Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus: Cause of the next pandemic?

Since 1997, when human infections with a highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza A virus (AIV) subtype H5N1 – previously infecting only birds – were identified in a Hong Kong outbreak, global attention has focused on the potential for this virus to cause the next pandemic. From December 2003, an unprecedented H5N1 epizootic in poultry and migrating wild birds has spread across Asia and into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Humans in close contact with sick poultry and on rare occasion with other infected humans, have become infected. As of early March 2007, 12 countries have reported 167 deaths among 277 laboratory-confirmed human infections to WHO. WHO has declared the world to be in Phase 3 of a Pandemic Alert Period. This paper reviews the evolution of HP AIV H5N1, molecular changes that enable AIVs to infect and replicate in human cells and spread efficiently from person-to-person, and strategies to prevent the emergence of a pandemic virus.     

Human‐infecting influenza A (H9N2) virus: A forgotten potential pandemic strain?

Continuously emergence of human infection with avian influenza A virus poses persistent threat to human health, as illustrated in H5N1, H7N9 and recent surge of H9N2 infections. Long‐term prevalence of H9N2 avian influenza A virus in China and adjacent regions favours the interspecies transmissions from avian to human. Establishment of multiple genotypes of H9N2 variants in this region contributes to the emergence of novel H7N9 and H10N8 viruses which caused human fatalities. Recent increasing human infection with H9N2 virus in China highlights the necessity to closely monitor the interspecies transmission events. Available human H9N2 sequences revealed that Y280/G9 lineage was responsible for the most of human cases. Presence of adaptive mutations beyond the human‐like receptor binding was indicative of the capacity of readily infecting new hosts without prior adaptation. Moreover, enlarged host range of H9N2 virus in this region substantially increased the transmission among mammals. Meanwhile, serological surveys implied human was more susceptible to H9N2 infection, compared with panzootic H5 and H7 subtype avian influenza virus. Thus, control at the source will be the ultimate and effective option for H9N2 pandemic preparedness. This review comprehensively summarized recent updates on H9N2 human infections, aiming to shed light on the prevention strategies against this strain with pandemic potential.     

Comparative immune response and pathogenicity of the H9N2 avian influenza virus after administration of Immulant®, based on Echinacea and Nigella sativa,in stressed chickens

Avian influenza vaccines are commonly used in the poultry industry, and some medicinal plants can increase the efficacy of such vaccines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Immulant^® (IMU) (a commercial product based on Echinacea and Nigella sativa) on stress induced by dexamethasone (DEX) in chickens vaccinated (VAC) against the H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV-H9N2). Seven experimental groups were included: the negative control, VAC, DEX, VAC + DEX, VAC + DEX + IMU, VAC + IMU and IMU groups. The vaccinated chickens (at 10 days of age) were injected daily with DEX for three days pre-vaccination and for three days pre-challenge and orally administered 1% IMU for 6 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The chickens were then challenged intranasally with AIV-H9N2 at 28 days PV. Serum, blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples were collected in the 1^st and 4^th weeks PV and at different time points post-challenge. The results showed significant changes (P ≤ 0.05) in oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and reduced glutathione), haematological and immunological parameters, final live weights, relative organ weights and histopathological lesions between the VAC+DEX group and the VAC group. Moreover, IMU significantly increased protection rates post-challenge, HI antibody titers and heterophil phagocytic activity and decreased DEX-induced stress and virus shedding titers. In conclusion, oral administration of 1% IMU for six weeks can enhance the immune response after AI-H9N2 vaccination and reduce the pathogenicity of infection in stressed chickens.     

Oral co-administration of live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing chicken interferon-α and interleukin-18 enhances the alleviation of clinical signs caused by respiratory infection with avian influenza virus H9N2

The combined use of cytokines has shown synergistic and/or additive effects in controlling several viral infections of livestock animals. However, little is known concerning the practical use of chicken cytokine combinations to control avian diseases. Here, we investigated the antiviral efficacy of oral co-administration of chicken interferon-α (chIFN-α) and chicken interleukin-18 (chIL-18) using attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in chickens infected with avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2. Our results demonstrate that oral co-administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing chIFN-α and chIL-18 produced a greater alleviation of clinical signs caused by respiratory infection with AIV H9N2 in chickens, when compared to administration of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing either chIFN-α or chIL-18 alone. Mortality, clinical symptom severity, and feed and water intake were used to access treatment effectiveness. This enhancement of antiviral immunity was further confirmed by evidence of reduced rectal shedding and decreased replication of AIV H9N2 in several different tissues of challenged chickens including trachea, lung, cecal tonsil, and brain. Furthermore, oral co-administration of chIFN-α and chIL-18 more efficiently modulated the immune responses of chickens against AIV H9N2 by enhancing both humoral and Th1-biased cell-mediated immunity, compared to single administration of either construct. Therefore, our results suggest that the combined administration of two chicken cytokines, chIFN-α and chIL-18, using attenuated S. enterica serovar Typhimurium as an oral carrier, provides an effective means for controlling respiratory disease caused by AIV H9N2 infection.     

