In October 2022 a concerning event occurred in the calm and peaceful outskirts of Spain where a highly pathogenic variant of H5N1 influenza A virus infected a large number of farmed mink. This blog discusses the research findings of Katherine H. Restori and her team, explaining the capabilities of this virus and what it means for global health security.
The study was published in early 2024 and provided valuable information on the transmission and virulence of the H5N1 virus that was derived from infected farm minks. Studies conducted by researchers using ferrets as their study models found that the spread of the virus occurred through direct contact and had potentially infected 75% of the exposed animals. Also, 37.5% of animals were found to be infected through air.
The study also included sequence analysis of H5N1 virus which revealed that the virus retrieved from minks carried mutations that allowed it to adapt to mammals but did not acquire new mutations that could improve the spread of this virus. This showed that the existing genetic makeup without any further evolution was sufficient enough to pose a serious threat.
One of the most important aspects of this research was to assess the virulence of the virus. Experiments were conducted to determine the infectious dose and virulence at different levels of exposure. The virus showed severe clinical symptoms in infected ferrets even at very low doses. This observation was similar to those observed in the case of the mink during the initial outbreak. The symptoms included weight loss, severe respiratory symptoms, and, in many cases, neurological signs which led to euthanasia.
The role of PB2 T271A mutation was also explored during this study. This mutation was prevalent in mink-derived viral strains. The revering of these mutations to their original form reduced the virulence of the virus and its ability to spread through the air. These findings were important to establish the role of mutation in adapting to mammals thus enhancing their disease causing capacity.
What does this mean for us? The study sheds light on several disturbing facts. Firstly the fact that the virus can cause severe infections in mammals such as mink and ferrets is an indication of the potential threat to humans. Also, since it can spread not only through direct contact but also by air is another reason for great concern.
The research also emphasizes the importance of ongoing observation of influenza viruses, particularly in animal populations which could serve as intermediate hosts. The transfer from birds to minks shows that the virus could easily infect humans too who come in close contact with infected farmed animals.
To conclude, this study gives us a clear understanding of the dangers of H5N1 virus and the need to take immediate precautions. It reminds us that strong monitoring and quick response plans are required to handle these types of zoonotic threats. This research helps expand our scientific knowledge and also puts emphasis on One health, which says that human and animal health are interconnected with the ecosystems. As we deal with infectious diseases, it’s very important to understand and prepare for viruses like H5N1 to prevent future pandemics.
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Reference:
Restori KH, Septer KM, Field CJ, Patel DR, VanInsberghe D, Raghunathan V, Lowen AC, Sutton TC. Risk assessment of a highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus from mink. Nat Commun. 2024 May 15;15(1):4112. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-48475-y. PMID: 38750016; PMCID: PMC11096306.
