Antibodies elicited by Newcastle disease virus-vectored H7N9 avian influenza vaccine are functional in activating the complement system

H7N9 subtype avian influenza virus poses a great challenge for poultry industry.Newcastle disease virus(NDV)-vectored H7N9 avian influenza vaccines(NDV_(vec)H7N9)are effective in disease control because they are protective and allow mass administration.Of note,these vaccines elicit undetectable H7N9-specific hemagglutination-inhibition(HI)but high IgG antibodies in chickens.However,the molecular basis and protective mechanism underlying this particular antibody immunity remain unclear.Herein,immunization with an NDV_(vec)H7N9 induced low anti-H7N9 HI and virus neutralization titers but high levels of hemagglutinin(HA)-binding IgG antibodies in chickens.Three residues(S150,G151 and S152)in HA of H7N9 virus were identified as the dominant epitopes recognized by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum.Passively transferred NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum conferred complete protection against H7N9 virus infection in chickens.The NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum can mediate a potent lysis of HA-expressing and H7N9 virus-infected cells and significantly suppress H7N9 virus infectivity.These activities of the serum were significantly impaired after heat-inactivation or treatment with complement inhibitor,suggesting the engagement of the complement system.Moreover,mutations in the 150-SGS-152 sites in HA resulted in significant reductions in cell lysis and virus neutralization mediated by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 immune serum,indicating the requirement of antibody-antigen binding for complement activity.Therefore,antibodies induced by the NDV_(vec)H7N9 can activate antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis of H7N9 virus-infected cells and complement-mediated neutralization of H7N9 virus.Our findings unveiled a novel role of the complement in protection conferred by the NDV_(vec)H7N9,highlighting a potential benefit of engaging the complement system in H7N9 vaccine design.

Genetic and biological properties of H9N2 avian influenza viruses isolated in central China from2020 to 2022

The H9N2 subtype of avian influenza virus(AIV)is widely prevalent in poultry and wild birds globally,and has become the predominant subtype circulating in poultry in China.The H9N2 AIV can directly or indirectly(by serving as a"donor virus")infect humans,posing a significant threat to public health.Currently,there is a lack of in-depth research on the prevalence of H9N2 viruses in Shanxi Province,central China.In this study,we isolated 14 H9N2 AIVs from October 2020 to April 2022 in Shanxi Province,and genetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to 7 different genotypes.Our study on animals revealed that the H9N2 strains we identified displayed high transmission efficiency among chicken populations,and exhibited diverse replication abilities within these birds.These viruses could replicate efficiently in the lungs of mice,with one strain also demonstrating the capacity to reproduce in organs like the brain and kidneys.At the cellular level,the replication ability of different H9N2 strains was evaluated using plaque formation assays and multi-step growth curve assays,revealing significant differences in the replication and proliferation efficiency of the various H9N2 viruses at the cellular level.The antigenicity analysis suggested that these isolates could be classified into 2 separate antigenic clusters.Our research provides crucial data to help understand the prevalence and biological characteristics of H9N2 AIVs in central China.It also highlights the necessity of enhancing the surveillance of H9N2 AIVs.

In silico evaluation of kuwanon compounds as antiviral agents targeting H9N2 influenza virus

Background:The threat of avian influenza a subtype avian influenza A(H9N2)virus remains a significant concern,necessitating the exploration of novel antiviral agents.This study employs network pharmacology and computational analysis to investigate the potential of kuwanons,a natural compounds against H9N2 influenza virus.Methods:Leveraging comprehensive databases and bioinformatics tools,we elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Kuwanons pharmacological effects against H9N2 influenza virus.Network pharmacology identifies H9N2 influenza virus targets and compounds through integrated protein-protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.Molecular docking studies were performed to assess the binding affinities and structural interactions of Kuwanon analogues with key targets,shedding light on their potential inhibitory effects on viral replication and entry.Results:Compound-target network analysis revealed complex interactions(120 nodes,163 edges),with significant interactions and an average node degree of 2.72.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed pathways such as Influenza A,Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway in H9N2 influenza virus.Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding free energy for the docked ligands ranged between-5.2 and-9.4 kcal/mol for the human interferon-beta crystal structure(IFNB1,Protein Data Bank:1AU1)and-5.4 and-9.6 kcal/mol for Interleukin-6(IL-6,PDB:4CNI).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that kuwanon exhibits promising antiviral activity against H9N2 influenza virus by targeting specific viral proteins,highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent in combating avian influenza infections.

