Experimental Pathogenicity of H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Harboring a Tri-Basic Hemagglutinin Cleavage Site in Sonali and Broiler Chickens

Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 virus is endemic in Bangladesh, causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Although a considerable number of Bangladeshi LPAI H9N2 viruses have been molecularly characterized, there is inadequate information on the pathogenicity of H9N2 viruses in commercial poultry. In this study, circulating LPAI H9N2 viruses from recent field outbreaks were characterized, and their pathogenicity in commercial Sonali (crossbred) and broiler chickens was assessed. Phylogenetic analysis of currently circulating field viruses based on the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene sequences revealed continuous circulation of G1 lineages containing the tri-basic hemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif (PAKSKR*GLF) at the HA protein. Both the LPAI susceptible Sonali and broiler chickens were infected with selected H9N2 isolates A/chicken/Bangladesh/2458-LT2/2020 or A/chicken/Bangladesh/2465-LT56/2021 using intranasal (100 µL) and intraocular (100 µL) routes with a dose of 10⁶ EID₅₀/_mL. Infected groups (LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2; LT_2-Br1 and LT_56-Br2) revealed no mortality or clinical signs. However, at gross and histopathological investigation, the trachea, lungs, and intestine of the LT_2-So1 and LT_56-So2 groups displayed mild to moderate hemorrhages, congestion, and inflammation at different dpi. The LT 2-Br1 and LT 56-Br2 broiler groups showed nearly identical changes in the trachea, lungs, and intestine at various dpi, indicating no influence on pathogenicity in the two commercial bird species under study. Overall, the prominent lesions were observed up to 7 dpi and started to disappear at 10 dpi. The H9N2 viruses predominantly replicated in the respiratory tract, and higher titers of virus were shed through the oropharyngeal route than the cloacal route. Finally, this study demonstrated the continuous evolution of tri-basic HACS containing H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh with a low-pathogenic phenotype causing mild to moderate tracheitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in Sonali and commercial broiler chickens.

Investigating Environmental Matrices for Use in Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance-Surface Water, Sediments, and Avian Fecal Samples

Surveillance of avian influenza viruses (AIV) in wild water bird populations is important for early warning to protect poultry from incursions of high-pathogenicity (HP) AIV. Access to individual water birds is difficult and restricted and limits sampling depth. Here, we focused on environmental samples such as surface water, sediments, and environmentally deposited fresh avian feces as matrices for AIV detection. Enrichment of viral particles by ultrafiltration of 10-L surface water samples using Rexeed-25-A devices was validated using a bacteriophage ϕ6 internal control system, and AIV detection was attempted using real-time RT-PCR and virus isolation. While validation runs suggested an average enrichment of about 60-fold, lower values of 10 to 15 were observed for field water samples. In total 25/36 (60%) of water samples and 18/36 (50%) of corresponding sediment samples tested AIV positive. Samples were obtained from shallow water bodies in habitats with large numbers of waterfowl during an HPAIV epizootic. Although AIV RNA was detected in a substantial percentage of samples virus isolation failed. Virus loads in samples often were too low to allow further sub- and pathotyping. Similar results were obtained with environmentally deposited avian feces. Moreover, the spectrum of viruses detected by these active surveillance methods did not fully mirror an ongoing HPAIV epizootic among waterfowl as detected by passive surveillance, which, in terms of sensitivity, remains unsurpassed. IMPORTANCE Avian influenza viruses (AIV) have a wide host range in the avian metapopulation and, occasionally, transmission to humans also occurs. Surface water plays a particularly important role in the epidemiology of AIV, as the natural virus reservoir is found in aquatic wild birds. Environmental matrices comprising surface water, sediments, and avian fecal matter deposited in the environment were examined for their usefulness in AIV surveillance. Despite virus enrichment efforts, environmental samples regularly revealed very low virus loads, which hampered further sub- and pathotyping. Passive surveillance based on oral and cloacal swabs of diseased and dead wild birds remained unsurpassed with respect to sensitivity.

Exploring surface water as a transmission medium of avian influenza viruses - systematic infection studies in mallards

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are an abundant anseriform migratory wild bird species worldwide and an important reservoir for the maintenance of low pathogenicity (LP) avian influenza viruses (AIV). They have also been implicated in the spread of high pathogenicity (HP) AIV after spill-over events from HPAIV-infected poultry. The spread of HPAIV within wild water bird populations may lead to viral contamination of natural habitats. The role of small shallow water bodies as a transmission medium of AIV among mallards is investigated here in three experimental settings. (i) Delayed onset but rapid progression of infection seeded by two mallards inoculated with either LP or HP AIV to each eight sentinel mallards was observed in groups with access to a small 100 L water pool. In contrast, groups with a bell drinker as the sole source of drinking water showed a rapid onset but lengthened course of infection. (ii) HPAIV infection also set off when virus was dispersed in the water pool; titres as low as 10² TCID₅₀ L^-1 (translating to 0.1 TCID₅₀ mL^-1) proved to be sufficient. (iii) Substantial loads of viral RNA (and infectivity) were also found on the surface of the birds' breast plumage. "Unloading" of virus infectivity from contaminated plumage into water bodies may be an efficient mechanism of virus spread by infected mallards. However, transposure of HPAIV via the plumage of an uninfected mallard failed. We conclude, surface water in small shallow water bodies may play an important role as a mediator of AIV infection of aquatic wild birds.

Tetraplex Fluorescent Microbead-Based Immunoassay for the Serodiagnosis of Newcastle Disease Virus and Avian Influenza Viruses in Poultry Sera

Virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as well as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) subtypes H5 and H7 induce contagious and lethal systemic disease in poultry. In contrast, low pathogenic AIV H5 and H7 may circulate clinically unnoticed in poultry but eventually generate HPAIV. Low pathogenic NDV strains are widely used as live-attenuated vaccines against ND. Serological tools are essential to conduct active surveillance for infections with notifiable AIV-H5, -H7 and to control vaccination against NDV and HPAIV in poultry populations. Here, recombinant nucleocapsid proteins (NP) of AIV and NDV, and haemagglutinin protein fragment-1 (HA1) of AIV subtypes H5 and H7 were expressed in E. coli. Purification and refolding were required before coating fluorescent microspheres via streptavidin-biotin linkage. The tetraplexed inhibition fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (iFMIA) was then assembled for analysis on a Luminex^®-like platform (Bioplex^®) using murine monoclonal antibodies specific for each of the four targets. The assay was evaluated by testing galliform poultry sera derived from experimental infections (n = 257) and from farms (n = 250), respectively. The tetraplex iFMIA compared favorably with commercially available ELISAs and the “gold standard” hemagglutination inhibition assay. Tetraplexed iFMIA provided a specific and sensitive tool to detect and discriminate AIV- and NDV-specific antibodies in the sera of galliform poultry.

Influenza A Viruses and Zoonotic Events-Are We Creating Our Own Reservoirs?

Zoonotic infections of humans with influenza A viruses (IAVs) from animal reservoirs can result in severe disease in individuals and, in rare cases, lead to pandemic outbreaks; this is exemplified by numerous cases of human infection with avian IAVs (AIVs) and the 2009 swine influenza pandemic. In fact, zoonotic transmissions are strongly facilitated by manmade reservoirs that were created through the intensification and industrialization of livestock farming. This can be witnessed by the repeated introduction of IAVs from natural reservoirs of aquatic wild bird metapopulations into swine and poultry, and the accompanied emergence of partially- or fully-adapted human pathogenic viruses. On the other side, human adapted IAV have been (and still are) introduced into livestock by reverse zoonotic transmission. This link to manmade reservoirs was also observed before the 20th century, when horses seemed to have been an important reservoir for IAVs but lost relevance when the populations declined due to increasing industrialization. Therefore, to reduce zoonotic events, it is important to control the spread of IAV within these animal reservoirs, for example with efficient vaccination strategies, but also to critically surveil the different manmade reservoirs to evaluate the emergence of new IAV strains with pandemic potential.

