1.

Genome analysis linking recent European and African influenza (H5N1) viruses.

To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in its transcontinental spread, we sequenced and analyzed the complete genomes of 36 recent influenza A (H5N1) viruses collected from birds in Europe, northern Africa, and southeastern Asia. These sequences, among the first complete genomes of influenza (H5N1) viruses outside Asia, clearly depict the lineages now infecting wild and domestic birds in Europe and Africa.

COBISS.SI-ID: 2773370

2.

Evidence of avian influenza virus and paramyxovirus subtype 2 in wild-living passerine birds in Slovenia

A total of 670 cloacal swabs were taken from 37 species of wild-living passerine birds in years 2004, 2005, and 2006. Isolation of avian influenza virus (AIV) and avian paramyxoviruses (APMV) was done on chicken embryos. One-step reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect AIV RNA. AIV nucleic acid was detected by RT-PCR in a sample of one common starling (Sturnus vulgaris).

COBISS.SI-ID: 652277

3.

Comparison of different cell cultures for the isolation of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI)

In present study we investigated the ability of HPAI isolate H5N1 of avian origin to adopt and grow on different cell cultures of avian and mammalian origin. We analyzed also potential molecular changes on main antigenic determinates such as hemagglutinin gene. The results confirmed that passages on embryonated eggs lead to mutation in hemagglutinin gene, meanwhile no mutations were observed after passages on cell cultures.

COBISS.SI-ID: 3048570

4.

A survey of avian Mycoplasma species for nuraminidase enzymatic activity

The aim of the study was to determine which avian mycoplasma species possess neuraminidase enzymatic activity (NEAC). Namely, neuraminidases are considered virulence factors in many pathogenic microorganisms, including avian influenza viruses. Our study provides novel informations about NEAC in avian mycoplasma species and suggests that higher invasiveness and possibly, the pathological processes might be associated with their NEAC.

COBISS.SI-ID: 2278536

5.

Possible sources and spreading routes of H5N1 infections in poultry and wild birds in Central Europe in 2007

Recurrent outbreaks of H5N1 HPAIV occurred in several Central European countries in 2007. In-depth phylogenetic analyses including full-length sequences of the viruses involved were performed in order to elucidate possible origins of incursions and transmission pathways.

COBISS.SI-ID: 3245434