Revised and updated nomenclature for highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses

The divergence of the hemagglutinin gene of A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996‐lineage H5N1 viruses during 2011 and 2012 (807 new sequences collected through December 31, 2012) was analyzed by phylogenetic and p‐distance methods to define new clades using the pre‐established nomenclature system. Eight new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 1·1 (Mekong River Delta), 2·1·3·2 (Indonesia), 2·2·2 (India/Bangladesh), 2·2·1·1 (Egypt/Israel), and 2·3·2·1 (Asia). A simplification to the previously defined criteria, which adds a letter rather than number to the right‐most digit of fifth‐order clades, was proposed to facilitate this and future updates.     

Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1): updated nomenclature

Please cite this paper as: WHO/OIE/FAO. (2012) Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1): Updated nomenclature. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 1–5. Background Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) throughout many regions of the eastern hemisphere has led to the emergence of new phylogenetic groups. A total of 1637 new H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences have become available since the previous nomenclature recommendations described in 2009 by the WHO/OIE/FAO H5N1 Evolution Working Group. A comprehensive analysis including all the new data is needed to update HA clade nomenclature. Methods Phylogenetic trees were constructed from data sets of all available H5N1 HA sequences. New clades were designated on the basis of phylogeny and p‐distance using the pre‐established nomenclature system (Emerg Infec Dis 2008; 14:e1). Each circulating H5N1 clade was subjected to further phylogenetic analysis and nucleotide sequence divergence calculations. Results All recently circulating clades (clade 1 in the Mekong River Delta, 2.1.3 in Indonesia, 2.2 in India/Bangladesh, 2.2.1 in Egypt, 2.3.2, 2.3.4 and 7 in Asia) required assignment of divergent HA genes to new second‐, third‐, and/or fourth‐order clades. At the same time, clades 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and several second‐ and third‐order groups from clade 2 have not been detected since 2008 or earlier. Conclusions New designations are recommended for 12 HA clades, named according to previously defined criteria. In addition, viruses from 13 clades have not been detected since 2008 or earlier. The periodic updating of this dynamic classification system allows continued use of a unified nomenclature in all H5N1 studies.     

Global epidemiology of human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses

Abstract:   From 1997 through 2007, human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses resulted in rare, sporadic, severe and fatal cases among persons in 14 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. Of 369 reported human H5N1 cases that occurred from 1997 through 2007, overall mortality was 60%. Ten antigenically and genetically distinct clades of H5N1 viruses have been identified to date, and strains from four clades have infected humans. Surveillance has focused upon hospitalized cases of febrile acute lower respiratory tract disease among persons with exposure to sick or dead poultry, or to a human H5N1 case. Detection of H5N1 virus infection is based primarily upon collection of respiratory tract specimens from suspected cases for RT-PCR testing. Most human H5N1 cases were previously healthy children or young adults who developed severe acute pulmonary or multi-organ disease following direct or close contact with sick or dead H5N1 virus–infected poultry. Occasional clusters of H5N1 cases have occurred, predominantly among blood-related family members. Limited human-to-human H5N1 virus transmission has been reported or could not be excluded in some clusters. The frequency of asymptomatic or clinically mild H5N1 virus infection is unknown, but limited investigations suggest that such infections have been rare since 2003. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human H5N1 virus spread. However, H5N1 viruses continue to circulate and evolve among poultry in many countries, and there are many unanswered questions about human infection with H5N1 viruses. Thus, the pandemic influenza threat presented by H5N1 viruses persists.     

Nomenclature updates resulting from the evolution of avian influenza A(H5) virus clades 2.1.3.2a, 2.2.1, and 2.3.4 during 2013–2014

Aim

The A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-like hemagglutinin (HA) genes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have continued to rapidly evolve since the most recent update to the H5 clade nomenclature by the WHO/OIE/FAO H5N1 Evolution Working Group. New clades diverging beyond established boundaries need to be identified and designated accordingly.

Method

Hemagglutinin sequences deposited in publicly accessible databases up to December 31, 2014, were analyzed by phylogenetic and average pairwise distance methods to identify new clades that merit nomenclature changes.

Results

Three new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 2·1·3·2a (Indonesia), 2·2·1 (Egypt), and 2·3·4 (widespread detection in Asia, Europe, and North America) that includes newly emergent HPAI virus subtypes H5N2, H5N3, H5N5, H5N6, and H5N8.

Conclusion

Continued global surveillance for HPAI A(H5) viruses in all host species and timely reporting of sequence data will be critical to quickly identify new clades and assess their potential impact on human and animal health.     

