The global expansion of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), particularly clade 2.3.4.4b H5 viruses, continues to pose a significant zoonotic threat. Although Chinese vaccination-plus-culling strategy has reduced H5- and H7-exposure disease activity, continued viral evolution and reassortment highlight the need for sustained surveillance at the human-environment interface. Environmental samples from live poultry markets (LPMs), slaughterhouses and poultry farms/backyards, together with respiratory specimens from hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown etiology (PUE) were collected in three Chinese cities from December 2021 to December 2023. Specimens were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) for influenza A virus (IAV), H5, H7, H9 and H10 subtypes. Positive rates among cities and sampling sites were compared using chi-square tests. Monthly positive rates among environmental sample categories were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and paired monthly rates between 2022 and 2023 using the two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank test. H5, H9 and H10 viruses underwent HA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Among 8,335 environmental samples, the overall IAV positive rate was 32.2

IntroductionAvian influenza viruses (AIVs) continue to circulate in live poultry markets (LPMs), posing potential risks for zoonotic exposure. This study investigated the environmental circulation of AIVs and their potential epidemiological associations with human infection in Henan Province, China.MethodsWe analyzed 7,956 environmental samples collected from poultry-associated settings in Henan Province between 2020 and 2025. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with AIV detection. Serological surveillance was conducted among occupationally exposed individuals, and phylogenetic analyses were performed to characterize the genetic relationships between human-derived and environmental AIVs.ResultsA total of 1,460 samples (18.35%) tested positive for AIVs. LPMs were significantly associated with higher odds of AIV detection (OR = 7.211, 95% CI: 5.039–10.319, P < 0.001), and the odds of AIV detection increased over the surveillance period (OR = 1.254, 95% CI: 1.210–1.301, P < 0.001). Multiple AIV subtypes were detected, with H9N2 remaining predominant throughout the study period. Five human infections were identified, including H5N6 and H3N8 infections in 2022 and three H9N2 infections in 2025. Serological surveillance identified H9N2-seropositive and H3N8-reactive samples among occupationally exposed individuals. Phylogenetic analyses revealed genetic similarities between human-derived and environmental viruses. Three H3N8 viruses, including one isolated from a human case, formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster, with their internal genes closely related to co-circulating H9N2 viruses.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate sustained circulation of multiple AIV subtypes in poultry-associated environments and highlight the importance of integrated environmental and human surveillance for the early detection of viruses with zoonotic potential.

Objective:In January 2023, China implemented the "Class B Management" policy, marking a new phase in COVID-19 control. As new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, some have shown significant immune evasion, posing challenges to epidemic control efforts. To manage the pandemic effectively, Henan Province launched a surveillance program for SARS-CoV-2 variants, systematically analyzing their clinical characteristics and epidemiological patterns. Methods:This study collected genomic sequence data from 5,965 COVID-19 cases between January 1, 2023, and March 17, 2024, using the Henan Province SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance system. Genome sequence analysis was performed with CLC Genomics Workbench, and genotyping and sequence alignment were carried out using the Nextclade platform. The clinical severity of different variants was assessed in relation to patient sex, age, clinical classification, and vaccination status. Results:Between Week 1 of 2023 and Week 11 of 2024, a total of 5,965 complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were obtained, including 3,004 male (50.36%) and 2,961 female (49.64%) cases. The majority of cases were mild (5,451 cases, 91.38%), followed by moderate (311 cases, 5.21%) and severe or critical cases (203 cases, 3.4%). The predominant variants included BA.5.2, XBB, and BA.2.86. BA.5.2 was dominant until April 2023, after which it was gradually replaced by XBB. From December 2023, BA.2.86 began to increase and became the predominant variant by January 2024. The XBB variant exhibited a significantly lower rate of severe cases, with most infections being mild (P < 0.05). Male patients, the elderly, and certain variants (e.g., BA.5.2) were associated with more severe outcomes, while XBB and BA.2.86 showed lower pathogenicity, with a marked reduction in severe and fatal cases (P < 0.05). Conclusion:As SARS-CoV-2 variants evolve, the incidence of severe cases has progressively decreased. Both XBB and BA.2.86 variants exhibit lower pathogenicity. This study provides vital scientific evidence on the epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and control strategies of SARS-CoV-2 variants. It underscores the importance of continuous viral surveillance and genomic sequencing to guide public health decision-making.

