Migratory birds in southern Brazil are a source of multiple avian influenza virus subtypes

Abstract

BackgroundThere is insufficient knowledge about the relation of avian influenza virus (AIV) to migratory birds in South America. Accordingly, we studied samples obtained over a 4‐year period (2009‐2012) from wild birds at a major wintering site in southern Brazil.MethodsWe obtained 1212 oropharyngeal/cloacal samples from wild birds at Lagoa do Peixe National Park and screened them for influenza A virus by RT‐PCR amplification of the matrix gene. Virus isolates were subjected to genomic sequencing and antigenic characterization.ResultsForty‐eight samples of 1212 (3.96%) contained detectable influenza virus RNA. Partial viral sequences were obtained from 12 of these samples, showing the presence of H2N2 (1), H6Nx (1), H6N1 (8), H9N2 (1), and H12N5 (1) viruses. As H6 viruses predominated, we generated complete genomes from all 9 H6 viruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that they were most similar to viruses of South American lineage. The H6N1 viruses caused no disease signs in infected ferrets and, despite genetic differences, were antigenically similar to North American isolates.ConclusionsLagoa do Peixe National Park is a source of multiple AIV subtypes, with the levels of influenza virus in birds being highest at the end of their wintering period in this region. H6N1 viruses were the predominant subtype identified. These viruses were more similar to viruses of South American lineage than to those of North American lineage.

Divergent coronaviruses detected in wild birds in Brazil, including a central park in São Paulo

“…Bootstrap values > 55% were obtained in the analysis of 10,000 replicates and are presented at the branching points other hand, Jordan et al (2015) analyzed 303 samples from cloacal swabs, using universal CoV primers, and found only one duck coronavirus, belonging to the gammacoronavirus group too, which suggested a low prevalence in wild aquatic birds in USA, corroborating with our data [21]. As we know, migratory routes in Brazil are linked with flyways coming from North America and can confirm our findings [16]. Although our data have shown low prevalence when compared with studies before in Scandinavian Waterfowl, our data is clear when compared with North American data.…”

“…The field works were made according to the permission of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and National Center for Research and Conservation of Wild Birds (CEMAVE) developed and followed protocols approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Experimentation of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo. Sampling from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs was obtained and placed together in vials containing VTM transport medium [16]. All birds were then released after sampling.…”

Avian influenza virus in water: global subtype diversity and spatial distribution patterns

“…Multiple AIV subtypes have been detected from poultry and wild birds in Africa, Australia, Europe, and America (Alexander, 2007;Araujo et al, 2018;Brown, 2010;Grillo et al, 2015;Hansbro et al, 2010;Jimenez-Bluhm et al, 2018;Senne, 2007). However, our global analysis of AIV evidenced a lack of sequences isolated from environmental water in Africa, Oceania, and South America, as well as, in Europe.…”

Discovery of novel astrovirus and calicivirus identified in ruddy turnstones in Brazil

“…They remain in the country until April 42,43 . So far, influenza, coronaviruses, and avian paramyxoviruses have been identified in ruddy turnstone, including an H11N9 avian influenza virus 43–45 . Therefore, the ruddy turnstone can be a source of viral spreading in the Americas, including both viruses described in this study.…”