The evolution and molecular characteristics of H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Jiangxi of China

To understand the evolution and molecular characteristics of Jiangxi H9N2 viruses, we isolated 17 viruses in 2011 and analyzed their characteristics. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that their hemagglutinin genes originate from JS/1/00‐like sublineage, neuraminidase genes originate from BJ/94‐like sublineage, PB1, PA, NP, and NS genes all come from SH/F/98‐like sublineage, PB2 genes originate from ST/163/04‐like sublineage, while M genes come from G1‐like sublineage. Genotype analysis showed that our isolates were classified as genotype 57. Molecular analyses indicated that our strains contained specific sites characteristic of low‐pathogenic viruses. The current study once again highlights the necessity for continued surveillance of novel H9N2 viruses.