Comparison of genomic and antigenic properties of Newcastle Disease virus genotypes II, XXI and VII from Egypt do not point to antigenic drift as selection marker

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by avian orthoavulavirus type-1 (NDV), is endemic in poultry in many regions of the world and causes continuing outbreaks in poultry populations. In the Middle East, genotype XXI, used to be present in poultry in Egypt but has been replaced by genotype VII. We investigated whether virus evolution contributed to superseding and focussed on the antigenic sites within the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) spike protein. Full-length sequences of an NDV genotype VII isolate currently circulating in Egypt was compared to a genotype XXI isolate that was present as co-infection with vaccine-type viruses (II) in a historical virus isolated in 2011. Amino acid differences in the HN glycoprotein for both XXI and VII viruses amounted to 11.7% and 11.9%, respectively, compared to the La Sota vaccine type. However, mutations within the globular head (aa 126-570), bearing relevant antigenic sites, were underrepresented (a divergence of 8.8% and 8.1% compared to 22.4% and 25.6% within the protein domains encompassing cytoplasmic tail, transmembrane part and stalk regions (aa 1-125) for genotypes XXI and VII, respectively). Nevertheless, reaction patterns of HN-specific monoclonal antibodies inhibiting receptor binding revealed differences between vaccine-type viruses and genotype XXI and VII viruses for epitopes located in the head domain. Accordingly, compared to Egyptian vaccine-type isolates and the La Sota vaccine reference strain, single aa substitutions in 6 of 10 described neutralizing epitopes of HN were found. However, the same alterations in neutralization sensitive epitopes were present in old genotype XXI as well as in newly emerged genotype VII isolates. In addition, isolates were indistinguishable by polyclonal chicken sera raised against different genotypes including vaccine viruses. These findings suggest that factors other than antigenic differences within the HN protein account for facilitating the spread of genotype VII versus genotype XXI viruses in Egypt.

Modulation of lethal HPAIV H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4B infection in AIV pre-exposed mallards

In 2016/2017, a severe epidemic of HPAIV H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 group B (H5N8B) affected Europe. To analyse the role of mallards in the spatiotemporal dynamics of global HPAIV H5N8B dispersal, mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), naturally exposed to various AIV and therefore seropositive, were challenged with H5N8B. All experiments were controlled by infection and co-housing of seronegative juvenile Pekin ducklings. All ducks that survived the first infection were re-challenged 21 dpi with the homologous H5N8B strain. After the first H5N8B infection, seropositive mallards showed only mild clinical symptoms. Moderate to low viral shedding, occurring particularly from the oropharynx and lasting for 7 days maximum, led to severe clinical disease of all contact ducklings. All challenged seronegative Pekin ducks and contact ducklings died or had to be euthanized. H5-specific antibodies were detected in surviving birds within 2 weeks. Virus and viral RNA could be isolated from several water samples until 6 and 9 dpi, respectively. Conversely, upon re-infection with homologous H5N8B neither inoculated nor contact ducklings showed any clinical symptoms, nor was an antibody titer increase of seropositive mallards or any seroconversion of contact ducklings observed. Mallard ducks naturally pre-exposed to LPAIV can play a role as a clinically unsuspicious virus reservoir for H5N8B effective in virus transmission. Mallards with homologous immunity did not contribute to virus transmission.

A newly developed tetraplex real-time RT-PCR for simultaneous screening of influenza virus types A, B, C and D

BACKGROUND

Human- or avian-to-swine transmissions have founded several autonomously circulating influenza A virus (IAV) lineages in swine populations that cause economically important respiratory disease. Little is known on other human influenza virus types, like B (IBV) and C (ICV) in European swine, and of the recently detected novel animal influenza virus type D (IDV).

OBJECTIVES

Development of a cost-effective diagnostic tool for large-scale surveillance programmes targeting all four influenza virus types.

METHODS

An influenza ABCD tetraplex real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) was developed in the frame of this study. A selection of reference virus strains and more than 4000 porcine samples from a passive IAV surveillance programme in European swine with acute respiratory disease were examined.

RESULTS

Two IBV, a single IDV but no ICV infections were identified by tetraplex RT-qPCR. IBV and IDV results were confirmed by conventional RT-PCR and partial sequence analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The tetraplex RT-qPCR proved fit for purpose as a sensitive, specific and high-throughput tool to study influenza virus transmission at the human-animal interface. Complementing close-meshed active virological and serological surveillance is required to better understand the true incidence and prevalence of influenza virus type B, C and D infections in swine.

Subtyping of Swine Influenza Viruses Using a High-Throughput Real-Time PCR Platform

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are important human and animal pathogens with high impact on human and animal health. In Denmark, a passive surveillance program for IAV in pigs has been performed since 2011, where screening tests and subsequent subtyping are performed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). A disadvantage of the current subtyping system is that several assays are needed to cover the wide range of circulating subtypes, which makes the system expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a high-throughput method, which could improve surveillance of swine influenza viruses (swIAVs) and lower the costs of virus subtyping. Twelve qPCR assays specific for various hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene lineages relevant for swIAV and six assays specific for the internal genes of IAV were developed and optimized for the high-throughput qPCR platform BioMark (Fluidigm). The qPCR assays were validated and optimized to run under the same reaction conditions using a 48.48 dynamic array (48.48DA). The sensitivity and specificity was assessed by testing virus isolates and field samples with known subtypes. The results revealed a performance of the swIAV 48.48DA similar to conventional real-time analysis, and furthermore, the specificity of swIAV 48.48DA was very high and without cross reactions between the assays. This high-throughput system provides a cost-effective alternative for subtyping of swIAVs.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany in 2016/2017

Here, we report on the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany. Between November 8, 2016, and September 30, 2017, more than 1,150 cases of HPAI H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds and 107 outbreaks in birds kept in captivity (92 poultry holdings and 15 zoos/animal parks) were reported in Germany. This HPAI epidemic is the most severe recorded in Germany so far. The viruses were apparently introduced by migratory birds, sparking an epidemic among wild birds across Germany with occasional incursions into poultry holdings, zoos and animal parks, which were usually rapidly detected and controlled by stamping out. HPAI viruses (mainly subtype H5N8, in a few cases also H5N5) were found in dead wild birds of at least 53 species. The affected wild birds were water birds (including gulls, storks, herons, and cormorants) and scavenging birds (birds of prey, owls, and crows). In a number of cases, substantial gaps in farm biosecurity may have eased virus entry into the holdings. In a second wave of the epidemic starting from February 2017, there was epidemiological and molecular evidence for virus transmission of the infections between commercial turkey holdings in an area of high poultry density, which caused approximately 25% of the total number of outbreaks in poultry. Biosecurity measures in poultry holdings should be adapted. This includes, inter alia, wearing of stable-specific protective clothing and footwear, cleaning, and disinfection of equipment that has been in contact with birds and prevention of contacts between poultry and wild water birds.

Engineered recombinant protein products of the avian paramyxovirus type-1 nucleocapsid and phosphoprotein genes for serological diagnosis

Background

Virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV, avian Avulavirus-1, APMV-1) induces a highly contagious and lethal systemic disease in gallinaceous poultry. APMV-1 antibody detection is used for surveillance and to control vaccination, but is hampered by cross-reactivity to other subtypes of avian Avulaviruses. Data are lacking concerning the applicability of NDV V proteins as differential diagnostic marker to distinguish vaccinated from virus-infected birds (DIVA strategy).

