Gediz deltasındaki kuş kaynaklı influenza a virüslerinin moleküler karakterizasyonu ve izolasyonu

Due to its location, Turkey is visited by thousands of birds from different origins annually. Coexistence of these birds in wetlands contributes to Influenza A virus (IAV) evolution. Gediz Delta, provides a great opportunity for avian IAVs to evolve and adapt to mammals, as it hosts many different aquatic bird and mammalian species together. Thus, this thesis study aims to determine the prevalence of avian origin low pathogenic IAVs in Gediz Delta and to investigate the molecular markers in their genomes that may provide ability for interspecies transmission and to cause an outbreak. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses were performed to identify the origins of antigenic segments. To achieve this aim, 500 fecal samples of wild aquatic birds were collected in Izmir Bird Paradise/Gediz Delta. The samples were examined to detect IAV prevalence in the Delta via molecular methods. IAV-positive samples were inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs for virus isolation. Whole genome analyses were performed to monitor virus evolution. According to the results of this study, the prevalence of IAVs in Izmir Bird Paradise/Gediz Delta was 31.2% based on matrix gene amplification. In this thesis study, four viruses were isolated and the subtype of one virus was determined as H6N2. Whole genome analyses of H6N2 virus revealed 30 molecular markers which confers potential for zoonosis and adaptation to poultry. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that antigenic genes were originated from Asia. The results of this study indicate IAVs circulating in the Delta carry molecular markers which pose a threat for public and veterinary health.