Characterization of the haemagglutinin properties of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that caused human infections in Cambodia

Chang, PX; Yang, JY; Karunarathna, TK; Qureshi, M; Sadeyen, JR; Iqbal, M

Abstract

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus primarily found in birds. The subtype emerged in China in 1996 and has spread globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality in birds and humans. In Cambodia, a lethal case was reported in February 2023 involving an 11-year-old girl, marking the first human HPAI H5N1 infection in the country since 2014. This research examined the zoonotic potential of the human H5N1 isolate, A/Cambodia/NPH230032/2023 (KHM/23), by assessing its receptor binding, fusion pH, HA thermal stability, and antigenicity. Results showed that KHM/23 exhibits similar receptor binding and antigenicity as the early clade 2.3.2.1c HPAI H5N1 strain, and it does not bind to human-like receptors. Despite showing limited zoonotic risk, the increased thermal stability and reduced pH of fusion in KHM/23 indicate a potential threat to poultry, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.

Citation

Chang, P., Yang, J., Karunarathna, T., Qureshi, M., Sadeyen, J., & Iqbal, M. (2023). Characterization of the haemagglutinin properties of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that caused human infections in Cambodia. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 12(2), https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2023.2244091

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 30, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Aug 25, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 12, 2023
• Print ISSN: 2222-1751
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 2
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2023.2244091
• Keywords: zoonotic fatal Infections; Cambodia; receptor binding; fusion pH; haemagglutinin thermal stability; antigenicity; poultry; TRANSMISSIBILITY