Influenza A (H5N1) viruses from pigs, Indonesia

Emerg Infect Dis. 2010 Oct;16(10):1515-23. doi: 10.3201/eid1610.100508.

Abstract

Pigs have long been considered potential intermediate hosts in which avian influenza viruses can adapt to humans. To determine whether this potential exists for pigs in Indonesia, we conducted surveillance during 2005-2009. We found that 52 pigs in 4 provinces were infected during 2005-2007 but not 2008-2009. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses had been introduced into the pig population in Indonesia on at least 3 occasions. One isolate had acquired the ability to recognize a human-type receptor. No infected pig had influenza-like symptoms, indicating that influenza A (H5N1) viruses can replicate undetected for prolonged periods, facilitating avian virus adaptation to mammalian hosts. Our data suggest that pigs are at risk for infection during outbreaks of influenza virus A (H5N1) and can serve as intermediate hosts in which this avian virus can adapt to mammals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Bird Diseases / transmission*
  • Bird Diseases / virology
  • Cell Line
  • Indonesia / epidemiology
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / classification
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / pathogenicity
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / physiology*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Phylogeny
  • Population Surveillance
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Swine / virology*
  • Swine Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Swine Diseases / transmission
  • Swine Diseases / virology*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Receptors, Virus