Risk assessment on the epidemics of human infection with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus in Jiangsu Province, China

A novel avian influenza A （H7N9） virus was discovered in February 2013 in China and has resulted in more than 100 comfirmed human infections including 26 fatal cases as of May 2, 2013. The situation raises many ur- gent questions and global public health concerns. In this study, epidemiologic characteristics of infected human cases in Jiangsu province were analyzed and risk assessment was undertaken based on the information available. Briefly, it is highly unlikely that a pandemic of human infection with avian influenza A （HTN9） virus will happen in Jiangsu Province in the near future. Iia the end, some measures are recommended to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Characterization of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Prevalence in Humans and Poultry in Huai′an,China：Molecular Epidemiology,Phylogenetic,and Dynamics Analyses

Objective To trace the source of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an and elucidate the genetic characterization of Huai＇an strains associated with both humans and birds in live poultry market.Methods An enhanced surveillance was implemented when the first human H7N9 case was confirmed in Huai＇an.Clinical specimens,cloacal swabs,and fecal samples were collected and screened by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） for H7N9 virus.The positive samples were subjected to further RT-PCR and genome sequencing.The phylodynamic patterns of H7N9 virus within and separated from Huai＇an and evolutionary dynamics of the virus were analyzed.Results Six patients with H7N9 infection were previously exposed to live poultry market and presented symptoms such as fever（〉38.0 °C） and headaches.Results of this study support the hypothesis that live poultry markets were the source of human H7N9 exposure.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all novel H7N9 viruses,including Huai＇an strains,could be classified into two distinct clades,A and B.Additionally,the diversified H7N9 virus circulated in live poultry markets in Huai＇an.Interestingly,the common ancestors of the Huai＇an H7N9 virus existed in January 2012.The mean nucleotide substitution rates for each gene segment of the H7N9 virus were（3.09-7.26）×10-3 substitutions/site per year（95% HPD：1.72×10-3 to 1.16×10-2）.Conclusion Overall,the source of exposure of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an was live poultry market,and our study highlights the presence of divergent genetic lineage of H7N9 virus in both humans and poultry specimens in Huai＇an.

Complete Genome Sequencing and Genetic Variation Analysis of Two H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Strains

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the genetic variation characters of entire sequences between two H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus strains and other reference strains.[Method] The entire sequences of 8 genes were obtained by using RT-PCR,and these sequences were analyzed with that of six H9N2 subtype avian influenza isolates in homology comparison and genetic evolution relation.[Result] The results showed that the nucleotide sequence of entire gene of the strain shared 91.1%-95.4% homology with other seven reference strains,and PG08 shared the highest homology 91.3% with C/BJ/1/94;ZD06 shared the highest homology 92.3% with D/HK/Y280/97.HA cleavage sites of two H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus isolated strains were PARSSR/GLF,typical of mildly pathogenic avian influenza virus.[Conclusion] Phylogenetic tree for entire gene of eight strains showed that the genetic relationship was the closest between ZD06 and C/Pak/2/99 strains,which belonged to the Eurasian lineage;PG08 shared the highest homology 91.3% with ZD06,it may be the product of gene rearrangements of other sub-lines.

Sequence Analysis of HA Genes from Three H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses

[ Objective] The study aimed to understand the genetic characters of H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses isolated in Belling area. [ Method] HA genes of three H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses A/Chicken/Beijing/xu/00, A/Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/ liu/00 were amplified by RT-PCR and then sequenced. [ Result] The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that A/Chicken/Beijing/xu/00, A/ Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/liu/00 shared the nucleotide homologies of 84.8% （ Dk/HK/Y439/97 ） -98.0% （ Ck/GX17/00 ）, 85.1% （Dk/HK/Y439/97） - 99.1% （ Ck/GXl 7/00）, 90.7% （ Ck/BJ/3/01 ） - 99.1% （Ck/GX17/00） with the isolates from Hongkong and other are- as of Chinese Mainland respectively. At the same time, the analysis of amino acid indicated that the three isolates belonged to low pathogenic H9N2 isolates of avian origin. The 226^th amino acid of them were L （ Leu）, suggesting their high binding affinity to human cells. There were seven glyco- sylation sites in HA protein, five from HA1 and two from HA2. [ Cenclusien] By analysis at molecular level, it could be concluded that A/Chicken/ Beijing/xu/00, A/Chicken/Beijing/bei/00 and A/Chicken/Beijing/liu/00 were low pathogenic H9N2 isolates of avian origin.

