Characteristics of stork feces-derived H5N1 viruses that are preferentially transmitted to primary human airway epithelial cells

摘要: Avian influenza viruses are a possible threat to human health as they may cause an pandemic. Asian open-bill storks migratory birds that brought H5N1 into Thailand during the 2004–2005 epidemic. However, date, there no reports of direct transmission stork-derived Thais. Therefore, we questioned whether or not secreted in feces infected could directly infect cells derived from respiratory tract. To answer this question, used primary NHBE model. We found two three cloacal swabs rapidly replicated and caused severe structural damage within early phase infection. Viruses remaining swab poorly cells. The rapid-replicating were able replicate efficiently even presence high level type I IFN production stimulated IL-6 but immunosuppressive cytokine, IL-10. genotypic study revealed major genotypes present stork best-fit for replication In contrast, NA-based genotype containing slow-replicating survive Altogether, data suggested those preferentially airway epithelial exist nature, require additional mutations order defeat species barrier.