Antibodies to influenza viruses (including the human A2-Asian-57 strain) in sera from Australian shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus) | JoVE Visualize

Antibodies to influenza viruses (including the human A2-Asian-57 strain) in sera from Australian shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus)

C A Dasen, W G Laver

Bulletin of the World Health Organization|January 1, 1970

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Shearwater bird sera contained antibodies to the 1957 human influenza virus, suggesting a link between avian and human influenza strains. This indicates wild birds may be a reservoir for viruses causing human pandemics.

Area of Science:

Veterinary Virology
Epidemiology
Avian Influenza Research

Background:

Wild birds are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for diverse influenza virus strains.
Understanding avian influenza virus (AIV) circulation is crucial for predicting and preventing human pandemics.
Previous studies have explored avian influenza in wild bird populations, but specific links to human strains require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence of antibodies against human influenza virus strains in shearwater bird populations.
To explore the potential role of shearwaters as reservoirs for influenza viruses with pandemic potential.
To determine if avian influenza epidemics have recently occurred in the studied shearwater colonies.

Main Methods:

Sera were collected from 320 shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus chlororhynchus) in Australia.
Neuraminidase inhibition assays were performed using human influenza strains (A2/Asian/57 and A2/Hong Kong/68) and an avian influenza strain (A0/Bel).
Immunodiffusion tests were used to detect antibodies against influenza type A internal antigen (ribonucleoprotein).

Main Results:

Approximately 10% of shearwater sera inhibited the neuraminidase of the 1957 human influenza A2/Asian/57 strain.
Inhibition of the A2/Hong Kong/68 strain was less pronounced, and the A0/Bel strain showed no inhibition.
Antibodies to the internal antigen of influenza type A were detected in about 10% of sera from one island, suggesting a recent avian influenza epidemic.

Conclusions:

Shearwater antibodies suggest prior infection with an influenza virus antigenically identical to the 1957 human pandemic strain.
The findings support the hypothesis that human influenza pandemics may originate from avian reservoirs.
Recent avian influenza epidemics may be common in wild bird populations, with unidentified surface antigens.