Nahla Muhammad Saeed1, Peshnyar Muhammad Atta Rashid2,3, Hiewa Othman Dyary4. 1. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 2. Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 3. Kurdistan Institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 4. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. dyary.othman@univsul.edu.iq.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Influenza viruses are a continuous threat to avian and mammalian species, causing epidemics and pandemics. After the circulation of H5N1 in 2006, 2015, and 2016 in Iraq, an H5N8 influenza virus emerged in domestic geese in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq. This study analyzed the genetic characteristics of the Iraqi H5N8 viruses. RESULTS: An HPAI virus subtype H5N8 was identified from domestic backyard geese in the Kurdistan Region, north Iraq. Phylogenic analyses of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes indicated that Iraq H5N8 viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4 group B and clustered with isolates from Iran, Israel, and Belgium. Genetic analysis of the HA gene indicated molecular markers for avian-type receptors. Characterization of the NA gene showed that the virus had sensitive molecular markers for antiviral drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study ever on H5N8 in Iraq, and it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of the viruses in Iraq and the Middle East. The results suggest a possible role of migratory birds in the introduction of HPAI subtype H5N8 into Iraq.
BACKGROUND:Influenza viruses are a continuous threat to avian and mammalian species, causing epidemics and pandemics. After the circulation of H5N1 in 2006, 2015, and 2016 in Iraq, an H5N8influenza virus emerged in domestic geese in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq. This study analyzed the genetic characteristics of the Iraqi H5N8 viruses. RESULTS: An HPAI virus subtype H5N8 was identified from domestic backyard geese in the Kurdistan Region, north Iraq. Phylogenic analyses of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes indicated that Iraq H5N8 viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4 group B and clustered with isolates from Iran, Israel, and Belgium. Genetic analysis of the HA gene indicated molecular markers for avian-type receptors. Characterization of the NA gene showed that the virus had sensitive molecular markers for antiviral drugs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study ever on H5N8 in Iraq, and it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of the viruses in Iraq and the Middle East. The results suggest a possible role of migratory birds in the introduction of HPAI subtype H5N8 into Iraq.
Entities:
Keywords:
H5N8; Highly pathogenic avian influenza; Iraqi Kurdistan Region