Article
Immunology
Sol Jeong, Nyamsuren Otgontogtokh, Dong-Hun Lee, Bayarmagnai Davganyam, Sun-Hak Lee, Andrew Y. Cho, Erdene-Ochir Tseren-Ochir, Chang-Seon Song
Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses were found in whooper swans in Mongolia. The spread of these infections in wild birds during fall migration is concerning for potential virus dissemination.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Victor Gamarra-Toledo, Pablo I. Plaza, Fernando Angulo, Roberto Gutierrez, Oscar Garcia-Tello, Patricia Saravia-Guevara, Fernando Mejia-Vargas, Mirbel Epiquien-Rivera, Gonzalo Quiroz-Jimenez, Paola Martinez, Deyvis Huaman-Mendoza, Giancarlo Inga-Diaz, Luis E. La Madrid, Paola Luyo, Sandra Ventura, Sergio A. Lambertucci
Summary: The recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Peru has caused significant mortality among wild bird populations, including threatened species. The rapid spread of the virus has raised concerns over the conservation of bird species in South America and Antarctica.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Juan Li, Chunge Zhang, Jian Cao, Yongchun Yang, Hui Dong, Yanan Cui, Xue Yao, Hong Zhou, Lu Lu, Samantha Lycett, Xiaodu Wang, Houhui Song, Wenjun Liu, George F. Gao, Weifeng Shi, Yuhai Bi
Summary: In mid-November 2020, deaths of whooper swans were reported in the Yellow River Reservoir Area, China. This study identified four clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 highly avian influenza viruses from a sick whooper swan and environmental samples, closely related to recent H5Nx HPAIVs causing outbreaks in Eurasia. The newly identified H5N8 HPAIVs possessed avian-like receptors but had antigenic mutations, highlighting the risk of rapid global spread and the need for continuous monitoring of avian influenza viruses in wild birds.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jingman Tian, Minghui Li, Xiaoli Bai, Yulei Li, Xuefeng Wang, Fuhong Wang, Jianzhong Shi, Xianying Zeng, Guobin Tian, Yanbing Li
Summary: The study identified H5 avian influenza viruses in wild birds in China in 2020, showing low pathogenicity in chickens but potential increased virulence in mice. Some viruses were inefficient in poultry transmission but efficient in waterfowl, suggesting intercontinental and cross-species transmission possibilities. Continuous surveillance of migration routes is crucial to monitor avian influenza viruses and prevent reassortment with local strains.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
V Caliendo, N. S. Lewis, A. Pohlmann, S. R. Baillie, A. C. Banyard, M. Beer, I. H. Brown, R. A. M. Fouchier, R. D. E. Hansen, T. K. Lameris, A. S. Lang, S. Laurendeau, O. Lung, G. Robertson, H. van der Jeugd, T. N. Alkie, K. Thorup, M. L. van Toor, J. Waldenstrom, C. Yason, T. Kuiken, Y. Berhane
Summary: Recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in North America, closely related to the viruses in Europe, raises concerns about further spread across the Americas through wild bird migration.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Guimei He, Le Ming, Xiang Li, Yuhe Song, Ling Tang, Min Ma, Jie Cui, Tianhou Wang
Summary: In late 2020, 32 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses were detected in migratory ducks in Shanghai, China. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 2 sublineages of clade 2.3.4.4b, each forming separate clusters with isolates from East Asia and Europe.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jingman Tian, Xiaoli Bai, Minghui Li, Xianying Zeng, Jia Xu, Peng Li, Miao Wang, Xingdong Song, Zhiguo Zhao, Guobin Tian, Liling Liu, Yuntao Guan, Yanbing Li, Hualan Chen
Summary: Since 2020, highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus has spread globally, causing large-scale avian influenza outbreaks. In China, 17 highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from wild birds, belonging to genotypes G07 and G10 from eastern Asia and Russia, respectively. These viruses were moderately pathogenic in mice but highly lethal in ducks. The H5/H7 trivalent vaccine provided complete protection against the H5N1 virus challenge in chickens.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Eun-Ha Kim, Young-ll Kim, Se Mi Kim, Kwang-Min Yu, Mark Anthony B. Casel, Seung-Gyu Jang, Philippe Noriel Q. Pascua, Richard J. Webby, Young Ki Choi
Summary: This study highlights the ability of wild migratory birds to carry various low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses that can infect land-based poultry and mammalian hosts while causing minimal signs of clinical disease. These viruses pose a significant threat to human health, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Letter
Immunology
Xiang Li, Xinru Lv, Yi Li, Peng Peng, Ruifang Zhou, Siyuan Qin, Enda Ma, Wendiang Liu, Tian Fu, Peiran Ma, Qing An, Yiran Li, Yuping Hua, Yulong Wang, Chengliang Lei, Dong Chu, Heting Sun, Yanbing Li, Yuwei Gao, Hongliang Chai
