#Analysis of the Monophyletic #Lineage of Avian #Influenza #H5N1 Which Circulated in #Venezuelan #Birds During the 2022–2023 #Outbreak
Abstract Avian influenza subtype H5N1 has caused outbreaks worldwide since 1996, with the emergence of the Guandong lineage in China. The current clade 2.3.4.4b has evolved from this lineage, with increased virulence and mass mortality events in birds and mammals . The objective of this study was the analysis of 17 viral genomes of H5N1 avian influenza isolated in Venezuela during the 2022–2023 outbreak. The eight viral genomic segments were amplified using universal primers and sequenced via next-generation sequencing. The sequences were analyzed to confirm the H5 hemagglutinin clade , identify possible genetic reassortments , and perform a phylogenetic and docking analysis of the viral isolates. The viruses found in Venezuela belonged, as expected, to clade 2.3.4.4b and formed a monophyletic clade with North American influenza viruses , with no evidence of further reassortment. The introduction of the virus in South America is associated with bird migration through the Atlantic (Vene...