Evolution and Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus in Wild Birds, South Korea, 2022–2023
Emerging Infectious Diseases·
- DOI
- 10.3201/eid3002.231274
- PMID
- 38215495
- PMCID
- PMC10826760
- OpenAlex
- W4390848847
- Study type
- Genomic study
- Publisher
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The findings highlight the role of wild bird migration in sustaining and disseminating HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b, underscoring the value of genomic surveillance for outbreak response and understanding viral spread.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The study investigated the origin, evolution, and geographic spread of HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds in South Korea during 2022–2023, with attention to the role of wild birds in viral reassortment and transmission.
Study design
A genomic and phylogenetic investigation of HPAI A(H5N1) isolates obtained from wild birds during outbreak surveillance, including whole-genome sequencing of 113 isolates and phylodynamic analysis of 16 genotypes.
Population and setting
Wild bird populations in South Korea, with outbreaks recorded during October 2022–March 2023, including 174 wild bird cases; sequenced isolates were obtained from multiple species, including whooper swans and raptors.
Main findings
Sixteen distinct genotypes were detected, indicating extensive reassortment. Phylodynamic analysis suggested introduction via whooper swans into the southern Gyeonggi-do/northern Chungcheongnam-do area, followed by southward spread and cross-species transmission among waterfowl and raptors.
Public-health relevance
The findings highlight the role of wild bird migration in sustaining and disseminating HPAI A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b, underscoring the value of genomic surveillance for outbreak response and understanding viral spread.
Important limitations
The summary is limited to the supplied single-article abstract and metadata; the original paper is required for decision-grade interpretation. No explicit limitations were stated in the abstract.
GIDS interpretation
This article is discoverable through classifiers for H5N1, South Korea, genomic epidemiology, and outbreak surveillance, providing context on wild bird-related HPAI dynamics in East Asia.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 11 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.