Infection of grey seals and harbour seals with influenza B virus

摘要: Abstract Background: Influenza B virus is exclusively a human pathogen whose origin and possible reservoir in nature are not known. Seals the wild known to be susceptible influenza A as well other infections. Methods: PCR-based analyses, isolation techniques serological assays were used for detection of infection seals. Sequence analysis serology characterisation. Results: An was isolated from naturally infected harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). The second seal, both which had been admitted rehabilitation centre Netherlands, seroconverted virus. B/Seal/Netherlands/1/99 found infectious kidney cells vitro. analyses indicated that this closely related strains circulated humans 4 5 years earlier. Retrospective sera collected 971 seals showed prevalence antibodies 2% animals after 1995, none before suggesting introduced population source around 1995. Conclusions: This first report on natural emerging non-human species. data document can maintained reservoir, harbouring viruses have past, may pose direct threat future.