14 December 2024
Wen, Feng et al. (2024) The Lancet Microbe
A correspondence published in The Lancet Microbe highlights critical findings regarding the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses, particularly their emergence in live poultry markets (LPMs) in China. The authors claim that these viruses exhibit enhanced binding affinity for human-type receptors, posing significant public health risks.
A surveillance study conducted near Poyang Lake in January 2024 identified novel H5N1 viruses with enhanced binding affinity for human-type receptors in live poultry markets (LPMs) in China. These strains exhibited specific mutations in the receptor-binding site of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein, specifically D158N and N193K substitutions, which facilitate binding to human-type sialic acid receptors. Live poultry markets are recognized as major sources of human H5N1 infections, necessitating immediate action to prevent further outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that these novel H5N1 viruses belong to the 2.3.4.4b sublineage, tracing their origins to wild bird H5N1 viruses from Japan and South Korea during -2023. Analysis of polymorphism at residue 193 in the HA protein shows a variance between human and avian hosts, with the K193 variant being more prevalent in human isolates. The findings underscore the importance of enhanced monitoring in live poultry markets and the implementation of public health measures to curb the potential for human infection and transmission of these novel H5N1 viruses.
The article emphasizes the evolving nature of H5N1 viruses and the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard public health against potential pandemics linked to avian influenza.
