Influenza Virus Attachment in Wild Birds

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jourdain Elsa, van Riel Debby, Munster Vincent J., Kuiken Thijs, Waldenström Jonas, Olsen Björn, Ellström Patrik

Primary Institution: INRA, UR 346, Saint Genès Champanelle, France

Differences in PVA could help classify avian species with regard to their roles in the ecology of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs).

The study found significant variations in the pattern of influenza virus attachment among different wild bird species.

The avian virus attached abundantly to both the trachea and colon of mallards and chickens.
Attachment to many cells was observed for geese and European robin.
Attachment to only a few goblet cells was detected in wigeons.
No avian virus attachment was detected on the colon and trachea of domestic pigeons.

Different types of birds can catch the flu virus in different ways, and some are better at it than others.

The study used virus histochemistry to investigate the pattern of virus attachment in colon and trachea sections from 12 wild bird species.

The study does not confirm whether the viruses can replicate in the birds, only that they can attach.

The study included 12 wild bird species and domestic chickens.

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