Background To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies in Henan Province and perform a genetic characterization of the rabies virus (RABV). Methods The rabies case data were retrieved from the National Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System and individual case investigation forms. Saliva, cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from rabies patients were collected and tested via real-time PCR. Positive samples were subjected to sequencing of the RABV N gene, and the sequences were compared with reference sequences in GenBank for homology and phylogenetic analysis. Results Among the five rabies cases (cases 1–5) examined, two were associated with bites from domestic dogs and were classified as level III exposure. The exposure source and level for the remaining three cases were unknown. None of the patients had received vaccination or passive immunization. Real-time PCR tests revealed that saliva samples had the highest positivity rate (87.5%), whereas CSF and serum samples tested negative for viral RNA. The N gene sequences from the four rabies cases (cases 1–4) were identified as belonging to the China I strain, a dominant rabies virus strain in China, with nucleotide homology ranging from 99.26%-99.85% and amino acid homology of 100%. The major functional and antigenic sites of the encoded protein are highly conserved. Conclusion Rabies continue to circulate in Henan Province. However, the evolutionary diversity and genetic stability of circulating strains of the rabies virus are limited.

ObjectiveTo examine time-dependent variations in serum antibodies of severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at different stages and inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients after inoculation. MethodsThe study was conducted in a city of Henan province. Totally 86 serum samples were collected from 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases at acute stage (1th – 23rd day of onset) and recovery state (25th – 58th day of onset) during January 2020 – October 2021; other 184 serum samples from 46 healthy recipients of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine at 4/8/12/31 weeks after inoculations and 50 serum samples from 50 residents without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were also collected during March – October 2021. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin A/G/M (IgA/G/M) were detected with magnetic particle chemiluminescence method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for all the serum samples. The levels of the serum antibodies among the three groups′ participants were analyzed statistically. ResultsAmong the confirmed COVID-19 cases, the positivity rates of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgM and IgG of the serum samples collected at recovery stage were significantly higher than those at acute stage (all P < 0.05) ; while, the concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG of the serum samples collected at recovery stage were significantly higher than those at acute stage (both P < 0.05). Among the healthy COVID-19 vaccine recipients 31 weeks after the inoculations, the positivity rate was 63.04% (29/46) for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and 36.96% (17/46) for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA, but all samples were negative for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM. No significant differences were observed in the absorbance ratios anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA among the samples collected 4, 8, 12, and 31weeks after the inoculation (F = 2.365, P = 0.073), but there were significant differences in the concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG (both P < 0.05) among the samples. Both the positivity rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgM and the concentrations of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM were significantly higher among the confirmed COVID-19 cases than those among the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients during a comparable period of time (P < 0.05 for all). ConclusionThe positivity rate of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG is the highest during early stage and recovery stage among COVID-19 cases. The positivity of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG occur earlier than that of IgM and could maintain till 31 weeks after the inoculation among inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients. The concentration of serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM are higher among COVID-19 cases than those among inactivated COVID-19 vaccine recipients during a comparable period of time.

Objective: To trace and characterize the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 of confirmed cases in the outbreak of COVID-19 on July 31, 2021 in Henan Province. Method: Genome-wide sequencing and comparative analysis were performed on positive nucleic acid samples of SARS-CoV-2 from 167 local cases related to the epidemic on July 31, 2021, to analyze the consistency and evolution of the whole genome sequence of virus. Results: Through high-throughput sequencing, a total of 106 cases of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences were obtained. The results of genome analysis showed that the whole genome sequences of 106 cases belonged to the VOC/Delta variant strain (B.1.617.2 clade), and the whole genome sequences of 106 cases were shared with the genomes of 3 imported cases from Myanmar admitted to a hospital in Zhengzhou. On the basis of 45 nucleotide sites, 1-5 nucleotide variation sites were added, and the genome sequence was highly homologous. Conclusion: Combined with the comprehensive analysis of viral genomics, transmission path simulation experiments and epidemiology, it is determined that the local new epidemic in Henan Province is caused by imported cases in the nosocomial area, and the spillover has caused localized infection in the community. At the same time, it spills over to some provincial cities and results in localized clustered epidemics.

