| Reassortment of Virus Reassortment is the process by which influenza viruses swap gene segments. This genetic exchange is possible due to the segmented nature of the viral genome and occurs when two differing influenza viruses co-infect a cell. The viral diversity generated through reassortment is vast and plays an important role in the evolution of influenza viruses. |
- After over a decade without human H5N1 cases, Cambodia reported a novel reassortant virus involving gene segments from two clades, 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.4.4b of H5N1(Bird flu) raising concerns about zoonotic transmission and its implications.
- Most cases were linked to contact with infected poultry or bird droppings.
- No evidence of human-to-human transmission.
- The reassortant virus emerged from genetic mixing of clade 2.3.2.1c, prevalent in Southeast Asia, and clade 2.3.4.4b, detected globally.
- The hemagglutinin (HA) gene showed divergence from earlier Cambodian strains and clustered with samples from Vietnam and Laos.
- Amino acid mutations in the reassortant virus suggest enhanced mammalian infection capacity.
- The mutation associated with increased mammalian adaptation and airborne transmission, was detected.
- High-density poultry farming, wild bird migration, and cross-border trade were identified as factors facilitating reassortment.
| Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Bird flu, or avian influenza, is caused by influenza A viruses, primarily H5, H7, and H9 subtypes, with H5N1 and H7N9 posing the greatest risk to humans. It spreads through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms in humans include fever, cough, and severe respiratory issues, with high mortality rates in severe cases. Mutations increasing human-to-human transmission pose pandemic risks. |
Dig Deeper: Read about the recent case of H9N2 in India.
