Evolutional dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 genotypes in wintering bird habitats: Insights from South Korea's 2020-2021 season.

ABSTRACT: The winter of 2020-2021 in South Korea witnessed severe outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses, specifically multiple genotypes of the H5N8 subtype. These outbreaks prompted an extensive investigation into the genetic characteristics and evolutionary dynamics of these viruses. Under the auspices of the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention (NIWDC), we conducted a nationwide surveillance program, collecting 7588 specimens from diverse wild bird habitats. Influenza A viruses were isolated at a rate of 5.0%, with HPAI H5N8 viruses accounting for 38.5% of isolates, predominantly found in wild bird carcasses (97.3%). Genetic analysis revealed the emergence of novel HPAI genotypes due to genetic reassortment events. G1 and G2 viruses were separately

SUBMITTER: Si YJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10995977 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature