AUTHOR=Moraes Daniel C. A. , Cezar Guilherme A. , Magalhães Edison S. , Nicolino Rafael R. , Rupasinghe Kinath , Chandra Srijita , Silva Gustavo S. , Almeida Marcelo N. , Crim Bret , Burrough Eric R. , Gauger Phillip C. , Madson Darin , Thomas Joseph , Zeller Michael A. , Main Rodger , Thurn Mary , Lages Paulo , Corzo Cezar A. , Sturos Mattew , Naikare Hemant , McGaughey Rob , Matias Ferreyra Franco , Retallick Jamie , Gebhardt Jordan , McReynolds Sara , Greseth Jon , Kersey Darren , Clement Travis , Pillatzki Angela , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Thompson Beth S. , Prarat Melanie , Summers Dennis , Bowen Craig , Boyle Joseph , Hendrix Kenitra , Lyons James , Werling Kelli , Arruda Andreia G. , Schwartz Mark , Yeske Paul , Murray Deborah , Mason Brigitte , Schneider Peter , Copeland Samuel , Dufresne Luc , Boykin Daniel , Fruge Corrine , Hollis William , Robbins Rebecca C. , Petznick Thomas , Kuecker Kurt , Glowzenski Lauren , Niederwerder Megan , Linhares Daniel C. L. , Trevisan Giovani 

TITLE=Macroepidemiological trends of Influenza A virus detection through reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR) in porcine samples in the United States over the last 20 years

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1572237

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2025.1572237

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=Influenza A virus (IAV) in swine is a major respiratory pathogen with global significance. This study aimed to characterize the macroepidemiological patterns of IAV detection using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-rtPCR) assays, including subtype identification, in samples submitted between January 2004 and December 2024 to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) participating in the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). A secondary objective was establishing an IAV monitoring capability to inform stakeholders of weekly changes in IAV detection patterns. Of the 372,659 samples submitted, 31% tested positive for IAV RNA via RT-rtPCR. The most frequent sample types were oral fluids (44.1%) and lung tissue (38.7%). Submissions from the wean-to-market category had a higher positivity rate (34.4%) than those from the adult/sow farm category (26.9%). IAV detection followed a seasonal pattern, with peaks in spring and fall and lower positivity rates in summer. Of the total of 118,490 samples tested for IAV subtyping using RT-rtPCR, the most frequently detected subtypes were H1N1 (33.1%), H3N2 (25.5%), H1N2 (24.3%), H3N1 (0.2%), mixed subtypes (5.4%), and partial subtype detection (11.5%). Mixed IAV subtypes were detected in individual samples—including lung tissue, nasal swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage—indicating co-infection with two or more IAV strains. For IAV forecasting, a combined model using dynamic regression and a neural network outperformed individual models in 2023, achieving the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) and an improved overall skill score. This study highlights the importance of using laboratory submission data for IAV surveillance and macroepidemiological analysis. The findings provide valuable insights into IAV dynamics and highlight the need for standardized monitoring systems in VDLs to enhance understanding of IAV in swine populations across the United States.