Duck H9N2 Influenza Virus Adaptation in Quail and Chickens
Author Information
Author(s): Hossain Md Jaber, Hickman Danielle, Perez Daniel R., Montgomery Joel
Primary Institution: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
Quail play an important role as intermediate hosts that permit adaptation of influenza viruses from wild aquatic birds.
Conclusion
Laboratory adaptation of a duck H9N2 virus through serial lung passages in quail and chickens resulted in strains that are more efficient at replicating and transmitting in these species.
Supporting Evidence
- H9N2 avian influenza viruses have been shown to replicate efficiently in mice without prior adaptation.
- Adaptation of the H9N2 virus in quail and chickens resulted in a variant capable of efficiently replicating and transmitting in these species.
- Both QA23 and QA23CkA10 viruses were able to infect mice, unlike the WT702 virus.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how a duck virus changed when it was passed through quail and chickens, and found that it became better at spreading and infecting these birds.
Methodology
The study involved adapting a wildtype duck H9N2 virus in quail and chickens through serial lung passages and analyzing the resulting viruses for replication and transmission efficiency.
Limitations
The study did not establish the mode of transmission of the viruses, as birds were kept in the same cage sharing food and water.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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