The Microbiota Contributes to the Control of Highly Pathogenic H5N9 Influenza Virus Replication in Ducks
Thomas Figueroa, Pierre Bessière, Amelia Coggon, Kim M. Bouwman, Roosmarijn van der Woude, Maxence Delverdier, Monique H. Verheije, Robert P. de Vries, Romain Volmer
Abstract
Ducks are frequently infected with avian influenza viruses belonging to multiple subtypes. They represent an important reservoir species of avian influenza viruses, which can occasionally be transmitted to other bird species or mammals, including humans. Ducks thus have a central role in the epidemiology of influenza virus infection. Importantly, ducks usually show little or no clinical signs even following infection with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. We provide evidence that the microbiota contributes to the control of influenza virus replication in ducks by modulating the antiviral immune response. Ducks are able to control influenza virus replication more efficiently when they have an intact intestinal microbiota. Therefore, maintaining a healthy microbiota by limiting perturbations to its composition should contribute to the prevention of avian influenza virus spread from the duck reservoir.