he Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) are certain strains of the nail-type influenza virus that are highly virulent to birds, especially poultry such as chickens and turkeys, and can cause very severe disease with high mortality in these animals. Some subtypes of avian influenza, such as H5N1, H7N9 and H5N8, have caused severe outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds and have concerned scientists due to their zoonotic potential. Ability to spread from animals to humans.
Transmission to humans is rare but can be serious and, in some cases, fatal. Most human cases of avian influenza virus infection are associated with direct or indirect contact with infected birds or environments contaminated with their secretions. Now, for the first time in the world, scientists from the Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology of the Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), part of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, have confirmed the existence of this phenomenon. Antarcticahighly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
A team of scientists led by researchers from China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation Antonio AlcamiWorking at the Spanish Gabriel de Castilla Antarctic Base on Decepcion Island, The presence of the virus was confirmed on February 24. Specifically, the virus was found in two samples of dead skuas discovered by Argentinian scientists near the Argentinian Antarctic base of Primavera.
The samples were obtained with maximum protective measures in place to avoid transmission of the virus to humans. Once the sample is collected, the viruses contained within it are immediately inactivated so that they can be safely studied. Subsequently, with all safety measures taken, the samples were transported by an Argentinian ship of the Antarctic Joint Patrol to the Spanish Antarctic Base Gabriel de Castilla on Decepcion Island, where they were transported by China Shipbuilding Industry researchers Angela Vazquez and Antonio Alcami analyzed the samples.
Taking steps to prevent the spread of avian influenza to humans
The analysis ultimately showed Birds infected with H5 subtype avian influenza At least one of the dead birds contained the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. Analysis using PCR for influenza viruses and the H5 subtype, followed by sequencing of the protease cleavage region, provides 100% certainty of the presence of avian influenza viruses.
This confirmation was made possible thanks to international cooperation, in particular with Argentina, and coordination with the Spanish Polar Commission. Cooperating international Antarctic organizations include the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Committee for the Administration of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), which have notified these findings as required by the Antarctic Treaty.
This discovery will allow national polar programs to prepare to avoid human-caused spread of infection and, most importantly, human-to-human transmission.
This discovery will allow national polar programs to prepare to avoid human-caused spread of infection and, most importantly, human-to-human transmission. The discovery shows for the first time that highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have reached Antarctica despite its distance and natural barriers from other continents. This could also explain the bird deaths recorded during the Antarctic summer. This variant has been found in many places in the Northern Hemisphere and, since last summer, in the Southern Hemisphere.
The virus was recently discovered on subantarctic islands, but so far no country has proven its presence in the Antarctic region, despite reports of high mortality in some Antarctic bird species. In November, Spain launched a protocol against highly pathogenic avian influenza in Antarctica, which was strictly adhered to by all participants in the program before the campaign began.
fountain: Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) Severo Ochoa Center for Molecular Biology