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.

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.

2022至2023年吉林省甲型H3N2流感病毒的分子特征分析

目的通过对2022至2023年甲型H3N2流感病毒HA和NA基因特征分析,为吉林省H3N2流感病毒防控提供科学依据。方法随机选取2022至2023年吉林省23株H3N2流感病毒,对HA和NA基因进行序列同源性、基因进化特征、基因位点氨基酸变异分析。结果HA、NA基因核苷酸序列种系进化树显示:23株甲型H3N2流感毒株全部属于3C.2a分支,其中4株为3C.2a1b.2a.1a分支,与2021至2022年推荐的疫苗株A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020在一个分支上;19株为3C.2a1b.2a.2a分支,与2022至2023年推荐的疫苗株A/Darwin/6/2021在一个分支上。与WHO推荐的2022至2023年北半球疫苗株A/Darwin/6/2021、A/Darwin/9/2021相比,4株甲型H3N2流感病毒HA蛋白氨基酸序列均发生了9个氨基酸位点变异,分别为I48T、S156H、N159Y、I160T、Q164L、K171N、D186S、N190D、S198P;HA蛋白抗原决定簇的氨基酸5处发生替换,分别为S156H、N159Y、I160T、D186S、N190D。19株甲型H3N2流感病毒HA基因蛋白氨基酸序列均发生了7个氨基酸位点变异,分别为G/D53N、N96S、N122D、I140K、I192F、I223V、N378S,除A/吉林船营/1615/2023(H3)外,其他18株均发生了E50K氨基酸位点变异;HA蛋白抗原决定簇的氨基酸4处发生替换,A区(N122D)B区(I192F)C区(E50K、G/D53N)。结论与WHO推荐的2022至2023年北半球疫苗株A/Darwin/6/2021、A/Darwin/9/2021相比,19株甲型H3N2流感病毒在HA蛋白抗原决定簇的氨基酸4处发生替换,分别是N122D、I192F、E50K、G/D53N,HA发生了抗原漂移。23株H3N2流感病毒NA基因存在12个氨基酸位点变异,但在NA酶活性催化位点和辅助位点均未发生变异,但有3株H3N2流感病毒存在S331G变异,与耐药变异S331R发生在同一位点上,应引起重视。

7例儿童甲型H3N2流感病毒相关的致命性急性坏死性脑病

目的探讨H3N2流感病毒相关急性坏死性脑病的疾病特点,总结诊治经验。方法整理江西省儿童医院2022年6月1日至2022年6月30日收治的7例儿童急性坏死性脑病患儿的病例资料,分析此次流行季节甲型H3N2流感病毒相关急性坏死性脑病的临床表现、辅助检查、治疗方案及预后。结果7例患儿均有高热乃至超高热,其中4例患儿发热48 h内出现抽搐、意识障碍,随后迅速恶化出现脑干反射消失;3例患儿入院时即有DIC、休克、出血表现;其中5例患儿入院时流感快速抗原检测均阴性,行核酸检测甲型流感病毒呈阳性,7例患儿省疾控预防中心(CDC)病原学分型为H3N2,2例发病早期头颅CT检查为正常;7例患儿1例抢救无效死亡,4例因脑死亡放弃治疗后死亡,2例痊愈出院,死亡率71.4%。结论本文夏季流行的流感病毒为H3N2,快速抗原检测可为阴性,接种流感疫苗不能完全避免感染;甲流H3N2流感病毒致坏死性脑病病情进展迅速,易出现中枢性循环衰竭、出血、休克、DIC,救治困难,死亡率高。

犬流感病毒H_(3)N_(2)和H_(3)N_(8)亚型流行病学研究进展

自2004年首次在美国发现犬流感病毒(canine influenza virus,CIV)以来,经过不断的演变进化和跨物种的传播,CIV已在全球范围内广泛传播。由于犬对多种流感病毒易感,流感病毒对犬的影响及其产生人畜共患的大流行性流感的风险不容忽视。文章就CIV的病原学及较稳定传播的两种亚型CIV(H_(3)N_(2)和H_(3)N_(8))的流行病学进行综述,旨在为CIV的预防、诊断以及疫苗研发等提供参考。

Genetic Analysis and Rescue of a Triple-reassortant H3N2 Influenza A Virus Isolated From Swine in Eastern China

One influenza H3N2 virus, A/swine/Shandong/3/2005 (Sw/SD/3/2005), was isolated from pigs with respiratory disease on a farm in eastern China. Genetic analysis revealed that Sw/SD/3/2005 was a triple-reassortant virus with a PB2 gene from human-like H1N1, NS from classical swine H1N1, and the remaining genes from human-like H3N2 virus. These findings further support the concept that swine can serve as reservoir or mixing vessels of influenza virus strains and maintain genetic and antigenic stability of viruses. Furthermore, we have successfully established a reverse genetics system based on eight plasmids and rescued Sw/SD/3/2005 through cell transfection. HI tests and RT-PCR confirmed that the rescued virus maintained the biological properties of the wild type Sw/SD/3/2005. The successful establishment of the reverse genetics system of Sw/SD/3/2005 will enable us to conduct extensive studies of the molecular evolution of H3N2 influenza viruses in swine.

