BACKGROUND: Rotavirus Group A is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis as it is isolated from 30 to 50% of infant diarrhea from humans and other animals. G genotype of the virus is determined by gene sequence of a surface protein of the virus (VP7), one of the most important factors in inducing immunity against the virus which acts very specific to each genotype. OBJECTIVES: In the present study the presence of common bovine rotavirus genotypes A was examined in human rotavirus population. METHODS: A total of 100 stool samples from children under 2 years of age in Tehran and Varamin were collected and to track the presence of rotavirus A, were evaluated using ELISA method. Positive samples were isolated and cultured on the MA-104 cell line after several passages. The positive samples (49 samples) were determined to be the G type using semi-nested RT-PCR and primers specific for bovine common genotype. RESULTS: From 100 samples, 49 were positive in ELISA. Eight samples in the first semi nested RT-PCR showed the desired rotavirus bands and in the second round, the results were positive for the presence of bovine VP7 in two samples taken from Varamin, in one sample, G6, and in another sample, two genotypes of VP7, G6 and G8 were detected, indicating infection with at least two strains of human rotavirus reassortant. Six of the ELISA selected positive samples that were taken to the cell line MA104, showed effects of cell damage (CPE) after 4-5 consecutive passages, demonstrating proliferation of the rotaviruses of this study and so, their viability was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate Reassortment between bovine and human rotaviruses and show that in case of occurrence of bovine and human rotavirus infection and the emergence of new human type, due to Reassortment strain differences in protein immunogen it is possible to overcome due to lack of maternal immunity in the human population and low efficiency of current vaccines and, ultimately, epidemic and considerable losses may occur. Hence, more research is warranted.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) belongs to the genus Cucumovirus of the family Bromoviridae. Compared to other plant viruses, it has the broadest host range, and is reported from different regions of Iran. In the present study, the genetic diversity of Iranian CMV isolates was estimated through the sequence analysis of all the CMV genes and compared to those in other countries. To this purpose we report the genome sequence of two CMV strains isolated from squash (SqSh) and melon (MeEs) in Shiraz and Esfahan. The two isolates were closely related based on the analysis of all gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the Iranian CMV isolates belonged to the subgroup IA, however, they did not share a most recent common ancestor based on RNAs 2 and 3. The Reassortment type of IA-IA-IB was fount to have played a very important role in the evolution and genetic diversity of CMV population in Iran. 1a and CP ORFs had the lowest and highest genetic diversity among Iranian CMV population of the subgroup I, respectively. We suggested that migration in long and short distances have played a role in evolution and genetic structure of CMV strains in Iran.

Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in early childhood worldwide. Gastroenteritis is a preventable disease by the vaccine, and vigorous efforts were made to produce attenuated oral rotavirus vaccines. In recent years, despite the existence of three types of live attenuated rotavirus vaccines, several countries, such as China and Vietnam, have intended to produce indigenous vaccines based on rotavirus serotypes circulating among their population. In this study, the immunogenicity of homemade human-bovine reassortant RV candidate vaccine was tested in an animal model. Rabbits were randomly distributed into eight experimental groups with three animals per group. Afterward, three rabbits in each test group designated as P1, P2, and P3 were experimentally inoculated with the 106, 107, and 108 tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) of the reassortant virus, respectively. The N1 group received the reassortant rotavirus vaccine containing 107 TCID50+zinc. The N2, N3, and N4 groups received rotavirus vaccine strain, RV4 human rotavirus, and bovine rotavirus strain, respectively, and the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. It is noteworthy that three rabbits have been included in each group. The IgA total antibody titer was measured and evaluated by non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The antibody titer produced in the studied groups did not significantly differ. The candidate vaccine showed immunogenicity, protectivity, stability, and safety. The findings of this study indicated a critical role of IgA production, which can induce immunity against a gastroenteritis viral pathogen. Regardless of purification, candidate reassortant vaccine and cell adapted animal strains could be used as a vaccine candidate for production.

BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of young chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). IBDV consists of a two-segmented double-stranded RNA genome which can easily undergo genomic recombination or Reassortment during mixed infections. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to characterize a previously identified Iranian IBDV strain (JRMP29IR) in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens, evaluate the presence of a mixed and/or reassortant virus population in this strain, and examine the frequency of genomic recombination and Reassortment in publicly available IBDV genomes through bioinformatics. METHODS: The SPF chickens were challenged with the JRMP29IR strain via oral and intraocular routes. Bursal tissues were extracted for histopathological evaluation and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Putative recombinations and Reassortments were evaluated using the Recombination Detection Program 5. RESULTS: Through genomic sequencing of the viruses from the bursas of infected chickens, the JRMP29IR strain was found to contain viruses from the classic, variant and very virulent IBDV genotypes. Through bioinformatics, numerous putative recombination and Reassortment events were identified that naturally occured throughout the IBDV genome. CONCLUSIONS: Parental JRMP29IR appears to be derived from a flock undergoing a mixed IBDV infection. High frequency of recombination and Reassortment among IBDVs suggests that these events are evolutionarily beneficial for the virus.

