Abstract Title
Establishing a Rapid and Safe Genotype-to-Phenotype Platform to Characterize Circulating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strains: Surveillance Insights from Canada and Ghana
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to wild and domestic animals, with an increasing risk to humans. Since its initial emergence in humans in 1997, HPAI has evolved into various subtypes causing severe outbreaks. In March 2024, a notable viral spillover led to an outbreak of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas, USA. Although symptoms in cattle were mild, zoonotic transmission remains a concern, as it suggests adaptations/mutations in the H5N1 genome that favor infection in mammals. Recently, the first cross-species mammal-to-mammal transmission of HPAI to humans was observed in individuals exposed to H5N1-positive cattle; while human H5N1 infection remains contained, it continues to pose a public health risk that warrants further attention. To monitor the virus’s spread and adaptation, we are developing a virus-like particle (VLP) platform to characterize H5Nx viruses during key stages of infection. Based on surveillance data from Canada and Ghana, this VLP system provides a rapid and safe platform for studying emerging viruses. It holds promise as a tool to detect mutations that may increase HPAI transmissibility in humans and to test current H5Nx strains against existing antiviral therapeutics. Additionally, the VLP system may aid in selecting candidate vaccines, improving preparedness for potential outbreaks and mitigating pandemic risk.
Co-Author(s)
Marceline Côté, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa
Abstract Category
Avian influenza in mammals, pandemic preparedness, and one health