Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus remains a public health threat and continues to cause outbreaks among poultry as well as human. Since its appearance, the virus has spread to numerous geographic areas and is now considered endemic in Egypt. Also widespread prevalence of H9N2 subtype in the Middle East region and its detection in Egypt in summer 2011 in poultry added another challenge to the Egyptian poultry industry as well as human health. Here, to evaluate the potential for avian to human transmission of avian influenza viruses H5 and H9, a serological study was conducted among 60 poultry workers and housewives and 143 participants randomly selected from Respiratory Diseases Hospital (RDH) in Damanhour city in Behira governorate for determination of antibody titers against H5 and H9 avian influenza viruses by using hemagglutination inhibition assay. Further, participants were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding avian influenza infection. In addition, tissue samples from in contact poultry were assayed for virus detection using real time RT-PCR.
Our results showed some evidence of exposure to H5N1 avian influenza virus with 3 (5%) poultry workers and 3 (2.1%) RDH subjects having HI antibody titer of 1:160. All sera of poultry workers and housewives tested negative for H9. Only three poultry samples were positive for H5N1 virus. The level of community knowledge about AI disease was fair, but their practice and attitude were negative. Therefore, designing and implementing health educational programs about AI to improve the community practices should have the priority. Our findings support the low transmissibility of H5N1 to humans, but transmission to highly exposed persons cannot be excluded given that HI antibody titers of 1:80 and 1:40 were detected in some individuals. Prevalence of H9 antibodies was low, however, requires additional studies.
Key words: H5N1, Serology, HI, H9, Egypt
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