Genetic characterization of avian influenza viruses isolated in Israel during 2000-2006.
Our aim was to establish the phylogenetic and genetic relationships among avian influenza viruses (AIV) recently isolated from poultry in Israel. During this study we analyzed complete nucleotide sequences of two envelope (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) and six internal genes (polymerase B1, polymerase B2, polymerase A, nucleoprotein, nonstructural, and matrix) of 29 selected H9N2 and six internal genes of five H5N1 viruses isolated in Israel during 2000-2006. Comparative genetic and phylogenetic analyses of these sequences revealed that the local H5N1 viruses are closely related to H5N1 viruses isolated in European, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries in 2005-2006. The H9N2 Israeli isolates, together with viruses isolated in Jordan and Saudi Arabia formed a single group. Our data support the claim that during recent years a new endemic focus of H9N2 has been formed in the Middle East. The introduction of H5N1 and co-circulation of these two subtypes of AIV in this region may augment the risk of potentially pandemic strains emergence.
Golender
Natalia
N
Division of Avian and Aquatic Diseases, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Beit Dagan, 50250, Israel.
Panshin
Alexander
A
Banet-Noach
Caroline
C
Nagar
Sagit
S
Pokamunski
Shimon
S
Pirak
Michael
M
Tendler
Yevgeny
Y
Davidson
Irit
I
García
Maricarmen
M
Perk
Shimon
S
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000821:virology; D001208:Asia; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002645:Chickens; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary; D005060:Europe; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / Q000235:genetics; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D053127:Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000821:virology*; D007557:Israel; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000235:genetics; D010802:Phylogeny; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics; D014422:Turkeys; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D014764:Viral Proteins; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase; D009439:Neuraminidase