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Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
Understanding the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 in pinnipeds: An evolutionary approach
Mercedes Paz1, Valentina Franco-Trecu2, Diana Szteren2
1Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Igua 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; Laboratorio de Evolución Experimental de Virus, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; Centro de Innovación en Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
Abstract:
Highly pathogenic influenza A virus (HPIAV) H5N1 within the genetic clade 2.3.4.4b has emerged in wild birds in different regions of the world, leading to the death of >70 million birds. When these strains spread to pinniped species a remarkable mortality has also been observed. A detailed genetic characterization of HPIAV isolated from pinnipeds is essential to understand the potential spread of these viruses to other mammalian species, including humans. To gain insight into these matters a detailed phylogenetic analysis of HPIAV H5N1 2.3.4.4b strains isolated from pinniped species was performed. The results of these studies revealed multiple transmission events from birds to pinnipeds in all world regions. Different evolutionary histories of different genes of HPIAV H5N1 2.3.4.4b strains gave rise to the viruses infecting pinnipeds in different regions of the world. European strains isolated from pinnipeds represent a completely different genetic lineage from strains isolated from South American ones. All strains isolated from pinnipeds bear characteristics of a highly pathogenic form for of avian influenza in poultry. Amino acid substitutions, previously shown to confer an adaptive advantage for infecting mammals, were observed in different genes in all pinniped species studied.
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