Summary: In October 2020, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses were detected in 2 dead swans in Inner Mongolia, China. Genetic analysis showed that the H5N8 isolates belong to Glade 2.3.4.4b and cluster with the H5N8 viruses isolated in Eurasia in the fall of 2020.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francois-Xavier Briand, Eric Niqueux, Audrey Schmitz, Claire Martenot, Martine Cherbonnel, Pascale Massin, Rachel Busson, Carole Guillemoto, Isabelle Pierre, Katell Louboutin, Florent Souchaud, Chantal Allee, Helene Quenault, Pierrick Lucas, Anne Van de Wiele, Yannick Blanchard, Nicolas Eterradossi, Axelle Scoizec, Sophie Le Bouquin-Leneveu, Severine Rautureau, Yves Lambert, Beatrice Grasland
Summary: During winter 2020-2021, France and other European countries experienced severe impacts from highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, predominantly in domestic waterfowl farms. The analysis of viral genomic sequences revealed the presence of three subtypes, with the majority belonging to the H5N8 subtype in France.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Qian Zhang, Xindi Mei, Cheng Zhang, Juan Li, Nana Chang, Dilihuma Aji, Weifeng Shi, Yuhai Bi, Zhenghai Ma
Summary: This study found that the Northern Tianshan Mountain wetlands in Xinjiang may play a key role in disseminating avian influenza viruses from Central China to the Eurasian continent and East Africa. The nine isolates were reassortant 2.3.4.4B HPAIVs originating from 2.3.4.4B H5N8 and 2.3.4.4C H5N6 viruses.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jasmine C. M. Turner, Subrata Barman, Mohammed M. Feeroz, M. Kamrul Hasan, Sharmin Akhtar, Trushar Jeevan, David Walker, John Franks, Patrick Seiler, Nabanita Mukherjee, Lisa Kercher, Pamela McKenzie, Tommy Lam, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Richard J. Webby
Summary: Migratory birds have been identified as key players in the dissemination of influenza viruses. Recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses in migratory and resident ducks in Bangladesh, which are genetically similar to viruses found in wild birds in China and Mongolia, suggests a potential migration-associated spread of these zoonotic pathogens.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francisca C. Velkers, Thijs T. M. Manders, Johannes C. M. Vernooij, Julia Stahl, Roy Slaterus, J. Arjan Stegeman
Summary: This study compared the densities of high-risk wild bird species around HPAIV-infected farms in the Netherlands with non-infected reference farms, showing higher bird densities around H and R-W farms during the winter months. The results provide insights into the environmental and ecological drivers for wild bird presence, facilitating the identification of priority areas for surveillance and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of HPAIV outbreaks.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Yuan Liang, Jakob N. Nissen, Jesper S. Krog, Solvej o. Breum, Ramona Trebbien, Lars E. Larsen, Charlotte K. Hjulsager
Summary: Since late 2020, outbreaks of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b have emerged in Europe. Danish H5N8 viruses were genetically similar to each other and contemporary European H5N8 viruses, while the H5N5 virus from Denmark was unique from those circulating in Russia, Germany, and Belgium. The presence of a substitution in one of the H5N8 viruses suggested that the viruses were most likely introduced to Europe by migrating birds rather than being a result of continued circulation from previous introductions.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Malin Grant, Caroline Brojer, Siamak Zohari, Maria Noremark, Henrik Uhlhorn, Desiree S. Jansson
Summary: This article describes the situation of avian influenza in Sweden during the period of 2020-2021 and adds to the knowledge of highly pathogenic influenza in birds. The disease caused suffering and death in wild and domestic birds, resulting in significant losses and extensive measures to control the spread. Research suggests that the virus was primarily brought to poultry farms by wild birds. Further research is needed to understand the risk factors, biosecurity, and presence of wild birds on poultry farms in order to prevent future outbreaks.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Virology
Malik Peiris, Stanley Perlman
Summary: The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) primarily spreads to humans through dromedary camels in Africa, the Middle East, and Central or South Asia, with limited human-to-human transmission. Only cases in humans from the Arabian Peninsula have been reported so far, and no zoonotic MERS cases have been found in Africa or Asia, despite the high density of infected camels. Further investigation into this disparity is crucial due to the pandemic potential of MERS-CoV.
