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Diversity of Astroviruses Circulating in Humans, Bats, and Wild Birds in Egypt.

ABSTRACT: Astroviruses belong to Astroviridae family which includes two main genera: Mamastroviruses that infect mammals, and Avastroviruses that infect avian hosts. Bats and wild birds are considered among the natural reservoirs for astroviruses. Infections in humans are associated with severe gastroenteritis, especially among children. We conducted surveillance for astroviruses in bats, wild birds, and humans in Egypt. Our results indicated relatively high prevalence of astroviruses in those hosts. Phylogenetic analysis revealed diversity of these viruses within hosts. Detected human viruses showed similarity with classic and variant human astroviruses, as well as similarity with animal-origin viruses. Viruses in bats were dispersed, with similarities to other bat viruses as well as other mammalian, including human, viruses. Wild bird viruses varied and were related to other avastroviruses, as well as human astroviruses. Our results indicate that astroviruses are common in bats, wild birds, and humans in Egypt, with a wide gene pool. Potential cross-species transmission may be occurring but should be verified by further surveillance and molecular studies.

SUBMITTER: El Taweel A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7290939 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND: The endemic H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (A/H5N1) in poultry in Egypt continues to cause heavy losses in poultry and poses a significant threat to human health. METHODS: Here we describe results of A/H5N1 surveillance in domestic poultry in 2009 and wild birds in 2009-2010. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from domestic poultry from 22024 commercial farms, 1435 backyards and 944 live bird markets (LBMs) as well as from 1297 wild birds representing 28 different types of migratory birds. Viral RNA was extracted from a mix of tracheal and cloacal swabs media. Matrix gene of avian influenza type A virus was detected using specific real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and positive samples were tested by RT-qPCR for simultaneous detection of the H5 and N1 genes. RESULTS: In this surveillance, A/H5N1 was detected from 0.1% (n?=?23/) of examined commercial poultry farms, 10.5% (n?=?151) of backyard birds and 11.4% (n?=?108) of LBMs but no wild bird tested positive for A/H5N1. The virus was detected from domestic poultry year-round with higher incidence in the warmer months of summer and spring particularly in backyard birds. Outbreaks were recorded mostly in Lower Egypt where 95.7% (n?=?22), 68.9% (n?=?104) and 52.8% (n?=?57) of positive commercial farms, backyards and LBMs were detected, respectively. Higher prevalence (56%, n?=?85) was reported in backyards that had mixed chickens and waterfowl together in the same vicinity and LBMs that had waterfowl (76%, n?=?82). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated broad circulation of the endemic A/H5N1 among poultry in 2009 in Egypt. In addition, the epidemiology of A/H5N1 has changed over time with outbreaks occurring in the warmer months of the year. Backyard waterfowl may play a role as a reservoir and/or source of A/H5N1 particularly in LBMs. The virus has been established in poultry in the Nile Delta where major metropolitan areas, dense human population and poultry stocks are concentrated. Continuous surveillance, tracing the source of live birds in the markets and integration of multifaceted strategies and global collaboration are needed to control the spread of the virus in Egypt.

Dataset Information

Diversity of Astroviruses Circulating in Humans, Bats, and Wild Birds in Egypt.

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