H9N2病毒研究进展

禽流感H9N2病毒在世界范围广泛存在,对人和动物的健康安全构成严重威胁,同时,也给我国养禽业造成了巨大的经济损失。禽流感H9N2病毒在宿主体内易发生基因重组,在人与动物的交叉感染过程中发挥了重要作用,与能感染人的H7N9和H10N8禽流感病毒具有很高的同源性,说明部分基因可能来源于禽流感H9N2病毒。本文就禽流感H9N2病毒的传染病学、跨种传播以及遗传进化等方面的研究进展进行综述。     

Prevalence of avian influenza (H9N2) in commercial quail,partridge, and turkey farms in Iran, 2014–2015

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and causes substantial economic loss to the growing poultry industry within the country. In this...     

我国家禽H7N9和H9N2亚型流感流行病学调查

为调查我国家禽H7N9和H9N2亚型流感流行状况,2018年3—5月,在我国11个省份67个场点,随机采集4 792份咽喉/泄殖腔拭子样品,通过RT-PCR进行流感病毒检测。结果显示:所检测的4 792份样品中,H7N9亚型阳性率为0,H9N2亚型阳性率为25.21%;场点阳性率为80.60%,其中活禽市场场点阳性率(96.30%)显著高于其他场所(15.38%)。与历年流行病学调查数据相比,2018上半年H9N2亚型病毒阳性率显著高于往年同期检测值(P0.05),达到近年来最高点。病毒核酸序列分析显示,检出的H9N2亚型病毒属于2007年以来我国H9亚型主要流行分支,即h9.4.2.5分支。本次调查结果表明,我国实施的H7N9疫苗免疫政策有效遏制了H7N9亚型流感的蔓延,而H9N2亚型流感病毒在我国持续流行多年,感染范围广,感染率有增高趋势,需要采取新的防控策略。     

Genetic diversity of H9N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China: a potential threat to human health?

Pandemic strains of influenza A virus might arise by genetic reassortment between viruses from different hosts. Pigs are susceptible to both human and avian influenza viruses and have been proposed to be intermediate hosts or mixing vessels, for the generation of pandemic influenza viruses through reassortment or adaptation to the mammalian host. In this study, we summarize and report for the first time the coexistence of 10 (A-J) genotypes in pigs in China by analyzing the eight genes of 28 swine H9N2 viruses isolated in China from 1998 to 2007. Swine H9N2 viruses in genotype A and B were completely derived from Y280-like and Shanghai/F/98-like viruses, respectively, which indicated avian-to-pig interspecies transmission of H9N2 viruses did exist in China. The other eight genotype (C-J) viruses might be double-reassortant viruses, in which six genotype (E-J) viruses possessed 1-4 H5-like gene segments indicating they were reassortants of H9 and H5 viruses. In conclusion, genetic diversity of H9N2 influenza viruses from pigs in China provides further evidence that avian to pig interspecies transmission of H9N2 viruses did occur and might result in the generation of new reassortant viruses by genetic reassortment with swine H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 influenza viruses, therefore, these swine H9N2 influenza viruses might be a potential threat to human health and continuing to carry out swine influenza virus surveillance in China is of great significance.     

H9N2亚型禽流感病毒研究进展

禽流感(AI)是由禽流感病毒(AIV)引起的一种高度接触性传染病,主要感染家禽和野禽,1966年首次分离得到H9N2。H9N2是AIV的一个亚型,经过长达数十年的遗传变异,已成为当前流行的禽流感病毒主要亚型之一。除了感染鸡、鸭等禽类,H9N2亚型AIV还可感染猪、水貂等哺乳类动物,甚至还可以感染人。虽然H9N2亚型AIV是低致病性的,但它能与其他病毒或细菌引起共感染,还能与其他亚型流感病毒进行重排,形成新型重组病毒,对公共卫生安全造成了不容忽视的潜在危害。文章就H9N2亚型AIV的遗传变异、重组、致病力和跨种传播等方面进行了简要论述。     

H9N2亚型禽流感流行现状

低致病性禽流感主要是由H9N2亚型禽流感病毒所引起,近几年在世界上许多国家都暴发了H9N2亚型禽流感疫情.研究表明,H9N2亚型禽流感病毒在陆禽中至少可分为北美和欧亚两个种系,该病毒在自然环境中很容易发生变异,通过混合基因组分而形成不同的病毒亚型.H9N2亚型禽流感病毒已经能传播至哺乳动物,包括猪和人类,从而引发对其是...     

