Host shifts and molecular evolution of H7 avian influenza virus hemagglutinin.

ABSTRACT: Evolutionary consequences of host shifts represent a challenge to identify the mechanisms involved in the emergence of influenza A (IA) viruses. In this study we focused on the evolutionary history of H7 IA virus in wild and domestic birds, with a particular emphasis on host shifts consequences on the molecular evolution of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene. Based on a dataset of 414 HA nucleotide sequences, we performed an extensive phylogeographic analysis in order to identify the overall genetic structure of H7 IA viruses. We then identified host shift events and investigated viral population dynamics in wild and domestic birds, independently. Finally, we estimated changes in nucleotide substitution rates and tested for positive selection in the HA gene. A strong association between the geogr

SUBMITTER: Lebarbenchon C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3141685 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature