Abstract
Background: The transmission of H9N2 influenza viruses to humans and the realization that the A/Hong Kong/156/97-like (H5N1/97-like) internal genome complex is still present in southeastern China necessitated a study of the distribution and characterization of H9N2 viruses in poultry in the Hong Kong SAR in 1999. Methods: Virus isolation, serological identification and genetic analysis. Results: Two lineages of H9N2 influenza viruses were isolated in the live poultry markets and are represented by A/Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (Qa/HK/G1/97) and A/Duck/Hong Kong/Y280/97 (Dk/HK/Y280/97). No reassortment between the two H9N2 virus lineages was detected despite their co-circulation in the poultry markets. The Qa/HK/G1/97-like viruses were isolated most frequently from quail and Dk/HK/Y280/97-like viruses from chicken. Conclusion: The high prevalence of quail infected with Qa/HK/G1/97-like virus that contains six gene segments genetically highly related to H5N1/97-like virus emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of mammals including humans for the H9N2 virus.
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