ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract The avian influenza virus (AIV) primarily affects birds and poses an increasing concern due to its growing adaptability to other hosts , heightening zoonotic risks . The adaptability is a key factor in AIV to infect multiple non-avian species, including humans , companion animals , aquatic mammals , carnivores , and other mammals. The virus is evolving through genetic mutations and reassortments , leading to the emergence of AIV strains with enhanced virulence and adaptability in mammals. This highlights the critical need to understand the genetic factors of AIV, including mutations in polymerase proteins , surface antigens , and other regulatory proteins, as well as the dynamics of AIV- host interactions and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, water salinity, and pH that govern the cross-species adaptability of the virus. This review provides comprehensive insights into the molecular/genetic changes AIV undergoes to adapt in mammalian hosts including bovines,...

Abstract The spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus among dairy cattle illustrates the adaptability of influenza A viruses (IAV) to infect non-traditional species . While IAV-specific sialic acid (SA) receptors have been identified in the mammary glands of dairy cattle , their presence in pigs, sheep, goats, and alpacas has not been studied until now. The zoonotic transmission of HPAI H5N1 to dairy and poultry farm workers during outbreaks raises public health concerns . This study employed lectin histochemistry to examine the mammary glands of livestock and humans . We found that these tissues were rich in SA α2,6-Gal receptors, followed by SA α2,3-Gal receptors , essential for IAV binding . Notably, the A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus could bind to mammary tissue from both cattle and pigs . These findings highlight the potential for HPAI H5N1 to infect and spread within the mammary glands of production animals and humans. Source: BioRxIV,  https://www.bior...