#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (AMEDEO, August 1 '26)

 

Arch Virol

1. LEE K, An SH, Heo GB, Lee YJ, et al
   Genomic characterization of H6N1 avian influenza viruses from wild birds and domestic ducks in the republic of Korea and Mongolia (2022-2024).
   Arch Virol. 2026;171:238.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Biochem Soc Trans

2. MADDUMAGE JC, Dow GR, Murdolo LD, Liwei Leong S, et al
   Deciphering influenza B virus-derived peptides and their presentation by HLA class I molecules.
   Biochem Soc Trans. 2026;54:1021-1052.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMC Pediatr

3. IBRAHIM HM, Mansour MGE, Zaitoun R, Rushdy M, et al
   HLA-B class I allele associations with neurological complications in pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective observational study.
   BMC Pediatr. 2026;26:691.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   Epidemiol Infect

4. NAQVI OH, Wendelboe AM, Beasley WH, Tyungu DL, et al
   Epidemiological characteristics of paediatric COVID-19 and influenza co-infections in the United States, 2020-2024.
   Epidemiol Infect. 2026;154:e105.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Immunol

5. CHEUNG MW, Choi JD, Stempak JM, Chandran V, et al
   T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with anti-cytokine biologics.
   J Immunol. 2026;215:vkag173.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
6. NELSON SA, Rattan A, Marathe B, White CL, et al
   Distinct kinetic features of innate and adaptive responses in influenza A versus influenza B-infected mice.
   J Immunol. 2026;215:vkag196.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Infect

7. SANZ-MUNOZ I, Ciria-Gil CJ, Hernandez M, Santiago C, et al
   Pre-existing and Cross-Reactive Immunity to Avian Influenza H5N1 in Humans: Implications for Pandemic Risk and Vaccine Strategies.
   J Infect. 2026 Jul 30:106822. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106822.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   J Virol

8. MCCAFFREY KD, Esfahani BG, Elbehairy MA, McCormick AL, et al
   Molecular basis for protection and cross-protection by human antibodies targeting the parainfluenza virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein.
   J Virol. 2026 Jul 31:e0050226. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00502.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   
9. CHEN X, Yan J, Li M, Liu H, et al
   c-Fos enhances influenza virus replication by stabilizing the M2 protein and promoting autophagosome accumulation.
   J Virol. 2026 Jul 27:e0091626. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00916.
   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   JAMA

10. BAUDIN F, Pouyau R, Subtil F, Jarrasse C, et al
    Prone Positioning in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis: The PROPOSITIS Randomized Clinical Trial.
    JAMA. 2026;336:315-322.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Pediatrics

11. YI Y, Edwards F, Wakefield S, Wildeman C, et al
    Child Welfare System Involvement in the United States: 2016-2023.
    Pediatrics. 2026;158:e2025074635.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
12. MORENO-PEREZ D, Catalan-Fernandez E, Croche-Santander B, Rios-Hurtado JM, et al
    Nirsevimab and Hospitalization for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection During the Second Season.
    Pediatrics. 2026;158:e2025075562.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS Comput Biol

13. XU R, Ghaffarzadegan N, Zhang G, Aoki G, et al
    Population-level behavioral and structural drivers of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the US.
    PLoS Comput Biol. 2026;22:e1013988.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
14. BEAULIEU M, Hoze N, Vieillefond V, Goetschy T, et al
    Quantitative analysis of massive SARS-CoV-2 testing in the community in France in 2021-2022 reveals the associations of variant, vaccination, and age with viral dynamics in symptomatic individuals.
    PLoS Comput Biol. 2026;22:e1013811.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS One

