Summary
The
authors investigated influenza virus types in pigs in Ibadan, a
city in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. From April to June 2008,
nasal swabs were collected from pigs at three locations in Ibadan.
Influenza A viruses (four A [H1N1], two A [H3N2] and one A [H1N1]-A
[H3N2] double reactant) were isolated from 7 of the 50 apparently
healthy Landrace pigs tested. This study is the first documented
isolation of swine influenza viruses in Nigeria and it reveals that
different strains of influenza viruses co-circulate in pigs in Ibadan.
These pigs serve as reservoirs of different subtypes of influenza
viruses and potential ‘mixing
vessels’
in which genetic reassortment and the generation of future human
pandemic strains could occur. These findings support the need for
adequate and periodic surveillance among swine populations and pig
handlers in Nigeria to detect circulating strains of influenza viruses.
This would serve as an effective early warning system.
Keywords
Flu,
Ibadan, Influenza A, Isolation, Nigeria, Pig, Swine, Virus. |