STUDY OF INFLUENZA VIRUS BY REAL TIME RT-PCR METHOD, IN SEABIRDS OF THE ANTARCTIC REGION.

Abstract

The avian influenza (AI) have led to highly pathogenic influenza epidemics and pandemics in humans through the ages, in addition to being able to cause weakness and mortality in other animal species.Wild birds are natural reservoirs of influenza viruses, and among these, migratory birds have an important role as transmitting agents in the spread of diseases, for their long routes in different areas of nesting and wintering.Increased human activity and the consequent risk of introducing diseases into wildlife in inhospitable places such as Antarctica, make a great importance to study the epidemiology of AI viruses in waterfowl, migratory and resident in this environment. Therefore, the objectives of this study aim to analyze the presence of influenza virus in samples of sea birds, migratory and resident in Antarctic environment, characterized molecularly positive samples, and identify potential risks to animal and public health due to migration routes of birds to America and Brazil.Will be analyzed 500 samples of oral and cloacal swabs collected in seabird species Pygosceles Papua (Papua Penguin), Pygosceles antarctica (Antarctic Penguin), Pygoscelis adeliae (Penguin-of-Adelia), Catharacta lonngberg (Skua) and Daption capense (dove-the-cable) between the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 in the Elephant and King George islands, Antarctica.The samples will be tested for the detection of AI viral genetic material by the technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction Real Time (RT-PCR). Positive samples will be sequenced and molecularly characterized. It is hoped in this way, contribute to the knowledge of the ecology of these viruses in such an environment, as well as to proposals to prevent the possible impact of this virus to human and animal health in South America