Methods

Full length and C-terminally truncated nucleocapsid (NP) protein, and the unique C-terminal regions of the phospho- (P) and V proteins of the NDV LaSota strain were bacterially expressed as fusion proteins with the multimerization domain of the human C4 binding protein, and used as diagnostic antigens in indirect ELISA.

Results

When used as diagnostic antigen in indirect ELISAs, recombinant full-length proved to be a sensitive target to detect seroconversion in chickens after APMV-1 vaccination and infection, but revealed some degree of cross reactivity with sera raised against other APMV subtypes. Cross reactivity was abolished but also sensitivity decreased when employing a C-terminal fragment of the NP of NDV as diagnostic antigen. Antibodies to the NDV V protein were mounted in poultry following NDV infection but also, albeit at lower rates and titers, after vaccination with attenuated NDV vaccines. V-specific seroconversion within the flock was incomplete and titers in individual bird transient.

Conclusions

Indirect ELISA based on bacterially expressed recombinant full-length NP compared favorably with a commercial NDV ELISA based on whole virus antigen, but cross reactivity between the NP proteins of different APMV subtypes could compromise specificity. However, specificity increased when using a less conserved C-terminal fragment of NP instead. Moreover, a serological DIVA strategy built on the NDV V protein was not feasible due to reduced immunogenicity of the V protein and frequent use of live-attenuated NDV vaccines.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-018-0924-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular subtyping of European swine influenza viruses and scaling to high-throughput analysis

BACKGROUND

Swine influenza is a respiratory infection of pigs that may have a significant economic impact in affected herds and pose a threat to the human population since swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) are zoonotic pathogens. Due to the increasing genetic diversity of swIAVs and because novel reassortants or variants may become enzootic or have zoonotic implications, surveillance is strongly encouraged. Therefore, diagnostic tests and advanced technologies able to identify the circulating strains rapidly are critically important.

RESULTS

Several reverse transcription real-time PCR assays (RT-qPCRs) were developed to subtype European swIAVs in clinical samples previously identified as containing IAV genome. The RT-qPCRs aimed to discriminate HA genes of four H1 genetic lineages (H1_av, H1_hu, H1_huΔ146-147, H1pdm) and one H3 lineage, and NA genes of two N1 lineages (N1, N1pdm) and one N2 lineage. After individual validation, each RT-qPCR was adapted to high-throughput analyses in parallel to the amplification of the IAV M gene (target for IAV detection) and the β-actin gene (as an internal control), in order to test the ten target genes simultaneously on a large number of clinical samples, using low volumes of reagents and RNA extracts.

CONCLUSION

The RT-qPCRs dedicated to IAV molecular subtyping enabled the identification of swIAVs from the four viral subtypes that are known to be enzootic in European pigs, i.e. H1_avN1, H1_huN2, H3N2 and H1N1pdm. They also made it possible to discriminate a new antigenic variant (H1_huN2_Δ146-147) among H1_huN2 viruses, as well as reassortant viruses, such as H1_huN1 or H1_avN2 for example, and virus mixtures. These PCR techniques exhibited a gain in sensitivity as compared to end-point RT-PCRs, enabling the characterization of biological samples with low genetic loads, with considerable time saving. Adaptation to high-throughput analyses appeared effective, both in terms of specificity and sensitivity. This new development opens novel perspectives in diagnostic capacities that could be very useful for swIAV surveillance and large-scale epidemiological studies.

Insights into genetic diversity and biological propensities of potentially zoonotic avian influenza H9N2 viruses circulating in Egypt

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 viruses have established endemic status in Egyptian poultry populations since 2012. Recently, four cases of human H9N2 virus infections in Egypt demonstrated the zoonotic potential of these viruses. Egyptian H9N2 viruses obtained from 2011 to 2014 phylogenetically grouped into three clusters (1-3) within subclade B of the G1 lineage. Antigenically, a close clustering of the Egyptian H9N2 viruses with other recent G1-B like H9N2 strains and a significant antigenic distance from viruses outside the G1-B lineage was evident. Recent Egyptian LPAIV H9N2 showed a tendency to increased binding with erythrocytes expressing α 2,6-linked sialic acid which correlated with the Q226L amino acid substitution at the receptor binding unit of the hemagglutinin (Q234L, H9 numbering). Sequence analyses of the N2 neuraminidase (NA) revealed substitutions in the NA hemadsorption site similar to the N2 of prepandemic H3N2/1968, but no distinct antigenic or functional characteristics of the H9N2 NA associated with increased zoonotic potential could be identified.

Novel real-time PCR-based patho- and phylotyping of potentially zoonotic avian influenza A subtype H5 viruses at risk of incursion into Europe in 2017

Since November 2016, Europe witnesses another wave of incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses of the Asian origin goose/Guangdong (gs/GD) lineage. Infections with H5 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b affect wild bird and poultry populations. H5 viruses of clades 2.2, 2.3.1.2c and 2.3.4.4a were detected previously in Europe in 2006, 2010 and 2014. Clades 2.2.1.2 and 2.3.2.1.c are endemic in Egypt and Western Africa, respectively and have caused human fatalities. Evidence exists of their co-circulation in the Middle East. Subtype H5 viruses of low pathogenicity (LPAI) are endemic in migratory wild bird populations. They potentially mutate into highly pathogenic phenotypes following transmission into poultry holdings. However, to date only the gs/GD H5 lineage had an impact on human health. Rapid and specific diagnosis marks the cornerstone for control and eradication of HPAI virus incursions. We present the development and validation of five real-time RT-PCR assays (RT-qPCR) that allow sequencing-independent pathotype and clade-specific distinction of major gs/GD HPAI H5 virus clades and of Eurasian LPAI viruses currently circulating. Together with an influenza A virus-generic RT-qPCR, the assays significantly speed up time-to-diagnosis and reduce reaction times in a OneHealth approach of curbing the spread of gs/GD HPAI viruses.

New real time and conventional RT-PCRs for updated molecular diagnosis of infectious bronchitis virus infection (IBV) in chickens in Egypt associated with frequent co-infections with avian influenza and Newcastle Disease viruses

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Development of molecular diagnostic tools for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV).

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Segregation of the IBV Egyptian variant II into two phylogroups detected.

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Frequent co-infections with IBV, avian influenza and Newcastle disease observed.

In Egypt, currently two geographically restricted genotypes of the infectious bronchitis coronavirus (IBV) are circulating with detrimental effects for poultry industry. A sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay targeting the IBV nucleocapsid gene (N) was developed to screen clinical samples for presence of IBV. Conventional RT-PCRs amplifying hypervariable regions (HVRs 1–2 and 3) of the IBV S1 gene were developed and amplificates used for nucleotide sequence-based typing of IBV field strains in Egyptian chickens directly from clinical samples.

