1
|
Zhirnov OP, Lvov DK. Avian flu: «for whom the bell tolls»? Vopr Virusol 2024; 69:101-118. [PMID: 38843017 DOI: 10.36233/10.36233/0507-4088-213] [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: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The family Orthomyxoviridae consists of 9 genera, including Alphainfluenzavirus, which contains avian influenza viruses. In two subtypes H5 and H7 besides common low-virulent strains, a specific type of highly virulent avian virus have been described to cause more than 60% mortality among domestic birds. These variants of influenza virus are usually referred to as «avian influenza virus». The difference between high (HPAI) and low (LPAI) virulent influenza viruses is due to the structure of the arginine-containing proteolytic activation site in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. The highly virulent avian influenza virus H5 was identified more than 100 years ago and during this time they cause outbreaks among wild and domestic birds on all continents and only a few local episodes of the disease in humans have been identified in XXI century. Currently, a sharp increase in the incidence of highly virulent virus of the H5N1 subtype (clade h2.3.4.4b) has been registered in birds on all continents, accompanied by the transmission of the virus to various species of mammals. The recorded global mortality rate among wild, domestic and agricultural birds from H5 subtype is approaching to the level of 1 billion cases. A dangerous epidemic factor is becoming more frequent outbreaks of avian influenza with high mortality among mammals, in particular seals and marine lions in North and South America, minks and fur-bearing animals in Spain and Finland, domestic and street cats in Poland. H5N1 avian influenza clade h2.3.4.4b strains isolated from mammals have genetic signatures of partial adaptation to the human body in the PB2, NP, HA, NA genes, which play a major role in regulating the aerosol transmission and the host range of the virus. The current situation poses a real threat of pre-adaptation of the virus in mammals as intermediate hosts, followed by the transition of the pre-adapted virus into the human population with catastrophic consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O P Zhirnov
- The D.I. Ivaovsky Institute of Virology, The N.F. Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, The Russian Ministry of Health
- The Russian-German Academy of Medical-Social and Biotechnological Sciences, Skolkovo Innovation Center
| | - D K Lvov
- The D.I. Ivaovsky Institute of Virology, The N.F. Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, The Russian Ministry of Health
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Graziosi G, Lupini C, Catelli E, Carnaccini S. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Birds and Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1372. [PMID: 38731377 PMCID: PMC11083745 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are highly contagious respiratory viruses of birds, leading to significant morbidity and mortality globally and causing substantial economic losses to the poultry industry and agriculture. Since their first isolation in 2013-2014, the Asian-origin H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI) of clade 2.3.4.4b have undergone unprecedented evolution and reassortment of internal gene segments. In just a few years, it supplanted other AIV clades, and now it is widespread in the wild migratory waterfowl, spreading to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Wild waterfowl, the natural reservoir of LPAIVs and generally more resistant to the disease, also manifested high morbidity and mortality with HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b. This clade also caused overt clinical signs and mass mortality in a variety of avian and mammalian species never reported before, such as raptors, seabirds, sealions, foxes, and others. Most notably, the recent outbreaks in dairy cattle were associated with the emergence of a few critical mutations related to mammalian adaptation, raising concerns about the possibility of jumping species and acquisition of sustained human-to-human transmission. The main clinical signs and anatomopathological findings associated with clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in birds and non-human mammals are hereby summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Graziosi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Catelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (C.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Silvia Carnaccini
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahrens AK, Jónsson SR, Svansson V, Brugger B, Beer M, Harder TC, Pohlmann A. Iceland: an underestimated hub for the spread of high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in the North Atlantic. J Gen Virol 2024; 105:001985. [PMID: 38695722 PMCID: PMC11170123 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001985] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
