H9N2 Influenza Viruses from Black-Billed Magpies in Southern China
Author Information
Author(s): Dong Guoying, Xu Cong, Wang Chengmin, Wu Bin, Luo Jing, Zhang Hong, Nolte Dale Louis, Deliberto Thomas Jude, Duan Mingxing, Ji Guangju, He Hongxuan
Primary Institution: Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, National Research Center For Wildlife Born Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Hypothesis
What is the role of black-billed magpies in the evolution of H9N2 influenza A viruses?
Conclusion
Black-billed magpies are susceptible to H9N2 influenza viruses, which raises concerns over possible transmissions among poultry and wild birds.
Supporting Evidence
- Three H9N2 viruses were isolated from black-billed magpies, indicating their susceptibility to the virus.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed that BbM viruses were genetically distinct from other H9N2 viruses due to H5N1-like PB1 genes.
- BbM viruses replicated efficiently in chickens and mice but were not lethal.
- Antigenic analysis revealed BbM viruses were heterologous with the H9N2 vaccine strain.
Takeaway
Scientists studied birds called black-billed magpies to see if they could catch a type of flu virus. They found that these birds can get the virus, which might spread to other animals.
Methodology
Two epidemic surveys were conducted in 2005, collecting tracheal and cloacal swabs from black-billed magpies, which were then analyzed for virus isolation and genetic characterization.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific geographic area and time frame, which may not represent the broader dynamics of H9N2 viruses.
Participant Demographics
Wild black-billed magpies in Guangxi, China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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