Antibodies to influenza viruses (including the human A2-Asian-57 strain) in sera from Australian shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus)
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Summary
Shearwater bird sera contained antibodies to the 1957 human influenza virus, suggesting a link between avian and human influenza strains. This indicates wild birds may be a reservoir for viruses causing human pandemics.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Avian Influenza Research
Background:
- Wild birds are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for diverse influenza virus strains.
- Understanding avian influenza virus (AIV) circulation is crucial for predicting and preventing human pandemics.
- Previous studies have explored avian influenza in wild bird populations, but specific links to human strains require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of antibodies against human influenza virus strains in shearwater bird populations.
- To explore the potential role of shearwaters as reservoirs for influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
- To determine if avian influenza epidemics have recently occurred in the studied shearwater colonies.
Main Methods:
- Sera were collected from 320 shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus chlororhynchus) in Australia.
- Neuraminidase inhibition assays were performed using human influenza strains (A2/Asian/57 and A2/Hong Kong/68) and an avian influenza strain (A0/Bel).
- Immunodiffusion tests were used to detect antibodies against influenza type A internal antigen (ribonucleoprotein).
Main Results:
- Approximately 10% of shearwater sera inhibited the neuraminidase of the 1957 human influenza A2/Asian/57 strain.
- Inhibition of the A2/Hong Kong/68 strain was less pronounced, and the A0/Bel strain showed no inhibition.
- Antibodies to the internal antigen of influenza type A were detected in about 10% of sera from one island, suggesting a recent avian influenza epidemic.
Conclusions:
- Shearwater antibodies suggest prior infection with an influenza virus antigenically identical to the 1957 human pandemic strain.
- The findings support the hypothesis that human influenza pandemics may originate from avian reservoirs.
- Recent avian influenza epidemics may be common in wild bird populations, with unidentified surface antigens.