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. 2014 Apr;20(4):542-51.
doi: 10.3201/eid2004.131295.

Active surveillance for avian influenza virus, Egypt, 2010-2012

Ghazi Kayali, Ahmed Kandeil, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Ahmed S Kayed, Mokhtar M Gomaa, Asmaa M Maatouq, Mahmoud M Shehata, Yassmin Moatasim, Ola Bagato, Zhipeng Cai, Adam Rubrum, Mohamed A Kutkat, Pamela P McKenzie, Robert G Webster, Richard J Webby, Mohamed A Ali

Active surveillance for avian influenza virus, Egypt, 2010-2012

Ghazi Kayali et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2014 Apr.

Abstract

Continuous circulation of influenza A(H5N1) virus among poultry in Egypt has created an epicenter in which the viruses evolve into newer subclades and continue to cause disease in humans. To detect influenza viruses in Egypt, since 2009 we have actively surveyed various regions and poultry production sectors. From August 2010 through January 2013, >11,000 swab samples were collected; 10% were positive by matrix gene reverse transcription PCR. During this period, subtype H9N2 viruses emerged, cocirculated with subtype H5N1 viruses, and frequently co-infected the same avian host. Genetic and antigenic analyses of viruses revealed that influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.2.1 viruses are dominant and that all subtype H9N2 viruses are G1-like. Cocirculation of different subtypes poses concern for potential reassortment. Avian influenza continues to threaten public and animal health in Egypt, and continuous surveillance for avian influenza virus is needed.

Keywords: Egypt; H5N1; HPAI; avian influenza; highly pathogenic avian influenza; poultry; surveillance; viruses.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Location of surveillance governorates and percentage of avian influenza virus detection in each governorate, Egypt, 2010–2012.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Avian influenza virus infections, by month, Egypt, 2011–2013. Blue bars, detection of the virus in birds; red dots, cases of influenza A(H5N1) virus infections in humans; and black dots, human deaths from influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Subtypes of influenza A viruses detected in poultry, by month, by using reverse transcription PCR, Egypt, 2011–2013.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Phylogenetic tree of the hemagglutinin gene of influenza A(H5N1) viruses from Egypt, 2010–2012. Squares and red text indicate viruses that were isolated and sequenced as part of the study. Black text indicates sequences available on GenBank from previous years or other groups. Triangles indicate co-infection with influenza virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2. Scale bar indicates phylogenetic distance (1 base substitution/100 positions).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Phylogenetic tree of the hemagglutinin gene of influenza A(H9N2) viruses from Egypt, 2010–2012. Squares and red text indicate viruses that were isolated and sequenced as part of the study. Black text indicates sequences available on GenBank from previous years or other groups. Circles indicate co-infection with influenza virus subtypes H5N1 and H9N2. Scale bar indicates phylogenetic distance (1 base substitution/100 positions).
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