Novel reassortant highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza viruses in poultry in China

Infect Genet Evol. 2015 Apr:31:64-7. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.01.019. Epub 2015 Jan 31.

Abstract

We characterized two novel highly pathogenic H5N6 influenza viruses isolated from Chinese poultry in 2013. Genomic analysis showed that both isolates were reassortants, and derived their genes from H5 and H6 subtype viruses found in poultry in China. The virulence of the two isolates was examined in chickens and mice, and both isolates were found to be highly pathogenic in chickens and only moderately virulent for mice. Our results show that continued circulation of these viruses could endanger both avian species and humans.

Keywords: Avian influenza virus; China; H5N6; Poultry; Virus reassortment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chickens
  • China / epidemiology
  • Genes, Viral
  • Influenza A virus / classification*
  • Influenza A virus / genetics*
  • Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
  • Influenza in Birds / virology*
  • Mice
  • Multilocus Sequence Typing
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Poultry Diseases / epidemiology
  • Poultry Diseases / virology*
  • Reassortant Viruses*
  • Virulence