In vitro characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses identified in wild birds

• Grant number: 24/20674-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Helena Lage Ferreira
• Grantee: Julia Carboni
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/06498-8 - In vitro characterization of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses identified in wild birds, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Waterfowl are considered the main reservoirs of avian influenza viruses with limited clinical signs; while, some species of birds, such as poultry, can be severely susceptible to infection by the virus. Avian influenza virus infection in poultry can have substantial economic impact, considering Brazil is one of the world's largest exporters of chicken meat. This study aims to analyze the pathogenicity and virulence of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds in South America. To this end, the study will evaluate the infection capacity and virulence of low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses of the H2, H6, and H11 subtypes identified in wild birds in clinical samples after viral isolation and confirmation by gene sequencing of the subtypes. The gene expression and replication kinetics of the different viruses will be compared after viral infections in chicken fibroblast cells, the DF-1 strain. In addition, the study includes an internship abroad at Auburn University, where tests will be carried out with low pathogenicity viruses of the same subtypes found in Brazil, but collected in North America. The data obtained will be compared in order to identify the variability in the pathogenicity of the viruses analyzed. With this research, we aim to provide additional information on viruses of low pathogenicity avian influenza subtypes.