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

• Grant number: 25/06498-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: December 20, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Helena Lage Ferreira
• Grantee: Julia Carboni
• Supervisor: Miria Ferreira Criado
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Auburn University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/20674-0 - In vitro characterization of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses identified in wild birds, BP.IC

Abstract

Waterfowl serve as the primary reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, often showing limited clinical signs. In contrast, certain bird species, particularly domestic poultry, can be highly susceptible to the virus. Infection by the avian influenza virus in domestic birds can cause substantial economic consequences. In this context, the present study aims to analyze the pathogenicity and virulence of low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses detected in wild birds across North American countries. To accomplish this, the study will assess the infection capacity and virulence of low-pathogenicity viruses from subtypes H2 and H11, which were identified in wild birds through clinical samples following viral isolation and subtype confirmation via genetic sequencing. The various viruses' gene expression and replication kinetics will be compared after viral infections in chicken fibroblast cells, specifically the DF-1 cell line. The collected data will be compared with assays conducted in Brazil, which involved viruses of the same subtypes found in South America, to identify any variability in the pathogenicity of the analyzed viruses. Through this research, we seek to compile supplementary information on low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses to compare the variability between North and South American countries, providing insights on the evolution of avian influenza (AU)