A novel European H5N8 influenza A virus has increased virulence in ducks but low zoonotic potential

• DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0130-1
• Publication Date: 2018-07-19T05:41:39Z
• Authors: Christian Grund; Donata Hoffmann; Reiner Ulrich; Mahmoud Naguib; Jan Schinköthe; Bernd Hoffmann; Timm Harder; Sandra Saenger; Katja Zscheppang; Mario Tönnies; Stefan Hippenstiel; Andreas Hocke; Thorsten Wolff; Martin Beer
• Keywords: Zoonosis

We investigated in a unique setup of animal models and human lung explant culture biological properties, including zoonotic potential, representative 2016 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4 group B (H5N8B), that spread rapidly huge ongoing outbreak series Europe caused high mortality waterfowl domestic birds. HPAIV H5N8B showed increased virulence with rapid onset severe disease Pekin ducks due to pronounced neuro- hepatotropism. Cross-species infection was evaluated mice, ferrets, model. While the isolate virulent for Balb/c transmissibility were grossly reduced which mirrored by marginal replication cultures infected ex vivo. Our data indicate is avian-adapted augmented waterfowl, but has low potential. The here tested combination studies inoculation explants provides promising future workflow evaluate mammalian competence HPAIV.