Comparative Molecular Characterization and
Pathogenicity of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Commercial Poultry
Flocks in Pakistan
Muhammad Ali1, Muti-ur-Rehman Khan1*,
Asim Aslam1, Habib-ur-Rehman2, Saima Masood3,
Ayesha Masood4, Muhammad Shahbaz Yousaf2, Irtaza Hussain1,
Saba Usman1 and Ahsan Anjum1
1Department
of Pathology, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore,
Pakistan 2Department
of Physiology, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore,
Pakistan 3Department
of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary & Animal
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan 4Department
of Anatomy and Histology Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Islamia University Bahawalpur *Corresponding author: drniazi@uvas.edu.pk
Abstract
The current study was designed to investigate the
molecular characterization and pathological potential of field isolated H9N2 low
pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV). Trachea, lungs, kidney, and spleen
tissue samples of 413 chickens with respiratory signs were collected from one
hundred poultry flocks, processed for RT-PCR, phylogenetic analysis, and
histopathological examinations. A PCR product of 918 bp corresponding to a
fragment of the HA gene was detected in 14 samples. After nucleotide sequencing
and alignment, the positive samples were grouped into two isolates. Field
isolates of the current study have 95.02-98.85% nucleotide and 90.04-98.21%
amino acid homology to previously reported H9N2 strains from Pakistan.
Microscopic examination revealed degenerative changes, necrosis, congestion,
hemorrhages, and mononuclear cell infiltration in the trachea, lungs, kidney,
and spleen. Based on the molecular analysis, the results depicted that studied
isolates shared 95.02-98.85% nucleotide identity, and 90.04-98.21% amino acid
similarity with other Pakistan originated H9N2 LPAIV and referenced A/Quail/Hong
Kong/G1/97 isolates, hence, clustered in G1-lineage. Moreover, H9N2 LPAIV also
induced gross and microscopic alternations in the studied organs. Further
investigations on potential transmission risks, pathotyping, and causes of
vaccine failures are required.
To Cite This Article:
Ali M, Khan MUR, Aslam A, Rehman HU, Masood S, Masood
A, Yousaf MS, Hussain I, Usman S and Anjum A, 2021. Comparative molecular
characterization and pathogenicity of H9N2 avian influenza
virus in commercial poultry flocks in
Pakistan. Pak Vet J, 41(3): 451-455.
http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2021.047