15. ZHU K, Barberio J, Tsao N, Mor A, et al
    Trends in the incidence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and multiple sclerosis before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in a US claims database.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0355103.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
16. BRANNON GE, Chatterjee K, Jang CY, Markham Shaw C, et al
    Perceptions of Spanish-language COVID-19 video messaging among the Hispanic community: A qualitative study in the United States of America.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0339634.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
17. NELSON AK, Everett M, Smith R, Rogers L, et al
    Death by incarceration: Detention duration, overdose, and COVID-19 in Los Angeles County Jails, 2008-2023.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0351332.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
18. CASTRO MONTEIRO F, Luiza C Wuillaume M, Linhares Veloso Filho C, Figueiredo K, et al
    Identifying cluster profiles based on barriers and facilitators to physical activity during COVID-19 confinement: A cross-sectional study using machine learning analysis.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0354036.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
19. SUN L, Jiang Z, Chen Y, Han M, et al
    Exploring the mechanism of Shuangyu Granule in regulating immune-inflammatory responses in influenza through UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS, GC-MS, and network target analysis.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0353259.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
20. ROY SS, Nguyen NT, Zuniga A, Sarhaddi F, et al
    Mission imputable: Effects of missing data processing on infectious disease detection and prognosis.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0320105.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
21. ABUSKA D, Dikme O, Dikme O, Yurttas TT, et al
    Age-stratified prognostic performance of hematologic inflammatory indices for 30-day mortality in emergency department patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19: A cohort study from the pre-vaccination pandemic era.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0354809.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
22. CALLAGHAN CW
    Cultural tightness and scientific capacity: A cross-national study of their synergistic and conflicting roles in COVID-19 pandemic outcomes.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0330983.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
23. KEBEDE M, Kusheta G, Jemal M, Abdurehman K, et al
    Determinants of parental traditional medicine use for children during COVID-19 in Dire Dawa city administration, Eastern Ethiopia, 2023/24: Mixed community based cross-sectional study design.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0354889.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
24. LIM MS, Park C, Lee E, Ko SY, et al
    A multiplex dual-probe RT-LAMP assay for rapid subtype-specific detection of respiratory syncytial virus A and B.
    PLoS One. 2026;21:e0354914.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

25. HAN AX, Hulme KD, Russell CA
    The global demand and potential public health impact of oral antiviral treatment stockpile for influenza pandemics.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2524161123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
26. GERVAIS A, Marchal A, Maillard A, Le Voyer T, et al
    High risk of hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia in myasthenia gravis patients with type I IFN autoantibodies.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2026;123:e2518581123.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    Vaccine

27. LIU B, Li F, Yang Y, Tu H, et al
    In-depth monitoring of host cell proteins in influenza vaccines throughout multi-step purification processes.
    Vaccine. 2026;88:128957.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
28. KOSTANYAN L, Fukase H, Rumyantsev A, Hashizume K, et al
    Immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety of an mRNA-based seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 multicomponent vaccine, mRNA-1083, in adults aged >/=50 years in Japan.
    Vaccine. 2026;88:128961.
    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    
29. WEI Z, Feng X, Sun Q, Chen D, et al
    Factors affecting parental practices and attitudes toward influenza vaccination for children in China.
    Vaccine. 2026;88:128988.
    PubMed         Abstract available

#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 31 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: July 19, 2026 - July 25, 2026

    -- A(H5) Detection: 4 site(s) (0.9%)

    -- No Detection: 427 site(s) (99.1%)

    -- No samples: 81 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

__

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

____

Pre-existing and Cross-Reactive #Immunity to Avian #Influenza #H5N1 in #Humans: Implications for #Pandemic #Risk and Vaccine Strategies

 

Highlights

    ° Evidence of cross-reactive antibodies to H5N1 in humans.

    ° Seasonal influenza may induce partial H5N1 cross-protection.

    ° H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b shows expanded host range and spread.

    ° Role of viral glycoproteins in immune cross-reactivity.

    ° Implications of baseline immunity for H5N1 pandemic risk.

Abstract

Due to the continuous evolution of Influenza A viruses (IAVs), novel strains with efficient human-to-human transmission may emerge and cause future pandemics. Among these, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 remains a major concern because of its impact on wildlife, livestock, and human health. The widespread circulation of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, detected in hundreds of bird species and numerous mammals worldwide, highlights important changes in viral ecology and transmission, increasing its zoonotic and pandemic potential. This review summarizes current evidence on cross-reactive and cross-protective immunity to H5N1 in humans, focusing primarily on humoral immune responses. We examine the presence of pre-existing H5N1-reactive antibodies in individuals without known exposure and discuss how previous seasonal influenza infection or vaccination may contribute to their development. Particular attention is given to antibodies targeting conserved regions of hemagglutinin (HA), especially the stalk domain, as well as neuraminidase (NA), which may provide heterosubtypic protection. We also evaluate the ability of seasonal influenza vaccines and infections to induce cross-reactive responses against H5N1 and their potential role in partial protection or immune priming. Finally, we review current and emerging H5N1 vaccination strategies, including adjuvanted and mRNA-based platforms, and identify priorities for surveillance, population immunity assessment, and the development of broadly protective influenza vaccines.

