Open AccessMigratory birds in southern Brazil are a source of multiple avian influenza virus subtypes
Author(s) -
Araujo Jansen,
Petry Maria Virgínia,
Fabrizio Thomas,
Walker David,
Ometto Tatiana,
Thomazelli Luciano M.,
Scherer Angelo L.,
Serafini Patricia P.,
Neto Isaac S.,
Krauss Scott,
Webster Robert G.,
Webby Richard J.,
Durigon Edison L.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12519
Subject(s) - biology , virus , influenza a virus subtype h5n1 , phylogenetic tree , virology , lineage (genetic) , influenza a virus , genome , phylogenetics , h5n1 genetic structure , avian influenza virus , zoology , gene , genetics , infectious disease (medical specialty) , covid-19 , disease , medicine , pathology
Background There is insufficient knowledge about the relation of avian influenza virus ( AIV ) to migratory birds in South America. Accordingly, we studied samples obtained over a 4‐year period (2009‐2012) from wild birds at a major wintering site in southern Brazil. Methods We obtained 1212 oropharyngeal/cloacal samples from wild birds at Lagoa do Peixe National Park and screened them for influenza A virus by RT ‐ PCR amplification of the matrix gene. Virus isolates were subjected to genomic sequencing and antigenic characterization. Results Forty‐eight samples of 1212 (3.96%) contained detectable influenza virus RNA . Partial viral sequences were obtained from 12 of these samples, showing the presence of H2N2 (1), H6Nx (1), H6N1 (8), H9N2 (1), and H12N5 (1) viruses. As H6 viruses predominated, we generated complete genomes from all 9 H6 viruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that they were most similar to viruses of South American lineage. The H6N1 viruses caused no disease signs in infected ferrets and, despite genetic differences, were antigenically similar to North American isolates. Conclusions Lagoa do Peixe National Park is a source of multiple AIV subtypes, with the levels of influenza virus in birds being highest at the end of their wintering period in this region. H6N1 viruses were the predominant subtype identified. These viruses were more similar to viruses of South American lineage than to those of North American lineage.