10th International Aerosol Conference September 2 - September 7, 2018 America's Center Convention Complex St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Abstract View
Surveillance and Detection of Influenza Viruses in Live Poultry Markets in Kunshan, China
Xinye Wang, EMILY BAILEY, William Lindsley, Gregory Gray, Duke University
Abstract Number: 914 Working Group: Infectious Bioaerosol
Abstract Emerging respiratory viruses have led to considerable human and animal morbidity and mortality across China. Southeast and Eastern China in particular are considered hotspots for novel respiratory virus emergence as often dense populations of humans and domestic animals live in close proximity. There is also an additional risk of pathogen emergence associated with the continued use of live bird markets, where various species of live poultry are allowed to mix in close proximity. Birds are purchased and butchered onsite with little concern for potential human exposure or biosecurity. The goal of this study was to conduct bioaerosol sampling for influenza viruses in a local live bird market in Kunshan, China, a city of approximately 2.5 million individuals. Study personnel traveled to the bird market 2-4 times per week to collect bioaerosol samples over a 5 month period. Samples were collected using stationary 2-stage bioaerosol samplers provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) connected to SKC AirChek Touch personal sampling pumps. Bioaerosol samples were chemically extracted and then processed by real time reverse transcriptase PCR for influenza A and B viruses. Of 153 bioaerosol samples, 39 were influenza A positive (cT value < 38), with no samples positive for influenza B. Initial results indicate that influenza A was circulating in live bird markets at high concentrations during the months of this study and in particular in the winter months, when most detections occurred (November to December). As current influenza concerns in Southeast Asia are related to emerging influenza A strains (H7N9, H5N1, etc.), this study demonstrates the need for additional surveillance at the human-animal interface in China. In particular, there is a need for additional research into the aerosolization of influenza viruses in open air markets, specifically bird markets, where large numbers of animals mix species and are in close contact with humans.