Isolation and genetic characterization of a novel 2.2.1.2a H5N1 virus from a vaccinated meat-turkeys flock in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Vaccination of poultry to control highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 is used in several countries. HPAIV H5N1 of clade 2.2.1 which is endemic in Egypt has diversified into two genetic clades. Clade 2.2.1.1 represents antigenic drift variants in vaccinated commercial poultry while clade 2.2.1.2 variants are detected in humans and backyard poultry. Little is known about H5N1 infection in vaccinated turkeys under field conditions.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we describe an HPAI H5N1 outbreak in a vaccinated meat-turkey flock in Egypt. Birds were vaccinated with inactivated H5N2 and H5N1 vaccines at 8 and 34 days of age, respectively. At 72^nd day of age (38 days post last vaccination), turkeys exhibited mild respiratory signs, cyanosis of snood and severe congestion of the internal organs. Survivors had a reduction in feed consumption and body gain. A mortality of ~29% cumulated within 10 days after the onset of clinical signs. Laboratory diagnosis using RT-qPCRs revealed presence of H5N1 but was negative for H7 and H9 subtypes. A substantial antigenic drift against different serum samples from clade 2.2.1.1 and clade 2.3.4.4 was observed. Based on full genome sequence analysis the virus belonged to clade 2.2.1.2 but clustered with recent H5N1 viruses from 2015 in poultry in Israel, Gaza and Egypt in a novel subclade designated here 2.2.1.2a which is distinct from 2014/2015 2.2.1.2 viruses. These viruses possess 2.2.1.2 clade-specific genetic signatures and also mutations in the HA similar to those in clade 2.2.1.1 that enabled evasion from humoral immune response. Taken together, this manuscript describes a recent HPAI H5N1 outbreak in vaccinated meat-turkeys in Egypt after infection with a virus representing novel distinct 2.2.1.2a subclade.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection with HPAIV H5N1 in commercial turkeys resulted in significant morbidity and mortality despite of vaccination using H5 vaccines. The isolated virus showed antigenic drift and clustered in a novel cluster designated here 2.2.1.2a related to viruses in poultry in Israel, Gaza and Egypt. Enforcement of biosecurity and constant update of vaccine virus strains may be helpful to protect vaccinated birds and prevent spillover infection to neighbouring countries.

Progressive glycosylation of the haemagglutinin of avian influenza H5N1 modulates virus replication, virulence and chicken-to-chicken transmission without significant impact on antigenic drift

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (A/H5N1) devastated the poultry industry and continues to pose a pandemic threat. Studying the progressive genetic changes in A/H5N1 after long-term circulation in poultry may help us to better understand A/H5N1 biology in birds. A/H5N1 clade 2.2.1.1 antigenic drift viruses have been isolated from vaccinated commercial poultry in Egypt. They exhibit a peculiar stepwise accumulation of glycosylation sites (GS) in the haemagglutinin (HA) with viruses carrying, beyond the conserved 5 GS, additional GS at amino acid residues 72, 154, 236 and 273 resulting in 6, 7, 8 or 9 GS in the HA. Available information about the impact of glycosylation on virus fitness and pathobiology is mostly derived from mammalian models. Here, we generated recombinant viruses imitating the progressive acquisition of GS in HA and investigated their biological relevance in vitro and in vivo. Our in vitro results indicated that the accumulation of GS correlated with increased glycosylation, increased virus replication, neuraminidase activity, cell-to-cell spread and thermostability, however, strikingly, without significant impact on virus escape from neutralizing antibodies. In vivo, glycosylation modulated virus virulence, tissue tropism, replication and chicken-to-chicken transmission. Predominance in the field was towards viruses with hyperglycosylated HA. Together, progressive glycosylation of the HA may foster persistence of A/H5N1 by increasing replication, stability and bird-to-bird transmission without significant impact on antigenic drift.

Full genome sequence analysis of a newly emerged QX-like infectious bronchitis virus from Sudan reveals distinct spots of recombination

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection continues to cause economically important diseases in poultry while different geno- and serotypes continue to circulate globally. Two infectious bronchitis viruses (IBV) were isolated from chickens with respiratory disease in Sudan. Sequence analysis of the hypervariable regions of the S1 gene revealed a close relation to the QX-like genotype which has not been detected in Sudan before. Whole genome analysis of IBV/Ck/Sudan/AR251–15/2014 isolate by next generation sequencing revealed a genome size of 27,646 nucleotides harbouring 13 open reading frames: 5′-1a-1b-S-3a-3b-E-M-4b-4c-5a-5b-N-6b-3′. Highest nucleotide sequence identity of 93% for the whole genome was found with the Chinese IBV strain Ck/CH/LHLJ/140906, the Italian IBV isolate ITA/90254/2005 and the 4/91 vaccine strain. Phylogenetic analysis of the S1 gene revealed that the IBV/Ck/Sudan/AR251–15/2014 isolate clustered together with viruses of the GI-19 lineage. Recombination analysis gave evidence for distinct patterns of origin of RNA in the Sudanese isolate in multiple genes. Several sites of recombination were scattered throughout the genome suggesting that the Sudan-QX-like strain emerged as a unique recombinant from multiple recombination events of parental viruses from 4/91, H120 and ITA/90254/2005 genotypes. The Sudanese QX-like isolate is plausibly genetically different from IBV strains previously reported in Africa and elsewhere.

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Detection of emerging QX-like infectious bronchitis virus in Sudan for the first time.

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Full NGS-based genome analysis of the isolated virus.

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Identification of recombination sites scattered throughout the genome.

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The Sudanese QX-like isolate is genetically unique and different from IBV strains previously reported in Africa and elsewhere.

Rapid detection and subtyping of European swine influenza viruses in porcine clinical samples by haemagglutinin- and neuraminidase-specific tetra- and triplex real-time RT-PCRs

Background

A diversifying pool of mammalian‐adapted influenza A viruses (IAV) with largely unknown zoonotic potential is maintained in domestic swine populations worldwide. The most recent human influenza pandemic in 2009 was caused by a virus with genes originating from IAV isolated from swine. Swine influenza viruses (SIV) are widespread in European domestic pig populations and evolve dynamically. Knowledge regarding occurrence, spread and evolution of potentially zoonotic SIV in Europe is poorly understood.

Objectives

Efficient SIV surveillance programmes depend on sensitive and specific diagnostic methods which allow for cost‐effective large‐scale analysis.

Methods

New SIV haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtype‐ and lineage‐specific multiplex real‐time RT‐PCRs (RT‐qPCR) have been developed and validated with reference virus isolates and clinical samples.

Results

A diagnostic algorithm is proposed for the combined detection in clinical samples and subtyping of SIV strains currently circulating in Europe that is based on a generic, M‐gene‐specific influenza A virus RT‐qPCR. In a second step, positive samples are examined by tetraplex HA‐ and triplex NA‐specific RT‐qPCRs to differentiate the porcine subtypes H1, H3, N1 and N2. Within the HA subtype H1, lineages “av” (European avian‐derived), “hu” (European human‐derived) and “pdm” (human pandemic A/H1N1, 2009) are distinguished by RT‐qPCRs, and within the NA subtype N1, lineage “pdm” is differentiated. An RT‐PCR amplicon Sanger sequencing method of small fragments of the HA and NA genes is also proposed to safeguard against failure of multiplex RT‐qPCR subtyping.

Conclusions

These new multiplex RT‐qPCR assays provide adequate tools for sustained SIV monitoring programmes in Europe.

