Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Subir Sarker
Summary: This study characterized the viromes of Australian Neophema birds and identified 16 viruses belonging to different families. It also showed a potential evolutionary relationship of PsSiAdV-F previously found in critically endangered orange-bellied parrots. The study highlights the importance of testing birds for potential pathogens to prevent the spread of infections.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Jose L. Huaman, Carlo Pacioni, David M. Forsyth, Anthony Pople, Jordan O. Hampton, Teresa G. Carvalho, Karla J. Helbig
Summary: Using next-generation sequencing, researchers identified an endogenous betaretrovirus genome in fallow deer and other deer species. This finding suggests a wide distribution of ERVs in cervids and provides insights into the evolution of betaretroviruses in this group.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrey Zhigailov, Elina R. Maltseva, Yuliya V. Perfilyeva, Yekaterina O. Ostapchuk, Dinara A. Naizabayeva, Zhanna A. Berdygulova, Saltanat A. Kuatbekova, Anna S. Nizkorodova, Akzhigit Mashzhan, Andrey E. Gavrilov, Almat Zh. Abayev, Ilyas A. Akhmetollayev, Seidigapbar M. Mamadaliyev, Yuriy A. Skiba
Summary: Wild birds in southeastern Kazakhstan were studied to investigate the host range, diversity, and spatial distribution of avian paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses, and astroviruses. Coronaviruses were found in 4.1% of the examined birds, astroviruses in 2.9%, and paramyxoviruses in 0.8%. The study provides valuable information on the presence and distribution of these viruses in wild birds in the region, emphasizing the need for further monitoring.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vasily Y. Marchenko, Natalia P. Kolosova, Alexey V. Danilenko, Maria K. Bragina, Tran Thi Nhai, Alexander Ryzhikov
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of coronaviruses in wild and domestic birds in the bird park and live poultry markets of Ca Mau province in Vietnam in 2020. It was found that wild birds carried gammacoronaviruses and deltacoronaviruses, while poultry had various genotypes of infectious bronchitis virus. Notably, alphacoronaviruses or betacoronaviruses were not detected in the studied birds.
ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Md. Mijanur Rahman, Asma Talukder, Mohammed Mehadi Hassan Chowdhury, Reshma Talukder, Rekha Akter
Summary: The recurrent appearance of novel coronaviruses and their impact on global health has sparked a response from the scientific community. Wild birds, with their high biodiversity and unique immune system, may serve as important sources of zoonotic coronavirus transmission. It is essential to conduct thorough research and monitoring to understand the role of wild birds in the spread of coronaviruses.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Conghui Zhao, Jing Guo, Xianying Zeng, Jianzhong Shi, Guohua Deng, Yaping Zhang, Yanwen Wang, Qi Ma, Xinxin Gao, Pengfei Cui, Liling Liu, Xuyong Li, Hualan Chen
Summary: Wild birds serve as natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, and monitoring and assessing these viruses in wild birds provide valuable information for early warning and control of animal diseases. This study isolated 19 H7N7 avian influenza viruses from wild birds between 2018 and 2020, which actively reassorted with other avian influenza viruses to form different genotypes. These H7N7 viruses could bind to both avian-type and human-type receptors, with a lower affinity for human-type receptors. Furthermore, they replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract and caecum of domestic ducks, and the H5/H7 inactivated vaccine provided complete protection against H7N7 wild bird virus in ducks. These findings highlight the substantial threat of wild bird H7N7 viruses to the poultry industry in the East Asian-Australian migratory flyway, emphasizing the importance of influenza virus surveillance in both wild and domestic birds and supporting the development of active control strategies against H7N7 virus.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Filippo Maria Dini, Giulia Graziosi, Caterina Lupini, Elena Catelli, Roberta Galuppi
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed protozoan that can infect a wide range of mammals and birds as intermediate hosts. Migratory wild birds may contribute to the spatial spread of T. gondii, and hunted wild birds could serve as a source of human infection. A study conducted in Northern Italy during the hunting season of 2021-2022 found that 14% of sampled wild aquatic birds were positive for T. gondii based on molecular detection. These findings emphasize the need for further characterization of T. gondii in wildlife hosts.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Fabrizio Bertelloni, Renato Ceccherelli, Margherita Marzoni, Alessandro Poli, Valentina Virginia Ebani
Summary: This study investigated the diffusion of Avipoxviruses (APVs) among wild birds using molecular investigations. The results showed a high percentage of positive specimens, indicating a high diffusion rate of the viruses and a possible role of avian wildlife as a reservoir. Aquatic birds, particularly Anseriformes, were more frequently infected, possibly due to their living environment and the abundance of mosquitos in humid areas.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mahima Hemnani, David Rodrigues, Nuno Santos, Sergio Santos-Silva, Maria Ester Figueiredo, Pedro Henriques, Joana Ferreira-e-Silva, Hugo Rebelo, Patricia Poeta, Gertrude Thompson, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the diversity of coronaviruses in migratory ducks from Portugal. By collecting duck stool samples, 23 gamma coronaviruses and 1 delta coronavirus were identified. The research suggests that migratory birds can disperse pathogenic microorganisms through migration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yue Yuan, Bing Liang, Bo-Wen Jiang, Ling-Wei Zhu, Tie-Cheng Wang, Yuan-Guo Li, Jun Liu, Xue-Jun Guo, Xue Ji, Yang Sun
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of MDR Escherichia coli in migratory birds in China, finding a high resistance rate to beta-lactams and tetracycline. The isolates from southern China showed higher drug resistance rates than those from the north. The study confirmed that migratory birds may acquire MDR bacteria from the environment and act as potential transmitters, emphasizing the need for reduced antibiotic use and further research on bacterial drug resistance mechanisms.
Article
Microbiology
Mircea Coroian, Cornelia Silaghi, Birke Andrea Tews, Emanuel Stefan Baltag, Mihai Marinov, Vasile Alexe, Zsuzsa Kalmar, Horvath Cintia, Mihaela Sorina Lupse, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Summary: In a study conducted in the South-Eastern region of Romania, antibodies against West Nile and Usutu viruses were found in migratory and resident birds. These viruses, mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, pose a potential threat to human health as birds serve as the main reservoir.
Article
Biology
Michelle Wille, Simeon Lisovski, David Roshier, Marta Ferenczi, Bethany J. J. Hoye, Trent Leen, Simone Warner, Ron A. M. Fouchier, Aeron C. C. Hurt, Edward C. C. Holmes, Marcel Klaassen
Summary: Host susceptibility to LPAIV is influenced by factors such as genetics, ecology, age, and season. This study analyzed data from wild birds in Australia over 11 years and found that host phylogeny is a key driver in determining host range. The study provides insights into the evolutionary ecology of LPAIV in its avian reservoir community and expands our global understanding of LPAIV.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hyokeun Song, Saehah Yi, Woo-Hyun Kim, Jae-Ho Guk, Minjong Ha, Insik Kwak, Janghee Han, Seong-Chan Yeon, Seongbeom Cho
Summary: Rehabilitation period can affect the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance of wild migratory birds, potentially impacting their adaptability to natural environments and contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance after release.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Baptiste Defaye, Sara Moutailler, Benjamin Vollot, Clemence Galon, Gaelle Gonzalez, Rayane Amaral Moraes, Antoine-Simon Leoncini, Amalia Rataud, Gilles Le Guillou, Vanina Pasqualini, Yann Quilichini
Summary: In this study, blood samples and hematophagous ectoparasites were collected from migratory and sedentary bird populations in Corsican wetlands. Five pathogens, including Trypanosoma sp. in louse flies and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Erhlichia chaffeensis, and Rickettsia helvetica in ticks, were detected. Additionally, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and the West Nile virus were detected in bird blood samples in Corsica. This is the first report of these tick, louse fly, and pathogen species isolated on the bird population in Corsica, highlighting the importance of bird populations in the presence of arthropod-borne pathogens in Corsican wetlands.
Article
Microbiology
Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Carmen Gonzalez-Azcona, Adriana Ulloa, Agusti Martinez, Sara Garcia-Vela, Ursula Hofle, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Lozano, Carmen Torres
Summary: A total of 259 staphylococci strains were isolated from nasotracheal samples of 87 healthy nestling white storks, and their antimicrobial activity was tested using the spot-on-lawn method. Extracts from these strains were also tested against indicator bacteria. Results showed that 9 strains exhibited antimicrobial activity, primarily against Gram-positive bacteria. PCR and sequencing analysis revealed the presence of lantibiotic-like encoding genes in these strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Michelle Wille, Marcel Klaassen
Summary: The seasonal migratory behavior of animals may have evolved to reduce the risk of parasite infection and associated fitness costs. Different age groups may exhibit variations in migration strategy, possibly as a response to infection risk and disease. The phenomenon of oversummering, where juveniles refrain from migrating to breeding grounds, is a prevalent but often overlooked strategy to reduce parasite infection rates.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Seweryn Bialasiewicz, Meryta May, Sarah Tozer, Rebecca Day, Anne Bernard, Julian Zaugg, Kyana Gartrell, Soren Alexandersen, Anthony Chamings, Claire Y. T. Wang, Julia Clark, Keith Grimwood, Claire Heney, Luregn Schlapbach, Robert S. Ware, David Speers, Ross M. Andrews, Stephen Lambert
Summary: A study found that the recombinant strain of human parechovirus 3 (HPeV3-AR) was the dominant strain in the outbreaks of sepsis-like illnesses in infants in Australia. However, this strain was not associated with increased disease severity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Thomas Madsen, Beata Ujvari, Dirk Bauwens, Bernd Gruber, Arthur Georges, Marcel Klaassen
Summary: According to conservation genetic theory, small and isolated populations should have reduced genetic diversity. However, our long-term study of an isolated island population of adders in Sweden challenges this notion. Despite a lack of gene flow and a small population size, the adders on the island maintain high levels of genetic diversity. The presence of polyandry and non-random fertilization in female adders seems to be responsible for this maintenance.
Article
Biology
Michelle Wille, Simeon Lisovski, David Roshier, Marta Ferenczi, Bethany J. J. Hoye, Trent Leen, Simone Warner, Ron A. M. Fouchier, Aeron C. C. Hurt, Edward C. C. Holmes, Marcel Klaassen
Summary: Host susceptibility to LPAIV is influenced by factors such as genetics, ecology, age, and season. This study analyzed data from wild birds in Australia over 11 years and found that host phylogeny is a key driver in determining host range. The study provides insights into the evolutionary ecology of LPAIV in its avian reservoir community and expands our global understanding of LPAIV.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Michelle Wille, Marcel Klaassen
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Erik Skog, Marie Nykvist, Mahmoud M. Naguib, Michelle Wille, Caroline Brojer, Viktoria Agarwal, Patrik Ellstrom, Gabriel Westman, Ake Lundkvist, Josef D. Jarhult
Summary: This study investigates the potential transmission of OC-resistant avian influenza virus from mallards to chickens. The results show that even OC-resistant viruses can spread from ducks to chickens and replicate in chickens. However, these viruses cannot sustain transmission in chickens, likely due to insufficient adaptation to the chicken host.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
T. J. T. Mills, T. M. Nelson, L. A. Pearson, B. A. Neilan
Summary: Bacteria in the guts of pollinating insects are crucial for nutrient acquisition, digestion, and resistance to pests and diseases. This study investigates the gut microbiome of the Australian native stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, and the impact of colony transplantation on gut health. Although some differences were observed between bees from natural and manufactured hives, a core microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Acetobacteraceae spp., and Bombella spp. was maintained. The study suggests that hive transplantation has a limited negative impact on the overall health and resilience of the colony.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei-shan Chang, Michelle Wille
Summary: Rodent virus communities are important hosts for studying zoonotic viruses, and understanding the factors that influence their viromes is crucial. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Raghwani et al. (2023) investigate the role of seasonality in shaping the abundance and composition of viromes in rodents, providing valuable insights for understanding animal virome ecology.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ariful Islam, Tasnim Ara, Emama Amin, Shariful Islam, Md. Abu Sayeed, Tahmina Shirin, Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Marcel Klaassen, Jonathan H. Epstein
Summary: Understanding the characteristics, dynamics, and evolution of H5N1 outbreaks in Bangladesh is crucial for the prevention and control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). Our study revealed nine waves of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks between 2007 and 2020, with peak incidences during the winter season. Despite vaccination efforts, the virus continued to circulate in Bangladesh, with significant clustering and hotspots of H5N1 outbreaks in and around Dhaka district. Four H5N1 clades have been detected, with clade 2.3.2.1a persisting since 2011 and reassortment occurring in 2012. Our findings emphasize the importance of spatiotemporal analysis and phylodynamics in developing targeted control measures.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Man-Hung Eric Tang, Kim Lee Ng, Sofie Marie Edslev, Kirsten Ellegaard, Marc Stegger, Soren Alexandersen, Danish COVID Genom Consortium DCGC
Summary: A study found no significant statistical relationship between the levels of subgenomic RNAs in SARS-CoV-2 and host-related factors, suggesting that differences in target cell tropism, viral replication/transcription kinetics, or gene sequence features may contribute to the observed differences between lineages.
Letter
Ecology
Marcel Klaassen, Michelle Wille
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)