Adel A, Mosaad Z, Shalaby AG, Selim K, Samy M, Abd. Molecular evolution of the hemagglutinin gene and epidemiological insight into low-pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 viruses in Egypt. Res Vet Sci. 2021 Apr 14;136:540-549
Despite the low pathogenicity of the H9N2 avian influenza viruses, they can induce severe economic losses in various poultry sectors in conjunction with other factors. In Egypt, low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 became endemic in 2011 and has undergone continuous genetic evolution since then. The regular monitoring of the evolution of the virus is necessary to control its spread. During 2017-2020, there were 44 positive samples isolated, and these viruses were genetically sequenced to determine the hemagglutinin (HA) gene circulating in Egypt. The molecular analysis revealed at least nine changes in amino acid residues in comparison with the reference Egyptian strain from the original introduction in 2011 (A/qu/Egypt/113413v/2011), with a similarity of 95%-96%. Amino acid residues 180 and 216 are the most important residues in terms of positive selection pressure. Phylogenetically, the new Egyptian H9N2 viruses in 2017-2020 belonged to a new subcluster related to the strains that had been circulating since 2015. Comparative analysis of the HA gene of LPAI H9N2 viruses in Egypt from 2011 to 2020 supports a continuous evolution through the years with persistent markers.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Tracking the Progression from IAV (H5N1) to IAV (H7N9) and Preparing for Emerging Challenges 3 hours ago
- Genetic characterization of highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N8 virus isolated from commercial poultry farms in Egypt reveals zoonotic potential 3 hours ago
- Cats infected with H5N1 avian influenza - a new infectious disease in Poland 3 hours ago
- [preprint]Influenza A infection accelerates disease-associated microglia formation during physiological aging 3 hours ago
- Chicken PIAS2 enhances H6N2 avian influenza virus replication by promoting SUMOylation of viral NP 3 hours ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]


