Akila Kularatne, University of Calgary

Akila Kularatne — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada; Patrick Fuller — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada; Diagnostic Services Unit team — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada; Dawn MacDonald — Faculty of Science - Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada; Kawkab Kanjo — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada; Alyson Kelvin — Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada

Breaking & Entering

The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b indicates that the host range of H5N1 viruses has expanded into various wildlife. Viral entry is largely determined by the presence and chemical modifications of sialic acid receptors. This project aims to characterize the distribution and chemical modifications of sialic acids across epithelial cells from various wildlife, domesticated-livestock, and companion-animals to map α2,3- and α2,6-linked receptors associated with influenza host specificity. We are collecting tissue samples from wildlife, companion-animals, and livestock from across the province of Alberta. So far, we have collected and processed samples from 45 cases and will continue until the end of the year. Tissue samples are formalin fixed and embedded in paraffin for sample staining and subsequent glycan profile analysis. Sample structure and integrity will be investigated by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Sialic acids will be specifically investigated with lectin staining using Maackia amurensis lectin I, Maackia amurensis lectin II, divalent Carbohydrate-Binding Module 40, and Sambucus nigra Agglutinin to detect the presence of α2,3 and α2,6 modifications. Tissues will undergo a lectin microarray to quantifiably examine sialic acid lectin binding and perform comparative analyses with prior lectin stains, as well as the opportunity to determine the lectin profile of the various species. This study aims to identify species-specific susceptibility patterns across a wide range to better support surveillance and improve risk assessment when predicting spillover events and emerging zoonotic threats.