High-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the goose/Guangdong lineage are enzootically circulating in wild bird populations worldwide. This increases the risk of entry into poultry production and spill-over to mammalian species, including humans. Better understanding of the ecological and epizootiological networks of these viruses is essential to optimize mitigation measures. Based on full genome sequences of 26 HPAIV samples from Iceland, which were collected between spring and autumn 2022, as well as 1 sample from the 2023 summer period, we show that 3 different genotypes of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b were circulating within the wild bird population in Iceland in 2022. Furthermore, in 2023 we observed a novel introduction of HPAIV H5N5 of the same clade to Iceland. The data support the role of Iceland as an utmost northwestern distribution area in Europe that might act also as a potential bridging point for intercontinental spread of HPAIV across the North Atlantic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kathrin Ahrens
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald –Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Stefán Ragnar Jónsson
- The Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Vilhjálmur Svansson
- The Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Brigitte Brugger
- The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST), Austurvegi 64, Selfossi, Iceland
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald –Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Timm C. Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald –Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald –Isle of Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Graziosi G, Lupini C, Gobbo F, Zecchin B, Quaglia G, Pedrazzoli S, Lizzi G, Dosa G, Martini G, Terregino C, Catelli E. Genetic Diversity of Avian Influenza Viruses Detected in Waterbirds in Northeast Italy Using Two Different Sampling Strategies. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1018. [PMID: 38612257 PMCID: PMC11010841 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071018] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), which circulate endemically in wild aquatic birds, pose a significant threat to poultry and raise concerns for their zoonotic potential. From August 2021 to April 2022, a multi-site cross-sectional study involving active AIV epidemiological monitoring was conducted in wetlands of the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, adjacent to densely populated poultry areas. A total of 129 cloacal swab samples (CSs) and 407 avian faecal droppings samples (FDs) were collected, with 7 CSs (5.4%) and 4 FDs (1%) testing positive for the AIV matrix gene through rRT-PCR. A COI-barcoding protocol was applied to recognize the species of origin of AIV-positive FDs. Multiple low-pathogenic AIV subtypes were identified, and five of these were isolated, including an H5N3, an H1N1, and three H9N2 in wild ducks. Following whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses of the hereby obtained strains showed close genetic relationships with AIVs detected in countries along the Black Sea/Mediterranean migratory flyway. Notably, none of the analyzed gene segments were genetically related to HPAI H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b isolated from Italian poultry during the concurrent 2021-2022 epidemic. Overall, the detected AIV genetic diversity emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring in wild hosts using diverse sampling strategies and whole-genome sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Graziosi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Caterina Lupini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Federica Gobbo
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Giulia Quaglia
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Sara Pedrazzoli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Gabriele Lizzi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Geremia Dosa
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), 40026 Imola, BO, Italy; (G.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriella Martini
- Veterinary Services, Local Health Unit of Imola (A.U.S.L. di Imola), 40026 Imola, BO, Italy; (G.D.); (G.M.)
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Division, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy; (F.G.); (B.Z.); (C.T.)
| | - Elena Catelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy; (C.L.); (G.Q.); (S.P.); (G.L.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fair JM, Al-Hmoud N, Alrwashdeh M, Bartlow AW, Balkhamishvili S, Daraselia I, Elshoff A, Fakhouri L, Javakhishvili Z, Khoury F, Muzyka D, Ninua L, Tsao J, Urushadze L, Owen J. Transboundary determinants of avian zoonotic infectious diseases: challenges for strengthening research capacity and connecting surveillance networks. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1341842. [PMID: 38435695 PMCID: PMC10907996 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1341842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As the climate changes, global systems have become increasingly unstable and unpredictable. This is particularly true for many disease systems, including subtypes of highly pathogenic avian influenzas (HPAIs) that are circulating the world. Ecological patterns once thought stable are changing, bringing new populations and organisms into contact with one another. Wild birds continue to be hosts and reservoirs for numerous zoonotic pathogens, and strains of HPAI and other pathogens have been introduced into new regions via migrating birds and transboundary trade of wild birds. With these expanding environmental changes, it is even more crucial