Genetic characterization of avian influenza viruses isolated from waterfowl in southern part of South Korea in 2006.

Aquatic birds are a reservoir of all known influenza A viruses. Avian influenza viruses have played a major role in the creation of pandemic influenza viruses in humans. In this study, we genetically characterized genes of nine isolates from waterfowl in Eulsukdo, a congregating place for migratory birds on the flyway of migration from Siberia, which is located in the southern part of South Korea. Phylogenic analysis showed that HA and NA genes of isolates belonged to Eurasian lineage, and lineage analysis showed that NS, PB1, PA, NP, and M genes of isolates clustered with Eurasian lineage, and PB2 genes of isolates belonged to North American or Eurasian lineage. Results suggest that the interregional transmission of genes of avian influenza viruses may occur in the migratory birds.