A novel highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus isolated from a wild duck in China

Migrating wild birds are considered natural reservoirs of influenza viruses and serve as a potential source of novel influenza strains in humans and livestock. During routine avian influenza surveillance conducted in eastern China, a novel H5N8 (SH‐9) reassortant influenza virus was isolated from a mallard duck in China. blast analysis revealed that the HA, NA, PB1, PA, NP, and M segments of SH‐9 were most closely related to the corresponding segments of A/duck/Jiangsu/k1203/2010 (H5N8). The SH‐9 virus preferentially recognized avian‐like influenza virus receptors and was highly pathogenic in mice. Our results suggest that wild birds could acquire the H5N8 virus from breeding ducks and spread the virus via migratory bird flyways.     

Evaluation of lateral flow devices for identification of infected poultry by testing swab and feather specimens during H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Vietnam

Please cite this paper as: Slomka et al. (2012) Evaluation of lateral flow devices for identification of infected poultry by testing swab and feather specimens during H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Vietnam. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 318–327. Background  Evaluation of two commercial lateral flow devices (LFDs) for avian influenza (AI) detection in H5N1 highly pathogenic AI infected poultry in Vietnam. Objectives Determine sensitivity and specificity of the LFDs relative to a validated highly sensitive H5 RRT PCR. Methods Swabs (cloacal and tracheal) and feathers were collected from 46 chickens and 48 ducks (282 clinical specimens) and tested by both LFDs and H5 RRT PCR. A subset of 59 chicken and 34 duck specimens was also tested by virus isolation (VI), the ‘gold standard’. Results Twenty‐six chickens and 15 ducks were shown to be infected by at least one RRT PCR positive clinical specimen per bird. Bird‐level sensitivity for the Anigen LFD was 84·6% for chickens and 53·3% for ducks, and for the Quickvue LFD 65·4% for chickens and 33·3% for ducks. Comparison of the three clinical specimens revealed that chicken feathers were the most sensitive with 84% and 56% sensitivities for Anigen and Quickvue respectively. All 21 RRT PCR positive swabs from ducks were negative by both LFDs. However, duck feather testing gave sensitivities of 53·3% and 33·3% for Anigen and Quickvue respectively. Specificity was 100% for both LFDs in all investigations. Conclusions Although LFDs were less sensitive than AI RRT PCR and VI, high titre viral shedding in H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infected and diseased chickens is sufficient for a proportion of birds to be identified as AI infected by LFDs. Feathers were the optimal specimen for LFD testing in such diseased HPAI scenarios, particularly for ducks where swab testing by LFDs failed to identify any infected birds. However, specimens should be forwarded to the laboratory for confirmation by more sensitive diagnostic techniques.     

Variation in protection of four divergent avian influenza virus vaccine seed strains against eight clade 2.2.1 and 2.2.1.1. Egyptian H5N1 high pathogenicity variants in poultry

Background

Highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) was introduced to Egyptian poultry in 2006 and has since become enzootic. Vaccination has been utilized as a control tool combined with other control methods, but for a variety of reasons, the disease has not been eradicated. In 2007, an antigenically divergent hemagglutinin subclade, 2.2.1.1, emerged from the original clade 2.2.1 viruses.

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate four diverse AIV isolates for use as vaccines in chickens, including two commercial vaccines and two additional contemporary isolates, against challenge with numerous clade 2.2.1 and clade 2.2.1.1 H5N1 HPAIV Egyptian isolates to assess the variation in protection among different vaccine and challenge virus combinations.

Methods

Vaccination-challenge studies with four vaccines and up to eight challenge strains with each vaccine for a total of 25 vaccination-challenge groups were conducted with chickens. An additional eight groups served as sham-vaccinated controls. Mortality, mean death time, morbidity, virus, and pre-challenge antibodies were evaluated as metrics of protection. Hemagglutination inhibition data were used to visualize the antigenic relatedness of the isolates.

Results and conclusions

Although all but one vaccine-challenge virus combination significantly reduced shed and mortality as compared to sham vaccinates, there were differences in protection among the vaccines relative to one another based on challenge virus. This emphasizes the difficulty in vaccinating against diverse, evolving virus populations, and the importance of selecting optimal vaccine seed strains for successful HPAIV control.     