H9N2亚型禽流感的防制

H9N2亚型禽流感是一种病毒性感染。一年四季都可发生,但以秋季、冬季较为严重。对于无抗体的鸡群,各种日龄均敏感,但如果鸡苗来自已接种疫苗的父母代．则1周龄内雏鸡往往较少发病。通常在8～10日龄开始出现呼吸道症状。H9N2亚型禽流感病毒可经污染的飞沫、尘埃、饲料、饮水等传播,传播速度快、范围广。多日龄共存的大型鸡场一旦受污染,不容易将其清除。     

H9N2亚型禽流感病原学研究进展

<正>禽流感是由禽流感病毒(Avian influenza virus,AIV)引起家禽和野禽感染的一种急性接触性传染病,给养禽业造成了巨大的经济损失[1]。该病毒属于正黏病毒科、流感病毒属。根据禽流感病毒毒力和致病性的不同,可以将其分为高致病性、低致病性和无     

H9N2亚型A型流感

A型流感病毒能引起各种鸟类、低等哺乳动物和人类的疾病。禽流感(AI)自1878年在意大利首次发现至今，由于候鸟的迁徙和国际间贸易的日益频繁，使得该病呈全球性分布，给养禽业造成巨大的经济损失。1997年“香港禽流感”表明，AI已对人类的健康造成了潜在的威胁。流感病毒(IV)血清亚型繁多，自从1966年Homme等人首次报道从火鸡中分离出H9N2亚型A型IV以来、陆续从鸡、野鸡、鸭、鸽子和鹌鹑中分离到该亚型AIV。除禽和人以外，还从其它动物中分离到。     

H9N2禽流感如何综合防控

正近期H9N2禽流感给养殖业带了不小的波动,近两年H9亚型禽流感的危害日趋突出,对各个地区养殖业均造成了不同程度的损失。禽流感病毒是由正黏病毒科、流感病毒属A型流感病毒引起的一种急性、高度接触性传染病。禽流感成为影响当今养禽业发展的重要疾病之一。要想减少此病的发生,只进行疫苗免疫防控远远不能满足家禽养殖的需要,只有对其病原特点、流行特点有了深入认识,才能采取合理的     

Are the Australian poultry industries vulnerable to large outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza?

Objective   To describe the structure of the Australian poultry industry and discuss the potential for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to spread between Australian poultry farms.
Procedure   High densities of poultry farms, frequent contacts between farms by service providers, the supply of live poultry markets (LPM) and the presence of free-range duck flocks in affected regions have been identified as risk factors for the spread of HPAI between flocks in outbreaks causing the death or destruction of over 1 million poultry overseas. Data on 1,594 commercial Australian chicken meat, chicken egg, duck and turkey farms were collected by a telephone questionnaire of farm managers to assess the risk of a HPAI outbreak in Australia.
Results and Discussion   Five regions of Australia had farm densities comparable to overseas regions that experienced widespread HPAI. Common service providers routinely contacted different classes and types of farms over wide geographic areas. However, no responding farms supplied LPM and the majority of duck farms did not produce free-range ducks.
Conclusion   Outbreaks of HPAI have the potential to cause serious impacts on the Australian poultry industry. The risk posted by LPM and free-range ducks is limited, but the movement of genetic stock and common service providers could spread infection between companies, industries or geographical regions. Biosecurity measures are therefore considered critical to limit the secondary spread of infection should an outbreak occur.     

免疫鸡群H5N1和H9N2亚型禽流感病毒混合感染及H9N2亚型病毒进化分析

本研究分析了免疫鸡群H5N1和H9N2亚型禽流感病毒混合感染中H9N2亚型分离毒株A/chicken/Yuyao/01/2010(H9N2)的基因组特征。氨基酸序列分析显示,HA蛋白裂解位点为PSRSSR/GL,具有低致病性禽流感病毒特征,HA受体结合位点出现了人流感病毒结合位点226L,D基因出现了S31N的突变。遗传分析表明,A/chicken/Yuyao/01/2010病毒的HA基因、NA基因和NS基因在进化上属于CK/BJ/94-Like谱系,D基因和PB2基因属于G1-Like谱系,NP基因、PA基因和PB1基因属于Ck/SH/F/98-Like谱系。结果表明,从H5N1和H9N2亚型混合感染鸡体内分离的H9N2亚型禽流感病毒是一株来源于CK/BJ/94-Like谱系、G1-Like谱系和Ck/SH/F/98-Like谱系的重组病毒。     

你真的了解H7N9吗?

<正>近期,我国部分地区陆续发生H7N9疫情,除禽感染H7N9外,人也有感染H7N9病例发生,据统计,2017年1月份人感染H7N9共192例,其中死亡79例。引起社会广泛关注,甚至部分人的恐慌,有的人说人感染H7N9是通过禽类感染的,有的人说这种病毒可以通过人和人感染,有的人还说人类感染疫情会大规模暴发……导致很多人谈禽色变,给家禽养殖等相关产业带来很大的影响。