Segmented double-stranded genomic RNA viruses in fecal samples from broiler chicken

Abstract

Segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses were identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) technique in fecal samples from broiler chicken. A total of 378 fecal samples from 1-7 weeks old chickens were analyzed. dsRNA with migration profile characteristic of avian rotavirus (AvRV), reovirus (ARV) or picobirnavirus (PBV) was identified in 32 (8.5%), 7 (1.8%) and 13 (3.4%) samples, respectively. AvRV and ARV occurred more frequently in chickens up to 1 month old and were related with enteritis signs. Considering only fecal samples of chickens with diarrhea, the AvRV was detected in 37.8% (14/37) and the ARV in 13.5% (5/37) of analyzed samples. AvRV was identified in only 1.5% (4/274) and ARV was not detected in normal feces collected from assymptomatic chickens (controls). PBV dsRNA was detected in broiler chickens from two to seven weeks old, more frequently in feces with pasty consistency. The AvRV showed great electrophoretic profile variability in the dsRNA segments and nine different electropherotypes were identified. Variation in genome pattern was not observed in either ARV or PBV.