Quantification of dust‐borne transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus between chickens

Please cite this paper as: Spekreijse et al. (2013) Quantification of dust‐borne transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus between chickens. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2) 132–138. Background Understanding the transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv) between poultry flocks is essential to prevent and control epidemics. Dust, produced in infected chicken flocks, has been hypothesized to be an important mechanical vector for between‐flock transmission of HPAIv. Objectives The aim of our study was to quantify the amount of virus shed by infected birds and its relation to deposition of virus in the environment and the rate of dust‐borne transmission between groups of chickens. Methods Four replicate experiments were performed, each replicate with two groups of 14 chickens housed in two separate rooms. In one group, chickens were inoculated with HPAIv. Ventilation forced the air from that room to the second (recipient) group through a tube. Deceased birds in the inoculated group were replaced with new susceptible birds up to day 10 p.i. Dust samples were collected daily. Trachea and cloaca swabs were collected daily to determine virus shedding and virus spread to the recipient group. Results The amount of virus detected in dust samples in the recipient room was, on average, 10^3·7 EID₅₀/m³. Virus transmission from the inoculated to the recipient group occurred in two experiments. The transmission rate parameter for dust‐borne transmission was estimated at 0·08 new infections/infectious chicken/day. Conclusions The results of this study are a first step to elucidate the importance of dust‐borne transmission of HPAIv between flocks and help interpret environmental samples.     

Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1

Please cite this paper as: Vela et al. (2012) Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 328–340. Background In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses caused outbreaks of disease in domestic poultry markets in Hong Kong. The virus has also been detected in infected poultry in Europe and Africa. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine administered with and without the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in ferrets challenged with HPAI (A/Vietnam/1203/04). Methods Animals in four of the five groups were vaccinated twice 21 days apart, with two doses of a heterologous monovalent subvirion vaccine with or without an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and challenged with a lethal target dose of A/Vietnam/1203/04. Results All animals vaccinated with the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant survived a lethal challenge of A/Vietnam/1203/04. Four of the eight animals vaccinated with 30 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived, while two of the eight animals vaccinated with 15 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived. None of the unvaccinated control animals survived challenge. Additionally, changes in virus recovered from nasal washes and post‐mortem tissues and serology suggest vaccine efficacy. Conclusions Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant.     

广州市人感染H7N9禽流感病毒高致病性变异株监测与基因进化分析

目的 通过对广州市人感染H7N9禽流感病毒高致病性变异株基因变异和进化特点进行分析,掌握本地区H7N9病毒病原学特点,为疾病防控提供参考。方法 选取2017年广州市人感染H7N9禽流感病毒阳性标本10份,提取核酸扩增HA、NA、M基因进行测序,通过生物信息学软件分析病毒重要蛋白突变情况和遗传进化特点。结果 广州地区H7N9禽流感病毒基因同源性差异较大,大部分毒株基因与广东毒株同源性最高,部分毒株基因与河南、内蒙古等地毒株同源性最高。监测到5株病毒为H7N9禽流感病毒高致病性变异株,部分病毒出现了HA蛋白Q226L的突变,提示对人呼吸道上皮细胞SAα-2, 6Gal受体结合能力增加。HA蛋白和NA蛋白上糖基化位点均有一定的增加和缺失突变。HA、NA和M1蛋白上毒力相关位点均突变增强。M2蛋白均呈现耐药突变,同时监测到2株高致病性突变株出现对神经氨酸酶抑制剂的耐药突变。遗传进化结果显示,HA基因和NA基因在华南和华东分支均有分布,M1基因进化特点相对复杂,分别与华南地区H9N2、H7N9病毒,及北方地区的H7N9病毒重组。结论 2017年广州地区发现2株对达菲耐药的人感染H7N9禽流感病毒高致病性变异株。H7N9禽流感病毒在广州地区不断发生进化重组,具有遗传多样性和复杂性,提示高致病性耐药株有向华南以外地区传播的风险。     

H7N9亚型禽流感病毒研究进展

H7N9亚型禽流感病毒(H7N9 AIV)是危害家禽养殖的主要病原体之一,其不仅制约家禽养殖业的健康发展,而且表现出对人类较强的传染性和较高的致死率,严重威胁公共卫生安全。2013年我国首次报道人类感染H7N9 AIV事件,病毒溯源发现家禽体内存在H7N9 AIV,但无明显症状。2017年,H7N9 AIV出现变异株,表现出对家禽的高致病性,随后我国推出H5/H7二价苗,并在全国实施家禽强制免疫接种,有效控制了H7N9 AIV在我国家禽中的流行以及人类感染事件的发生,成为我国控制人兽共患传染病的成功案例。由于我国家禽养殖和AIV的复杂性,全面和持续的流行病学监测对于H7N9禽流感的防控仍然至关重要。本文针对2013年至今H7N9 AIV的流行特征、遗传变异特点及疫苗研究等内容作简要论述,以期为禽流感的预防和控制提供参考。     