Source: 

Link: https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(26)00148-9/fulltext

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Estimating the #infection #fatality #ratio of zoonotic avian #influenza viruses with #pandemic potential using an evolutionary epidemiological model

 

Abstract

The risk of zoonotic avian influenza (AIV) infection to humans is challenging to estimate as many human avian influenza virus infections are undetected because infections may be asymptomatic, symptomatic but not tested, and difficult to identify through contact tracing, as human-to-human transmission is rare. We derive equations that consider the evolutionary mechanisms that give rise to pandemics and are parameterized to be consistent with records of past pandemics. We estimate that thousands of human infections with AIVs possessing pandemic potential occur worldwide in an average year. Combining these estimates with H5N1 fatality data, we estimate a historical average infection fatality ratio of 32 (95% uncertainty interval: 9.6-75) deaths per 10,000 infections. This estimate is comparable to SARS-CoV-2 during the recent pandemic and higher than seasonal human influenza. We estimate that preventing animal-to-human influenza spillovers would delay pandemic emergence by several years. Preventing human infections with AIVs is necessary given the high risk of severe outcomes to individuals and to reduce the risk of pandemics occurring in the future.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.01.21.26344526v3

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#Germany - High pathogenicity avian #influenza #H5N1 viruses (Inf. with) (#poultry) - Immediate notification

 

A poultry farm in the Niedersachsen Region.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7738

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#Seroprevalence of #Influenza #H5N1 Virus in Domestic #Cats at Epicenter of Dairy #Cattle #Outbreaks, #California, #USA, 2024–2026

 

Abstract

We conducted a serologic study of domestic cats near the epicenter of the dairy cattle outbreaks of influenza A(H5N1) in California, USA. Three of the 12 cats sampled within 2 km of farms had neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 virus. Proximity to dairy farms was a statistically significant risk factor for seropositivity.

Source: 

Link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/32/9/26-0785_article

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#Mutations in severe #human #H5N1 cases facilitate #evasion from human mucus and #antivirals

 

Abstract

In late 2024, two individuals in Canada and the United States were treated in intensive care for acute respiratory distress caused by infection with the avian Influenza A Virus H5N1 2.3.4.4b genotype D1.1. Viral sequence data obtained from sampling these patients indicated mixed alleles at haemagglutinin (HA) positions 190 and 226. Mutations at these positions are key determinants of HA usage of α2,6-linked sialic acids (SA), the most abundant influenza receptors in human upper respiratory tracts. Thus, these mutations raised concerns about human adaptation and pandemic potential of the H5N1 virus. In this study, we investigated the impact of the mutations at residues 190 and 226 in H5 HA. We studied the receptor binding properties, cell entry phenotypes and fitness impacts of the mutations using recombinant proteins, pseudotyped lentiviruses, and in the context of influenza viruses using reverse genetics. The mutations did not confer any detectable α2,6-linked sialic acid receptor usage either alone or in combination. Rather, viruses carrying these mutations exhibit weakened binding towards α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors. This correlated with an enhanced capacity to evade human airway mucus, and a reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir and zanamivir. This research underscores that in addition to the way HA interacts with SA as entry receptors, other factors that impact the HA/NA balance might influence the evolutionary trajectory of a zoonotic virus in the human respiratory tract. This study presents a new paradigm for the evolutionary drivers of HA, where reduced sialic acid binding can serve as an advantage for escape from host barriers and antivirals.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

Medical Research Council, https://ror.org/03x94j517, MR/Y03368X/1, MR/Y015061/1, CC2127

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, BB/Y007298/1, APP104179, BBS/E/PI/23NB000, BBS/E/PI/23NB0003

Wellcome Trust, https://ror.org/029chgv08, CC2127, 218304/Z/19/Z

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, BB/Y007298/1

The Pirbright Institute, BBS/E/PI/230002A, BBS/E/PI/230001C, BBS/E/PI/230002B

Cancer Research UK, CC2127

UK Research and Innovation, https://ror.org/001aqnf71, UKRI3602

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.28.740943v1

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Avian #Influenza #Report: July 19 25, '26 (Wk 30) (HK CHP, July 28 '26): Three new #human #infection with #H9N2 virus in #China

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

Avian influenza A(H9N2): 

{China}

    ° Guangdong Province: 

        § A 44-year-old man with onset on June 26, 2026. 

    ° Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: 

        § A four-year-old boy with onset on June 26, 2026.  

    ° Jiangsu Province: 

        § A four-year-old boy with onset on June 22, 2026. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/2026_avian_influenza_report_vol22_wk30.pdf

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HPAI #H5N1 #risk in #Australia: a model for the prediction of #poultry #outbreaks

 

Abstract

The panzootic highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has now been detected on the Australian mainland, with incursions from the sub-Antarctic region posing an increasing threat to domestic wildlife and poultry populations. Our study aimed to predict the risk of HPAI H5N1 poultry outbreaks across Australia at the local government area (LGA) level using a range of influential risk factors. We first used a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to estimate the environmental suitability for HPAI H5N1 occurrence across Australia. The resulting suitability layer was then integrated with five additional predictor layers, including abundance data for two Southern Ocean wild birds, one of which has introduced HPAI H5N1 into Australia; abundance data for 28 native Australian wild birds; native bird flyways across Australia; Australian chicken density; and poultry farm density. The six layers were aggregated and averaged to generate an HPAI H5N1 risk map for poultry outbreaks across Australian LGAs. Although most incursions have occurred in Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), we identified New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) as having the highest predicted risk of HPAI H5N1 poultry outbreaks. Additional high-risk areas were identified in WA, SA, and Tasmania (TAS). In contrast, the Northern Territory (NT) and large parts of Queensland (QLD), WA, and SA were predicted to be at low risk. These findings provide a spatially explicit framework to support targeted surveillance, preparedness, and biosecurity measures aimed at mitigating the impact of future HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in Australian poultry.

Competing Interest Statement

CR MacIntyre is funded by NHMRC and Medical Research Futures Fund and is Founding Director of EPIWATCH Global Pty Ltd.

Funder Information Declared

NHMRC, CRM funded by NHMRC Investigator Grant 2016907

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.27.740638v1

____

#H5N1 #influenza binding and cell entry via #human class II #MHC, and blocking by cross-reactive #antibodies

 

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses are currently responsible for a multi-species outbreak affecting wild birds, poultry, numerous mammalian species, and humans. Influenza A viruses typically initiate infection through binding to sialic acid, although select bat and human influenza viruses can also exploit class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC–II) molecules for cell entry. Here we show that emerging H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses, but not historical H5 lineages, bind human MHC–II HLA-DR and mediate sialic acid-independent cell entry. Hemagglutinin binding to primary human immune cells varies with MHC–II expression and is further shaped by HLA–DR allelic variation, identifying host genetic determinants that may influence susceptibility to infection. Mammalian-adaptive substitutions within the hemagglutinin sialic acid receptor-binding domain reduce MHC–II binding, suggesting this interaction is remodeled during clade 2.3.4.4b H5 adaptation to a human host. Lastly, cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies isolated from clade 2.3.4.4b H5–naive humans can block the hemagglutinin–MHC–II interaction. These findings identify a previously unrecognized receptor pathway in contemporary H5N1 viruses and reveal that both human genetic variation and pre-existing humoral immunity can modulate this interaction, with implications for host range, cellular tropism, spillover risk, and therapeutic intervention.

Competing Interest Statement

S.D.B. has consulted for Regeneron, Sanofi, Novartis, Genentech, Pfizer, Visterra, and Otsuka on topics unrelated to the research presented here; owns stock in AbCellera Biologics; and is a scientific cofounder of Immunera, Inc.; S.E.H reports receiving consulting fees from Sanofi, Pfizer, Lumen, Novavax, and Merck.

Funder Information Declared

NIH/NIAID CEIRR contract, 75N93021C00015

NIH, 1U54CA260517

HIPC, U19AI057266

P01 grant, 5P01AI153559

David Crown Foundation endowment

Early Postdoc Mobility Fellowship Stipend from the Swiss

National Institutes of Health NRSA T32, T32OD011121

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.22.739677v1

____

#Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Research #References (AMEDEO, July 25 '26)

 

Ann Intern Med

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   PubMed         Abstract available
   
   

   
   BMC Pediatr

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   J Infect Dis

4. ZHOU W
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19. GRAIS RF
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    PubMed         Abstract available
    
    

    
    PLoS One

20. CHURCHILL BF, Gao XS, Rong R
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Mapping Reported Modes of #Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5N1 to #Humans: A Scoping Review

 

Abstract

Background

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (subtype H5N1) poses a threat to human health, and its pandemic potential emphasizes the need to better understand detailed reported transmission pathways to humans. Existing literature is outdated or lacks detailed, comprehensive analysis of the range of transmission routes and how the virus may enter the human body.