Objective:To analyze the genome characteristics and variations in nucleotides and amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 causing an outbreak in Henan Province in November 2021 and perform the traceability analysis.Methods:In this study, throat swab specimens from cases in the acute phase were collected and tested for the nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time fluorescent RT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid-positive samples were subjected to high-throughput genome sequencing and whole-genome alignment analysis.Results:The median Ct values of ORF1ab gene and N gene in 70 positive specimens was 26.41 (15.58 to 39.27) and 24.43 (12.04 to 39.74), respectively. Compared with the sequence of Wuhan-Hu(NC_045512) reference strain, 47 to 49 nucleotide mutations sharing 47 nucleotide mutation and 41 amino acid mutations were found in 63 strains of successfully sequenced SARS-CoV-2. Nine nucleotide mutations and 12 amino acid mutations were found in the spike protein. The index case shared 47 mutations with the Russian imported cases in Henan Province on October 14 and the local cases in Jiangxi Province in October. Moreover, their genomes were highly homologous and they all belonged to the Delta variant (AY.122 evolutionary branch).Conclusions:Continuous monitoring of imported COVID-19 cases and prolonging the period of quarantine were needed to reduce the risk of local outbreak and epidemic caused by imported COVID-19 cases. Analysis of the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the variations in nucleotides and amino acids was conducive to trace the origin of COVID-19 outbreak quickly and provide reference for precise control.

目的:分析河南省境外输入2019新型冠状病毒(2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)毒株的基因组进化特征及变异情况。方法:纳入2020年5月至12月河南省报告的16例境外输入新型冠状病毒肺炎确诊病例，采集患者咽拭子标本送至河南省疾病预防控制中心进行全基因组测序。以全球共享流感数据倡议组织平台上公布的SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1作为参考序列，采用MEGA X软件进行序列比对和分析，并采用最大似然法构建系统进化树。结果:16例病例中，13例来自俄罗斯，2例来自缅甸，1例来自乌克兰。共获得16条基因组长度为29 804~29 882 bp的2019-nCoV基因组序列。共检测到145个核苷酸突变位点和80个氨基酸突变位点，所有序列均存在C241T、C3037T、C14408T、A23403G核苷酸位点突变，以及刺突蛋白区D614G氨基酸位点突变。BetaCov/HEN02/Human/2020、BetaCov/HEN04/Human/2020和BetaCov/HEN05/Human/2020毒株基因组的第29704位点出现碱基A插入，所有序列均未发现缺失变异。系统进化树分析显示，16株毒株与目前流行的需关注的变异株均无相关性。结论:2020年5月至12月河南省境外输入病例的2019-nCoV毒株基因组突变呈现随机性和多样性，均不属于需关注的变异株。

Objective:To analyze the dynamic changes and possible influencing factors of anti-2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) neutralizing antibody in confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.Methods:Microneutralization was used to test the anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody. Excel 2007 and SPSS 22.0 were used for data processing and analysis.Results:There were 420 serum samples collected from 155 confirmed COVID-19 cases. These serum samples contained acute phase serum, convalescent phase serum and serum from cases recovered for about six months. The sampling time was 0-221 days after the onset of COVID-19. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody was 1∶13 at 1 week, and 1∶31 at 2 week. The titers of anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody of individual cases were still<1∶4 on the 15 th day. The GMT was all over 1: 52 (13×4) at 6-32 week. Taking 1: 64 as the cut-off point, the serum anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody positive rates was 30.56% in acute phase serum samples (0-14 d, 0-2 w), 82.31% in convalescent phase serum samples (36-63 d, 6-9 w) and 86.52% in serum samples from cases recovered for about six months (183-210 d, 27-30 w). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody levels at the other weeks except 1-2 week ( χ2=9.270, P=0.931), there was no statistically differences in gender, age and occupation of the cases, and also between the normal and mild cases ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The serum anti-2019-nCoV neutralizing antibody level is only statistically correlated with the disease progression of COVID-19, and maintain the protective level from 3 to 30 week.

