Konkuk University Reports Findings in Veterinary Research (Mortality in sea lions is associated with the introduction of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in Brazil October 2023: whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis).

A report from Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea, discusses the detection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in South American sea lions found dead in Brazil in October 2023. The study conducted whole genome sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis to investigate the origin, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potentials of the H5N1 viruses. The research found that the H5N1 viruses belonged to the genotype B3.2 of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus, which was identified in North America and disseminated to South America, and had acquired new amino acid substitutions related to mammalian host affinity. The study provides insights into the genetic landscape of HPAI H5N1 viruses in Brazil and their possible adaptation to mammalian hosts. [Extracted from the article]