학술논문
Molecular Evidence of Influenza A Virus Circulation in African Dromedary Camels Imported to Saudi Arabia, 2017-2018
MAJOR ARTICLE
MAJOR ARTICLE
Document Type
Report
Author
Source
Open Forum Infectious Diseases. October 2019, Vol. 6 Issue 10
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2328-8957
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For centuries, camels have played a significant role as a major human companion and a key contributor to the livelihood of mankind. Despite the known role of camels in [...]
Little is known about influenza A viruses in dromedaries. Here, we detected influenza A viral RNA in 11 specimens (1.7 %) out of 665 nasal swabs collected from dromedaries between 2017 and 2018 in Saudi Arabia. Positive samples were detected only in imported camels from Sudan and Djibouti but not local ones. Partial genome sequencing indicates a close relationship to 2009-2019 human/ swine influenza A H1N1 isolates from different countries, suggesting possible interspecies transmission. Taken together, dromedaries could represent a potentially unrecognized permissive host for these viruses, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance in animals to aid implementation of one-health strategies. Key words: Africa; camels; dromedaries; influenza A viruses; surveillance; Saudi Arabia.
Little is known about influenza A viruses in dromedaries. Here, we detected influenza A viral RNA in 11 specimens (1.7 %) out of 665 nasal swabs collected from dromedaries between 2017 and 2018 in Saudi Arabia. Positive samples were detected only in imported camels from Sudan and Djibouti but not local ones. Partial genome sequencing indicates a close relationship to 2009-2019 human/ swine influenza A H1N1 isolates from different countries, suggesting possible interspecies transmission. Taken together, dromedaries could represent a potentially unrecognized permissive host for these viruses, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance in animals to aid implementation of one-health strategies. Key words: Africa; camels; dromedaries; influenza A viruses; surveillance; Saudi Arabia.