Genetic Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N6/H5N5), Germany, 2017-2018

Anne Pohlmann; Donata Hoffmann; Christian Grund; Susanne Koethe; Daniela Hüssy; Simone M Meier; Jacqueline King; Jan Schinköthe; Reiner Ulrich; Timm Harder; Martin Beer

doi:10.3201/eid2510.181931

Genetic Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N6/H5N5), Germany, 2017-2018

Emerg Infect Dis. 2019 Oct;25(10):1973-1976. doi: 10.3201/eid2510.181931.

Authors

Anne Pohlmann, Donata Hoffmann, Christian Grund, Susanne Koethe, Daniela Hüssy, Simone M Meier, Jacqueline King, Jan Schinköthe, Reiner Ulrich, Timm Harder, Martin Beer

Abstract

We genetically characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5N6) clade 2.3.4.4b isolates found in Germany in 2017-2018 and assessed pathogenicity of representative H5N5 and H5N6 viruses in ferrets. These viruses had low pathogenicity; however, continued characterization of related isolates is warranted because of their high potential for reassortment.

Keywords: Germany; H5N5; H5N6; H5N8; H5Nx; HPAI; clade 2.3.4.4b; epizootic; ferret model; highly pathogenic avian influenza; influenza; reassortment; respiratory infections; viruses; zoonoses; zoonotic potential.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Wild / virology
Birds / virology
Disease Models, Animal
Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
Ferrets / virology
Germany / epidemiology
Influenza A virus / genetics*
Influenza A virus / pathogenicity
Influenza in Birds / epidemiology
Influenza in Birds / transmission
Influenza in Birds / virology*
Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission
Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary*
Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
Poultry / virology
Poultry Diseases / epidemiology
Poultry Diseases / transmission
Poultry Diseases / virology
Zoonoses / transmission
Zoonoses / virology*