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin genes of H9N2 influenza viruses isolated from chicken in China from 2013 to 2015

H9N2 avian influenza virus（AIV） infection is a major problem in poultry industry worldwide. In this study, molecular characterizations and phylogenetic relationships of hemagglutinin（HA） gene sequences of H9N2 AIV of 5 Chinese isolates in 2014 recently available in Gen Bank, 3 widely used vaccine strains, and 52 novel isolates in China from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed. The homology analysis showed that the nucleotide sequences of HA gene of these recent Chinese H9N2 AIV isolates shared homologies from 94.1 to 99.9%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates belonged to AIV lineage h9.4.2.5. Fifty-six out of the 57 recent Chinese H9N2 AIV isolates had the motifs PSRSSR↓GLF at the cleavage sites within the HA protein, while one isolate PWH01 harbored LSRSSR↓GLF. Remarkably, all of the recent Chinese H9N2 AIV strains had the Q216 L substitution in the receptor binding site, which indicated that they had potential to infect humans. Most of recent Chinese H9N2 AIV isolates lost the potential N-linked glycosylation site at residues 200–202 compared with vaccine strains. This present study demonstrated that AIV lineage h9.4.2.5 was more predominant in China than other lineages as it harbored all the H9N2 AIV isolated between 2013 and 2015. Also we showed the importance of continuous surveillance of emerging H9N2 AIV in China and update of vaccine formulation accordingly in order to prevent and control H9N2 AIV.

A Novel Reassortant H2N3 Influenza Virus Isolated from China

Objective To analyze the genetic composition of a novel H2N3 virus isolate identified from a duck cage swab in a live poultry market （LPM） in 2009 in Guangdong province of China. Methods PCR-positive specimens were inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs and subtyped by conventional RT-PCR. All segments of the virus A/environment/Guangdong/2/2009 were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed and analyzed. Results The genes of this virus belong to Eurasian-lineage avian viruses. The virus is a reassortant with the HA gene from an H2N2 virus and the NA gene from an H5N3 virus. The PB1, PB2, and NP genes were from an H4N6 virus, the PA was from an H3N8 virus, the M gene was from an H1N3 virus, and the NS gene was from an H10N6 virus. Conclusion market. Its A novel avian-origin reassortant H2N3 influenza virus was detected in a live poultry potential impacts and evolution should be closely monitored.

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.

Cloning and Phylogenetic Analysis of NS1 Genes from Different Isolates of H9N2 Subtype Duck Influenza Virus

[ Objective] The study aimed to lay a foundation for the further studies on function mechanism of NS1 protein in the interspecies transmission of waterfowl influenza virus. [Method] Using the serologic assay and the specific RT-PCR method, some strains of H9 subtype waterfowl influenza virus were isolated from the 12 to 20 day-old muscovy duck flocks without any clinical symptoms in different areas of Guangdong Province. Four of these strains, including A/duck/ZQ/303/2007（H9N2） （A3 for short）, A/Duck/FJ/301/2007 （H9N2） （C1 for short）, A/Duck/NH/306/2007（H9N2） （ D6 for short）, A/duck/SS/402/2007（H9N2） （ E2 for short）, and a strain named A/duck/ZC/2007（H9N2） （L1 for short） from a muscovy duck died of avian influenza virus （AIV）, were used for NSl gene cloning and sequencing. Subsequently, the obtained NSl gene sequences were compared with other NS1 sequences registered in GenBank, and the phylogenetic analysis was also conducted. [Result] When compared with the H9N2 AIV NS1 sequences in GenBank, the NSl genes of the four AIV strains A3, C1, 136 and E2 displayed homologies ranging from 99% to 100% at nucleotide level, and 95% to 100% at amino acid level; while the NSl gene of L1 strain displayed homology ranging from 94% to 97% at nucleotide level, and 93% to 98% at amino acid level. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that A3, C1, D6 and E2 were highly resemblant, and L1 was closest to AY66473 （chicken, 2003）. By comparison with the NS1 gene sequences of L1, AF523514 （duck）, AY664743 （chicken） and EF155262.1 （quail） using DNAstar, A3, C1, D6 and E.2 presented nucleotide variations at site 21 （ R→Q）, 70, 71 （ KE→EG）, 86 （ A→S）, 124 （V→M） and 225 （ S→N）, and amino acid variations at site 21,70, 71 and 86 in dsRNA- dependent protein kinase （PKR） binding domain of NSl gene, which induced the evident variations of antigenic determinant and surface proba- bility plot of NS1 protein. [ Conclusion] This study suggested that the amino acid sequence variation in PKR binding domain of NS1 protein had something to do with the virus pathogenicity.