Sequence Comparison and Analysis of HA Gene of Four H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolates

[ Objective] To determine the HA gene sequences of four H9N2 Avian influenza virus （AIV） strains and carry out comparative analysis so as to understand the difference and variation pattern of each strain from the angle of molecular biology and to know the distribution and epidemic law of H9N2 AIV. [Method] One pair of primers was designed referring to HA gene sequences of H9N2 AIV. The HA genes of A/Chicken/Hebei/WD/98 （H9N2; WD98 for short）, A/Chicken/Hebei/ZD/04 （H9N2; ZD04 for short））, A/Chicken/Beijing/MY/06 （H9N2; MY06 for short） ）, and A/Chicken/Beijing/PG/08 （H9N2; PG08 for short）） were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Then the HA gene sequences of these strains were compared with that of 10 H9N2 AIV stains in GenBank. [Result] The ORF of HA genes of the four strains was 1 683 bp in size, encoding 516 amino acids. The HA gene sequences of the four strains, WD98, MY06, PG08, and ZD04, were 82.6% -95.1%, 83.0% -99.0%, 82.7% -95.5%, and 81.3% -95.7% homologous to that of the 10 H9N2 AIV stains, respectively. And the homology of amino acid was respectively 86.6% -96.3%, 86.6% -97.9%, 87.0% -97.1%, and 86.9% -97.3%. [ Conclusion] The HA gene has greatly high homology among different strains.

Study on Piezoelectric Immunosensor for the Detection of H9-subtype Avian Influenza Virus

[Objective] The aim is to develop the piezoelectric immunosensor to detect H9-subtype avian influenza virus（AIV）.[Method] The immunosensor chip was constructed by self-assembling mercaptopmpionic acid（MPA） to be monolayer on the silver-coated electrode of quartz crystal and coupling the monoclonal antibody to H9 subtype AIV with N-ethy-N＇-（3-dimethyl aminopropyl）carbodiimide hydrochloride（EDC） and N-hydroxysuccinimide（NHS）.The immunosensor to detect H9 subtype AIV was established.[Result] The results showed that the immunosensor displayed better specificity to H9 AIV and had no response to H5AIV and NDV when it was used for detection.The sensitivity test indicated the detection sensitivity for the H9 subtype AIV could reach 20-100 EID50.[Conclusion] The research provided a foundation for further research on the immunosensor for detecting AIV and it could be a new approach to detect other related viruses.

Ventilator management for acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with avian infl uenza A(H7N9) virus infection: A case series

BACKGROUND: Data on the mechanical ventilation(MV) characteristics and radiologic features for the cases with H7 N9-induced ARDS were still lacking.METHODS: We describe the MV characteristics and radiologic features of adult patients with ARDS due to microbiologically confirmed H7 N9 admitted to our ICU over a 3-month period.RESULTS: Eight patients(mean age 57.38±16.75; 5 male) were diagnosed with H7 N9 in the first quarter of 2014. All developed respiratory failure complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), which required MV in ICU. The baseline APACHE II and SOFA score was 11.77±6.32 and 7.71±3.12. The overall CT scores of the patients was 247.68±34.28 and the range of CT scores was 196.3–294.7. The average MV days was 14.63±6.14, and 4 patients required additional rescue therapies for refractory hypoxemia. Despite these measures, 3 patients died.CONCLUSION: In H7 N9-infected patients with ARDS, low tidal volume strategy was the conventional mode. RM as one of rescue therapies to refractory hypoxemia in these patients with serious architectural distortion and high CT scores, which could cause further lung damage, may induce bad outcomes and requires serious consideration. Prone ventilation may improve mortality, and should be performed at the early stage of the disease, not as a rescue therapy.