Objective

To comprehensively map all reported H5N1 transmission pathways to humans, as well as viral entry routes.

Methods

CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, grey literature, and reference lists (of included studies) were searched up to October 29th, 2025, with no language restrictions. Observational studies and grey literature reporting H5N1 transmission evidence to humans were included. Two reviewers conducted duplicate screening independently (two of three reviewers per record). One reviewer completed data extraction, which was cross-verified for accuracy by a second. Findings were summarized narratively.

Results

120 sources met inclusion criteria (70 studies, 50 grey literature). Reported H5N1 transmission pathways were classified into animal-to-human (109 of 120 sources, 90.8%; including poultry-to-human in 100 sources [83.3%] and cattle-to-human in nine sources [7.5%]), environment-to-human (32 of 120 sources, 26.7%), and human-to-human (14 of 120 sources, 11.7%). Reported transmission pathways were further classified as direct or indirect contact, synthesized, and linked to suspected routes of human entry, including mucosal entry (eyes, nose, mouth), inhalation of aerosols or droplets, ingestion, and percutaneous exposure. Entry routes are biologically plausible and do not imply relative likelihood or causal attribution.

Conclusions

There are multiple reported pathways of H5N1 exposure, and a single pathway may involve multiple ways to infect humans. Further research is needed to determine causal mechanisms, identify specific risk factors and measures of association, and strengthen evidence-based prevention strategies.

Source: 

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235277142600176X?via%3Dihub

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#USA, #Wastewater Data for Avian #Influenza #H5 (CDC, July 24 '26)

 

{Excerpt}

(...)

A(H5) detections in the past week

Time Period: July 12, 2026 - July 18, 2026

    ° A(H5) Detection: 10 site(s) (2.4%)

    ° No Detection: 414 site(s) (97.6%)

    ° No samples: 89 site(s)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/wastewater/emerging-viruses/h5.html?

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#Ecuador - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification [FINAL]

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Manuel González Olaechea y Franco - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12026471

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These occurrences were detected through passive surveillance conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy along the entire coast of mainland Ecuador.

{Peruvian Pelican} Wild bird population in situ in Guayas Province (bird morbidity history). Out of eight birds, one tested positive.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7717

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#Oseltamivir #Resistance in #Human #Influenza #H5N1 and #H7N9 Infections: A Mini Review

 

Abstract

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have been reported to cause infections in humans following avian-to-human transmission, resulting in a range of clinical outcomes. A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infections, which constitute the majority of human AIV cases, are responsible for severe infections leading to high mortality. The neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir is expected to play a major role for the control of AIV infections in humans. However, the emergence of resistance may compromise the impact of antiviral therapy. The objective of this article is to review human cases of A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) infections for which mutations of oseltamivir resistance were detected. Neuraminidase mutations rapidly occurred in a subtype-specific manner, with H274Y and N294S substitutions predominating in A(H5N1) cases and the R292K substitution in A(H7N9) cases. Serious clinical outcomes and mortality were seen in most A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) cases despite oseltamivir therapy, thus highlighting the need for improving antiviral strategies against these AIVs.

Source: 

Link: https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/13/7/ofag393/8722865

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Evolving #dynamics of #H5Nx avian #influenza in #China revealed by long-term wild bird #surveillance

 

Abstract

H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses pose persistent threats to poultry, wildlife, and public health. Over the past two decades, their geographic and host ranges have expanded across migratory networks whose epidemiological connectivity has become increasingly apparent through recent surveillance and genomic analyses. To elucidate these dynamics, we conduct long-term nationwide wild-bird surveillance in China, integrating active and passive monitoring. Our analyses reveal the maintenance, reassortment, and transmission of H5Nx viruses in wild birds, highlighting the value of sustained surveillance in capturing viral evolution. We identify distinct ecological patterns among major clades, with 2.3.4.4b showing the widest distribution and acting as the main lineage mediating intercontinental spread. Since 2020, most 2.3.4.4b viruses detected in wild birds in China have clustered with lineages originating outside China, consistent with repeated reintroduction rather than sustained local circulation. This shift underscores the growing role of migratory connectivity in shaping global viral exchange and the need for coordinated international active surveillance.

