Epidemiology, ecology and gene pool of influenza A virus in Egypt: Will Egypt be the epicentre of the next influenza pandemic?

Evolutionary trajectories and diagnostic challenges of potentially zoonotic avian influenza viruses H5N1 and H9N2 co-circulating in Egypt

“…Due to their widespread co-circulation (since 2010) and their zoonotic potential, Egypt is considered a hotspot for the generation of new sub-and genotypes of H5N1/H9N2 AIVs by reassortment and a potential epicentre for a future next influenza pandemic (Abdelwhab and Abdel-Moneim, 2015). Therefore, powerful diagnostic tools would be helpful to detect such events as early as possible.…”

“…Nevertheless there may be several factors that hamper extensive viral reassortments in Egypt: H5N1 in Egypt is highly pathogenic and infected non-vaccinated chickens, particularly in the backyard sector, die rapidly and are removed as hosts for reassortment while infected water fowl does not necessarily succumb to the infection and may excrete virus for prolonged times creating, in theory, a fertile ground for reassortment. However, H9N2 infections have so far been largely confined to the chicken sector of the Egyptian poultry industry and infections have not regularly been reported in domestic waterfowl to date (Abdelwhab and Abdel-Moneim, 2015). As such the main replication pools of H9N2 (chickens) and H5N1 (backyard poultry, ducks) are separated.…”

Morbidity, Mortality, and Seasonality of Influenza Hospitalizations in Egypt, November 2007-November 2014

“…Such a system is a crucial component of modern disease control, as evidenced by the recent appearance of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus [46]. It may also be adapted for other novel ARIs, which is imperative given growing concern over the emergence of new influenza viruses with pandemic potential [47][48]. Continued surveillance for influenza and further assessment of its molecular epidemiology will better inform decision-makers about disease control activities in Egypt and the greater EMR.…”

Pandemic influenza virus: tracking a three-headed monster

“…[10][11][12] Along with Asia, Egypt may be 'ground zero' as it lies geographically on two of the main flyways of migratory birds linking Africa to Europe and Asia. 2 Thus, increased surveillance of avian-origin influenza A viruses as well as other co-circulating subtypes in wild and domestic animals is warranted to identify reservoir hosts and co-circulating subtypes of highest pandemic potential. 13 Once pathogenic subtypes are identified, culling of infected animals is warranted; this is also a necessary precaution for infected vaccinated animals since they can shed the virus in absence of disease.…”