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Genetic Sequences of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Identified in a Person in Louisiana What to know -- CDC has sequenced the influenza viruses in specimens collected from the patient in Louisiana who was infected with, and became severely ill from HPAI A(H5N1) virus.  -- The genomic sequences were compared to other HPAI A(H5N1) sequences from dairy cows, wild birds and poultry , as well as previous human cases and were identified as the D1.1 genotype .  -- The analysis identified low frequency mutations in the hemagglutinin gene of a sample sequenced from the patient, which were not found in virus sequences from poultry samples collected on the patient’s property, suggesting the changes emerged in the patient after infection. Background This is a technical summary of an analysis of the genomic sequences of the viruses identified in two upper respiratory tract specimens from the patient who was severely ill from an infection with highly pathogenic avian infl...

Abstract Zoonotic infections (swine-human) caused by influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been reported and linked to close contact between these species . Here, we describe eight human IAV variant infections ( 6 mild and 2 severe cases , including 1 death ) detected in Paraná, Brazil , during 2020–2023. Genomes recovered were closely related to Brazilian swIAVs of three major lineages (1 A.3.3.2/ pdm09, 1B/human-like, and H3.1990.5), including three H1N1v, two H1N2v, two H3N2v and one H1v. Five H1v were closely related to pdm09 lineage , one H1v ( H1N2v ) grouped within 1B.2.3 clade, and the two H3v grouped within a clade composed exclusively of Brazilian H3 swIAV (clade H3.1990.5.1). Internal gene segments were closely related to H1N1pdm09 isolated from pigs . IAV variant rarely result in sustained transmission between people, however the potential to develop such ability is of concern and must not be underestimated. This study brings into focus the need for continuous influenza surveilla...

 A poultry farm in Lisboa Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6164 _____

 A poultry farm in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6165 _____

 Wild Anatidae birds in Hessen Region, Frankfurt am Main. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6166 _____

Abstract Introduction Pandemic influenza vaccine development focuses on the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen for potency and immunogenicity. Antibody responses targeting the neuraminidase (NA) antigen, or the HA stalk domain have been implicated in protection against influenza. Responses to the NA and HA-stalk domain following pandemic inactivated influenza are not well characterized in humans. Material and methods In a series of clinical trials , we determine the vaccines' NA content and demonstrate that NA inhibition (NAI) antibody responses increase in a dose-dependent manner following a 2-dose priming series with AS03-adjuvanted influenza A(H7N9) inactivated vaccine (A(H7N9) IIV). NAI antibody responses also increase with interval extension of the 2-dose priming series or following a 5-year delayed boost with a heterologous adjuvanted A(H7N9) IIV. Neither concomitant seasonal influenza vaccination given simultaneously or sequentially, nor use of heterologous A(H7N9) IIVs in the 2-dos...

Abstract Recent outbreaks of influenza A(H5N1) have affected many mammal species . We report serologic evidence of H5N1 virus infection in horses in Mongolia . Because H3N8 equine influenza virus is endemic in many countries, horses should be monitored to prevent reassortment between equine and avian influenza viruses with unknown consequences. Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/1/24-1266_article _____

  Antiviral Res GAO M, Zhang Z, Yao G, Zhang L, et al Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 2'-deoxy-2'-spirooxetane-7-deazapurine nucleoside analogs as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Antiviral Res. 2024 Dec 30:106060. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.106060. PubMed           Abstract available MERCURI FA, Anderson GP, Miller BE, Demaison C, et al Discovery and development of INNA-051, a TLR2/6 agonist for the prevention of complications resulting from viral respiratory infections. Antiviral Res. 2024 Dec 27:106063. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.106063. PubMed           Abstract available BMJ DYER C Psychiatrist is struck off after claiming covid-19 vaccines lacked effectiveness and safety data. BMJ. 2024;387:q2888. PubMed          Clin Chem RAGLOW Z, Lauring AS Virus Evolution in Prolonged Infections of Immunocompromised Individuals. Clin Chem. 20...

  Antiviral Res MAIA AR, Gonzalez L, Bounab B, Grassi L, et al Intranasal exposure to commensal bacterium Rothia mucilaginosa protects against influenza A virus infection. Antiviral Res. 2025 Jan 2:106076. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106076. PubMed           Abstract available Biochem Biophys Res Commun CULIAT C, Soni D, Malkes W, Wienhold M, et al NELL1 variant protein (NV1) modulates hyper-inflammation, Th-1 mediated immune response, and the HIF-1alpha hypoxia pathway to promote healing in viral-induced lung injury. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2025;744:151198. PubMed           Abstract available Cell PASQUESI GIM, Allen H, Ivancevic A, Barbachano-Guerrero A, et al Regulation of human interferon signaling by transposon exonization. Cell. 2024;187:7621-7636. PubMed           Abstract available J Neurosurg Pediatr LUNDY P, Barkley A, Rahman AKMF, A...

DOVER, Del. (January 5, 2025)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has returned results from the Kent County, Del. poultry farm that was announced presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza on January 3, 2025. The poultry affected had highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) of the Eurasian lineage 2.3.4.4b with early indications that the virus is the D1.1 genotype found in wild birds ; however, confirmation of the genotype is determined by sequencing. There is currently no timeline for the receipt of this data by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. All poultry farms in the state should be monitoring flocks for any signs of increased mortality. Producers should pay particular attention to whether birds show signs of respiratory illness or distress, such as sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and/or runny nose. Other signs of HPAI in poultry can include swelling around the eyes, neck, and head; purple discoloration of the wattles, ...

