Influenza A Virus Detected in Native Bivalves in Waterfowl Habitat of the Delmarva Peninsula, USA

Abstract

We evaluated the prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in different species of bivalves inhabiting natural water bodies in waterfowl habitat along the Delmarva Peninsula and Chesapeake Bay in eastern Maryland. Bivalve tissue from clam and mussel specimens (Macoma balthica, Macoma phenax, Mulinia sp., Rangia cuneata, Mya arenaria, Guekensia demissa, and an undetermined mussel species) from five collection sites was analyzed for the presence of type A influenza virus by qPCR targeting the matrix gene. Of the 300 tissue samples analyzed, 13 samples (4.3%) tested positive for presence of influenza virus A matrix gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of detection of IAV in the tissue of any bivalve mollusk from a natural water body.

Year-Round Influenza a Virus Surveillance in Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) Reveals Genetic Persistence During the Under-Sampled Spring Season

“…Though isolation of genetically similar viruses from migratory mallards in successive seasons does not solve the issue of viral persistence and whether that persistence occurs within the waterfowl population or with the added interaction of the environment, it does suggest that IAVs can persist and evolve within a single location over successive seasons, throughout the annual cycle of waterfowl. Many factors, such as water, sediment, and other organisms, have been hypothesized to play a role in maintenance of IAV in the environment and therefore the wild bird population during the overwintering and spring period [ 21 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. However, these mechanisms are mostly investigated as in vitro studies performed in the laboratory or are experimental in nature with limited field-based evidence.…”

The evaluation of Avian Influenza and Coronavirus as Human Pathogenic Enveloped Viruses for Possible Health Risk in Seafood: A Review

“…They also detected avian influenza (H5N1) in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Puffer Fish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) and Mediterranean Cone Shell (Conus mediterraneus) in Egypt from the neighborhood of natural stopping stations for migratory birds. Densmore et al, (2019) is the first to confirm influenza A virus infection from a natural water source in clam and mussel tissue. Likewise, Stumpf et al, (2010) found that influenza A viruses were collected by zebra mussels (D. polymorpha) from topsoil, and that such viruses persist in the mussels for prolonged periods.…”

“…Researches have shown that waterborne transmission is an effective way of distributing and transmitting the avian influenza virus (Dovas et al, 2010;Roche et al, 2009;Thanapongtharm et al, 2013). This transfer process is highly effective since it persists in water for long periods within such temperature ranges (Brown et al, 2009;Domanska-Blicharz et al, 2010;Stallknecht et al, 1990;Webster et al, 1978). Studies have shown that the H5N1 and H9N2 viruses can live longer with appropriate water conditions, including pH, salinity, and cold, for up to several months (Brown et al, 2009;Liu et al, 2005;Zhang, 2014).…”

“…Water-borne human pathogenic viruses related to seafood are primarily spread via fecal-oral way due to feeding habits and their pre-harvest growing area, particularly where may contaminate the virus concerning the inadequate or raw discharge of feces or sewage in water bodies (Bosch et al, 2005;Butt et al, 2004;Gerba 2007;Grabow, 2007;Li et al, 2021). Although enveloped viruses were found to be degrading in water compared to nonenveloped viruses (Gundy et al, 2009;Lebarbenchon et al, 2011), studies have shown that seafood can accumulate enveloped viruses such as avian influenza (Densmore et al, 2019;Eissa et al, 2012;Huyvaert et al, 2012;Pathak et al, 2018). The structure of avian influenza, as well as the other enveloped viruses such as H1N1 "Spanish flu,", SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV found in the stools and urine of infected human samples are similar to coronaviruses (Wigginton et al, 2015).…”