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Published on: August 17, 2018
Transmission of H7N9 influenza virus in mice by different infective routes
1Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical Collage (PUMC); Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Ministry of Health, No, 5 Pan Jia Yuan Nan Li, Beijing 100021, Chaoyang District, China. qinchuan@pumc.edu.cn.
Background:
On 19 February 2013, the first patient infected with a novel influenza A H7N9 virus from an avian source showed symptoms of sickness. More than 349 laboratory-confirmed cases and 109 deaths have been reported in mainland China since then. Laboratory-confirmed, human-to-human H7N9 virus transmission has not been documented between individuals having close contact; however, this transmission route could not be excluded for three families. To control the spread of the avian influenza H7N9 virus, we must better understand its pathogenesis, transmissibility, and transmission routes in mammals. Studies have shown that this particular virus is transmitted by aerosols among ferrets.
Methods:
To study potential transmission routes in animals with direct or close contact to other animals, we investigated these factors in a murine model.
Results:
Viable H7N9 avian influenza virus was detected in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, intestine, and brain of model mice. The virus was transmissible between mice in close contact, with a higher concentration of virus found in pharyngeal and ocular secretions, and feces. All these biological materials were contagious for naïve mice.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the possible transmission routes for the H7N9 influenza virus were through mucosal secretions and feces.
Insights
The novel avian influenza A H7N9 virus can spread between mammals through close contact. Transmission occurred via mucosal secretions and feces, highlighting potential risks for animal and human health.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- The emergence of avian influenza A H7N9 virus in China led to significant human cases and fatalities.
- Understanding H7N9 pathogenesis and transmission in mammals is crucial for controlling its spread.
- Previous studies indicated aerosol transmission among ferrets.
Observation:
- A murine model was utilized to investigate H7N9 transmission routes in mammals with direct or close contact.
- The study examined the presence and transmissibility of the H7N9 virus in various tissues and secretions.
Findings:
- Viable H7N9 avian influenza virus was detected in the respiratory tract, intestine, and brain of infected mice.
- The virus demonstrated transmissibility between mice through close contact.
- Pharyngeal and ocular secretions, along with feces, were identified as contagious biological materials.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that mucosal secretions and feces are significant transmission routes for the H7N9 influenza virus in mammals.
- This research provides critical insights into the potential for mammalian adaptation and transmission of avian influenza viruses.
- Understanding these transmission pathways is vital for developing effective public health interventions and surveillance strategies.
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