Scientists Raise Alarm About Emergence Of Novel Human-Avian Reassortment H9N2 Virus In Guangdong-China!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 20, 2024 9 months, 2 days, 20 hours, 28 minutes ago
Medical News: In the intricate interplay between viruses and humans, the H9N2 avian influenza virus has emerged as a subtle yet potent player, capable of reshuffling genetic material with various flu strains. Recent findings have raised significant concerns about a novel human-avian reassortment H9N2 virus identified in Guangdong Province, China. Despite its traditionally low pathogenicity in both poultry and humans, the virus's ability to reassort and infect a wide range of hosts has scientists on high alert.
Scientists Raise Alarm About Emergence Of Novel Human-Avian
Reassortment H9N2 Virus In Guangdong-China!
H9N2's Evolutionary Potential
While H9N2 may not be known for its lethality, it compensates with an extensive host range and a penchant for reassorting with other avian, swine, human, and canine flu viruses. Numerous studies over the years have linked H9N2 to the genetic makeup of other novel influenza subtypes, including H5N1, H5N6, H7N9, H3N8, and H10N4. In China, the use of ineffective vaccines has inadvertently fueled H9N2's evolution, leading to the creation and dissemination of multiple genotypes.
Mink as Potential Amplifiers
A significant revelation came from studies involving minks, where H9N2 infection, though non-fatal, led to replication of the virus in minks' lungs and other organs. Notably, minks infected with H9N2 could transmit the virus to other mammals, emphasizing the potential for genetic changes that enhance mammalian adaptation. This revelation gained attention last summer, as scientists underscored the risks posed by mink farms to future viral pandemics, emphasizing the need for proactive prevention measures.
The Latest Discovery in Guangdong Province
A recent
Medical News report and study highlights the identification of a chicken–human–mink recombinant H9N2 virus (ZJ81 strain) in Guangdong Province, China.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tbed/2024/9913934/
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2024/02/transboundary-emerg-dis-novel-human.html
This strain, along with five others, demonstrated a bias for the human receptor-binding site and mutations associated with increased virulence in mice. Notably, the HA-Q226L mutation indicates a preference for human receptors, suggesting a potential shift from avian to human transmission.
Genetic Mutations and Virulence
The report identifies key mutations in the isolated strains, such as the T190V mutation in the HA protein, indicating increased replication in mice. All six strains share the D225G mutation in the HA protein, suggesting an enhanced ability for transmission and replication in pigs. These mutations pose a dual threat, indicating a potential increase in virulence in bo
th mice and pigs, heightening concerns about cross-species transmission.
Implications for Public Health
China, being a major global producer of poultry, faces a substantial challenge in dealing with the dominance of H9N2 in its live poultry market. While the virus may not cause severe disease or high mortality in poultry, its impact on the industry includes decreased appetite, reduced egg production, and deaths resulting from mixed infections. Additionally, H9N2 serves as a genetic contributor to new recombinant viruses, such as H7N9 and H3N8, which have infected humans. This raises a significant public health concern, warranting vigilant surveillance and control measures.
The Global Spread of H9N2
Over the past 15 years, H9N2 has expanded its geographic range, spreading from Asia into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Despite being classified as a low path avian influenza (LPAI) virus and not reportable by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), H9N2 has shown clear zoonotic potential. Seroprevalence studies indicate that individuals exposed to infected poultry often develop antibodies, suggesting mild or asymptomatic infections are likely common.
Challenges in Monitoring and Control
The intricate web of H9N2's interactions with wild birds, poultry farms, live bird markets, pig herds, peridomestic animals, and fur farms worldwide makes monitoring and control challenging. This current report from Guangdong Province provides a snapshot of H9N2's evolution five years ago, highlighting the need for real-time monitoring and control efforts. However, it serves as a reminder that our understanding is limited, and the evolution of pandemic pathogens can occur outside our immediate view.
Conclusion and Preparedness
The emergence of the novel human-avian reassortment H9N2 virus in Guangdong Province underscores the ever-present risk of zoonotic infections and the potential for genetic mutations that enhance virulence. As nature continues its relentless pursuit of successful pathogens, preparation is paramount. While the likelihood of an imminent pandemic remains uncertain, the imperative is clear: proactive measures, real-time monitoring, and international collaboration are essential to safeguard public health against the evolving threat of H9N2 and other potential pandemic viruses.
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