Using homologous network to identify reassortment risk in H5Nx avian influenza viruses

The resurgence of H5Nx reassortment has caused multiple epidemics resulting in severe disease even death in wild birds and poultry. Assessing H5Nx reassortment risk is crucial for designing targeted interventions and enhancing preparedness efforts to manage H5Nx outbreaks effectively. However, the complexity in H5Nx reassortment, driven by the diversity of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and wide range of hosts, has hindered the effective quantification of reassortment risk. In this study, we utilized a network approach to explore the reassortment history using a large-scale dataset. By inferring genomic homogeneity among IAVs, we constructed an IAVs homologous network with reassortment history embedded within it. We estimated the communities within the IAVs homologous network to represent the reassortment risk of various viruses, revealing diverse reassortment risks across different H5Nx viruses. Our analysis also identified the primary hosts contributing to reassortment: domestic poultry in China, and wild birds in North America and Europe. These primary hosts are critical targets for future H5Nx reassortment interventions. Our study provides a framework for quantifying and ranking H5Nx reassortment risk, contributing to enhanced preparedness and prevention efforts.