Serological Investigation of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Slaughtered Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Khuzestan, Iran

The aim of the present was to evaluate the prevalence of H9N2-specific antibodies among water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). To this end, blood samples were obtained from 80 randomly selected water buffaloes, 40 cases of which were obtained in the winter months, and 40 cases were sampled in the spring months. The presence of H9N2-specific antibody was determined by hemagglutination inhibition method. The antibody was diagnosed in 14 buffaloes (i.e., 10 males and 4 females). There were no significant differences between the two genders and between different age groups in terms of antibody prevalence. The presence of the antibody had a seasonal pattern; in this regard, all positive cases were found in the winter months (P<0.01). Detection of antibody against H9N2 in water buffaloes suggests the presence of an avian-water buffalo cycle of H9N2 virus. Additional research is needed for the detection of the probable epidemiologic role of buffaloes in the interspecies transmission and pathogenesis of H9N2 avian influenza viruses.