Experimentally Infected Domestic Ducks Show Efficient Transmission of Indonesian H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, but Lack Persistent Viral Shedding

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083417
• Publication Date: 2014-01-02T21:29:33Z
• Authors: Hendra Wibawa; John Bingham; Harimurti Nuradji; Sue Lowther; Jean Payne; Jenni Harper; Akhmad Junaidi; Deborah Middleton; Joanne Meers
• Keywords: Viral Shedding; Highly pathogenic; H5N1 genetic structure

Ducks are important maintenance hosts for avian influenza, including H5N1 highly pathogenic influenza viruses. A previous study indicated that persistence of viruses in ducks after the development humoral immunity may drive viral evolution following immune selection. As HPAI is endemic Indonesia, this mechanism be understanding region. To determine capability domestic to maintain prolonged shedding Indonesian clade 2.1 virus, two groups Pekin were inoculated through eyes, nostrils and oropharynx transmission investigated. Inoculated (n = 15), which mostly asymptomatic, shed infectious virus from oral route 1 8 days post inoculation, cloacal 2–8 dpi. Viral ribonucleic acid was detected 1–15 inoculation 1–24 (cycle threshold <40). Most seroconverted a range serological tests by 15 inoculation. Virus efficiently transmitted during acute infection (5 inoculation-infected all 5 contact ducks). However, no evidence transmission, as determined seroconversion shedding, found between an group 10) 9) when only had 10 Clinical disease more frequent severe contact-infected (2 5) than (1 15). We conclude does not persist individual infection.