Objective: To monitor the changes in specific IgM and IgG antibodies in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and analyze their clinical significance. Methods: A total of 168 serum samples were collected from 56 COVID-19 patients with different disease courses who were positive for nucleic acid test at Henan Center for Disease Control and Prevention on January 8, 2020 and February 21, 2020. Serum samples from 25 healthy people excluded from COVID-19 were used as control group. IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected by chemiluminescence method. Results: IgM antibody increased sharply in 1-3 weeks after onset, and reached the peak value (21.78 AU/ml) in the 3rd week after onset. IgG antibody increased the most in 3-6 weeks after onset, and reached the peak value (81.58 AU/ml) in the 9th week after onset. The levels of IgM and IgG antibodies were closely correlated with age and disease course (P<0.05). The antibody level of 30-60 years old group was the highest, the IgM antibody positive rate and antibody level of acute stage and previous infection were lower than that of recovery stage, and the IgG antibody positive rate and antibody level of acute stage were lower than that of recovery stage and previous infection. During the whole course of the disease, the levels of IgM and IgG antibodies increased gradually in the acute stage, reached the peak in the recovery stage, and decreased and maintained at a certain level in the past infection. Conclusions: Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibody detection can be used as auxiliary diagnostic indicators for COVID-19, and its continuous observation is helpful for epidemiological investigation, serological diagnosis and disease course monitoring.

目的 分离新型冠状病毒毒株,分析新型冠状病毒基本生物学特征和遗传进化特征.方法 筛选具有代表性的新型冠状病毒核酸阳性样本,采用Vero和Vero-E6细胞系分离病毒、荧光定量RT-PCR方法初步鉴定,MiSeq测序技术获取新型冠状病毒全基因组序列,开展进化分析.结果 4个新型冠状病毒核酸阳性的咽拭子样本在Vero和Vero E6细胞均产生细胞病变,细胞病变可以稳定传代.荧光定量RT-PCR鉴定四株病毒二代培养物均显示为新型冠状病毒核酸阳性;三株病毒二代培养物经Miseq测序获得新型冠状病毒全基因组序列,一株病毒二代培养物获得部分新型冠状病毒基因组序列.全基因序列比较显示三株新型冠状病毒均与武汉分离株Wuhan-Hu-1和WIV04亲缘关系最为接近,HN01与Wuhan-Hu-1株的NS3蛋白存在一个氨基酸差异,HN02与Wuhan-Hu-1株的NS8蛋白存在一个氨基酸差异,HN04与Wuhan-Hu-1株在同源编码区核苷酸同源性为100％.结论 河南省新型冠状病毒株与湖北武汉株高度同源,暂未发现有意义的新型冠状病毒变异株.

目的 分析影响疾病预防控制机构(简称"疾控机构")微信公众平台传播效果的因素及改进策略,为今后疾控机构新媒体健康知识教育工作提供参考.方法 以疾控机构微信公众平台推送的新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)相关信息作为研究对象,对相关传播数据进行分析.结果 观察期内8个疾控机构微信公众平台共计发布1,312条信息,疫情防控知识教育内容所占比例最高(71.72％);图文信息(44.13％)使用频率最高,其次是图片信息(28.13％)和视频信息(14.79％)."广东疾控"发布信息数量最多.阅读量超过十万的信息数量排名前三为"中国疾控动态""广东疾控"和"江苏疾控"."中国疾控动态"信息阅读量超过1万(89.66％)和超过10万(21.84％),占比均为第一.结论 中国、北京、广东、江苏、上海疾控的微信公众平台的关注度、传播力和影响力较好,其他疾控机构的微信公众平台仍需进一步扩大传播力.