One health, multiple challenges: The inter-species transmission of influenza A virus

Kirsty R Short,Mathilde Richard,Josanne H Verhagen,Debby Van Riel,Eefje J.A Schrauwen,Judith M.A Van Den Brand,Benjamin Mänz,Rogier Bodewes,Sander Herfst

doi:10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.03.001

Kirsty R Short, Mathilde Richard + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.03.001

Copy DOI

Abstract

Influenza A viruses are amongst the most challenging viruses that threaten both human and animal health. Influenza A viruses are unique in many ways. Firstly, they are unique in the diversity of host species that they infect. This includes waterfowl (the original reservoir), terrestrial and aquatic poultry, swine, humans, horses, dog, cats, whales, seals and several other mammalian species. Secondly, they are unique in their capacity to evolve and adapt, following crossing the species barrier, in order to replicate and spread to other individuals within the new species. Finally, they are unique in the frequency of inter-species transmission events that occur. Indeed, the consequences of novel influenza virus strain in an immunologically naïve population can be devastating. The problems that influenza A viruses present for human and animal health are numerous. For example, influenza A viruses in humans represent a major economic and disease burden, whilst the poultry industry has suffered colossal damage due to repeated outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of influenza A viruses by shedding light on interspecies virus transmission and summarising the current knowledge regarding how influenza viruses can adapt to a new host.

Highlights

Influenza A viruses (Family Orthomyxoviridae) impose a large burden on both human and animal health worldwide
Influenza A viruses can be categorised into different subtypes based on genetic and antigenic differences in the two surface glycoproteins of the virus, the haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA)
The ecology of influenza virus infections described in this review exemplifies the need for, and benefits of, a one-health approach to infectious disease

Summary

Introduction

Influenza A viruses (Family Orthomyxoviridae) impose a large burden on both human and animal health worldwide. Two novel influenza A virus subtypes (H17N10 and H18N11) have been identified in rectal swabs collected from the little yellow-shouldered bat [Sturnira lilium] and the flat-faced fruit-eating bat [Artibeus jamaicensis planirostris] [1,2,3]. Influenza viruses of this subtype have not been isolated from any other animal order and it is unknown whether these viruses might be able to cross the species barrier. There is significant inter-species transmission of influenza viruses from waterbirds, such that animals ranging from domestic poultry to humans can become infected. We highlight the consequences that this inter-species transmission has, for human health, and for the health of wild animals and the success of industries such as poultry farming

H4 H7 H10 wild animals

Findings

Conclusions