1. Antigenic and molecular characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses in sub-Saharan Africa from 2017 through 2019.
- Author
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Fusade-Boyer M, Djegui F, Batawui K, Byuragaba DK, Jones JC, Wabwire-Mangeni F, Erima B, Atim G, Ukuli QA, Tugume T, Dogno K, Adjabli K, Nzuzi M, Adjin R, Jeevan T, Rubrum A, Go-Maro W, Kayali G, McKenzie P, Webby RJ, and Ducatez MF
- Subjects
- Africa South of the Sahara, Animals, Antibodies, Viral immunology, Antigenic Variation, Chickens virology, Cross Reactions, Evolution, Molecular, Humans, Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype pathogenicity, Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype physiology, Influenza, Human virology, Phylogeny, Virulence, Virus Replication, Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype genetics, Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype immunology, Influenza in Birds virology, Poultry Diseases virology
- Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa was historically considered an animal influenza cold spot, with only sporadic highly pathogenic H5 outbreaks detected over the last 20 years. However, in 2017, low pathogenic avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses were detected in poultry in Sub-Saharan Africa. Molecular, phylogenetic, and antigenic characterization of isolates from Benin, Togo, and Uganda showed that they belonged to the G1 lineage. Isolates from Benin and Togo clustered with viruses previously described in Western Africa, whereas viruses from Uganda were genetically distant and clustered with viruses from the Middle East. Viruses from Benin exhibited decreased cross-reactivity with those from Togo and Uganda, suggesting antigenic drift associated with reduced replication in Calu-3 cells. The viruses exhibited mammalian adaptation markers similar to those of the human strain A/Senegal/0243/2019 (H9N2). Therefore, viral genetic and antigenic surveillance in Africa is of paramount importance to detect further evolution or emergence of new zoonotic strains.
- Published
- 2021
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