Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of avian influenza H3N8 virus isolated from imported waterfowl in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.40.2.014
- Author:
Leow, B.L.
1
;
Shohaimi, S.A.
1
;
Mohd. Yusop, F.F.
1
;
Sidik, M.R.
1
;
Mohd Saeid, F.H.
1
Author Information
1. Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), 59, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
avian influenza;
imported waterfowl;
H3N8 virus;
molecular characterization;
Malaysia.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2023;40(No.2):220-235
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Wild aquatic birds are natural reservoirs of influenza A viruses and H3 subtype is one of the most
prevalent subtypes in waterfowl. Two H3N8 viruses of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) were
isolated via egg inoculation technique from the fecal swab specimens from imported barnacle goose
and paradise shelduck in Veterinary Research Institute Ipoh, Malaysia. The full length of eight gene
segments of the two viruses were amplified and sequenced with specific primers. The sequences were
molecularly characterized, and the sequence identity were assessed with other published sequences.
The two viruses are identical and they possess the same amino acid sequences for all the eight gene
segments. The viruses were highly similar to the H3 virus from Netherlands and N8 virus from Belgium
respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the eight gene segments were grouped in the
Eurasian lineage, and genetic reassortment may occur between the internal genes of the H3 viruses
and other AI subtypes. Though four amino acid substitutions were identified in the hemagglutinin gene,
the viruses retained most of the avian-type receptor binding preference. Few amino acid substitutions
were observed in all internal genes. Most of the neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantine resistance
related mutation were not seen in the viruses. The replicative capacity, cross species transmissibility,
and potential zoonotic risk of the viruses are worth further investigation. As H3 virus poses potential
threats to both human and animals, and with the increase in the international trade of birds; strict
quarantine practice at the entry point and good laboratory diagnostic capabilities is crucial to prevent
the introduction of new AI virus into our country.
- Full text:8.2023my1410.pdf
