| Abstract: | During the latter half of 2005 a widespread outbreak caused by influenza highly pathogenic H5N1 virus among wild and domestic birds occurred in Russia. As pathogenicity level is a polygenic feature and majority of individual genes of influenza A viruses contribute to pathogenicity of influenza viruses to birds, animals and humans. Nucleotide sequencing of the entire genome of influenza H5N1 virus isolates obtained in Kurgan region (Western Siberia) was performed. Structure of viral proteins was analyzed according to the predicted amino acid sequences. HA receptor-binding site of A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 and A/duck/Kurgan/08/2005 strains was typical for avian influenza viruses and contained Glu and Gly at positions 226 and 228, respectively. Structure of the cluster of positively charged amino acid residues at the cleavage site was identical for all isolates: QGERRRKKR. According to the data of neuraminidase structure analysis NA of the H5N1 isolates tested was suggested to belong to Z genotype. Amino acid residues typical for birds were revealed in 30 out of 32 positions of M1, M2, NP, PA and PB2 proteins determining host range specificity. One strain isolated in Kurgan contained lysine in position 627 of PB2 protein. Kurgan isolates was shown to have remantadine-sensitive genotype. Glutamic acid was found at position 92 of NS1 protein in both strains indicating virus resistance to interferon. Phylogenetic analyses allowed relating Kurgan isolates to subclade II of clade II of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses. |
