THE SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA AND ITS INTERACTION WITH HUMAN ECOLOGY LANDSCAPES IN INDONESIA

Keywords: Barrier analysis, cultural landscape, phylogenetics
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 56

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus consistently threatens global public health. A better understanding of the virus’ circulation mechanism is needed for future epidemic prevention. Previous studies have focused on the correlations between the presence of H5N1 virus with wild bird populations, domestic poultry production and other sociodemographic factors. However, other human ecology factors such as cultural landscapes were not adequately explored in existing works, especially in Indonesia. Using sequences of 196 HA gene segments of H5N1 influenza viruses with district-level geographic information in Indonesia, this study explored the spatial structure of the sequences’ genetic characteristics and their interactions with various human ecology factors, including cultural landscapes. Barriers in genetic characteristics identified by Monmonier algorithm were found to be in line with differences in landscape factors. Particularly, direct interactions between remote metropolitan areas may result in dissimilarities between the viruses within the city and those from its surrounding areas. A more homogeneous cultural landscape in terms of languages and religions may lead to a smoother gradient of genetic differences in H5N1 viruses. Finally, physical barriers like mountains also impede the circulation of the viruses. These conclusions provided a meaningful understanding of the circulation mechanisms of H5N1 virus in Indonesia and pointed out the potential interactions between disease ecology and cultural landscapes for future exploration.