Abstract Title
Track clade 2.3.4.4b H5 virus genotypes in Europe using GenIn
Abstract
The great genetic diversity is the feature that has mostly characterised the last four epidemic waves in Europe caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b. Since October 2020, about 90 different genotypes, showing a unique gene constellation, have been identified in Europe. This has led us to develop a nomenclature and classification system to facilitate the communication among the European researchers. This system uses phylogenetic analysis of the eight gene segments to group viruses into monophyletic clusters, supported by bootstrap values over 90%. These clusters share a high genetic identity with low or highly pathogenic influenza viruses identified as potential gene donors. Each cluster is represented by a reference sequence and assigned a unique ID. The constellation of the eight ID numbers, one per gene segment, defines a specific genotype. The genotypes are named as: EA (Eurasian lineage)-identification year-ID (one/two letters), ie. EA-2021-AB. In order to enhance the genotyping process, we developed GenIn, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to rapidly and automatically assign genotypes to European clade 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses. This tool is constantly fueled with new identified genotypes, enabling real-time tracking. During the 2023-2024 epidemic wave, GenIn facilitated the identification of 25 distinct genotypes circulating in Europe. Continuous monitoring of clade 2.3.4.4b genotypes is crucial to track the viral evolution and follow the spread of the virus in domestic and wild birds. The latest evolutionary results obtained by the application of the newly developed AI-based tool will be presented.
Co-Author(s)
Cavicchio Lara¹, Zamperin Gianpiero¹, Zecchin Bianca¹, Savegnago Enrico¹, Pastori Ambra¹, Salomoni Angela¹, Monne Isabella¹, Fusaro Alice¹
¹Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’università, 10, 35020 Legnaro (Padua), Italy
Abstract Category
Notable outbreaks, field and molecular epidemiology, and surveillance in poultry