The avian influenza subtype H9N2 is considered a low pathogenic virus which is endemic in domestic poultry of a majority of Asian countries. Many reports of seropositivity in occupationally poultry-exposed workers and a number of confirmed human infections with an H9N2 subtype of avian influenza have been documented up to now. Recently, the human infections with both H7N9 and H10N8 viruses highlighted that H9N2 has a great potential for taking a part in the emergence of new human-infecting viruses. This review aimed at discussing the great potential of H9N2 virus which is circulating at avian-human interface, for cross-species transmission, contribution in the production of new reassortants and emergence of new pandemic subtypes. An intensified surveillance is needed for controlling the future risks which would be created by H9N2 circulation at avian-human interfaces.

Background and Aims: Global epizootic distribution of HPAI H5N8 (Clade 2. 3. 4. 4) in poultry and wild birds was demonstrated after 2010. HPAI virus is a major concern in the birds and poultry industry and global human health. Wild migratory birds and their link to backyard birds play a critical role in spreading HPAI and creating genetic Reassortment. Materials and Methods: In this study in 2018, HPAI H5N8 was isolated from Backyard poultry (turkey) in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Three reports of outbreaks were submitted. The first outbreak was in a village, Sholebaran, and the second was in a Livestock market in Bahman, and the third was in another Village, Yaghbastloo. Tracheal and pancreas tissue samples were obtained from 10 dead birds, and 300 susceptible domestic birds include in the turkey and chickens. Samples' diagnosis was based on real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RRT-PCR) and partial HA gene sequencing. Turkey samples were positive and characterized as H5N8. Results: Phylogenetic analysis result based on a partial HA gene revealed that the Iranian HPAI H5N8 virus in our study, belong to the subgroup clade 2. 3. 4. 4 and cluster within group B. Conclusion: These findings indicate that it provides new insights into the evolution and spread of H5N8 in Iran; based on these results, we have to recognize an improper monitoring protocol for reducing the Reassortment of them. Therefore, we could prevent HPAI from circulating.

Influenza type A virus is well known for its capability of genetic changes either through antigen drift or antigen shift. Antigen shift is derived from Reassortment of gene segments between viruses, and may result in an antigenically novel virus capable of causing a worldwide pandemic (1). Pandemic influenza was recorded in 1830 - 33, 1898 -1900, four times in the 20th century (2) and once in the 21st century (3). The current paper aimed to discuss the time of influenza pandemics occurrence in Iran (2).

Avian influenza viruses represent a significant zoonotic threat, capable of infecting a variety of avian, animal, and human species. Over recent decades, numerous human epidemic and pandemic flu outbreaks have occurred due to zoonotic avian influenza viruses worldwide. Avian influenza viruses can be transmitted from birds to humans, both directly and indirectly. Waterfowl and domestic birds serve as reservoir hosts for all subtypes of influenza viruses. Pigs and some bird species, like quail, act as mixing vessels, facilitating viral Reassortment. Farmers, meat processing workers, and poultry veterinarians are at significant risk of influenza infection due to their frequent contact with ill animals and contaminated environments. As a result, using vaccines and administering efficient antiviral drugs to sick poultry are critical steps for preventing the emergence of future influenza viral pandemics. This review endeavors to furnish a comprehensive exploration of the avian influenza virus and the urgent need for proactive preventive measures.

The PB2 protein of influenza A viruses has been shown as host range determinant. In this study PB2 gene of five H9N2 isolates from Tehran province during the period of 1998-2001 were partially amplified and sequenced to do phylogenetic study. Iranian isolates could be classified in Eurasian lineage according to their PB2 gene sequences. The PB2 genes of these isolates are different from those of Middle-East countries such as the UAE, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as well as India, and it is probable that their ancestors have undergone Reassortment with other subtypes. The Nucleotide sequences of their PB2 are highly similar to each other with 97.5-99.6% homology percentage showing the least mutations in their genes during the period of 1998 to 2001. The PB2 of the Iranian isolates contain Glutamic acid-(E) in position 627, Aspartic acid-(D) in 701 and Serine-(S) in 714 as other avian isolates.

Background and purpose: Influenza is a respiratory infection that annually affects 5-15% of the global population. Influenza A/H1N1 is the most virulent human pathogens that results in a more severe disease and was first reported in 2009. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of influenza A/H1N1 in patients referring to several hospitals in North of Iran during 2009-2011.Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on patients with symptoms of influenza using Real-Time PCR analysis.Results: The patients included 572 (41.97%) male and 791 (58.03%) female. The prevalence of influenza A/H1N1 was seen more in patients aged 21-30 (25%) years. In this study, 205 patients (15.4%) were diagnosed with influenza A/H1N1 including 94 (54.85%) male and 111 (54.15%) female. Influenza A/H1N1-associated death was seen in five patients (2.44%).Conclusion: Influenza A viruses are constantly evolving by mutation or by Reassortment. The influenza virus evolves rapidly, and new strains quickly replace the older once, therefore, new vaccines should be developed for immunization against new strains of influenza.