Molecular Characterization of Closely Related H6N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda.

Yavuz Mercan,Fred Wabwire-Mangen,Denis K Byarugaba,M Ekin Azbazdar,Qouilazoni A Ukuli,Ahmed E Kayed,Zeynep A Koçer,Gladys Atim,Richard J Webby,Pamela Mckenzie,Ghazi Kayali,Mariette F Ducatez,Adam Rubrum,Bernard Erima,Ahmed Kandeil,Titus Tugume,Mohamed A Ali

doi:10.3390/v13040607

Abstract

Genetic analysis of circulating avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds at different geographical regions during the same period could improve our knowledge about virus transmission dynamics in natural hosts, virus evolution as well as zoonotic potential. Here, we report the genetic and molecular characterization of H6N2 influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda during 2017–2018. The Egyptian and Turkish isolates were genetically closer to each other than they were to the virus isolated from Uganda. Our results also suggest that multiple reassortment events were involved in the genesis of the isolated viruses. All viruses contained molecular markers previously associated with increased replication and/or pathogenicity in mammals. The results of this study indicate that H6N2 viruses carried by migratory birds on the West Asian/East African and Mediterranean/Black Sea flyways have the potential to transmit to mammals including humans. Additionally, adaptation markers in these viruses indicate the potential risk for poultry, which also increases the possibility of human exposure to these viruses.

Highlights

IntroductionH6 influenza viruses are one of the most prevalent avian influenza viruses (AIVs) subtypes in migratory birds and poultry and have been detected in humans [5,6,7,8]
Mediterranean/Black Sea and West Asian/East African Flyways are two of the major migratory bird flyways covering most of Asia, Africa, and Europe
Turkey is located in the Mediterranean/Black Sea Flyway and contains several branches of the West Asian/East

Summary

Introduction

H6 influenza viruses are one of the most prevalent AIV subtypes in migratory birds and poultry and have been detected in humans [5,6,7,8]. After their first detection in turkeys in 1965, H6 viruses have been detected frequently in wild birds and poultry [5,6,7,8]. H6N2 viruses have been detected in poultry and wild aquatic birds in India and Egypt, respectively [7,8]. The H6N2 virus that was isolated from wild birds in Egypt contained molecular markers related to increased pathogenicity in mammals (in PB2, PB1-F2, M1, NS1), as well as amantadine resistance

Methods

Results

Conclusion