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Influenza

RNA Viruses - Influenza A Virus Study Showcases Key Findings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A groundbreaking study has shed light on the behavior of Influenza A viruses in animal and human populations. Since 2020, a new genotype of the virus, H1avN2#E, has been predominant in pig farms in France. Researchers from the National Social Security Administration (ANSES) and INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) collaborated to investigate the virus's transmission and characteristics. Their study detected the virus in 19 breeding turkey flocks and one human case, indicating interspecies transmission. The findings suggest that the virus circulated between turkey farms after initial swine-to-turkey spillovers.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new genotype, H1avN2#E, of Influenza A virus has been predominant in pig farms in France since 2020.
  • The virus was detected in 19 breeding turkey flocks and one human case, indicating interspecies transmission.
  • The study aimed to analyze viral sequences in turkeys and compare them with swine sequences to identify potential markers of adaptation.
  • Researchers characterized three representative viruses in vitro and in ovo on MDCK, MLE15, and A549 cells, as well as on embryonated chicken eggs.
  • The virus circulated between turkey farms after initial swine-to-turkey spillovers.
  • The study's findings suggest that Influenza A viruses can cross species barriers and adapt to new hosts.
  • The research was funded by Anses (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) and INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment).
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in Virus Research.

Statistics:

  • 19 breeding turkey flocks were infected with the virus, indicating interspecies transmission.
  • One human case was detected, reiterating the potential risk of virus transmission between animals and humans.
  • The study analyzed viral sequences in turkeys between April 2020 and January 2023.
  • The virus was characterized in vitro and in ovo on MDCK, MLE15, and A549 cells, as well as on embryonated chicken eggs.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports on Influenza A Virus Findings from National Social Security Administration (ANSES) Provide New Insights (Identification of H1n2 Influenza Viruses In Turkeys After Spillover From Swine And In Vitro Characterization). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 4777.
  • "Identification of H1n2 Influenza Viruses In Turkeys After Spillover From Swine And In Vitro Characterization." Virus Research, 2025;361.

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