| Title | Development of a Novel Korean H9‑Specific rRT‑PCR Assay and Its Application for Avian Influenza Virus Surveillance in Korea |
|---|---|
| Author | Mingeun Sagong1,2†, Yong‑Myung Kang1†, Na Yeong Kim1, Eun Bi Noh1, Gyeong‑Beom Heo1, Se‑Hee An1, Youn‑Jeong Lee1, Young Ki Choi2*, and Kwang‑Nyeong Lee1* |
| Address | 1Avian Influenza Research & Diagnostic Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Republic of Korea, 2Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea |
| Bibliography | Journal of Microbiology, 61(10),929-936, 2023, |
| DOI | 10.1007/s12275-023-00088-8 |
| Key Words | H9N2 · Low pathogenicity avian influenza virus · Real-time RT-PCR · Live bird market |
| Abstract | Since the 2000s, the Y439 lineage of H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) has been the predominant strain circulating in poultry in Korea; however, in 2020, the Y280 lineage emerged and spread rapidly nationwide, causing large economic losses. To prevent further spread and circulation of such viruses, rapid detection and diagnosis through active surveillance programs are crucial. Here, we developed a novel H9 rRT-PCR assay that can detect a broad range of H9Nx viruses in situations in which multiple lineages of H9 AIVs are co-circulating. We then evaluated its efficacy using a large number of clinical samples. The assay, named the Uni Kor-H9 assay, showed high sensitivity for Y280 lineage viruses, as well as for the Y439 lineage originating in Korean poultry and wild birds. In addition, the assay showed no cross-reactivity with other subtypes of AIV or other avian pathogens. Furthermore, the Uni Kor-H9 assay was more sensitive, and had higher detection rates, than reference H9 rRT-PCR methods when tested against a panel of domestically isolated H9 AIVs. In conclusion, the novel Uni Kor-H9 assay enables more rapid and efficient diagnosis than the “traditional” method of virus isolation followed by subtyping RT-PCR. Application of the new H9 rRT-PCR assay to AI active surveillance programs will help to control and manage Korean H9 AIVs more efficiently. |