Pathogenicity of H5N1 in Mute Swans
Author Information
Author(s): Kalthoff Donata, Breithaupt Angele, Teifke Jens P., Globig Anja, Harder Timm, Mettenleiter Thomas C., Beer Martin
Primary Institution: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
Hypothesis
Does age-related susceptibility to H5N1 exist in mute swans?
Conclusion
Adult mute swans can shed the H5N1 virus without showing severe symptoms, which may contribute to the virus's spread.
Supporting Evidence
- Immunologically naive mute swans died after infection with H5N1.
- Swans with preexisting antibodies shed the virus asymptomatically.
- Three swans exhibited severe neurologic disorders after infection.
Takeaway
Some mute swans can get sick from a virus called H5N1, but others can get it and not feel sick at all, which means they can still spread it to other birds.
Methodology
Adult mute swans were experimentally infected with H5N1 and monitored for clinical signs and viral shedding.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small number of swans and specific experimental conditions.
Participant Demographics
Adult mute swans, aged 1-4 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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