Spreading of the High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5N1) Virus of Clade 2.3.4.4b into Uruguay.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Avian influenza viruses (genus Alphainfluenzavirus, family Orthomyxoviridae) infect avian and mammal hosts. In 2022, the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (H5N1) spread to South America, resulting in the loss of thousands of wild birds, including endangered species, and severely impacting the global poultry industry.

Objectives

We analyzed the complete genomes of influenza viruses obtained from wild birds and backyard poultry in Uruguay between February and May 2023.

Methods

Twelve complete genomes were obtained in 2023 from cloacal swabs using Illumina sequencing. Genomes were phylogenetically analyzed with regional and global strains.

Findings

The identified strains have multiple basic amino acids at the hemagglutinin cleavage

SUBMITTER: Marandino A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10536905 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature