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: New H5N1 strain in Egypt

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arirish View Drop Down
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    Posted: April 03 2015 at 6:14pm
Study: New H5N1 strain in Egypt may be tied to rise in human cases

)
Robert Roos | News Editor | CIDRAP News
|
Apr 03, 2015

A new strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus that has apparently gained predominance in Egypt in recent months may be associated with the sharp increase in human H5N1 cases there during that same time frame, an international team of scientists reported yesterday in Eurosurveillance.

The researchers said the new strain has spread widely in Egypt's poultry and that two recent H5N1 isolates from human patients fall into the same group. It's too early to tell if the strain has gained a greater ability to jump from birds to humans, they wrote, and further studies are needed to find out if that's the case.

At this point it can't be "excluded with certainty that the emerging phylotype of viruses may have increased zoonotic potential and may be transmitted more efficiently to humans, although this assumption cannot be drawn from the molecular evidence described here," the report states. The authors are from Egypt, Germany, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
435 outbreaks in 5 months

The steep increase in human cases and poultry outbreaks in Egypt in the past several months has stirred speculation about whether mutations in the virus are better equipping it to spread in poultry and from poultry to humans. The report says 435 poultry outbreaks were reported by Egyptian veterinary authorities from October 2014 through February 2015.

Human H5N1 cases first occurred in Egypt in 2006, and a total of 204 confirmed cases were reported from 2006 through 2014, with a case-fatality rate of 35.8%, the researchers say. This year, the case total reached 116 as of Mar 21, with 36 deaths, or more than half the count for the preceding 9 years, they add.

For the study, the team selected a sample of 29 H5N1 isolates representing different poultry species, locations, and operations (commercial farms, backyard flocks, and live-bird markets). They generated sequence data for the hemagglutinin (HA) segments of all 29 viruses and for the neuraminidase (NA) genes of 15 isolates. In addition, they sequenced the entire genomes of four isolates.

Through a phylogenetic analysis to see where the viruses fit on the H5N1 family tree, the team concluded that they belong in a separate cluster within a previously defined clade, 2.2.1.2. They further found that none of the older viruses from that clade have been detected in Egypt since last October, indicating that the new strain has become predominant.

The sequence data for the internal genes of the viruses agree with the findings for the HA and NA sequences, "indicating that the new viruses represent a distinct cluster that originated from previously circulating viruses of clade 2.2.1.2," the report says.

In addition, the team found that two H5N1 viruses collected from infected humans last November "are part of the same expanding cluster," with similar mutation patterns. The two are the only publicly available sequences of viruses from recent human cases in Egypt.
HA mutations

An analysis of the HA sequence revealed one amino-acid change, K373R, that appeared to be characteristic of the emerging strain, in that it had been seen only rarely in the past. Three other mutations in the strain are associated with increased binding to human-type flu virus receptors, but these mutations had been seen in earlier clade 2.2.1 viruses in Egypt, the article says.

"Since no substituting mutations were found in HA epitopes, we do not expect marked differences in the antigenic properties of the emerging phylotype compared with the previously circulating clade," the report says. It adds that this was partly confirmed by testing how viruses of the new strain and other H5 viruses reacted with antibodies from birds that had been exposed to various H5 strains.

The team also found four amino-acid changes in the new strain's NA gene. Three of these were at sites on the protein that induce B- or T-cell responses by the immune system.

The authors comment that a new H5N1 cluster emerged in Egypt once before but did not become predominant. A strain that was designated as clade 2.2.1.1 emerged in late 2007 and expanded in poultry, but then disappeared until the end of 2010. It did not replace 2.2.1 viruses, and it apparently caused only one human case.

The team writes that it's hard to assess whether or not the recent increase in poultry H5N1 outbreaks in Egypt is attributable to the biological properties of the new strain in poultry or not.

"In any case, the observed recent rise in outbreaks in poultry probably resulted in increased exposure risks for humans in contact with poultry, which may have caused an increased incidence in human cases," they write. Their findings don't prove that the new strain jumps to humans more easily, they add, but the possibility can't be ruled out.
Ferret studies needed

The authors call for further studies of the pathogenicity and transmissibility of the viruses, possibly using ferrets. In addition, they cite an urgent need for veterinary and public health authorities in Egypt to collaborate to stop circulation of the virus in Egypt's poultry.

A moderator with ProMED, the reporting service of the International Society of Infectious Diseases, agreed about the need for more research on the new cluster. Laura D. Kramer, PhD, director of the arbovirus laboratories of the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center in Albany, said the findings raise questions about the molecular determinants that increased the "fitness" of the strain and the selective pressures acting on it.

"Studies of the pathogenicity and transmissibility of these viruses, most likely using the ferret model, need to be conducted to answer the question of whether the genetic changes are affecting the current outbreak," she wrote.

http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/04/study-new-h5n1-strain-egypt-may-be-tied-rise-human-cases
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kilt-3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 03 2015 at 7:55pm
This could be it


435 outbreaks in 5 months

The steep increase in human cases and poultry outbreaks in Egypt in the past several months has stirred speculation about whether mutations in the virus are better equipping it to spread in poultry and from poultry to humans. The report says 435 poultry outbreaks were reported by Egyptian veterinary authorities from October 2014 through February 2015.

