Study of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in Raccoon Dogs
Author Information
Author(s): Qi Xian, Li Xihan, Rider Paul, Fan Weixing, Gu Hongwei, Xu Longtao, Yang Yonghua, Lu Sangwei, Wang Hua, Liu Fenyong
Primary Institution: Jiangsu CDC-Nanjing University Joint Institute of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Hypothesis
Can genotype V H5N1 virus infect mammals, specifically raccoon dogs?
Conclusion
The study found that genotype V H5N1 virus can infect raccoon dogs, indicating a risk to mammals and humans.
Supporting Evidence
- The isolates were highly pathogenic to chickens, causing death within 24 hours.
- Genetic analysis showed the isolates were closely related to genotype V H5N1 virus.
- This is the first report of genotype V H5N1 virus found in a mammalian host.
- The raccoon dog isolates contained a multibasic amino acid motif characteristic of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
Takeaway
Researchers found a type of bird flu virus in raccoon dogs, showing that it can make animals sick and could be a danger to humans too.
Methodology
Two H5N1 isolates were obtained from raccoon dogs, and their pathogenicity was tested in chickens.
Limitations
The exact source of the virus in raccoon dogs remains unknown.
Participant Demographics
Two raccoon dogs from a farm in eastern China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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