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c in hunting falcons and kept wild birds in Dubai implicate intercontinental virus spread

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of subtype H5N1 have continued to perpetuate with divergent genetic variants in poultry within Asia since 2003. Further dissemination of Asian-derived H5 HPAIVs to Europe, Africa and, most recently, to the North American continent has occurred. We report an outbreak of HPAIV H5N1 among falcons kept for hunting and other wild bird species bred as falcon prey in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the autumn of 2014. The causative agent was identified as avian influenza virus subtype H5N1, clade 2.3.2.1c, by genetic and phylogenetic analyses. High mortality in infected birds was in accordance with systemic pathomorphological and histological alterations in affected falcons. Genetic analysis showed the HPAIV H5N1 of clade 2.3.2.1c is a reassortant in which the PB2 segment was derived from an Asian-origin H9N2 virus lineage. The Dubai H5N1 viruses were closely related to contemporary H5N1 HPAIVs from Nigeria, Burkina-Faso, Romania and Bulgaria. Median-joining network analysis of 2.3.2.1c viruses revealed that the Dubai outbreak was an episode of a westward spread of these viruses on a larger scale from unidentified Asian sources. The incursion into Dubai, possibly via infected captive hunting falcons returning from hunting trips to central Asian countries, preceded outbreaks in Nigeria and other West African countries. The alarmingly enhanced geographical mobility of clade 2.3.2.1.c and clade 2.3.4.4 viruses may represent another wave of transcontinental dissemination of Asian-origin HPAIV H5 viruses, such as the outbreak at Qinghai Lake caused by clade 2.2 (‘Qinghai’ lineage) in 2005.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Genetic Diversity of Seal Influenza A(H10N7) Virus, Northwestern Europe

Influenza A viruses are major pathogens for humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, and these viruses occasionally cross the species barrier. In spring 2014, increased mortality of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), associated with infection with an influenza A(H10N7) virus, was reported in Sweden and Denmark. Within a few months, this virus spread to seals of the coastal waters of Germany and the Netherlands, causing the death of thousands of animals. Genetic analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of this seal influenza A(H10N7) virus revealed that it was most closely related to various avian influenza A(H10N7) viruses. The collection of samples from infected seals during the course of the outbreak provided a unique opportunity to follow the adaptation of the avian virus to its new seal host. Sequence data for samples collected from 41 different seals from four different countries between April 2014 and January 2015 were obtained by Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing to describe the molecular epidemiology of the seal influenza A(H10N7) virus. The majority of sequence variation occurred in the HA gene, and some mutations corresponded to amino acid changes not found in H10 viruses isolated from Eurasian birds. Also, sequence variation in the HA gene was greater at the beginning than at the end of the epidemic, when a number of the mutations observed earlier had been fixed. These results imply that when an avian influenza virus jumps the species barrier from birds to seals, amino acid changes in HA may occur rapidly and are important for virus adaptation to its new mammalian host.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A viruses are major pathogens for humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In addition to the continuous circulation of influenza A viruses among various host species, cross-species transmission of influenza A viruses occurs occasionally. Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are the main reservoir for most influenza A virus subtypes, and spillover of influenza A viruses from birds to humans or other mammalian species may result in major outbreaks. In the present study, various sequencing methods were used to elucidate the genetic changes that occurred after the introduction and subsequent spread of an avian influenza A(H10N7) virus among harbor seals of northwestern Europe by use of various samples collected during the outbreak. Such detailed knowledge of genetic changes necessary for introduction and adaptation of avian influenza A viruses to mammalian hosts is important for a rapid risk assessment of such viruses soon after they cross the species barrier.

Introduction and enzootic of A/H5N1 in Egypt: Virus evolution, pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy ten years on

It is almost a decade since the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (A/H5N1) of clade 2.2.1 was introduced to Egypt in 2005, most likely, via wild birds; marking the longest endemic status of influenza viruses in poultry outside Asia. The endemic A/H5N1 in Egypt still compromises the poultry industry, poses serious hazards to public health and threatens to become potentially pandemic. The control strategies adopted for A/H5N1 in Egyptian poultry using diverse vaccines in commercialized poultry neither eliminated the virus nor did they decrease its evolutionary rate. Several virus clades have evolved, a few of them disappeared and others prevailed. Disparate evolutionary traits in both birds and humans were manifested by accumulation of clade-specific mutations across viral genomes driven by a variety of selection pressures. Viruses in vaccinated poultry populations displayed higher mutation rates at the immunogenic epitopes, promoting viral escape and reducing vaccine efficiency. On the other hand, viruses isolated from humans displayed changes in the receptor binding domain, which increased the viral affinity to bind to human-type glycan receptors. Moreover, viral pathogenicity exhibited several patterns in different hosts. This review aims to provide an overview of the viral evolution, pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of A/H5N1 in Egypt during the last ten years.

Poultry food products--a source of avian influenza virus transmission to humans?

Global human mobility and intercontinental connectivity, expansion of livestock production and encroachment of wildlife habitats by invasive agricultural land use contribute to shape the complexity of influenza epidemiology. The OneHealth approach integrates these and further elements into considerations to improve disease control and prevention. Food of animal origin for human consumption is another integral aspect; if produced from infected livestock such items may act as vehicles of spread of animal pathogens, and, in case of zoonotic agents, as a potential human health hazard. Notifiable zoonotic avian influenza viruses (AIV) have become entrenched in poultry populations in several Asian and northern African countries since 2003. Highly pathogenic (HP) AIV (e.g. H5N1) cause extensive poultry mortality and severe economic losses. HPAIV and low pathogenic AIV (e.g. H7N9) with zoonotic propensities pose risks for human health. More than 1500 human cases of AIV infection have been reported, mainly from regions with endemically infected poultry. Intense human exposure to AIV-infected poultry, e.g. during rearing, slaughtering or processing of poultry, is a major risk factor for acquiring AIV infection. In contrast, human infections through consumption of AIV-contaminated food have not been substantiated. Heating poultry products according to kitchen standards (core temperatures ≥70°C, ≥10 s) rapidly inactivates AIV infectivity and renders fully cooked products safe. Nevertheless, concerted efforts must ensure that poultry products potentially contaminated with zoonotic AIV do not reach the food chain. Stringent and sustained OneHealth measures are required to better control and eventually eradicate, HPAIV from endemic regions.

Evolutionary trajectories and diagnostic challenges of potentially zoonotic avian influenza viruses H5N1 and H9N2 co-circulating in Egypt

In Egypt, since 2006, descendants of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HP AIV) H5N1 of clade 2.2 continue to cause sharp losses in poultry production and seriously threaten public health. Potentially zoonotic H9N2 viruses established an endemic status in poultry in Egypt as well and co-circulate with HP AIV H5N1 rising concerns of reassortments between H9N2 and H5N1 viruses along with an increase of mixed infections of poultry. Nucleotide sequences of whole genomes of 15 different isolates (H5N1: 7; H9N2: 8), and of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) encoding segments of nine further clinical samples (H5N1: 2; H9N2: 7) from 2013 and 2014 were generated and analysed. The HA of H5N1 viruses clustered with clade 2.2.1 while the H9 HA formed three distinguishable subgroups within cluster B viruses. BEAST analysis revealed that H9N2 viruses are likely present in Egypt since 2009. Several previously undescribed substituting mutations putatively associated with host tropism and virulence modulation were detected in different proteins of the analysed H9N2 and H5N1 viruses. Reassortment between HP AIV H5N1 and H9N2 is anticipated in Egypt, and timely detection of such events is of public health concern. As a rapid tool for detection of such reassortants discriminative SYBR-Green reverse transcription real-time PCR assays (SG-RT-qPCR), targeting the internal genes of the Egyptian H5N1 and H9N2 viruses were developed for the rapid screening of viral RNAs from both virus isolates and clinical samples. However, in accordance to Sanger sequencing, no reassortants were found by SG-RT-qPCR. Nevertheless, the complex epidemiology of avian influenza in poultry in Egypt will require sustained close observation. Further development and continuing adaptation of rapid and cost-effective screening assays such as the SG-RT-qPCR protocol developed here are at the basis of efforts for improvement the currently critical situation.

