Infectious Diseases 2024

In a correspondence published in The Lancet Microbe (1), it was reported that H10N3 viruses exhibit multiple amino acid residues associated with adaptation in mammalian hosts. Both human-derived and chicken-derived isolates demonstrated a high affinity for sialic acid-α-2,6-galactose receptors. Notably, certain chicken-derived viruses may possess the potential to evolve into a pandemic threat in the human population, bypassing the need for prior adaptation. Consequently, these characteristics underscore the potential public health threat posed by H10N3 avian influenza viruses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of H10N3 viruses belong to the Eurasian lineage, forming a monophyletic group indicative of a significant evolutionary history preceding their detection. The six internal genes originating from the H9N2 avian influenza A virus were grouped into multiple clusters and categorized into 15 genotypes, signifying ongoing evolution and frequent reassortment in H10N3 viruses. This persistent reassortment pattern may enhance the fitness of avian influenza viruses in both chickens and mammals, posing a substantial and ongoing threat to public health.
In 1985, a study was published reporting an outbreak of H10N4 bird flu on mink farms in Sweden (2). In 2004, an H10N7 event was reported in humans in Egypt (3). In 2012, an H10N7 event was reported among slaughterhouse workers in Australia (4). Currently, a fatal case of combined H3N2+H10N5 infection in a woman in China is being reported.

1. Kaituo Liu, Xian Qi, Changjun Baom, Xiaoquan Wang, Xiufan Liu. Lancet Microbe 2024 Jan 31.
2. Klingeborn B, Englund L, Rott R, Juntti N, Rockborn G. An avian influenza A virus killing a mammalian species-the mink. Archives of virology. 1985 Sep;86:347-51.
3. PAHO P. Avian influenza virus A (H10N7) circulating among humans in Egypt. EID Wkly Updates. 2004:2.
4. Arzey GG, Kirkland PD, Arzey KE, Frost M, Maywood P, Conaty S, Hurt AC, Deng YM, Iannello P, Barr I, Dwyer DE. Influenza virus A (H10N7) in chickens and poultry abattoir workers, Australia. Emerging infectious diseases. 2012 May;18(5):814.