Analysis of Avian Influenza H5N1 in Venezuelan Birds
Author Information
Author(s): Carmen Luisa Loureiro, Valeria Bonetti, Rossana C. Jaspe, Yoneira Sulbaran, Wilmer Alcazar, Carlos Hernández, Nardraka Rodríguez, Hector R. Rangel, Jose Luis Zambrano, Flor H. Pujol, Michelle L. Gordon, Ravendra P. Chauhan
Primary Institution: Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze the viral genomes of H5N1 avian influenza isolated in Venezuela during the 2022–2023 outbreak.
Conclusion
The study found that the H5N1 viruses in Venezuela belong to clade 2.3.4.4b and formed a monophyletic clade with North American influenza viruses, with no evidence of further reassortment.
Supporting Evidence
- The viruses found in Venezuela belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the circulation of the H5 2.3.4.4b clade in Venezuela.
- Three different lineages of the virus were identified in South America.
Takeaway
Scientists studied bird viruses in Venezuela to see how they are related to other viruses and found that they are similar to North American ones.
Methodology
The study involved collecting viral samples, performing genome amplification and sequencing, and conducting phylogenetic analysis.
Limitations
The study was limited by the low frequency of successful sequencing in samples with high Ct values.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on H5N1 positive samples from pelicans and a vulture collected along the Venezuelan coast.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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