Analysis of avian influenza A (H3N8) viruses in poultry and their zoonotic potential, China, September 2021 to May 2022.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundTwo human cases of avian influenza A (H3N8) virus infection were reported in China in 2022.AimTo characterise H3N8 viruses circulating in China in September 2021-May 2022.MethodsWe sampled poultry and poultry-related environments in 25 Chinese provinces. After isolating H3N8 viruses, whole genome sequences were obtained for molecular and phylogenetic analyses. The specificity of H3N8 viruses towards human or avian receptors was assessed in vitro. Their ability to replicate in chicken and mice, and to transmit between guinea pigs was also investigated.ResultsIn total, 98 H3N8 avian influenza virus isolates were retrieved from 38,639 samples; genetic analysis of 31 representative isolates revealed 17 genotypes. Viruses belonging to 10 of these genotypes had six internal genes origi

SUBMITTER: Cui P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10571489 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature