Abstract
Infections with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) can be mild or asymptomatic in poultry; however, in humans, LPAIVs can cause severe infections and death, as demonstrated by the H7N9 and H10N8 human infection outbreaks in 2013 in China. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological survey of LPAIVs at live poultry markets (LPMs) in Guangxi Province, Southern China, which is near several Southeast Asian countries. From January 2012 to December 2015, we collected 3,813 swab samples from poultry at LPMs in Guangxi. Viral isolation, hemagglutination inhibition assay and viral sequencing were utilized to identify LPAIVs in the collected samples. Among the samples, 622 (16.3%) were positive for LPAIVs. Six subtypes (H1, H3, H4, H6, H9 and H11) were individually isolated and identified. Of these subtypes, H3, H6 and H9 were predominant in ducks, geese and chickens, respectively. Among the 622 positive samples, 160 (25.7%) contained more than one subtype, and H8, H10, H12, H13, and H16 were identified among them, which highlights the continuous need for enhanced surveillance of AIVs. These results provide detailed information regarding the epidemic situation of LPAIVs in the area, which can aid efforts to prevent and control AIV transmission in humans and animals.
Highlights
In March 2013, H7N9, a novel influenza A virus causing human infection emerged in the Yangtze River Delta region with a fatality rate of approximately 30%
The samples were used for the isolation and identification of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs)
The rate of LPAIVs isolation was the highest from geese, followed by ducks and chickens, indicating that the isolation rate was higher in waterfowl
Summary
In March 2013, H7N9, a novel influenza A virus causing human infection emerged in the Yangtze River Delta region with a fatality rate of approximately 30%. Especially ducks and geese, occupy lakes and other abundant water resources in Guangxi, Southern China These settings create environments where migratory birds and waterfowl are in close contact, sharing water, food, and habitat, contributing to the geographical spread of AIVs via long-distance migration through flyways. We report on continuous surveillance data from January 2012 through December 2015 involving a relatively sizeable collection of swab samples from the oropharyngeal and cloacal regions of chickens, ducks, and geese from LPMs in Guangxi. We examined these samples for the presence of LPAIVs (except for H5 and H7 LPAIVs). The resulting epidemiological data offer novel insights for planning strategies to prevent LPAIV infections in humans and other animals
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