Sample preparation for avian and porcine influenza virus cDNA amplification simplified: Boiling vs. conventional RNA extraction

RNA extraction and purification is a fundamental step that allows for highly sensitive amplification of specific RNA targets in PCR applications. However, commercial extraction kits that are broadly used because of their robustness and high yield of purified RNA are expensive and labor-intensive. In this study, boiling in distilled water or a commercial lysis buffer of different sample matrices containing avian or porcine influenza viruses was tested as an alternative. Real-time PCR (RTqPCR) for nucleoprotein gene fragment was used as read out. Results were compared with freshly extracted RNA by use of a commercial extraction kit. Different batches of virus containing materials, including diluted virus positive allantoic fluid or cell culture supernatant, and avian faecal, cloacal or oropharyngeal swab samples were used in this study. Simple boiling of samples without any additional purification steps can be used as an alternative RNA preparation method to detect influenza A virus nucleoprotein RNA in oropharyngeal swab samples, allantoic fluid or cell-culture supernatant. The boiling method is not applicable for sample matrices containing faecal material.

Emergence of a novel cluster of influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.2.1.2 with putative human health impact in Egypt, 2014/15

A distinct cluster of highly pathogenic avian influenzaviruses of subtype A(H5N1) has been found to emergewithin clade 2.2.1.2 in poultry in Egypt since summer2014 and appears to have quickly become predominant.Viruses of this cluster may be associated withincreased incidence of human influenza A(H5N1) infectionsin Egypt over the last months.

Vaccines against influenza A viruses in poultry and swine: Status and future developments

Influenza A viruses are important pathogens with a very broad host spectrum including domestic poultry and swine. For preventing clinical disease and controlling the spread, vaccination is one of the most efficient tools. Classical influenza vaccines for domestic poultry and swine are conventional inactivated preparations. However, a very broad range of novel vaccine types ranging from (i) nucleic acid-based vaccines, (ii) replicon particles, (iii) subunits and virus-like particles, (iv) vectored vaccines, or (v) live-attenuated vaccines has been described, and some of them are now also used in the field. The different novel approaches for vaccines against avian and swine influenza virus infections are reviewed, and additional features like universal vaccines, novel application approaches and the "differentiating infected from vaccinated animals" (DIVA)-strategy are summarized.

Failure of productive infection of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) with H16 subtype of avian influenza viruses

Background

Mallard ducks and other waterfowl represent the most important reservoirs of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV). In addition, mallards are the most abundant duck species in Eurasia that migrate over long distances. Despite extended wild bird monitoring studies over the past decade in many Eurasian countries and investigating hundreds of thousands of wild bird samples, no mallard duck was found to be positive for avian influenza virus of subtype H16 in faecal, cloacal or oropharyngeal samples. Just three cases of H16 infections in Anseriformes species were described worldwide. In contrast, H16 viruses have been repeatedly isolated from birds of the Laridae family.

Objective

Here, we tested the hypothesis that mallards are less permissive to infection with H16 viruses.

Methods

Groups of mallard ducks of different age were inoculated via the oculo-nasal-oral route with different infectious doses of an H16N3 AIV.

Results

The ducks did not show any clinical symptoms, and no virus shedding was evident from cloacal and respiratory routes after experimental infection as shown by negative RT-qPCR results. In addition, all serum samples taken on days 8, 21 and 24 post-inoculation were negative by competitive NP-ELISA.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that mallards are resistant to infection with H16N3 LPAIV.

Influenza A virus infections in marine mammals and terrestrial carnivores

Influenza A viruses (IAV), members of the Orthomyxoviridae, cover a wide host spectrum comprising a plethora of avian and, in comparison, a few mammalian species. The viral reservoir and gene pool are kept in metapopulations of aquatic wild birds. The mammalian-adapted IAVs originally arose by transspecies transmission from avian sources. In swine, horse and man, species-adapted IAV lineages circulate independently of the avian reservoir and cause predominantly respiratory disease of highly variable severity. Sporadic outbreaks of IAV infections associated with pneumonic clinical signs have repeatedly occurred in marine mammals (harbour seals [Phoca vitulina]) off the New England coast of the U.S.A. due to episodic transmission of avian IAV. However, no indigenous marine mammal IAV lineages are described. In contrast to marine mammals, avian- and equine-derived IAVs have formed stable circulating lineages in terrestrial carnivores: IAVs of subtype H3N2 and H3N8 are found in canine populations in South Korea, China, and the U.S.A. Experimental infections revealed that dogs and cats can be infected with an even wider range of avian IAVs. Cats, in particular, also proved susceptible to native infection with human pandemic H1N1 viruses and, according to serological data, may be vulnerable to infection with further human-adapted IAVs. Ferrets are susceptible to a variety of avian and mammalian IAVs and are an established animal model of human IAV infection. Thus, a potential role of pet cats, dogs and ferrets as mediators of avian-derived viruses to the human population does exist. A closer observation for influenza virus infections and transmissions at this animal-human interface is indicated.

Distinction of subtype-specific antibodies against European porcine influenza viruses by indirect ELISA based on recombinant hemagglutinin protein fragment-1

Background

Serological investigations of swine influenza virus infections and epidemiological conclusions thereof are challenging due to the complex and regionally variable pattern of co-circulating viral subtypes and lineages and varying vaccination regimes. Detection of subtype-specific antibodies currently depends on hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays which are difficult to standardize and unsuitable for large scale investigations.

Methods

The nucleocapsid protein (NP) and HA1 fragments of the hemagglutinin protein (HA) of five different lineages (H1N1av, H1N1pdm, H1pdmN2, H1N2, H3N2) of swine influenza viruses were bacterially expressed and used as diagnostic antigens in indirect ELISA.

Results

Proteins were co-translationally mono-biotinylated and refolded in vitro into an antigenically authentic conformation. Western blotting and indirect ELISA revealed highly subtype-specific antigenic characteristics of the recombinant HA1 proteins although some cross reactivity especially among antigens of the H1 subtype were evident. Discrimination of antibodies directed against four swine influenza virus subtypes co-circulating in Germany was feasible using the indirect ELISA format.

Conclusions

Bacterially expressed recombinant NP and HA1 swine influenza virus proteins served as antigens in indirect ELISAs and provided an alternative to commercial blocking NP ELISA and HI assays concerning generic (NP-specific) and HA subtype-specific sero-diagnostics, respectively, on a herd basis.

Effect of swab matrix, storage time, and temperature on detection of avian influenza virus RNA in swab samples

Virologic monitoring of avian influenza viruses (AIV) mainly relies on the collection of oropharyngeal, cloacal, or fecal swab samples. The quality of swab samples, therefore, contributes to limitations of the informative value of such monitoring, but the cost of sampling has a great impact on the feasibility of wild bird monitoring studies or poultry surveillance programs. Here, the effect of different swab material and storage conditions on quality and quantity of AIV RNA detection in swab samples by real-time reverse-transcription quantitative PCR has been studied. Two commercial swab products, a rayon-tipped and a flocked nylon type, were compared. Similar suitability of the two swab types, despite a huge price difference, was observed. Superior results by using both types of swab were gained provided that 1) swabs stayed immersed overnight in an appropriate viral transport medium (VTM), or that 2) swabs were vigorously shaken in VTM for at least 1 min and up to 1 hr to release as much trapped virus material as possible. Degradation of RNA over a period of 2 wk for virus-containing samples is negligible when using constant storage conditions at 4 C or 20 C; temperature shifts proved to be more harmful.

