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Martelli L, Fornasiero D, Scarton F, Spada A, Scolamacchia F, Manca G, Mulatti P. Study of the Interface between Wild Bird Populations and Poultry and Their Potential Role in the Spread of Avian Influenza. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2601. [PMID: 37894259 PMCID: PMC10609042 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102601] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Water birds play a crucial role in disseminating and amplifying avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment. However, they may have limited interactions with domestic facilities, raising the hypothesis that other wild birds may play the bridging role in introducing AIVs into poultry. An ornithocoenosis study, based on census-transect and camera-trapping methods, was conducted in 2019 in ten poultry premises in northeast Italy to characterize the bird communities and envisage the species that might act as bridge hosts for AIVs. The data collected were explored through a series of multivariate analyses (correspondence analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling), and biodiversity indices (observed and estimated richness, Shannon entropy and Pielou's evenness). The analyses revealed a high level of complexity in the ornithic population, with 147 censused species, and significant qualitative and quantitative differences in wild bird species composition, both in space and in time. Among these, only a few were observed in close proximity to the farm premises (i.e., Magpies, Blackbirds, Cattle Egrets, Pheasants, Eurasian Collared Doves, and Wood Pigeons), thus suggesting their potential role in spilling over AIVs to poultry; contrarily, waterfowls appeared to be scarcely inclined to close visits, especially during autumn and winter seasons. These findings stress the importance of ongoing research on the wild-domestic bird interface, advocating for a wider range of species to be considered in AIVs surveillance and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Martelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.M.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Diletta Fornasiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.M.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Arianna Spada
- SELC Soc. Coop., 30175 Venice, Italy; (F.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Scolamacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.M.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Grazia Manca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.M.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Paolo Mulatti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (L.M.); (F.S.); (G.M.)
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Zhang RH, Li PY, Xu MJ, Wang CL, Li CH, Gao JP, Wang XJ, Xu T, Zhang HL, Zhang RH, Tian SF. Molecular characterization and pathogenesis of H9N2 avian influenza virus isolated from a racing pigeon. Vet Microbiol 2020; 246:108747. [PMID: 32605760 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) can cross species barriers and expand from birds tomammals and humans. It usually leads to economic loss for breeding farms and poses a serious threat to human health.This study investigated the molecular characteristics of H9N2 AIV isolated from a racing pigeon and its pathogenesis in BALB/c mice and pigeons. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the H9N2 virus belonged to the Ck/BJ/94-like lineage, and acquired multiple specific amino acid substitutions that might contribute to viral transmission from birds to mammals and humans. A pathogenesis study showed that both mice and pigeons infected with H9N2 virus showed clinical signs and mortality. The H9N2 viruses efficiently replicated in mice and pigeons. In our study, high levels of viral shedding were detected in pigeons, but the infection was not transmitted to co-housed pigeons. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of inflammatory responses in the infected mice and pigeons. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of H9N2 virus in multiple organs of the infected mice and pigeons. Moreover, the infected mice and pigeons demonstrated significant cytokine/chemokine production. Our results showed that the H9N2 virus can infect mice and pigeons, and can not be transmitted between pigeons through direct contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Pei-Yao Li
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Ming-Ju Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Cun-Lian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Chun-Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Jing-Ping Gao
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
| | - Xue-Jing Wang
- The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Institute of Heibei, Baoding, 071001, PR China
| | - Tong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China.
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China.
| | - Rui-Hong Zhang
- BaYin Central School, ChaYouZhongQi, Wulanchabu, Inner Mongolia, 013550, PR China
| | - Shu-Fei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science College, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075131, PR China
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Kwon JH, Noh YK, Lee DH, Yuk SS, Erdene-Ochir TO, Noh JY, Hong WT, Jeong JH, Jeong S, Gwon GB, Song CS, Nahm SS. Experimental infection with highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses in the Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) and domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). Vet Microbiol 2017; 203:95-102. [PMID: 28619174 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Wild birds play a major role in the evolution, maintenance, and dissemination of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV). Sub-clinical infection with HPAI in resident wild birds could be a source of dissemination of HPAIV and continuous outbreaks. In this study, the pathogenicity and infectivity of two strains of H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 virus were evaluated in the Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) and domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica). None of the birds experimentally infected with H5N8 viruses showed clinical signs or mortality. The H5N8 viruses efficiently replicated in the virus-inoculated Mandarin ducks and transmitted to co-housed Mandarin ducks. Although relatively high levels of viral shedding were noted in pigeons, viral shedding was not detected in some of the pigeons and the shedding period was relatively short. Furthermore, the infection was not transmitted to co-housed pigeons. Immunohistochemical examination revealed the presence of HPAIV in multiple organs of the infected birds. Histopathological evaluation showed the presence of inflammatory responses primarily in HPAIV-positive organs. Our results indicate that Mandarin ducks and pigeons can be infected with H5N8 HPAIV without exhibiting clinical signs; thus, they may be potential healthy reservoirs of the H5N8 HPAIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hoon Kwon
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Noh
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hun Lee
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Su Yuk
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Tseren-Ochir Erdene-Ochir
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Noh
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Tack Hong
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jei-Hyun Jeong
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Jeong
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeong-Bin Gwon
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Soep Nahm
- Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdongro, Gwangjingu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Kasloff SB, Pizzuto MS, Silic-Benussi M, Pavone S, Ciminale V, Capua I. Oncolytic activity of avian influenza virus in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines. J Virol 2014; 88:9321-34. [PMID: 24899201 PMCID: PMC4136238 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00929-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the most lethal form of human cancer, with dismal survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses and a lack of efficacious therapies. Building on the observation that avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) have a tropism for the pancreas in vivo, the present study was aimed at testing the efficacy of IAVs as oncolytic agents for killing human PDA cell lines. Receptor characterization confirmed that human PDA cell lines express the alpha-2,3- and the alpha-2,6-linked glycan receptor for avian and human IAVs, respectively. PDA cell lines were sensitive to infection by human and avian IAV isolates, which is consistent with this finding. Growth kinetic experiments showed preferential virus replication in PDA cells over that in a nontransformed pancreatic ductal cell line. Finally, at early time points posttreatment, infection with IAVs caused higher levels of apoptosis in PDA cells than gemcitabine and cisplatin, which are the cornerstone of current therapies for PDA. In the BxPC-3 PDA cell line, apoptosis resulted from the engagement of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Importantly, IAVs did not induce apoptosis in nontransformed pancreatic ductal HPDE6 cells. Using a model based on the growth of a PDA cell line as a xenograft in SCID mice, we also show that a slightly pathogenic avian IAV significantly inhibited tumor growth following intratumoral injection. Taken together, these results are the first to suggest that IAVs may hold promise as future agents of oncolytic virotherapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. IMPORTANCE Despite intensive studies aimed at designing new therapeutic approaches, PDA still retains the most dismal prognosis among human cancers. In the present study, we provide the first evidence indicating that avian IAVs of low pathogenicity display a tropism for human PDA cells, resulting in viral RNA replication and a potent induction of apoptosis in vitro and antitumor effects in vivo. These results suggest that slightly pathogenic IAVs may prove to be effective for oncolytic virotherapy of PDA and provide grounds for further studies to develop specific and targeted viruses, with the aim of testing their efficacy in clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B Kasloff
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Matteo S Pizzuto
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Micol Silic-Benussi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Pavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ciminale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capua
- Division of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
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