North American Origin Influenza A H10 Viruses in Eurasian Wild Birds and the Risk of Human H10N5 Emergence
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 18, 2025 2 days, 12 hours, 21 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Warn of Potential Human Infection Risk from H10N5 Influenza
A new study has raised concerns about the emergence of a novel influenza strain, H10N5, in humans, originating from wild birds in Eurasia. Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, have identified that the virus has North American lineage and is now circulating among wild birds in China. The study suggests that this strain could potentially spill over into humans, posing a significant public health risk.
North American Origin Influenza A H10 Viruses in Eurasian Wild Birds and the Risk of Human H10N5 Emergence
This
Medical News report highlights that the H10N5 virus has genetic traits linked to avian influenza strains previously detected in wild birds and humans. The researchers conducted a detailed surveillance study of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) between 2022 and 2024, isolating multiple H10Nx strains from migratory birds. Among them, a particular strain of H10N5 shared several genetic segments with a human-infecting variant detected in Zhejiang Province, China. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of avian flu viruses to prevent potential outbreaks in humans.
Tracing the Origin of H10N5 and Its Genetic Makeup
Scientists analyzed the genetic structure of the H10N5 virus using phylogenetic and molecular dating techniques. They found that the virus has a hybrid genetic makeup, with the hemagglutinin (HA) gene originating from North American avian influenza strains, while the neuraminidase (NA) gene comes from Eurasian lineage. The virus is thought to have emerged through reassortment events - when different virus strains exchange genetic material - in wild birds migrating along major flyways in Asia.
The study involved the collection and sequencing of viral samples from Qinghai Lake and the Chenhu Wetland Nature Reserve in China, both of which are known to host diverse populations of migratory birds. Before 2022, no H10 subtype strains had been detected in these areas. However, between 2022 and 2024, scientists isolated multiple strains of H10 viruses, including H10N5, from both locations. The genetic similarity of these strains to the human-infecting H10N5 virus suggests that the latter may have originated from these avian reservoirs.
Human Infection and Potential Risks
In January 2024, a human case of H10N5 infection was reported in Zhejiang Province, China. The individual was found to have a co-infection with H3N2, a common seasonal flu strain. Genetic analysis revealed that the human-infecting H10N5 virus was closely related to the strains found in wild birds in China. This finding suggests that direct or indirect exposure to infected birds could be a pathway for human infection.
Despite the detection of H10N5 in humans, there is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. However, scientists warn that continuous evo
lution and genetic reassortment in avian hosts could potentially lead to mutations that increase the virus’s ability to infect humans more efficiently. Historical cases of other H10 subtypes, such as H10N3, H10N7, and H10N8, have also been reported in humans, raising concerns about the overall risk of H10 viruses.
Monitoring and Preventative Measures
The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance of avian influenza viruses, especially those that have the potential to jump from birds to humans. Surveillance programs in high-risk areas, such as wetlands and bird migration routes, are critical for early detection and prevention of potential outbreaks.
Public health officials and virologists recommend continued monitoring of genetic changes in H10N5 and other emerging avian influenza strains. Strengthening biosecurity measures in poultry farms and live bird markets, as well as educating the public on the risks of handling wild birds, are also crucial steps in reducing the risk of transmission.
Conclusions
The emergence of the H10N5 virus in humans highlights the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza viruses. The study findings indicate that North American-origin H10 viruses have successfully integrated into Eurasian bird populations, creating new reassortant strains with the potential for human infection. Although the current risk of widespread human transmission remains low, the situation underscores the need for global vigilance and coordinated efforts in influenza surveillance.
Increased monitoring of migratory birds, genetic tracking of novel influenza strains, and prompt public health responses are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with emerging avian influenza viruses. As intercontinental movement of avian flu strains becomes more frequent, researchers stress the importance of rapid detection, response, and prevention strategies to protect global health.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Emerging Microbes & Infections.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2465308
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