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Bioengineer
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H9N2 Avian Flu Diversity Signals Zoonotic Risks
- A nationwide study in China analyzed avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in live poultry markets, highlighting the zoonotic risks posed by the H9N2 subtype.
- Surveillance efforts revealed a significant positivity rate of 17.57% for AIVs, with H9N2 being the dominant viral lineage.
- Live markets serve as hotspots for viral reassortment, facilitating genetic exchange and adaptation of avian viruses.
- The study classified distinct genetic clades within the dominant H9N2 lineage, highlighting antigenic variations complicating vaccine design.
- H9N2 strains showed molecular adaptations favoring human infectivity, with mutations enhancing receptor binding and immune evasion.
- In vitro assays demonstrated increased replication efficiency of H9N2 viruses in human airway cells, suggesting enhanced transmissibility potential.
- Mutations in the PB2 protein, along with HA and NP mutations, contributed to enhanced transmissibility in mammalian models.
- The study emphasized challenges in vaccine development due to antigenic drift in H9N2 strains and the need for continuous monitoring.
- Live poultry markets elevate the risk of novel reassortant viruses with pandemic potential, necessitating integrated surveillance and control measures.
- Global collaboration is crucial to track evolving viral genotypes and prepare for emerging zoonotic threats from avian influenza viruses.
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