Saving resources: avian influenza surveillance using pooled swab samples and reduced reaction volumes in real-time RT-PCR

The occurrence of highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza (AI) H5N1 in Asia and its spread to Africa and Europe prompted costly monitoring programs of wild birds and domestic poultry. AI virus excretion is tested by examining avian swab samples by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). In this study, pools of swab samples and a reagents volume reduction per RT-qPCR were evaluated as measures of economization. Viral transport medium and faecal matrices were spiked with different low pathogenic AI virus strains and tested for loss of target RNA during all processing steps as individual rayon swabs or in sample pools of 5, 10 and 15 swabs. Fresh faeces from Mallard ducks and other aquatic bird species as sample matrix resulted in loss of AIV RNA of about 90% compared to transport medium. Due to sample RNA dilution in pools the likelihood of detection of single positive samples is decreasing with increasing size of sample pools. However, pools of five samples containing only one positive sample consistently gave positive results. Similarly, no differences in detection rates were obtained when analyzing 1030 wild bird swab samples either individually or in pools of five. Reducing the reaction volume of influenza A virus generic as well as of subtype-specific RT-qPCRs to 12.5 μl (2.5 μl template) instead of 25 μl did not adversely affect the limit of detection of these RT-qPCRs. A significant economic benefit without impeding detection efficacy can be achieved when sample pools of five samples are analyzed by RT-qPCR using a reduction of the reaction mix to the half of the original volume.

Consecutive natural influenza a virus infections in sentinel mallards in the evident absence of subtype-specific hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies

Dabbling ducks, particularly Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) have been frequently and consistently reported to play a pivotal role as a reservoir of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIV). From October 2006 to November 2008, hand-raised Mallard ducks kept at a pond in an avifaunistically rich area of Southern Germany served as sentinel birds in the AIV surveillance programme in Germany. The pond was regularly visited by several species of dabbling ducks. A flock of sentinel birds, consisting of the same 16 individual birds during the whole study period, was regularly tested virologically and serologically for AIV infections. Swab samples were screened by RT-qPCR and, if positive, virus was isolated in embryonated chicken eggs. Serum samples were tested by the use of competitive ELISA and hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay. Sequences of full-length hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes were phylogenetically analysed. Four episodes of infections with Eurasian-type AIV occurred in August (H6N8), October/November (H3N2, H2N3) 2007, in January (H3N2) and September (H3N8) 2008. The HA and NA genes of the H3N2 viruses of October 2007 and January 2008 were almost identical rendering the possibility of a re-introduction of that virus from the environment of the sentinel flock highly likely. The HA of the H3N8 virus of September 2008 belonged to a different cluster. As a correlate of the humoral immune response, titres of nucleocapsid protein-specific antibodies fluctuated in correlation with the course of AIV infection episodes. However, no specific systemic response of hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies could be demonstrated even if homologous viral antigens were used. Besides being useful as early indicators for the circulation of influenza viruses in a specific region, the sentinel ducks also contributed to gaining insights into the ecobiology of AIV infection in aquatic wild birds.

Reassortants of pandemic influenza A virus H1N1/2009 and endemic porcine HxN2 viruses emerge in swine populations in Germany

The incursion of the human pandemic influenza A virus H1N1 (2009) (H1N1 pdm) into pig populations and its ongoing co-circulation with endemic swine influenza viruses (SIVs) has yielded distinct human-porcine reassortant virus lineages. The haemagglutinin (HA) gene of H1N1 pdm was detected in 41 influenza virus-positive samples from seven swine herds in north-west Germany in 2011. Eight of these samples yielded virus that carried SIV-derived neuraminidase N2 of three different porcine lineages in an H1N1 pdm backbone. The HA sequences of these viruses clustered in two distinct groups and were distinguishable from human and other porcine H1 pdm by a unique set of eight non-synonymous mutations. In contrast to the human population, where H1N1 pdm replaced seasonal H1N1, this virus seems to co-circulate and interact more intensely with endemic SIV lineages, giving rise to reassortants with as-yet-unknown biological properties and undetermined risks for public health.

[Innovations in the diagnosis of infectious agents of veterinary importance--a seven-league boots fairy tale?]

The development of infectiological diagnostic methodology is characterized by saltatoric, revolutionary leaps. Improved sensitivity and specificity, reduction of analytical sample volumes, increased sample throughput, reduced test complexity associated with improved user friendliness are hallmarks of such developments. Apart from purely technical amenities some innovations also enable conceptual adaptations of monitoring strategies. These include the use of diagnostic assays on-site, e. g. in the stable or in the practice. Selecting the assay which is most "fit-for-purpose" among the plethora of sometimes loudly advertised new technology may be difficult even for the well trained and experienced diagnostician. Standardized licensing procedures for infectiological diagnostic kits may be required to guarantee minimal norms of diagnostic quality. At the same time availability of a diversity of diagnostic kits is needed to broaden the base of diagnostic reliability. New infectiological diagnostic innovations will only be useful if the (expanded) results are transposable to the improved practical care of companion animals and farm animal holdings. In addition, the judgment of results, e. g. for epidemiological plausibility, remains a very important issue even when the test results have been produced by novel high technology diagnostics.

Analysis of influenza A viruses of subtype H1 from wild birds, turkeys and pigs in Germany reveals interspecies transmission events

BACKGROUND

Despite considerable host species barriers, interspecies transmissions of influenza A viruses between wild birds, poultry and pigs have been demonstrated repeatedly. In particular, viruses of the subtypes H1 and H3 were transmitted between pigs and poultry, predominantly turkeys, in regions with a high population density of both species. The recovery of a swine influenza H1N1 virus from a turkey flock in Germany in 2009 prompted us to investigate molecularly the subtype H1 viruses recently detected in wild birds, pigs and poultry.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between H1N1 viruses originating from wild and domestic animals of Germany and to identify potential trans-species transmission or reassortment events.

METHODS

Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase gene or full-length genome sequences were generated from selected, current H1N1 viruses from wild birds, pigs and turkeys. Phylogenetic analyses were combined with genotyping and analyses of the deduced amino acid sequences with respect to biologically active sites. Antigenic relationships were assessed by hemagglutination inhibition reactions.

RESULTS

Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin sequences showed that viruses from distinct H1 subgroups co-circulate among domestic animals and wild birds. In addition, these viruses comprised different genotypes and were distinguishable antigenically. An H1N1 virus isolated from a turkey farm in northern Germany in 2009 showed the highest similarity with the avian-like porcine H1N1 influenza viruses circulating in Europe since the late 1970s.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate the genetic and antigenic heterogeneity of H1 viruses currently circulating in domestic and wild animals in Germany and points to turkeys as a possible bridge between avian and mammalian hosts.

The use of FTA® filter papers for diagnosis of avian influenza virus

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) infect a wide range of host species including domestic poultry and wild birds; also, AIVs may infect humans in whom some highly pathogenic viruses (HPAIV) may cause acute fatal disease. Accurate laboratory diagnosis of AIV infections requires time-consuming and logistically complex precautionary measures for shipment of specimens or viruses to avoid biohazard exposure. The feasibility was investigated of the Flinders Technology Associates filter paper (FTA® card) for infectivity of AIVs and to preserve viral RNA for detection by RT-qPCR, sequencing and by DNA microarray assay. The infectivity of AIV subtype H6N2 and HPAIV subtype H5N1 was inactivated completely within one hour after adsorption to the FTA card at room temperature. FTA-adsorbed viral RNA remained stable for five months. Swab samples obtained from chickens infected experimentally with H5N1 virus and spotted directly onto the FTA® cards allowed a sensitive and straightforward diagnosis by RT-qPCR. FTA® cards were also suitable for examination of field samples, although AIV RNA was detected with reduced sensitivity in comparison to direct examination of swab fluids. The use of FTA® cards will facilitate safe transport of samples for molecular diagnosis of AIV avoiding the need for an uninterrupted cold storage.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 from Egypt escapes vaccine-induced immunity but confers clinical protection against a heterologous clade 2.2.1 Egyptian isolate

The poultry populations of Egypt are endemically infected by highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1. Vaccination was chosen as an auxiliary tool to control HPAIV in poultry. Potency of commercial vaccines regarding emerging variants is under discussion. In the current study efficacy of four different inactivated whole H5 virus vaccines representing different sublineages of HPAIV H5N1 were tested in chickens against challenge viruses currently co-circulating in Egypt and representing two antigenically widely distinct HPAIV H5N1 lineages, i.e., "variant" (clade 2.2.1var) and "proper" (clade 2.2.1pro) viruses. All vaccines induced clinical protection against challenge with 2.2.1pro Egyptian strains. In contrast, when challenged with a variant strain, only chickens vaccinated with the homologous Egyptian clade 2.2.1var virus or an inactivated re-assorted H5N1 strain (Re-5, clade 2.3) were protected. However, only the homologous virus induced sterile immunity whereas chickens clinically protected after Re-5 vaccination shed virus at day two after infection indistinguishable to H5N2 vaccines. In conclusion, monitoring vaccine-driven evolution of HPAIV H5N1 by surveillance, antigenic characterization, and challenge studies is essential to assess efficacy of AIV vaccination campaigns.