Genetic Variation Analysis on the Whole Genomic Sequence of a H9N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Isolate

A Objective3 This study was to understand the genetic variation characters of the H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus isolate （A/Chicken/ Hebei/WD/98, abbreviated as WD98） by comparing with other reference strains. I-Method3 Eight complete genes were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The homology and genetic evolution relationship were analyzed between these sequences and that of the seven reference strains. [Result] The whole genomic sequence of WD98 strain was 91.1% -95.8% homologous to that of seven reference strains tested. This isolate shared the highest homology （95.8%） to D/HK/Y280/97 and the lowest homology （91.1% ） to C/Pak/2/99. The HA cleavage site of the WD98 strain was R-S-S-R G, and the 226th amino acid at receptor-binding site was Gin. [ Condmion] WD98 strain belongs to mildly pathogenic avian in- fluenza virus and may not infect human. The genetic relationship is the closest between A/Chicken/Hebei/wD/98 and A/duck/HongKong/Y280/ 97, both of which belong to the sub-line of A/Chicken/Beijing/1/94 in Eurasian line. And A/Chicken/Hebei/WD/98 and A/Chicken/Beijing/1/94 are genetically distant within the same sub-line.

Cross-neutralizing Anti-hemagglutinin Antibodies Isolated from Patients Infected with Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus

Objective To recover broad-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(Bn Abs)from avian influenza A(H5N1)virus infection cases and investigate their genetic and functional features.Methods We screened the Abs repertoires of expanded B cells circulating in the peripheral blood of H5N1 patients.The genetic basis,biological functions,and epitopes of the obtained Bn Abs were assessed and modeled.Results Two Bn Abs,2-12 D5,and 3-37 G7.1,were respectively obtained from two human H5N1 cases on days 12 and 21 after disease onset.Both Abs demonstrated cross-neutralizing and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC)activity.Albeit derived from distinct Ab lineages,i.e.,V^H1-69-D2-15-JH^4(2-12D5)and V^H1-2-D3-9-JH^5(3-32 G7.1),the Bn Abs were directed toward CR6261-like epitopes in the HA stem,and HA2 I45 in the hydrophobic pocket was the critical residue for their binding.Signature motifs for binding with the HA stem,namely,IFY in VH1-69-encoded Abs and LXYFXW in D3-9-encoded Abs,were also observed in 2-12D5 and 3-32 G7.1,respectively.Conclusions Cross-reactive B cells of different germline origins could be activated and re-circulated by avian influenza virus.The HA stem epitopes targeted by the Bn Abs,and the two Ab-encoding genes usage implied the VH1-69 and D3-9 are the ideal candidates triggered by influenza virus for vaccine development.

Distribution of Avian Influenza A Viruses in Poultry-Related Environment and Its Association with Human Infection in Henan, 2016 to 2017

Objective To survey avian influenza A viruses(AIVs) in the environment and explore the reasons for the surge in human H7 N9 cases.Methods A total of 1,045 samples were collected from routine surveillance on poultry-related environments and 307 samples from human H7 N9 cases-exposed environments in Henan from 2016 to2017. The nucleic acids of influenza A(Flu A), H5, H7, and H9 subtypes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results A total of 27 H7 N9 cases were confirmed in Henan from 2016 to 2017, 24 had a history of live poultry exposure, and 15 had H7 N9 virus detected in the related live poultry markets(LPMs). About 96%(264/275) Flu A positive-environmental samples were from LPMs. H9 was the main AIV subtype(10.05%) from routine surveillance sites with only 1 H7-positive sample, whereas 21.17% samples were H7-positive in H7 N9 cases-exposed environments. Samples from H7 N9 cases-exposed LPMs(47.56%)had much higher AIVs positive rates than those from routine surveillance sites(12.34%). The H7+H9 combination of mixed infection was 78.18%(43/55) of H7-positive samples and 41.34%(43/104) of H9-positive samples.Conclusion The contamination status of AIVs in poultry-related environments is closely associated with the incidence of human infection caused by AIVs. Therefore, systematic surveillance of AIVs in LPMs in China is essential for the detection of novel reassortant viruses and their potential for interspecies transmission.

