Marek J. Slomka

The mammalian-adaptive PB2-E627K substitution preserves viral fitness of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAIV in birds.

This study shows that the mammalian-adaptive PB2-E627K mutation in H5N1 HPAIV maintains viral fitness in avian hosts, increasing zoonotic risk.

Infection of point-of-lay hens to assess the sequential events during H7N7 high-pathogenicity avian influenza emergence at a layer premises

This study inoculates hens with H7N7-LPAIV precursors to model how they lead to H7N7-HPAIV outbreaks, showing partial protection but not complete prevention of H7N7-HPAIV replication.

Pigeons exhibit low susceptibility and poor transmission capacity for H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian influenza virus

This study shows pigeons are not easily infected by H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus and cannot transmit it to other birds or chickens.

Investigating Factors Driving Shifts in Subtype Dominance within H5Nx Clade 2.3.4.4b High-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza viruses

This study investigates the factors driving the shift in dominance from H5N8 to H5N1 HPAIVs in wild birds, finding that viral pathogenicity and immune responses differ between subtypes.

Asymptomatic infection and antibody prevalence to co-occurring avian influenza viruses vary substantially between sympatric seabird species following H5N1 outbreaks

The paper tests for antibodies and active infection in seabirds following H5N1 outbreaks, finding varied antibody prevalence and low asymptomatic infection rates.

Evaluating the epizootic and zoonotic threat of an H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) variant associated with enhanced pathogenicity in turkeys

This study evaluates the increased pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of an H7N9 LPAIV variant in turkeys, showing enhanced virulence and transmission risks.

The Haemagglutinin Genes of the UK Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses from 2020 to 2022 Retain Strong Avian Phenotype

This study evaluates HA functionality of UK H5N1 avian influenza viruses from 2020-2022, finding they retain strong avian phenotype with low zoonotic threat.