Multiple Transatlantic Incursions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N5) Virus into North America and Spillover to Mammals

Overview

Journal Cell Rep

Publisher Cell Press

Specialties Biology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Jul 14

PMID 39003741

Authors

Cassidy N G Erdelyan

Ahmed Kandeil

Anthony V Signore

Megan E B Jones

Peter Vogel

Konstantin Andreev

Cathrine Arnason Boe

Britt Gjerset

Tamiru N Alkie

Carmencita Yason

Tamiko Hisanaga

Daniel Sullivan

Oliver Lung

Laura Bourque

Ifeoluwa Ayilara

Lemarie Pama

Trushar Jeevan

John Franks

Jeremy C Jones

Jon P Seiler

Lance Miller

Samira Mubareka

Richard J Webby

Yohannes Berhane

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have spread at an unprecedented scale, leading to mass mortalities in birds and mammals. In 2023, a transatlantic incursion of HPAI A(H5N5) viruses into North America was detected, followed shortly thereafter by a mammalian detection. As these A(H5N5) viruses were similar to contemporary viruses described in Eurasia, the transatlantic spread of A(H5N5) viruses was most likely facilitated by pelagic seabirds. Some of the Canadian A(H5N5) viruses from birds and mammals possessed the PB2-E627K substitution known to facilitate adaptation to mammals. Ferrets inoculated with A(H5N5) viruses showed rapid, severe disease onset, with some evidence of direct contact transmission. However, these viruses have maintained receptor binding traits of avian influenza viruses and were susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Understanding the factors influencing the virulence and transmission of A(H5N5) in migratory birds and mammals is critical to minimize impacts on wildlife and public health.

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