that regions or counties that previously did not have surveillance programs develop the appropriate skills to sample wild birds and add to the understanding of pathogens in migratory and breeding birds through research. For example, little is known about wild bird infectious diseases and migration along the Mediterranean and Black Sea Flyway (MBSF), which connects Europe, Asia, and Africa. Focusing on avian influenza and the microbiome in migratory wild birds along the MBSF, this project seeks to understand the determinants of transboundary disease propagation and coinfection in regions that are connected by this flyway. Through the creation of a threat reduction network for avian diseases (Avian Zoonotic Disease Network, AZDN) in three countries along the MBSF (Georgia, Ukraine, and Jordan), this project is strengthening capacities for disease diagnostics; microbiomes; ecoimmunology; field biosafety; proper wildlife capture and handling; experimental design; statistical analysis; and vector sampling and biology. Here, we cover what is required to build a wild bird infectious disease research and surveillance program, which includes learning skills in proper bird capture and handling; biosafety and biosecurity; permits; next generation sequencing; leading-edge bioinformatics and statistical analyses; and vector and environmental sampling. Creating connected networks for avian influenzas and other pathogen surveillance will increase coordination and strengthen biosurveillance globally in wild birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M. Fair
- Genomics and Bioanalytics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | - Nisreen Al-Hmoud
- Bio-Safety and Bio-Security Center, Royal Scientific Society, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mu’men Alrwashdeh
- Bio-Safety and Bio-Security Center, Royal Scientific Society, Amman, Jordan
| | - Andrew W. Bartlow
- Genomics and Bioanalytics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | | | - Ivane Daraselia
- Center of Wildlife Disease Ecology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Zura Javakhishvili
- Center of Wildlife Disease Ecology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Fares Khoury
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan
| | - Denys Muzyka
- National Scientific Center, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Jean Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Lela Urushadze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Jennifer Owen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Olawuyi K, Orole O, Meseko C, Monne I, Shittu I, Bianca Z, Fusaro A, Inuwa B, Akintola R, Ibrahim J, Muhammad M. Detection of clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses in healthy wild birds in the Hadeji-Nguru wetland, Nigeria 2022. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13254. [PMID: 38314064 PMCID: PMC10837781 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13254] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The introduction of multiple avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes into Nigeria has resulted in several poultry outbreaks purportedly linked to trade and wild birds. The role of wild birds in perpetuating AIV in Nigeria was, therefore, elucidated. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among wild aquatic bird species at the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in Northeastern Nigeria between March and April 2022. A total of 452 swabs (226 cloacae and 226 oropharyngeal) were collected using a mist net to capture the birds. These samples were tested by RT-qPCR, followed by sequencing. Results Highly pathogenic AIV of the H5N1 subtype was identified in clinically healthy wild bird species, namely, African jacana, ruff, spur-winged goose, squared-tailed nightjar, white-faced whistling ducks, and white stork. A prevalence of 11.1% (25/226) was recorded. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete HA gene segment indicated the presence of clade 2.3.4.4b. However, these H5N1 viruses characterized from these wild birds cluster separately from the H5N1 viruses characterized in Nigerian poultry since early 2021. Specifically, the viruses form two distinct genetic groups both linked with the Eurasian H5N1 gene pool but likely resulting from two distinct introductions of the virus in the region. Whole-genome characterization of the viruses reveals the presence of mammalian adaptive marker E627K in two Afro-tropical resident aquatic ducks. This has zoonotic potential. Conclusion Our findings highlight the key role of surveillance in wild birds to monitor the diversity of viruses in this area, provide the foundations of epidemiological understanding, and facilitate risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayode Olawuyi
- National Veterinary Research InstituteVomNigeria
- Department of MicrobiologyFederal University of LafiaLafiaNigeria
| | - Olukayode Orole
- Department of MicrobiologyFederal University of LafiaLafiaNigeria
| | | | - Isabella Monne
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle VeneziePadovaItaly
| | | | - Zecchin Bianca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle VeneziePadovaItaly
| | - Alice Fusaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle VeneziePadovaItaly
| | - Bitrus Inuwa
- National Veterinary Research InstituteVomNigeria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|