Complete genome sequence of a mammalian species-infectious and -pathogenic H6N5 avian influenza virus without evidence of adaptation.

An H6N5 avian influenza virus (AIV) strain, designated A/aquatic bird/Korea/CN5/2009 (H6N5), was isolated from fecal swabs of aquatic birds in 2009, and surprisingly, it showed infectivity and pathogenicity in mammalian species without evidence of adaptation. In this study, we report the first complete genome sequence containing 3' and 5' noncoding regions (NCRs) of a mammalian species-infectious and pathogenic H6N5 AIV, which will help provide important insights into the molecular basis of pathogenesis, transmission, and evolution of AIV.