Epidemiological, phylogenetic, and pathogenicity analysis of H4 subtype avian influenza viruses in China, 2011-2022.

ABSTRACT: The H4 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) is prevalent worldwide, but only receives little attention due to its low pathogenicity in poultry. Consequently, it remains largely unclear whether H4 AIVs pose a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health. During the period from 2011 to 2022, we conducted an active surveillance programm. A total of 154,762 swab samples were collected across various provinces, and 427 H4 viruses were detected, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.28%. All H4 viruses were isolated from poultry, primarily from ducks in live poultry markets. We further investigated the genetic evolutionary characteristics and pathogenicity of 20 H4Nx viruses isolated in our program. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 20 H4Nx viruses belonged to the Eurasian li

SUBMITTER: Mao Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665402 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature