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Avian influenza H9N2 subtype in Ghana: virus characterization and evidence of co-infection

Version 2 2019-08-23, 10:07
Version 1 2019-06-26, 10:07
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posted on 2019-08-23, 10:07 authored by Joseph A. Awuni, Alice Bianco, Otilia J. Dogbey, Alice Fusaro, Daniel T. Yingar, Annalisa Salviato, Patrick T. Ababio, Adelaide Milani, Francesco Bonfante, Isabella Monne

Between November 2017 and February 2018, Ghanaian poultry producers reported to animal health authorities a dramatic increase in mortality rate and a relevant drop in egg production in several layer hen farms. Laboratory investigations revealed that the farms had been infected by the H9N2 influenza subtype. Virological and molecular characterization of the viruses identified in Ghana is described here for the first time. Whole genome analysis showed that the viruses belong to the G1-lineage and cluster with viruses identified in North and West Africa. The low pathogenicity of the virus was confirmed by the intravenous pathogenicity index assay. Further investigations revealed co-infection with infectious bronchitis virus of the GI-19 lineage, which very likely explained the severity of the disease observed during the outbreaks. The H9N2 outbreaks in Ghana highlight the importance of performing a differential diagnosis and an in-depth characterization of emerging viruses. In addition, the detection of a potentially zoonotic subtype, such as the H9N2, in a region where highly pathogenic avian influenza H5Nx is currently circulating highlights the urgency of implementing enhanced monitoring strategies and supporting improved investments in regional diagnostic technologies.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Influenza A H9N2 subtype was detected in layer hens in Ghana in 2017–2018

Whole genome characterization of seven H9N2 viruses was performed

Phylogenetic trees revealed that the H9N2 viruses belong to the G1 lineage

The HA protein possesses the amino acid mutations 226L and 155T

Co-infection with infectious bronchitis virus of the GI-19 lineage was identified

Influenza A H9N2 subtype was detected in layer hens in Ghana in 2017–2018

Whole genome characterization of seven H9N2 viruses was performed

Phylogenetic trees revealed that the H9N2 viruses belong to the G1 lineage

The HA protein possesses the amino acid mutations 226L and 155T

Co-infection with infectious bronchitis virus of the GI-19 lineage was identified

Funding

The laboratory analyses were supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the project entitled “Emergency Assistance for prevention and control of H5N1 HPAI in West and Central Africa”[OSRO/GLO/501/USA] and the project “Supporting the global health security agenda (GHSA) to address Zoonotic Disease and Animal Health in Africa” [OSRO/GLO/507/USA]. The content of this article is the responsibility of the author(s) and does not necessarily reflect the views of UN-FAO, USAID or the United States Government.

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