Development of a real-time RT-PCR method for the detection of newly emerged highly pathogenic H7N9 influenza viruses

In 2013, a human influenza outbreak caused by a novel H7N9 virus occurred in China. Recently, the H7N9 virus acquired multiple basic amino acids at its hemagglutinin（HA） cleavage site, leading to the emergence of a highly pathogenic virus. The development of an effective diagnostic method is imperative for the prevention and control of highly pathogenic H7N9 influenza. Here, we designed and synthesized three pairs of primers based on the nucleotide sequence at the HA cleavage site of the newly emerged highly pathogenic H7N9 influenza virus. One of the primer pairs and the corresponding probe displayed a high level of amplification efficiency on which a real-time RT-PCR method was established. Amplification using this method resulted in a fluorescent signal for only the highly pathogenic H7N9 virus, and not for any of the H1–H15 subtype reference strains, thus demonstrating high specificity. The method detected as low as 39.1 copies of HA-positive plasmid and exhibited similar sensitivity to the virus isolation method using embryonated chicken eggs. Importantly, the real-time RT-PCR method exhibited 100% consistency with the virus isolation method in the diagnosis of field samples. Collectively, our data demonstrate that this real-time RT-PCR assay is a rapid, sensitive and specific method, and the application will greatly aid the surveillance, prevention, and control of highly pathogenic H7N9 influenza viruses.

Pathogenesis and Immunogenicity of an Avian H9N2 Influenza Virus Isolated from Human

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis and immunogenicity of H9N2 influenza virus A/Guangzhou/333/99 （a reassortant of G1 and G9 viruses isolated from a female patient in 1999） in a mouse model of infection.Methods Mice were infected with increasing virus titers.Viral load in the lungs and trachea was determined by EID50 assay.Pulmonary histopathology was assessed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining.Anti‐HI antibody titers and T‐cell responses to viral HA were determined by ELISPOT and confirmed by flow cytometry.Results Mice presented a mild syndrome after intranasal infection with A/Guangzhou/333/99 （H9N2） influenza virus.Virus was detected in the trachea and lungs of mice harvested on days 3,6,and 9 post‐infection.A T‐cell response to viral HA was detected on day 6 and H9 HA‐specific CD 4＋ T‐cells predominated.Seroconversion was detected after 14 days and antibody persisted for at least 28 weeks.Conclusion Our results suggest that H9N2 （A/Guangzhou/333/99） can replicate in the murine respiratory tract without prior adaptation,and both humoral and cell‐mediated immunity play an important role in the immune response.

Effects of closing and reopening live poultry markets on the epidemic of human infection with avian influenza A virus

Live poultry markets（LPMs） are crucial places for human infection of influenza A（H7N9 virus）.In Yangtze River Delta,LPMs were closed after the outbreak of human infection with avian influenza A（H7N9） virus,and then reopened when no case was found.Our purpose was to quantify the effect of LPMs＇ operations in this region on the transmission of influenza A（H7N9） virus.We obtained information about dates of symptom onset and locations for all human influenza A（H7N9） cases reported from Shanghai,Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces by May 31,2014,and acquired dates of closures and reopening of LPMs from official media.A two-phase Bayesian model was fitted by Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to process the spatial and temporal influence of human cases.A total of 235 cases of influenza A（H7N9） were confirmed in Shanghai,Jiangsu and Zhejiang by May 31,2014.Using these data,our analysis showed that,after LPM closures,the influenza A（H7N9） outbreak disappeared within two weeks in Shanghai,one week in Jiangsu,and one week in Zhejiang,respectively.Local authorities reopened LPMs when there was no outbreak of influenza A（H7N9）,which did not lead to reemergence of human influenza A（H7N9）.LPM closures were effective in controlling the H7N9 outbreak.Reopening of LPM in summer did not increase the risk of human infection with H7N9.Our findings showed that LPMs should be closed immediately in areas where the H7N9 virus is confirmed in LPM.When there is no outbreak of H7N9 virus,LPMs can be reopened to satisfy the Chinese traditional culture of buying live poultry.In the long term,local authorities should take a cautious attitude in permanent LPM closure.

Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of an H7N7 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated in East Dongting Lake in 2012

Objective In March 2012, an H7N7 subtype avian influenza virus （AIV） named A/wild goose/Dongting/PC0360/2022 （H7N7） （DT/PC0360） was recovered from a wild goose in East Dongting Lake. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the isolate, and analyzed the phylogenetic and molecular characterization. Methods RNA was extracted from environment samples （including fecal samples from wild bird or domestic ducks, and water samples） for detecting the presence of Influenza A Virus targeting Matrix gene, using realtime RT-PCR assay. The positive samples were performed virus isolation with embryonated eggs. The subtype of the isolates were identified by RT-PCR assay with the HI-HI6 and N1-N9 primer set. The whole-genome sequencing of isolates were performed. Phylogenetic and molecular characterizations of the eight genes of the isolates were analyzed. Results Our results suggested that all the eight gene segments of DT/PC0360 belonged to the Eurasian gene pool, and the HA gene were belonged to distinct sublineage with H7N9 AIV which caused outbreaks in China's Mainland in 2013. The hemagglutinin cleavage site of HA of DT/PC0360 showed characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza virus. Conclusion Strengthening the surveillance of AlVs of wild waterfowl and poultry in this region is vita for our knowledge of the ecology and mechanism of transmission to prevent an influenza pandemic.