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.

2019—2021年华东地区6株禽源H3亚型流感病毒的遗传进化分析

H3亚型流感病毒在自然界广泛存在,可感染人、猪、马、犬、禽等众多宿主并能发生跨种间传播,危害不容忽视。本研究于2019—2021年在华东地区活禽市场采集表观健康的家禽喉头与泄殖腔棉拭,通过血清学试验鉴定、筛选出6株代表性水禽源H3亚型流感病毒,并经RT-PCR试验确定5株为H3N2亚型、1株为H3N1亚型。进一步对6株分离株进行全基因组测序、同源性比对和遗传进化分析,结果显示:HA蛋白裂解位点处均为PEKQTR/GLF,不存在连续碱性氨基酸,符合低致病性禽流感病毒的分子特征;受体结合位点处均为禽源特征性的226Q和228S,提示其跨种传播至哺乳动物的潜能较低;内部基因片段来源多样化,与H3N8、H4N6、H5N8、H6N1、H7N7、H0N3等众多亚型禽流感病毒的亲缘关系密切;除JS1018/19和JS1094/19的NS基因属于北美谱系以外,其余均属于欧亚谱系的禽源分支,与犬、马、猪、人等哺乳动物源毒株的亲缘关系较远,提示虽然可能存在不同进化谱系间的基因重组但并未发生从禽到哺乳动物宿主的基因交换。该研究结果丰富了H3亚型禽流感病毒的流行病学数据,为进一步了解我国低致病性禽流感病毒的分布特征提供了参考依据。

Antiviral activity of Basidiomycete mycelia against influenza type A(serotype H1N1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 in cell culture

In this study, we investigated the in vitro antiviral activity of the mycelia of higher mushrooms against influenza virus type A(serotype H1N1) and herpes simplex virus type 2(HSV-2), strain BH. All 10 investigated mushroom species inhibited the reproduction of influenza virus strain A/FM/1/47(H1N1) in MDCK cells reducing the infectious titer by 2.0–6.0 lg ID50. Four species, Pleurotus ostreatus, Fomes fomentarius, Auriporia aurea, and Trametes versicolor, were also determined to be effective against HSV-2 strain BH in RK-13 cells, with similar levels of inhibition as for influenza. For some of the investigated mushroom species—Pleurotus eryngii, Lyophyllum shimeji, and Flammulina velutipes—this is the first report of an anti-influenza effect. This study also reports the first data on the medicinal properties of A. aurea, including anti-influenza and antiherpetic activities. T. versicolor 353 mycelium was found to have a high therapeutic index(324.67), and may be a promising material for the pharmaceutical industry as an anti-influenza and antiherpetic agent with low toxicity. Mycelia with antiviral activity were obtained in our investigation by bioconversion of agricultural wastes(amaranth flour after CO2 extraction), which would reduce the cost of the final product and solve some ecological problems.

Molecular Characterization of Avian-like H1N1 Swine Influenza A Viruses Isolated in Eastern China, 2011

Currently, three predominant subtypes of influenza virus are prevalent in pig populations worldwide： H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2. European avian-Hke H1N1 viruses, which were initially detected in European pig populations in 1979, have been circulating in pigs in eastern China since 2007. In this study, six influenza A viruses were isolated from 60 swine lung samples collected from January to April 2011 in eastern China. Based on whole genome sequencing, molecular characteristics of two isolates were determined. Phylogenetic analysis showed the eight genes of the two isolates were closely related to those of the avian-like H1N1 viruses circulating in pig populations, especially similar to those found in China. Four potential glycosylation sites were observed at positions 13, 26, 198, 277 in the HA1 proteins of the two isolates. Due to the presence of a stop codon at codon 12, the isolates contained truncated PB1-F2 proteins. In this study, the isolates contained 591Q, 627E and 701N in the polymerase subunit PB2, which had been shown to be determinants of virulence and host adaptation. The isolates also had a D rather than E at position 92 of the NS1, a marker of mammalian adaptation. Both isolates contained the GPKV motif at the PDZ ligand domain of the 3＇ end of the NS1, a characteristic marker of the European avian-like swine viruses since about 1999, which is distinct from those of avian, human and classical swine viruses. The M2 proteins of the isolates have the mutation （S31N）, a characteristic marker of the European avian-like swine viruses since about 1987, which may confer resistance to amantadine and rimantadine antivirals. Our findings further emphasize the importance of surveillance on the genetic diversity of influenza A viruses in pigs, and raise more concerns about the occurrence of cross-species transmission events.

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.

