1. Mortality in sea lions is associated with the introduction of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus in Brazil October 2023: whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis
- Author
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Andreina de Carvalho Araujo, Andrew Yong Cho, Laura Morais Nascimento Silva, Thais Camilo Corrêa, Gabriela Cristini de Souza, Adriana Silva Albuquerque, Eduardo Macagnan, Cristiane K. M. Kolesnikvoas, Rafael Meurer, Jenyffer Vierheller Vieira, Giulia Gaglianone Lemos, André Silva Barreto, Jeferson Luis Dick, Karina Rejane Groch, Pedro Volkmer de Castilho, Deyvid Amgarten, Fernanda Malta, Michael Miller, Erick G. Dorlass, Soledad Palameta, Sun-Hak Lee, Clarice Weis Arns, Edison L. Durigon, João Renato R. Pinho, Dong-Hun Lee, and Helena Lage Ferreira
- Subjects
High pathogenicity avian influenza ,Whole genome sequencing ,Marine mammal ,South America ,Virus ,Public health ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Abstract Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus was detected in the South American sea lions found dead in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in October 2023. Whole genome sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis were conducted to investigate the origin, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potentials of the H5N1 viruses. The H5N1 viruses belonged to the genotype B3.2 of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus, which was identified in North America and disseminated to South America. They have acquired new amino acid substitutions related to mammalian host affinity. Our study provides insights into the genetic landscape of HPAI H5N1 viruses in Brazil, highlighting the continuous evolutionary processes contributing to their possible adaptation to mammalian hosts.
- Published
- 2024
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