关于WHO 2005年以来高致病性H5N1禽流感病毒的临床和治疗进展

自1997年中国香港特别行政区报道首例人感染H5N1禽流感病毒以来,截至2008年9月10日,这场在禽类中史无前例地持续流行、造成了人类感染并具有高病死率的疫情已经波及到15个国家和地区,总发病387例,死亡245例,其中我国疫情30例,病死率超过60%,防控形势十分严峻.本文旨在整理分析2005年以来世界卫生组织和全球对禽流感病毒临床防治研究成果及人感染H5N1禽流感病例报道的最新信息,力求提供一个防治人禽流感方面的较为全面而清晰的介绍.     

Characterizing wild bird contact and seropositivity to highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus in Alaskan residents

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries.

Objectives

We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.

Methods

We enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain.

Results

Hunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1.

Conclusions

We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.     

安徽省阜阳市首例H5N1型人禽流感临床报告

目的了解人感染高致病性H5N1型禽流感流行病学和临床学特征及防治手段。方法对本院收治的1例人感染高致病性H5N1型禽流感病例的相关资料进行回顾性分析。结果患者为26岁年轻孕妇,有病、死家禽接触史,临床表现为以急性呼吸窘迫综合征为主的全身多器官功能障碍,治疗上采取了以机械通气为主的综合性措施,治愈出院。结果提高对人感染高致病性H5N1型禽流感诊断的警惕性,及早干预是降低病死率的关键环节。     

H5N1禽流感病毒感染孕鼠的研究

目的用H5N1禽流感病毒感染昆明孕鼠,检测病毒在感染孕鼠各组织脏器中的复制及分布情况,并证明病毒能否通过孕鼠的胎盘垂直传染给胎鼠。方法用虎源H5N1亚型禽流感病毒滴鼻感染妊娠10-12 d的昆明孕鼠,观察孕鼠感染后的临床症状。接种病毒后第3、4、5、6和7 d分别处死3只孕鼠,取孕鼠的肺、脑、脾、肾、子宫、胎盘及胎鼠,利用RT-PCR、Real-time PCR和病毒分离方法检测各组织中的病毒核酸和病毒滴度,并进行病理组织学与免疫组织化学检测。结果昆明孕鼠接种病毒后第3 d,即可在肺、脑、脾、肾、子宫及胎盘组织中检测出H5N1禽流感病毒核酸,并从子宫、胎盘分离出H5N1禽流感病毒;感染后第6 d,从胎鼠体内检测到病毒核酸并分离出H5N1禽流感病毒。结论H5N1亚型禽流感病毒可以感染孕鼠,在孕鼠子宫和胎盘复制,感染后期可通过胎盘屏障传给胎鼠。     

The infectivity of pandemic 2009 H1N1 and avian influenza viruses for pigs: an assessment by ex vivo respiratory tract organ culture*

Background Pigs are thought to act as intermediate hosts in the ecology of influenza viruses of both avian and human origin. The recent development of procedures for pig ex vivo respiratory organ explants has provided new tools for the assessment of influenza virus infection in pigs. Objectives To use pig ex vivo organ explants to assess the susceptibility of pigs to infection with contemporary viruses, for which there is evidence of human infection and that are thought to pose the greatest threat to pig and human populations. Methods Pig tracheal, bronchi and lung ex vivo organ explants were infected with both highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus and the pandemic H1N1 [A(H1N1)pdm/09] virus. Successful infection of explants was detected using a positive‐sense RNA real‐time RT‐PCR assay and anti‐nucleoprotein immunohistochemistry. The distribution of cell‐surface α2‐3‐ and α2‐6‐linked sialic acid receptors, the avian‐ and mammalian influenza A virus–preferred host receptors, respectively, was also characterised for the ex vivo organ cultures and uninfected pig material following necropsy. Results The α2‐3 and α2‐6 sialic acid receptor staining on tracheal, bronchi and lung organ explant sections showed similar distributions to those seen for pig tissue following necropsy. While the pig ex vivo organ cultures were susceptible to nearly all viruses tested, lower levels of virus were detected in trachea and bronchi after infection. Conclusion These results confirm that pigs are susceptible to contemporary viruses that may threaten both veterinary and human health and contribute to the ecology of influenza A viruses.