Gene Expression Profiles Comparison between 2009 Pandemic and Seasonal H1N1 Influenza Viruses in A549 Cells

Objective To perform gene expression profiles comparison so that to identify and understand the potential differences in pathogenesis between the pandemic and seasonal A （H1N1） influenza viruses. Methods A549 cells were infected with A/California/07/09 （H1N1） and A/GuangdongBaoan/51/08 （H1N1） respectively at the same MOI of 2 and collected at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h post infection （p.i.）. Gene expression profiles of A549 cells were obtained using the 22 K Human Genome Oligo Array, and differentially expressed genes were analyzed at selected time points. Results Microarrays results indicated that both of the viruses suppressed host immune response related pathways including cytokine production while pandemic H1N1 virus displayed weaker suppression of host immune response than seasonal H1N1 virus. Observation on similar anti-apoptotic events such as activation of apoptosis inhibitor and down-regulation of key genes of apoptosis pathways in both infections showed that activities of promoting apoptosis were different in later stage of infection. Conclusion The immuno-suppression and anti-apoptosis events of pandemic H1N1 virus were similar to those seen by seasonal H1N1 virus. The pandemic H1N1 virus had an ability to inhibit biological pathways associated with cytokine responses, NK activation and macrophage recognition .

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.

A Novel Reassortant H3N8 Influenza Virus Isolated from Drinking Water for Duck in a Domestic Duck Farm in Poyang Lake Area

Objective To conduct a full genome sequence analysis for genetic characterization of an H3N8 influenza virus isolated from drinking water of a domestic duck farm in Poyang Lake area in 2011. Methods The virus was cultivated by specific pathogen free （SPF） chicken embryo eggs and was subtyped into hemagglutinin （HA） and neuraminidase （NA） by real-time PCR method. Eight gene segments were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Results The NA gene of this virus belongs to North American lineage; other seven genes belong to Eurasian lineage. Compared with the viruses containing NA gene, the PB2 and PB2 gene came from different clades. And this indicates that the virus was a novel reassortant genotype. The HA receptor binding preference was avian-like and the cleavage site sequence showed a low pathogenic feature. There was no drug resistance mutation of M2 protein. The mutations of Asn30Asp, and Thr225Ala of the M1 protein implied the potential of pathogenicity increase in mice. Conclusion The finding of novel genotype of H3N8 virus in drinking water in this duck farm near Poyang Lake highlighted the importance of strengthening the surveillance of avian influenza in this region, which could contribute to pinpointing the influenza ecological relations among avian, swine, and human.

PA-X基因的长度变化对H3N2犬流感病毒复制能力和致病性的影响

H3N2犬流感病毒(canine influenza virus,CIV)已在中国多地的犬群中流行,是禽流感跨宿主感染并形成新分支的近期案例。研究表明,PA-X基因与甲型流感病毒适应新宿主的能力相关,且其长度能够影响甲型流感病毒的复制及致病能力。为了解PA-X基因的长度变化对H3N2 CIV复制能力及致病力的影响,本研究利用H3N2 CIV的8质粒操作系统,拯救了三株重组H3N2 CIV毒株:PA-X基因表达大小为232个氨基酸多肽的亲本病毒CIV_PA-X_232;对PA编码区第191、192位氨基酸的密码子进行改造,PA-X基因不表达蛋白的重组病毒CIV_PA-X_Knock;对PA+1编码区第232位氨基酸进行突变,PA-X基因表达大小为252个氨基酸多肽的重组病毒CIV_PA-X_252。通过比较3株重组病毒的聚合酶活性,在MDCK细胞中的复制效率及对小鼠致病性的差异,来评价表达不同长度的PA-X基因对H3N2 CIV的影响。结果显示,CIV_PA-X_252和CIV_PA-X_Knock的聚合酶活性显著(P<0.05)高于CIV_PA-X_232,且CIV_PA-X_252的聚合酶活性显著(P<0.05)高于CIV_PA-X_Knock;CIV_PA-X_252和CIV_PA-X_Knock在MDCK细胞中的复制能力显著(P<0.05)强于CIV_PA-X_232;小鼠攻毒试验结果显示,3株重组病毒对小鼠的体重变化无明显影响,且对小鼠无致死性;仅能在感染后第1天的小鼠肺中检测出3株重组病毒的TCID50,且病毒滴度无显著差异;3株重组病毒均能对小鼠肺造成病理损伤,其中,CIV_PA-X_252对小鼠的致病性最强,CIV_PA-X_232次之,CIV_PA-X_Knock对小鼠的致病性最弱。上述结果表明,PA-X基因的延长能够提高H3N2 CIV在MDCK细胞中复制能力和对小鼠肺造成病理损伤的能力,但该变化可能对H3N2 CIV在小鼠肺内的复制能力没有影响。本试验初步探究了PA-X基因的长度变化对H3N2 CIV的影响,为后续H3N2 CIV致病机制的研究提供了初步的参考。