Bakel H, Bouwstra R, Fouchier RAM, Beerens N. Circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in wild birds and poultry in the Netherlands, 2006-2016. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13681. [PMID: 31548582 PMCID: PMC6757041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in wild birds and poultry in the Netherlands. Surveillance data collected between 2006 and 2016 was used to evaluate subtype diversity, spatiotemporal distribution and genetic relationships between wild bird and poultry viruses. We observed close species-dependent associations among hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes. Not all subtypes detected in wild birds were found in poultry, suggesting transmission to poultry is selective and likely depends on viral factors that determine host range restriction. Subtypes commonly detected in poultry were in wild birds most frequently detected in mallards and geese. Different temporal patterns in virus prevalence were observed between wild bird species. Virus detections in domestic ducks coincided with the prevalence peak in wild ducks, whereas virus detections in other poultry types were made throughout the year. Genetic analysis of the surface genes demonstrated that most poultry viruses were related to locally circulating wild bird viruses, but no direct spatiotemporal link was observed. Results indicate prolonged undetected virus circulation and frequent reassortment events with local and newly introduced viruses within the wild bird population. Increased knowledge on LPAI virus circulation can be used to improve surveillance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A Bergervoet
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jose L Gonzales
- Department of Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein J Poen
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jayeeta Dutta
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Zenab Khan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Divya Kriti
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Harm van Bakel
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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Bergervoet SA, Heutink R, Bouwstra R, Fouchier RAM, Beerens N. Genetic analysis identifies potential transmission of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses between poultry farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1653-1664. [PMID: 30964232 PMCID: PMC6850361 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Poultry can become infected with low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses via (in)direct contact with infected wild birds or by transmission of the virus between farms. This study combines routinely collected surveillance data with genetic analysis to assess the contribution of between‐farm transmission to the overall incidence of LPAI virus infections in poultry. Over a 10‐year surveillance period, we identified 35 potential cases of between‐farm transmission in the Netherlands, of which 10 formed geographical clusters. A total of 21 LPAI viruses were isolated from nine potential between‐farm transmission cases, which were further studied by genetic and epidemiological analysis. Whole genome sequence analysis identified close genetic links between infected farms in seven cases. The presence of identical deletions in the neuraminidase stalk region and minority variants provided additional indications of between‐farm transmission. Spatiotemporal analysis demonstrated that genetically closely related viruses were detected within a median time interval of 8 days, and the median distance between the infected farms was significantly shorter compared to farms infected with genetically distinct viruses (6.3 versus 69.0 km; p < 0.05). The results further suggest that between‐farm transmission was not restricted to holdings of the same poultry type and not related to the housing system. Although separate introductions from the wild bird reservoir cannot be excluded, our study indicates that between‐farm transmission occurred in seven of nine virologically analysed cases. Based on these findings, it is likely that between‐farm transmission contributes considerably to the incidence of LPAI virus infections in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia A Bergervoet
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandss
| | - Rene Heutink
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlandss
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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