[Characteristic of high pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 isolated from common gull (Larus canus)].
OBJECTIVE
To study biological characteristics of H5N1 influenza virus isolated from common gull on south of West Siberia in 2006.


METHODS
Isolation and characterization of biological characteristics performed according to recommendations of World Health Organization.


RESULTS
Influenza virus A (H5N1) was first isolated from common gull (Larus canus) in Russia. Antigen of isolated virus had significant affinity to polyclonal sera obtained against high pathogenic avian influenza viruses H5N1 circulating in South-East Asia. Phylogenetic analysis of isolated strain revealed its belonging to group of Qinghai-related variants of H5N1 influenza virus. Aminoacid structure of hemagglutinin proteolytic cleavage site is characteristic for type A high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. Experimental infection of chickens demonstrated high pathogenicity of the isolated virus.


CONCLUSIONS
Involvement of common gulls in circulation of subtype H5N1 influenza virus is demonstrated for the first time. Important role of species from Laridae family in unprecedented spreading of H5N1 influenza virus started in 2005 is discussed.
Sharshov
K A
KA
Kurskaia
O G
OG
Zaĭkovskaia
A V
AV
Iurlov
A K
AK
Susloparov
I M
IM
Ternovoĭ
V A
VA
Durymanov
A G
AG
Zolotykh
S I
SI
Shestopalov
A M
AM
Drozdov
I G
IG
D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D046091:Charadriiformes / Q000821:virology*; D016679:Genome, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / Q000235:genetics; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000821:virology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D020539:Sequence Analysis, Protein; D012800:Siberia; D014774:Virulence
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; D007106:Immune Sera; C109963:hemagglutinin, avian influenza A virus