Source: 

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-76039-9

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#Mexico - #Influenza A #H7N3 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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By Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnwWildlife - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150451071

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    ° As a result of efforts to promote reporting, an outbreak of HPAI H7N3 was detected in a wild bird in the State of Chiapas. 

    ° Active epidemiological surveillance continues nationwide in commercial poultry farms, backyard flocks, and slaughterhouses, as well as monitoring of wild birds.

    ° A wild bird {a Plain chachalaca} that was not part of the zoo's collection, found in the vicinity of the zoo.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7716

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#Geographic Concentration of #Genomic #Surveillance for Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza #H5, South #Asia, 2015-2025

 

Abstract

Early detection of mammalian adaptation in highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) depends on genomic surveillance, yet its distribution across high-burden regions is poorly characterized. We quantified open-access (GenBank/INSDC) H5 genomic coverage relative to reported outbreak burden across nine South Asian countries during 2015-2025, linking isolates to FAO EMPRES-i/WOAH events. Of 919 H5 isolates, 814 (89%) came from one country (Bangladesh); the other eight contributed 105. India, with the largest burden (322 events), yielded only 42 isolates (13 per 100); Nepal, 2 of 78; Afghanistan, none of 5. Concentration was extreme (Gini 0.83) and unchanged by adding restricted GISAID records (1,297 combined isolates; Bangladesh 89%) or by normalizing to poultry or human population. Because reported outbreaks track reporting effort, these coverage ratios are directional, not rates. This single-country dependency, deepest where burden is highest, is a regional early-warning vulnerability.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Source: 

Link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.26358505v1

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Within- and between-host #dynamics of highly pathogenic avian #influenza in domestic #birds from #Pennsylvania #farms and live bird #markets

 

Abstract

Since late 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI) of the H5 subtype clade 2.3.4.4b have spread across the Americas, devastating wildlife, agricultural animals, and resulting in dozens of human spillovers. National surveillance strategies generally provide only a single representative sequence per poultry outbreak, precluding fine-scale geographic transmission inference or studies of within-outbreak evolution. We produced high-quality deep sequence data from 46 infected Galliformes and Anseriformes sampled from commercial farm and live bird market (LBM) outbreaks in Pennsylvania from 2023-2025. We found that H5N1 viruses were introduced into Pennsylvania at least 68 independent times. We recover independent origins of live bird market outbreaks within the same county 3 weeks apart, and transmission between Pennsylvania LBM and New York commercial birds, suggesting high transmission risk within the Northeast live bird market distribution system. Analyses of within-farm variant populations show frequent variant sharing between samples from the same outbreak, suggesting that variants are propagated among epidemiologically linked infections. We identified 9 known adaptive mutations in these samples, including one instance of PB2 D701N in a LBM chicken sample, suggesting that while rare, concerning mammalian adaptive mutations can be present within these domestic outbreaks. Our data suggest that domestic bird outbreaks support high circulating diversity and wide transmission bottlenecks, increasing the risk of minority variants arising and propagating between infections. These data can help inform targeted biosecurity measures and better quantify the risk of viral adaptation during agricultural outbreaks.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funder Information Declared

NIAID, NIH 75N93021C00015

Pew Charitable Trusts

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.17.739193v1

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A lethal #human #H5N5 #influenza virus isolate exhibits low #pandemic #risk traits

 

Abstract

In fall of 2025, a fatal infection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N5 occurred. To define the risk of this emerging virus to humans, we performed a comprehensive analysis based on our established triage. Serological analysis revealed that humans across all birth years had no detectable neutralizing antibodies to this H5N5 isolate. Further characterization revealed a lack of phenotypic signatures associated with epidemiologically successful influenza viruses in humans, including reduced replication in human airway cells and an avian-like pH of inactivation. Additionally, assessment of H5N5 in ferrets revealed a lack of direct contact transmission and moderate disease severity. H5N5 infection in ferrets with prior immunity against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain resulted in fewer clinical signs and reduced viral shedding. Together our data suggest that the current H5N5 HPAI lineage poses a low pandemic risk.

Source: 

Link: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.739507v1

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