{Excerpt} In the 52nd week of 2024 ( December 23rd to December 29th ), respiratory samples from outpatient influenza-like cases and hospitalized severe acute respiratory infection cases collected in sentinel hospitals across the country (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) were tested for 10 viruses including the new coronavirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, common coronavirus, bocavirus, rhinovirus and enterovirus , as well as multiple respiratory pathogens including Mycoplasma pneumoniae. 1. Test results The pathogens detected positive in respiratory samples of influenza-like cases in outpatient and emergency departments of sentinel hospitals were mainly influenza virus, human metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus ; the pathogens detected positive in respiratory samples of hospitalized severe acute respiratory infection cases were mainly influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and human metapneumovirus . The specif...

Abstract In 2024, the highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 caused outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, cows, and other mammals in the United States with 61 human cases also reported by the CDC. Detection of influenza A H5 RNA in wastewater has been previously reported in sewersheds in Texas and North Carolina with nearby impacted dairy herds following the emergence of H5N1 in dairy cows. Here, we conduct retrospective testing of total influenza A and H5 hemagglutinin genes in wastewater as well presenting and applying new assays for detection of H1 and H3 genes across a respiratory virus season in an urban California sewershed from September 2023-May 2024. Total influenza A, H1, and H3 were regularly detected, while H5 was first detected in March . We developed a model that uses Monte Carlo simulations and previously published parameters to estimate numbers of infected people, poultry, wild birds, or liters of H5-contaminated milk required to result in measured H5 concentrations in wa...

Abstract Only 2 cases of human adenovirus type 14 (HAdV-14) have been reported in Japan since 1980. We report a 7-year-old girl with acute encephalopathy associated with HAdV-14 infection genetically similar to strains from the United States . The patient had not had contact with international travelers. HAdV-14 surveillance should be strengthened in Japan. Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal,  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-1168_article _____

 {Summary} Swine influenza virus (SIV) is a highly contagious pathogen that poses significant economic challenges to the swine industry and carries zoonotic potential , underscoring the need for vigilant surveillance. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genetic and molecular analysis of H3N2 SIV isolates obtained from 372 swine samples collected in Shandong Province, China . Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct genotypes . The surface genes of both genotypes clustered with the human-like H3N2 lineage , while the internal genes of one genotype clustered with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdm/09) lineage . In the second genotype, the NS gene clustered with the classical swine (CS) H1N1 lineage , while the remaining internal genes clustered with pdm/09, suggesting stable integration of pdm/09 gene segments into H3N2 SIV. Homology analysis showed over 96% genetic similarity between the isolates and reference strains from China and Brazil , suggesting potential transmission thr...

 {Excerpt} Time Period: December 22 - December 28, 2024 -- H5 Detection : 44 sites ( 18.6% ) -- No Detection : 192 sites ( 81.4% ) -- No samples in last week : 150 sites (...) Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/wwd-h5.html _____

{Excerpt} DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2025) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced this morning that preliminary testing of a commercial broiler flock in Kent County , Del., has returned presumptive positive H5 from the University of Delaware’s Lasher Laboratory in Georgetown, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Additional samples have been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for further confirmation. State officials have quarantined the affected premises , and the birds on the property are being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system. Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus can be spread from flock to flock, including flocks of wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, equipment, and the clothing and shoes of ca...

Backyard reared non-poultry birds in Rheinland-Pfalz Region. Source: WOAH,  https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6149 _____

Abstract A switch from avian-type α-2,3 to human-type α-2,6 receptors is an essential element for the initiation of a pandemic from an avian influenza virus . Some H9N2 viruses exhibit a preference for binding to human-type α-2,6 receptors . This identifies their potential threat to public health . However, our understanding of the molecular basis for the switch of receptor preference is still limited. In this study, we employed the random forest algorithm to identify the potentially key amino acid sites within hemagglutinin (HA), which are associated with the receptor binding ability of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV). Subsequently, these sites were further verified by receptor binding assays. A total of 12 substitutions in the HA protein (N158D, N158S, A160N, A160D, A160T, T163I, T163V, V190T, V190A, D193N, D193G, and N231D) were predicted to prefer binding to α-2,6 receptors . Except for the V190T substitution, the other substitutions were demonstrated to display an affinity for pr...

Abstract Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is known for its virulence and zoonotic potential, infecting birds and mammals , thus raising public health concerns. Since 2021 its spread among birds has led to cross-species transmission causing epizootics among mammals, eventually impacting fur animal farms in Finland in 2023. To analyze the infectivity of the Finnish H5N1 isolates in human cells , representatives of diverse H5N1 isolates were selected based on the genetic differences, host animal species, and the year of occurrence. The infection kinetics of the selected H5N1 isolates from wild pheasant and fox , and fur animals blue fox and white mink were examined in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) with H5N1 human isolate as a control. Although the isolate from pheasant (a wild bird) showed weakly reduced replication and viral protein expression in human cells compared to mammalian isolates, no discernible differences in virus replication in moDCs was observed...

ABSTRACT The current situation with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) is causing a worldwide concern due to multiple outbreaks in wild birds, poultry, and mammals. Moreover, multiple zoonotic infections in humans have been reported. Importantly, HPAI H5N1 viruses with genetic markers of adaptation to mammals have been detected. Together with HPAI H5N1, avian influenza viruses H7N9 (high and low pathogenic) stand out due to their high mortality rates in humans . This raises the question of how prepared we are serologically and whether seasonal vaccines are capable of inducing protective immunity against these influenza subtypes. An observational study was conducted in which sera from people born between years 1925–1967, 1968–1977, and 1978–1997 were collected before or after 28 days or 6 months post-vaccination with an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine. Then, hemagglutination inhibition, viral neutralization, and immunoassays were performed to assess the basal pro...