Continuing Threat of Influenza (H5N1) Virus Circulation in Egypt

Ghazi Kayali

, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Mohamed A. Kutkat, Ahmed M. Kandeil, Ahmed Mostafa, Mariette F. Ducatez, Pamela P. McKenzie, Elena A. Govorkova, Mohamed H. Nasraa, Robert G. Webster, Richard J. Webby, and Mohamed A. Ali

Author affiliations: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA (G. Kayali, M.F. Ducatez, P.P. McKenzie, E.A. Govorkova, R.G. Webster, R.J. Webby); National Research Center, Giza, Egypt (R. El-Shesheny, M.A. Kutkat, A.M. Kandeil, A. Mostafa, M.H. Nasraa, M.A. Ali)

Abstract

Reservoirs for the continuing influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in Egypt are ill-defined. Through active surveillance, we detected highly pathogenic influenza subtype H5 viruses in all poultry sectors; incidence was 5%. No other subtypes were found. Continued circulation of influenza (H5N1) viruses in various regions and poultry sectors perpetuates human exposure in Egypt.

After 150 confirmed human cases and continuous outbreaks in its different poultry production sectors, Egypt became an epicenter for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus activity and one of the few countries where this virus is endemic. The long-term endemicity of influenza (H5N1) virus in poultry in Egypt has generated substantial viral genetic and antigenic diversity, as has been seen in other areas (1–3), yet the ecology and epizootology of the virus in the various poultry sectors remains unknown. To determine the incidence and diversity of influenza viruses among poultry in 6 governorates in Egypt, we conducted surveillance for 1 year.

Suggested citation for this article: Kayali G, El-Shesheny R, Kutkat MA, Kandeil AM, Mostafa A, Ducatez MF, et al. Continuing threat of influenza (H5N1) virus circulation in Egypt. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2011 Dec [date cited]. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1712.110683