Active #Surveillance for Emerging #Influenza A Viruses – Findings from a #OneHealth Study in #Vietnam’s Live Bird #Markets
Highlights -- We conducted surveillance for influenza A viruses at live bird markets in northern Vietnam. -- Six different subtypes of influenza A virus were found co-circulating in the markets. -- Notable genetic mutations were found across many genes. -- These markets have great potential to generate new pandemic influenza A virus strains. Abstract Objectives Live bird markets (LBMs) in Asia have often been the source of human infections with avian influenza virus (AIV). Methods From July 2021 to August 2023, we employed a One Health approach in conducting periodic surveillance for novel influenza A viruses in five LBMs in northern Vietnam. Specimens were studied with egg culture, molecular assays, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing. Results We studied a total of 688 human, avian, and bioaerosol specimens . Among these, 118 ( 17.2% ) were found to have molecular evidence of AIVs . Next-generation sequencing of 92 isolates revealed multiple...