Broad spectrum reactivity versus subtype specificity-trade-offs in serodiagnosis of influenza A virus infections by competitive ELISA

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) of the H5 and H7 subtypes can cause substantial economic losses in the poultry industry and are a potential threat to public health. Serosurveillance of poultry populations is an important monitoring tool and can also be used for control of vaccination campaigns. The purpose of this study was to develop broadly reactive, yet subtype-specific competitive ELISAs (cELISAs) for the specific detection of antibodies to the notifiable AIV subtypes H5 and H7 as an alternative to the gold standard haemagglutination inhibition assay (HI). Broadly reacting monoclonal competitor antibodies (mAbs) and genetically engineered subtype H5 or H7 haemagglutinin antigen, expressed and in vivo biotinylated in insect cells, were used to develop the cELISAs. Sera from galliform species and water fowl (n=793) were used to evaluate the performance characteristics of the cELISAs. For the H5 specific cELISA, 98.1% test sensitivity and 91.5% test specificity (97.7% and 90.2% for galliforms; 98.9% and 92.6% for waterfowl), and for the H7 cELISA 97.3% sensitivity and 91.8% specificity (95.3% and 98.9% for galliforms; 100% and 82.7% for waterfowl) were reached when compared to HI. The use of competitor mAbs with broad spectrum reactivity within an AIV haemagglutinin subtype allowed for homogenous detection with high sensitivity of subtype-specific antibodies induced by antigenically widely distinct isolates including antigenic drift variants. However, a trade-off regarding sensitivity versus nonspecific detection of interfering antibodies induced by phylo- and antigenically closely related subtypes, e.g., H5 versus H2 and H7 versus H15, must be considered. The observed intersubtype antibody cross-reactivity remains a disturbance variable in AIV subtype-specific serodiagnosis which negatively affects specificity.

In vivo biotinylated recombinant influenza A virus hemagglutinin for use in subtype-specific serodiagnostic assays

There is an urgent need for robust subtype-specific serological tests to diagnose influenza A virus infections in poultry and mammals, including humans. Such assays require reliable subtype-specific sources of soluble and authentically folded seroreactive hemagglutinin (HA), one of the integral membrane proteins that determine the serological subtype of influenza viruses. To this purpose, a bigenic pFastBacDual baculovirus transfer vector allowing efficient invivo biotinylation of soluble HA homo-oligomers expressed via the secretory pathway was developed. An Avi-Tag allowed site-specific biotinylation by a coexpressed genetically modified BirA biotin ligase retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Highly seroreactive mono-biotinylated HA of recent H5 and H7 influenza A subtypes was secreted from recombinant baculovirus infected High-Five insect cells at levels sufficient to directly load streptavidin-coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) matrices, thereby avoiding any purification steps. The recombinant antigens retained authentic antigenicity, including conformation-dependent epitopes involved in hemagglutination inhibition as detected by monoclonal antibodies. This is the first bigenic invivo biotinylation system established for use in insect cells with secretable recombinant membrane proteins biotinylated by an ER-retained variant of BirA biotin ligase. The proposed technique is expected to significantly increase flexibility in the design of subtype-specific assays, thereby expanding the power of influenzaA virus serodiagnosis.

Simultaneous detection and differentiation by multiplex real time RT-PCR of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 classic (clade 2.2.1 proper) and escape mutant (clade 2.2.1 variant) lineages in Egypt

Background

The endemic status of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1 in Egypt continues to devastate the local poultry industry and poses a permanent threat for human health. Several genetically and antigenically distinct H5N1 lineages co-circulate in Egypt: Strains of clade 2.2.1 proper replicate mainly in backyard birds causing the bulk of human infections, while a variant lineage within 2.2.1 (2.2.1v) appears to be perpetuated mainly in commercial poultry farms in Egypt. Viruses of the 2.2.1v lineage represent drift variants escaping from conventional vaccine-induced immunity and some of these strains also escaped detection by commercial real time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) protocols due to mismatches in the primers/probe binding sites.

Results

We developed therefore a versatile, sensitive and lineage-specific multiplex RT-qPCR for detection and typing of H5N1 viruses in Egypt. Analytical characterization was carried out using 50 Egyptian HPAIV H5N1 strains isolated since 2006 and 45 other avian influenza viruses (AIV). A detection limit of 400 cRNA copies per ml sample matrix was found. Higher diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex assay in comparison to other generic H5 or M-gene based RT-qPCR assays were found by examination of 63 swab samples from experimentally infected chickens and 50 AIV-positive swab samples from different host species in the field in Egypt.

Conclusions

The new multiplex RT-qPCR assay could be useful for rapid high-throughput monitoring for the presence of HPAIV H5N1 in commercial poultry in Egypt. It may also aid in prospective epidemiological studies to further delineate and better control spread of HPAIV H5N1 in Egypt.

Systemic influenza virus H5N1 infection in cats after gastrointestinal exposure

BACKGROUND

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 infections in felids have been reported in several countries. Feeding on infected birds has been suggested as potential source of infection.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to verify gastrointestinal infection as possible portal of entry for HPAIV H5N1 in cats.

METHODS

Four cats were infected oculo-nasopharyngeally with 10⁶ 50% egg infectious dose (EID(50) ) of HPAIV H5N1 A/cat/Germany/R606/2006. Two cats were infected intravenously with 10⁶ EID(50) and two cats were inoculated orally with 10⁷ EID(50) HPAIV embedded in gelatine capsules to mimic gastrointestinal exposure and to avoid virus contact to oropharyngeal or respiratory tissues. Cats were monitored for 6 days by physical examination, virus excretion, and peripheral blood lymphocyte counts. Blood chemical parameters (including AST, ALT, CPK, and TBIL) and viral excretion using pharyngeal and rectal swabs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Infected cats showed elevated body temperature up to 41·3°C starting from day 1 or 2 p.i. All infected cats excreted virus in pharyngeal swabs within 2 days p.i. co-inciding with the development of clinical signs (anorexia, depression, and labored breathing) irrespective of the infection route. Virus dissemination occurred through cell-free and cell-associated viremia. Infected cats developed lymphopenia, hepatic necrosis, pneumonia, and significantly elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and TBIL.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiments show that the gastrointestinal tract can serve as portal for the entry of HPAIV H5N1 into cats. Infection routes used did not influence viral tissue tropism and course of disease.

Limited susceptibility of chickens, turkeys, and mice to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus

To determine susceptibility of chickens, turkeys, and mice to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus, we conducted contact exposure and inoculation experiments. We demonstrated that chickens were refractory to infection. However, oculo-oronasally inoculated turkeys and intranasally inoculated mice seroconverted without clinical signs of infection.