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Emerging infectious diseases2022; 29(1); 98-109; doi: 10.3201/eid2901.220943

Human Immunity and Susceptibility to Influenza A(H3) Viruses of Avian, Equine, and Swine Origin.

Abstract: Influenza A viruses (IAVs) of subtype H3 that infect humans are antigenically divergent from those of birds, horses, and swine. Human immunity against these viruses might be limited, implying potential pandemic risk. To determine human risk, we selected 4 avian, 1 equine, and 3 swine IAVs representing major H3 lineages. We tested serum collected during 2017-2018 from 286 persons in Belgium for hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies and virus neutralizing antibodies against those animal-origin IAVs and tested replication in human airway epithelia. Seroprevalence rates for circulating IAVs from swine in North America were >51%, swine in Europe 7%-37%, and birds and equids ≤12%. Replication was efficient for cluster IV-A IAVs from swine in North America and IAVs from swine in Europe, intermediate for IAVs from horses and poultry, and absent for IAVs from wild birds and a novel human-like swine IAV in North America. Public health risk may be highest for swine H3 IAVs.
Publication Date: 2022-12-28 PubMed ID: 36573615PubMed Central: PMC9796212DOI: 10.3201/eid2901.220943Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on understanding human immunity against Influenza A viruses (IAVs) of the H3 subtype originating from birds, horses, and pigs, which are dissimilar to those infecting humans, suggesting limited immunity and potential pandemic risks.

Research Methodology & Sample Selection

  • The researchers selected seven representative IAVs of the H3 subtype from various animal lineages (four from birds, one from horses, and three from pigs).
  • They collected serum samples from a cohort of 286 individuals in Belgium during 2017-2018.
  • The selected IAVs and serum samples served as the basis for analyzing human immunity against animal-origin IAVs.

Testing for Immunity

  • The scientists tested the serum samples for hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies and virus neutralizing antibodies against the chosen animal-origin IAVs.
  • The levels of these antibodies in the serum samples provided insight into the human immune response to these IAVs.

Evaluating Virus Replication in Human Cells

  • The researchers also tested the replication of selected IAVs in human airway epithelia, an essential step in the viral infection process.
  • The efficiency of virus replication in human cells helps determine the potential infectivity of the virus strains.

Results

  • The research unveiled relatively high seroprevalence rates for IAVs from pigs in North America (>51%), indicating a substantial exposure of the Belgian population to these viruses.
  • Lower prevalence rates were observed for IAVs from pigs in Europe (7%-37%) and from birds and horses (≤12%).
  • The replication efficiency was found to be high for some IAVs from pigs (both in North America and Europe) but was intermediate for IAVs from horses and poultry, and absent for IAVs from wild birds and a new human-like pig IAV in North America.

Implications

  • The study results underscore that the public health risk from the H3 subtype of IAVs may be highest for those originating from pigs.
  • This information is valuable in estimating potential pandemic risks and prioritizing disease prevention strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Vandoorn E, Stadejek W, Leroux-Roels I, Leroux-Roels G, Parys A, Van Reeth K. (2022). Human Immunity and Susceptibility to Influenza A(H3) Viruses of Avian, Equine, and Swine Origin. Emerg Infect Dis, 29(1), 98-109. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2901.220943

Publication

ISSN: 1080-6059
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 1
Pages: 98-109

Researcher Affiliations

Vandoorn, Elien
    Stadejek, Wojciech
      Leroux-Roels, Isabel
        Leroux-Roels, Geert
          Parys, Anna
            Van Reeth, Kristien

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Humans
              • Horses
              • Swine
              • Influenza A virus
              • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
              • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
              • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
              • Seroepidemiologic Studies
              • Birds
              • Swine Diseases / epidemiology

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