Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved
Published on: August 2, 2011
Molecular and biological characterization of influenza A viruses isolated from human fecal samples
Hebah A Al Khatib1, Peter V Coyle2, Muna A Al Maslamani3
1Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
Abstract:
Human influenza viruses are occasionally detected in the stools of influenza patients.
Objectives:
Here, we investigated the molecular and biological characteristics of intestinal influenza viruses and their potential role in virus transmission.
Methods:
Fecal samples were first screened for the presence of influenza viral RNA using RT-qPCR. Positive fecal samples were subjected to cell culture. Isolated viruses were then sequenced using MiSeq platform. Replication kinetics and receptor binding affinity were also evaluated.
Results:
Influenza RNA was detected in stool samples of 41% (36/87) of influenza A positive patients. Among the 36 stool samples subjected to viral isolation, 5 showed virus growth. Sequence analysis of isolated viruses revealed two distinct mutation patterns in fecal viruses. Set I viruses was able to replicate to higher titers in cell culture despite the limited number of mutations (6 mutations) compared to set II viruses (>10 mutations). Functional analysis of both sets revealed the ability to replicate efficiently in differentiated human bronchial cells. Receptor binding testing has also demonstrated their ability to bind α 2,3 and α 2,6 sialic acid receptors.
Conclusion:
The ability of fecal influenza viruses to replicate in intestinal cells and human 3D bronchial cells might suggest their possible contribution in virus transmission.