CURRENT OPINION IN VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Assaf Anyamba, Richard Damoah, Alan Kemp, Jennifer L. Small, Melinda K. Rostal, Whitney Bagge, Claudia Cordel, Robert Brand, William B. Karesh, Janusz T. Paweska
Summary: The activity of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in Southern Africa is influenced by climatic conditions, specifically elevated rainfall and cooler temperatures. These conditions, which are regulated by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), provide ideal breeding grounds for RVFV mosquito vectors. A 5-year study conducted in the Free State province of South Africa revealed that the post-epizootic period of RVFV activity is characterized by below-normal rainfall, high temperatures, and decreased vegetation. These conditions limit the habitat available for RVFV vectors and reduce the likelihood of RVFV transmission. However, a focal RVF outbreak occurred in 2017-2018 due to above-average rainfall, indicating the possibility of future RVFV activity.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Letter
Critical Care Medicine
Chris Ka Pun Mok, David S. Hui, Malik Peiris
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim K. Tsang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Vicky J. Fang, Jessica Y. Wong, Eunice Y. Shiu, Hau Chi So, Dennis K. M. Ip, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling, Simon Cauchemez
Summary: This study analyzes influenza antibody dynamics and develops an algorithm to improve the identification of influenza virus infections. The authors find that HAI titers increase after infection but decrease by 14% per year. Children have a higher infection risk compared to younger adults, and a higher pre-epidemic HAI titer provides greater protection against infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jonathan Tin Lai Cheung, Eric H. Y. Lau, Ziying Jin, Huachen Zhu, Yi Guan, Malik Peiris
Summary: The study reveals the risk of cross-infection of swine influenza virus during swine transportation and suggests an increased risk of zoonotic transmission to individuals involved in the transportation and slaughtering processes.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerald T. Keusch, John H. Amuasi, Danielle E. Anderson, Peter Daszak, Isabella Eckerle, Hume Field, Marion Koopmans, Sai Kit Lam, Carlos G. Das Neves, Malik Peiris, Stanley Perlman, Supaporn Wacharapluesadee, Su Yadana, Linda Saif
Summary: Reviewing major RNA virus outbreaks since 1967 to identify common features and opportunities for prevention and control. Emphasizing the importance of smart surveillance, research, reduction of spillover risk, and the integration of biosafety and biosecurity measures. Discussing the challenges in governance and interdisciplinary collaborative research and offering recommendations for improving preparedness and response.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Virology
Tim K. Tsang, Can Wang, Vicky J. Fang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Hau Chi So, Dennis K. M. Ip, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Simon Cauchemez, Benjamin J. Cowling
Summary: Influenza vaccination is crucial in preventing influenza virus infection, yet it offers limited indirect protection in the case of influenza B epidemic in Hong Kong. By analyzing six influenza A epidemics, it was found that community, rather than households, served as the main source of infection, with only 10% of cases attributed to household transmission.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Stanley Perlman, Malik Peiris
Summary: Decades of research on coronaviruses and studying SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic have provided a great deal of knowledge, but there are still many unanswered questions and areas that need further research.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Miria F. Criado, Aemro Kassa, Kateri Bertran, Jung-Hoon Kwon, Mariana Sa e Silva, Lindsay Killmaster, Ted M. Ross, Teshome Mebatsion, David E. Swayne
Summary: This study developed multivalent recombinant herpesvirus vaccines that can simultaneously control highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and other viral infections.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim K. Tsang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Vicky J. Fang, Jessica Y. Wong, Eunice Y. Shiu, Hau Chi So, Dennis K. M. Ip, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling, Simon Cauchemez
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haogao Gu, Ahmed Abdul Quadeer, Pavithra Krishnan, Daisy Y. M. Ng, Lydia D. J. Chang, Gigi Y. Z. Liu, Samuel M. S. Cheng, Tommy T. Y. Lam, Malik Peiris, Matthew R. McKay, Leo L. M. Poon
Summary: Limited data is available on the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 within hosts and its relationship with vaccination. The authors found that variant of Concern (VOC) samples have more sequence variations than non-VOC samples, and breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals do not increase non-silent mutations. The study highlights the importance of understanding within-host diversity and the impact of vaccination on viral evolution.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michael Kwan Leung Yu, Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan, Samuel Cheng, Daniel Leung, Sau Man Chan, Amy Suen Ka Yan, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Malik Peiris, Yu Lung Lau, Jaime S. Rosa Duque
Summary: Hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination is common for patients with neuromuscular diseases due to the lack of safety and efficacy data in this high-risk population. This study examined the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy and evaluated the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines in patients with neuromuscular diseases. The results showed that both vaccines were safe and effective for these patients.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Ihab El Masry, Salim Al Makhladi, Mohsin Al Abdwany, Afrah Al Subhi, Hatim Eltahir, Samuel Cheng, Malik Peiris, Emma Gardner, Sophie Von Dobschuetz, Baba Soumare, Madhur Dhingra, Keith Sumption, Markos Tibbo
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection in livestock species in Oman was investigated, and serological evidence of infection in cattle, sheep, goats, and dromedary camel was provided. Integrated data analysis of epidemiologically linked human and animal cases should be conducted to understand the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and associated risks.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ariunbaatar Barkhasbaatar, Martin Gilbert, Amanda E. Fine, Enkhtuvshin Shiilegdamba, Batchuluun Damdinjav, Bayarbaatar Buuveibaatar, Bodisaikhan Khishgee, Christine K. Johnson, Connie Y. H. Leung, Ulaankhuu Ankhanbaatar, Dulam Purevtseren, James M. Tuttle, Jonna A. K. Mazet, Joseph S. Malik Peiris, Losolmaa Jambal, Munkhduuren Shatar, Tuvshintugs Sukhbaatar, Sarah H. Olson
Summary: This study collected a total of 10,222 fecal samples from wild birds in Mongolia between 2009-2013 and 2016-2018, and identified 175 low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses of 29 subtype combinations. During these time periods, the viruses were more frequently detected in the fall season (August to October) compared with the early summer (April to July). The study demonstrates the use of a cost-effective fecal sampling approach for monitoring avian influenza in wild bird populations and contributes to our understanding of the prevalence and ecology of these viruses in Mongolia, a country with a globally important habitat for large concentrations of migratory water birds.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)