Avian Influenza virus M2e protein: Epitope mapping, competitive ELISA and phage displayed scFv for DIVA in H5N1 serosurveillance (original) (raw)

Within the avian influenza virus (AIV) history, H5N1 subtype is the most alarming in terms of its spread rate throughout the globe with its demonstrated unusual pattern of evolution. Persistency and constant circulation of this subtype in poultry population in a number of countries have resulted its establishment and declaration as enzootic. The affected countries are commonly characterised by high poultry populations and productions. They are also developing countries which have minimal funding allocated for precaution on disease incursion. Past observations showed that a single AIV epizootic is capable of causing significant economic burden throughout the world. Although epizootic, it still resulted sporadic cases of human infection and mortality. Therefore, H5N1 enzootic countries opt for vaccination strategy (usually with inactivated whole virus) to evade AIV incursions. However, this interferes with the AIV surveillance effort. This is due to the lack of diagnostic tool with th...