Human H5N1 cases first occurred in Egypt in 2006, and a total of 204 confirmed cases were reported from 2006 through 2014, with a case-fatality rate of 35.8%, the researchers say. This year, the case total reached 116 as of Mar 21, with 36 deaths, or more than half the count for the preceding 9 years, they add.

For the study, the team selected a sample of 29 H5N1 isolates representing different poultry species, locations, and operations (commercial farms, backyard flocks, and live-bird markets). They generated sequence data for the hemagglutinin (HA) segments of all 29 viruses and for the neuraminidase (NA) genes of 15 isolates. In addition, they sequenced the entire genomes of four isolates.


Study: New H5N1 strain in Egypt may be tied to rise in human cases

CIDRAP-3 hours ago
A new strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus that has apparently gained predominance in Egypt in recent months may be associated with the ...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 04 2015 at 5:33am
Well obviously it's mutated to more efficient bird to human transmission.   They can't exactly chalk this one up to better surveillance. 

Another huge indicator is that the WHO's isn't involved. yet   You always have to factor their slow reaction in the beginning of a new outbreak, as in fact being something to worry about.   Confused
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 04 2015 at 8:01pm
its odd that Nimen has not picked up on this ,he seems more interested in  the h5n2 in the USA....wonders why!!!!????
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.🖖

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2015 at 1:05am
I've noticed for quite awhile that he seems to be out of the influenza tracking and reassortment gig.  I was thinking that he might be in some other line of work these days and does a commentary when his time allows, etc...    He does a little posting about some H5n2 fujian deal, but that's it.  I believe he's out of the game for the most part.   With all due respect to Niman, he was off the mark numerous times anyway.  But yes, a mutated h5n1 and no niman is fairly telling that he's no longer innolved.  It's up to you now Carbon!   Handshake 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2015 at 3:12am
up to all of us ,

the more the merrier,

then we have got eyes and ears all over 

Smile
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.🖖

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote arirish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2015 at 12:29pm
Nghe An: Detecting 2 patients infected with influenza A / H5N6

Sunday, 04/05/2015 - 20:13

An outbreak of avian influenza A / H5N6 outbreak in Quy Hop district, Nghe An infection caused two people. Local Veterinary Authority has issued 11,000 doses of vaccine prevention, control the outbreak

Sources said the Pioneers, outbreaks of avian influenza outbreaks in the neighborhood Dinh Xuan Nghia, Quy Hop district, Nghe An, near the tip. Place of concentrated populated, located on Highway 48A. Following 2 people infected with bird flu.

Talking to reporters dimension 5/4, Director DARD Nghe An Ho Ngoc Sy confirm the source said, adding, after the outbreak, the veterinary authorities in collaboration with the district of Nghe An advanced Quy Hop emergency measures to enclosure, control and extinguish the outbreak.

"There are families raising chickens, 150 children in infected chickens. The province has mobilized 11,000 doses of vaccine against the disease and conduct quarantine, disinfection whole barn area with bird flu. Temporarily banned the sale of poultry in the affected area, "said Ho Ngoc Sy said.

Director of Health Services of Long Bui Dinh Nghe An, said two patients infected with avian influenza A / H5N6 was transferred to Hanoi treatment. The patient was his wife Tr.K.Ch, LTTh. Housing neighbor Dinh Xuan Nghia, Quy Hop district, he Ch. poultry husbandry; His wife has just joined the women in the neighborhood classifieds market has traded Palace.

http://phapluattp.vn/thoi-su/xa-hoi/nghe-an-phat-hien-2-benh-nhan-lay-nhiem-cum-a-h5n6-542577.html
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2015 at 1:21pm
Dr. Carbon - I like it   

"Buy it cheap. Stack it deep"
"Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 05 2015 at 2:16pm
lol..... I like it.  has a good ring to it.  Dr. Carbonniman. 

And happy Easter to you JD, and all.   Just don't forget to watch The Ten Commandments tonight at 7 with Charlton Heston.  Now what would Easter be without that?  Tongue
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 06 2015 at 4:51am
I should also add, if the WHO has any desire to avert an H5N1 pandemic, they should get involved in this potential mutation, of which appears to be spreading.

H5N1 is the one super bug that should never be underestimated.   Far too strong and robust, and very unpredictable.  Unlike other Avian Flu bugs, this is the one that can defy all odds and make the break through  and final leap to humans, in my opinion.   If H5N1 is making a bid for it, it should be answered - now.   Wake up WHO - I wouldn't screw with this one.    


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Johnray1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 06 2015 at 7:06pm
Albert,I agree.But I am not sure that many Nations may want this in order to reduce their population and other countries populations,because over population of the planet earth,is the real,basic problem. Johnray1
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 07 2015 at 4:35am
That's a good point John, and in my older mean years, population control for that part of the world is probably not a bad idea either way I suppose.   Hell with them.   

On another note, starting to think niman lost his way awhile back.  That guy is nothing but a broken record these days with gibberish about h5n2 Fujian media myth, yada yada yada...     


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carbon20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April 07 2015 at 3:19pm
250 year ago not a car on the road not a plane in the sky 

 2 billion people on the planet 

now ....8.5 billion plus humans

millions of cars, planes and ships

all wanting a piece of the ever smaller PIE

 yes i agree Johnnyray1.....
Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.🖖

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