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Preparation of Pseudo-Typed H5 Avian Influenza Viruses with Calcium Phosphate Transfection Method and Measurement of Antibody Neutralizing Activity
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Environmental persistence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus

Joseph P Wood1, Young W Choi, Daniel J Chappie

  • 1US Environmental Protection Agency, 109 TW Alexander Drive, MC E343-06, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA. wood.joe@epa.gov

Environmental Science & Technology
|September 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus persists on surfaces like glass and metal for over 13 days, especially in cool, dry conditions. This finding is crucial for understanding H5N1 transmission risks.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus poses a significant public health threat, with human cases exhibiting high mortality.
  • Understanding the environmental persistence of HPAI (H5N1) is critical for assessing transmission routes and implementing effective control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the environmental persistence of an HPAI (H5N1) virus on common fomite materials.
  • To evaluate the impact of varying environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight) on virus survival.

Main Methods:

  • Inoculation of virus onto glass, wood, galvanized metal, and topsoil coupons.
  • Exposure of inoculated coupons to five distinct environmental conditions.
  • Quantification of viable virus over 13 days using Madin-Darby canine kidney cell cultures.

Main Results:

  • HPAI (H5N1) virus demonstrated significant persistence on glass and galvanized metal.
  • The virus was most persistent under low-temperature and low-relative-humidity conditions.
  • Less than a 1-log reduction was observed on glass and steel after 13 days under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

  • HPAI (H5N1) virus can persist on fomites for extended periods, particularly under favorable environmental conditions.
  • The findings suggest a potential for environmental transmission of H5N1 beyond 13 days.
  • Further research into fomite-mediated transmission is warranted for public health preparedness.

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