Footprints of swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 in pigs from southern Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Influenza A virus presents a significant public health burden worldwide, with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic being the most dramatic example. Swine influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans through occupational exposures and in live pig markets. Novel variants can emerge in pigs because they can be infected by human, avian and swine strains. This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and serotypes of swine influenza in pigs from a major slaughter slab in southern Kaduna. Using competitive ELISA and haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assays, 305 swine sera were analysed. The result showed an overall seroprevalence of 28.20% (n=86), with H3N2 7.87% (n=24) emerging as the most dominant subtype in circulation. Concurrent antibody detection of H1N1 in 5.26% (n=16) was also detected in boar 2.62% (n=8) and sows 2.62% (n=8). This study revealed swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 serotypes are in circulation in pigs in Kaduna State, and that reassortment in the instance of co-infection of swine host is possible.

Human Respiratory Infections in Nigeria: Influenza and the Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

“…Advancements in vaccinology, host-pathogen interaction, laboratory investigations and effective public health strategies may have expanded the need for human-animal inclusiveness at the global level. Nigeria's interest in animal influenza research was triggered by its negative economic consequence on poultry [22][23][24]. This is because the poultry industry is a fastgrowing sector and an effective tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria [25].…”