Phylogenetic and genetic characterization of influenza A H9N2 viruses isolated from backyard poultry in selected farms in Ghana
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
Introduction: Avian influenza viruses (AIV) cause significant economic losses to poul-
try farmers worldwide. These viruses have the ability to spread rapidly, infect entire
poultry flocks, and can pose a threat to human health. The National Influenza Centre
(NIC) at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with
the Ghana Armed forces (GAF) and the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Ghana
Detachment (NAMRU-3) performs biannual surveillance for influenza viruses among
poultry at military barracks throughout Ghana. This study presents poultry surveil-
lance data from the years 2017 to 2019.
Methodology: Tracheal and cloacal swabs from sick and healthy poultry were col-
lected from the backyards of GAF personnel living quarters and transported at 4◦C
to the NIC. Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated and analyzed for the presence of
influenza viruses using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Viral nucleic
acids extracted from influenza A-positive specimens were sequenced using universal
influenza A-specific primers.
Results: Influenza A H9N2 virus was detected in 11 avian species out of 2000 samples tested. Phylogenetic analysis of viral haemagglutinin (HA) protein confirms the
possibility of importation of viruses from North Africa and Burkina Faso. Although the
detected viruses possess molecular markers of virulence and mammalian host adapta-
tion, the HA cleavage site anlaysis confirmed low pathogenicity of the viruses.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
backyard poultry, Ghana, H9N2, military