H5N1 Virus Evolution in Europe—An Updated Overview
2009

H5N1 Virus Evolution in Europe

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cattoli Giovanni, Fusaro Alice, Monne Isabella, Capua Ilaria

Primary Institution: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie

Hypothesis

What is the evolution and molecular epidemiology of HPAI A/H5N1 in Europe?

Conclusion

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and spread of HPAI A/H5N1 in Europe, highlighting the dominance of clade 2.2.

Supporting Evidence

  • HPAI A/H5N1 has caused outbreaks in poultry and wild birds in 62 countries, including 24 in Europe.
  • Clade 2.2 was the dominant strain spreading from Asia to Europe.
  • Genetic diversity of HPAI A/H5N1 viruses has been documented in multiple European countries.
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicates widespread gene flow of H5N1 viruses throughout Europe.

Takeaway

This study looks at how a bird flu virus called H5N1 has changed and spread in Europe over the years, showing that one type of the virus has been the most common.

Methodology

The study involved phylogenetic and gene migrational analysis of HPAI A/H5N1 sequences from Europe.

Limitations

The study is not complete due to the unavailability of virus sequences from some infected countries.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/v1031351

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