Circulation, Evolution and Transmission of H5N8 virus, 2016–2018. Issue 4 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Jianjun; Liang, Bilin; Hu, Juefu; Liu, Haizhou; Sun, Jianqing; Li, Mingxin; Chen, Quanjiao; He, Yubang; Liu, Di
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection. Volume 79:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 363
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: H5N8 avian influenza -- Circulation -- Evolution -- Transmission -- Migratory birds; Infection -- Periodicals; Bacterial Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.07.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4453

Abstract

Highlights: The H5N8 was introduced into Qinghai Lake, with distinct genotype in 2016 and 2017. LPAIVs in wild birds contributed to the high diversity of global H5N8 viruses. The major reassortment events may occur during 2016–2017. Continued circulation among wild birds resulted in the global distribution. Summary: Objectives: A second wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 has spread globally, causing outbreaks among wild birds and domestic poultry since autumn 2016. The circulation and evolutionary dynamics of the virus remain largely unknown. Methods: We performed surveillance for H5N8 in Qinghai Lake in China since the emergence of the virus (from 2016 to 2018). By analyzing recovered viruses in Qinghai Lake and all related viruses worldwide (449 strains), we identified the genotypes, estimated their genesis and reassortment, and evaluated their global distribution and transmission. Results: Through surveillance of wild migratory birds around Qinghai Lake between 2016 and 2018, we revealed that the H5N8 was introduced into Qinghai Lake bird populations (QH-H5N8), with distinct gene constellations in 2016 and 2017. A global analysis of QH-H5N8-related viruses showed that avian influenza viruses with low pathogenicity in wild birds contributed to the high diversity of genotypes; the major reassortment events possibly occurred during the 2016 breeding season and the following winters. Conclusions: Continued circulation of QH-H5N8-related viruses among wild birds has resulted in the global distribution of high genotypic diversity. Thus, these viruses pose an ongoing threat to wild and domestic bird populations and warrant continuous surveillance.