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Gene & Protein in Disease A One Health approach for avian influenza

transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked Information System reports more than 5000 cases of avian
immunosorbent assay, and agar gel immune-diffusion. 2 influenza infections in wild and domestic bird populations
Among these methods, HA is considered less specific, across. Therefore, detailed epidemiological monitoring
as not all viral subtypes stimulate the production of of susceptible species and environmental and molecular
precipitating antibodies. The isolation of avian influenza factors contributing to the spread of this infectious disease
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viruses requires laboratories equipped with biosafety level is essential. Given the variety of transmission routes and
II or III facilities. Furthermore, isolation methods are the virus’s capabilities of expanding the host spectra,
lengthy, laborious, and resource-demanding. Molecular along with the environmental implications, avian flu can
techniques have the potential to reveal the genomic be understood as a zoonotic infection of high relevance
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signature of the virus, which is valuable for molecular in the One Health context. As such, addressing avian
epidemiology, and nucleic acid amplification methods are influenza requires the collaborative efforts of a plurality
the most sensitive method for H5N1 virus detection. 2 of professionals, including physicians, veterinarians,
public health officials, epidemiologists, and environmental
The technology developed based on the clustered, scientists. This collective endeavor is crucial for devising
regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)- holistic solutions to the complex and multifaceted
associated (CRISPR-Cas) system has recently been used challenges posed by avian influenza. Specifically, by
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for the detection of various highly pathogenic viruses, adopting a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach,
including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus these professionals can work together to enhance our
2. In addition, an a CRISPR-CaS12a system has been understanding, prevention, and control of avian flu.
developed for the detection of the avian influenza virus Monitoring the prevalence and spread of avian flu in
by cloning the Cas12a protein from the Lachnospiraceae bird populations enables the early detection of warning
bacterium into Escherichia coli. 18
signs, facilitating the implementation of appropriate
Furthermore, among the most recent methods, there measures to prevent or contain infection transmission.
are also loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)- Rapid detection, reporting, and containment measures
based assay and simple amplification-based assay (SAMBA), are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and minimize
which encompasses viral RNA extraction, isothermal DNA the risk of tropism extension. To mitigate the risk of tropism
polymerase-facilitated DNA amplification, and subsequent extension, surveillance systems are implemented to monitor
detection through a dipstick system. Ramos et al. used a the presence of H5N1 in animal populations, encompassing
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3D photopolymer microdevice for the detection of viral not only birds but also mammals that may come into contact
hemagglutinin. In this technique, the biotinylated capture with infected birds. 26,27 In addition, promoting biosecurity
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antibody is immobilized through a biotin-streptavidin measures in agricultural settings is essential. These
interaction. Specifically, the analyte is labeled and biosecurity measures include implementing proper hygiene
subsequently interacts with a secondary antibody, forming practices, regulating access to farms, and segregating different
a defined sandwich complex at the wall level. The newest animal species. These measures serve to reduce the risk of
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approaches include strategies based on next-generation transmission and prevent the expansion of H5N1 tropism.
sequencing and the identification of new biosensors.
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Various biosensors have been designed and marketed to The increased sharing of the same environment between
detect the presence of avian influenza virus. In this regard, humans and animals may lead to a plausible increase in
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new biosensors capable of bypassing current diagnostic “spillover” linked to an increase in the incidence of avian
limitations are steadily being evaluated, with the aim of influenza.
improving selectivity and sensitivity, as well as enabling the In this regard, strengthening monitoring and
simultaneous detection of multiple analytes exploitable in prevention efforts, even with systems currently undergoing
typing the circulating viral strains. Analogously to other testing, when applied to the animal population, could
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viral infections of One Health relevance, the implementation represent an indirect way of protecting the human species,
of in silico approaches is desirable to expedite the thereby underlining once again the importance of a One
optimization of diagnostic and prophylactic tools. 23 Health approach. Furthermore, the One Health approach
emphasizes the importance of vaccination measures in
4. Effective Control Strategies from a One preventing avian influenza outbreaks. 28
Health Perspective
Important control measures are imperative as the cases 5. Conclusion
of avian influenza continue to increase in both animal New vaccination strategies are under development to
and human populations. As of today, the Animal Disease prepare for potential future pandemic epidemics by

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2024) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2327