Active surveillance for influenza virus and coronavirus infection in Antarctic birds and mammals in environmental fecal samples, South Shetland Islands

• Published in: Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
• Main Authors: FERNANDA GOMES, TATIANA PRADO, WIM DEGRAVE, LUCAS MOREIRA, MAITHÊ MAGALHÃES, HARRISON MAGDINIER, ROBERTO VILELA, MARILDA SIQUEIRA, MARTHA BRANDÃO, MARIA OGRZEWALSKA
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2023
• Subjects: Active surveillance; Antarctic wildlife; viral infections; zoonotic risks; environmental fecal samples; Science; Q; Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; South Shetland Islands; The Antarctic; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202320230741; https://doaj.org/article/31ad9ecb316b4c7c9f34e7ad7338160a

Abstract Numerous Antarctic species are recognized as reservoirs for various pathogens, and their migratory behavior allows them to reach the Brazilian coast, potentially contributing to the emergence and circulation of new infectious diseases. To address the potential zoonotic risks, we conducted surveillance of influenza A virus (IAV) and coronaviruses (CoVs) in the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically focusing on different bird and mammal species in the region. During the summer of 2021/2022, as part of the Brazilian Antarctic Expedition, we collected and examined a total of 315 fecal samples to target these respiratory viruses. Although we did not detect the viruses of interest during this particular expedition, previous research conducted by our team has shown the presence of the H11N2 subtype of influenza A virus in penguin fecal samples from the same region. Given the continuous emergence of new viral strains worldwide, it is crucial to maintain active surveillance in the area, contributing to strengthening integrated One Health surveillance efforts.