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Published on: August 29, 2017
Environmental Adaptability of Influenza A(H9N2) Virus in the Process of Genetic Evolution
Yifei Jin1, Xiang Li1, Huan Cui2
1National Key Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Understanding the transmission routes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) is critical for outbreak control. Beyond direct contact and aerosol transmission, indirect transmission via contaminated environmental surfaces contributes to exposure risk, particularly in live poultry markets (LPMs). Although previous studies have examined the environmental persistence of individual AIV strains, systematic comparisons among genetically related viruses remain scarce. H9N2, designated by the WHO as a potential "Pathogen X," is of particular concern. Here, we assessed the environmental persistence and indirect transmission potential of four genetically related H9N2 AIVs originating from the same LPM-associated epidemiological context: one human isolate (H19) and three LPM environmental isolates (E01, E02, E03). All viruses exhibited temperature-dependent infectivity decay on four surface materials. Notably, H19 and E01 demonstrated prolonged environmental persistence compared with E02 and E03 under multiple conditions. Moreover, smooth, non-porous surfaces (plastic, glass, stainless steel) generally supported longer viral survival than porous non-woven fabric. In a guinea pig model, H19 and E01 led to detectable indirect transmission, whereas E02 and E03 did not. Comparative sequence analysis revealed differences at NP-346 and PB2-18 between these two phenotypic groups, although the functional relevance of these substitutions remains to be determined. Collectively, these findings reveal that environmental persistence and indirect transmission potential can vary markedly among genetically related LPM-associated H9N2 AIVs, supporting the integration of environmental adaptability into routine risk assessment frameworks.
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