Development and Assessment of Two Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) H5N6 Candidate Vaccine Viruses for Pandemic Preparedness

Objective In China, 24 cases of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI) H5 N6 virus have been confirmed since the first confirmed case in 2014. Therefore, we developed and assessed two H5 N6 candidate vaccine viruses(CVVs).Methods In accordance with the World Health Organization(WHO) recommendations, we constructed two reassortant viruses using reverse genetics(RG) technology to match the two different epidemic H5 N6 viruses. We performed complete genome sequencing to determine the genetic stability. We assessed the growth ability of the studied viruses in MDCK cells and conducted a hemagglutination inhibition assay to analyze their antigenicity. Pathogenicity attenuation was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo.Results The results showed that no mutations occurred in hemagglutinin or neuraminidase, and both CVVs retained their original antigenicity. The replication capacity of the two CVVs reached a level similar to that of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 in MDCK cells. The two CVVs showed low pathogenicity in vitro and in vivo, which are in line with the WHO requirements for CVVs.Conclusion We obtained two genetically stable CVVs of HPAI H5N6 with high growth characteristics,which may aid in our preparedness for a potential H5N6 pandemic.

Establishment and Application of Digital RT-PCR Assay for Detection of Avian Influenza Virus H9 Subtype

A digital RT-PCR method for rapid detection of H9 subtype influenza was established by comparing the two methods of digital RT-PCR and real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the two methods for H9 were determined by gradient dilution using the same pair of primers and probes. Both methods were able to detect 104 times diluted H9 pathogens, while digital RT-PCR could detect H9 in single droplets, and its sensitivity was higher than real-time quantitative RT-PCR. At the same time, the specificities of both methods were very strong, with no amplification reactions for H3N2, H4N2, H6N2. The reproducibility of the two methods were also good. Digital RT-PCR has a higher sensitivity than real-time quantitative RT-PCR and could play an important role in the rapid detection of H9 subtype influenza virus.

Pathogenicity and amino acid sequences of hemagglutinin cleavage site and neuraminidase stalk of differently passaged H9N2-avian influenza virus in broilers

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) virus has the ability to evolve to high pathogenic viruses resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry sector. This study aims at assessing the impact of H9N2 viral passaging in broilers and its relatedness to pathogenicity and amino acid (a.a) sequences of the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site and neuraminidase (NA) stalk. The original H9N2 AI virus (P0) was used to challenge ten-21 days old broilers. Individual recovery of H9N2 virus from homogenates of trachea, lungs and airsacs was attempted in 9 days old chicken embryos, as a conclusion of the first passage (P1). Tracheal isolates of H9N2 were passaged for a second (P2) and a third (P3) time in broilers, followed by a similar embryonic recovery procedure. The a.a. sequence of a part of HA1 cleavage site and Neuraminidase stalk were compared among the differently passaged viruses;an assessement of the relatedness of the determined a.a. sequences to the pathogenicity in broilers, based on frequency of mortality, morbidity signs, gross and microscopic lesions at 3 days post challenge with the P1, P2, and P3-H9N2, is concluded. An increase in certain morbidity signs and specific lesions was observed in P2- and P3-H9N2 challenged broilers compared to birds challenged with P1-H9N2. A conserved R-S-S-R amino acid sequence at the HA1 cleavage site was observed in the differently passaged H9N2, associated with a variability in the NA stalk-a.a sequences. The passaging of the low pathogenic H9N2 virus in broilers leads to a trend of increase in pathogenicity, manifested in higher frequency of morbidity signs, and of specific gross and microscopic lesions of the examined organs. This passaging was associated with a conserved a.a. sequence of the hemaglutinin cleavage site and a variability in the sequence of the neuraminidase stalk. A detailed study of the potential of the detected variability in the neuraminidase stalk of H9N2 in induction of a higher pathogenicity in broilers will be the subject of future investigations.