ARS | Publication request: Replication of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in chickens is affected by the PB1, PB2 and NP viral genes

Submitted to: American Veterinary Medical Association Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 15, 2008
Publication Date: July 20, 2008
Citation: Wasilenko, J.L., Pantin Jackwood, M.J., Lee, C., Sarmento, L., Suarez, D.L. 2008. Replication of H5N1 avian influenza viruses in chickens is affected by the PB1, PB2 and NP viral genes [abstract]. 145th American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Meeting, July 20-22, 2008, New Orleans, Louisiana. 2008 CDROM.

Technical Abstract: Devastating losses to the poultry industry can result from pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) created by natural reassortment events. The role of individual viral genes on the pathogenesis of AIVs in chickens is unclear. Reverse genetics was used to create single-gene reassortants to determine which viral genes contribute to the virulence of AIVs. Changes in replication occurred when the PB1, PB2 and NP genes were exchanged. Differences in expression levels of cytokines and several genes involved in the host innate immune response were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after infection with the reassortant viruses.