Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype Research Articles

Complete genome sequence of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 9 strain duck/Miyazaki/128/2021.

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 9 strain duck/Miyazaki/128/2021, which was determined using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The position of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase stop codon differed from that of the only other available completely sequenced prototype strain, duck/New York/22/1977.

The first emergence of paramyxovirus type 12 in wild birds in mainland, China

Avian paramyxoviruses (APMV) belong to the subfamily Avulavirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae and include 22 distinct subtypes or serotypes (1-22). Avian paramyxovirus serotype 12 (APMV-12) is found sporadically in wild birds worldwide, and reports from only Italy and Taiwan have been published to date; information on its genetic variation and biological characteristics is still limited. In this study, 3 APMV-12 strains, designated WB19, LY9, and LY11, were isolated from 8643 wild bird faecal samples during the annual influenza virus surveillance of wild birds in Guangdong, China between 2018 and 2024, which is first reported in mainland China. The complete genomes of the 3 viruses with 6 gene segments, 3'-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5', were 15,231 nt in length. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole genome showed that the 3 APMV-12 strains had the highest homology with an APMV-12 strain isolated from Taiwan in 2015, followed by the prototype APMV-12 strains isolated from mallard ducks in Italy in 2005. Genetic analysis of the whole gene of each of them indicated that they were derived from a Eurasian lineage. This study provides additional evidence that wild birds transmit viruses between countries, and this should be monitored to understand APMV transmission, evolution and epidemiology.

First detection of Bagaza virus in Common magpies (Pica pica), Portugal 2023

Bagaza virus (BAGV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Orthoflavivirus, Ntaya serocomplex. Like other viruses of the Ntaya and Japanese encephalitis serocomplexes, it is maintained in nature in transmission cycles involving viremic wild bird reservoirs and Culex spp. mosquitoes. The susceptibility of red-legged partridge, ring-necked pheasant, Himalayan monal and common wood pigeon is well known. Determining whether other species are susceptible to BAGV infection is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of disease transmission and maintenance. In September 2023, seven Eurasian magpies were found dead in a rural area in the Mértola district (southern Portugal) where a BAGV-positive cachectic red-legged partridge had been found two weeks earlier. BAGV had also been detected in several red-legged partridges in the same area in September 2021. Three of the magpies were tested for Bagaza virus, Usutu virus, West Nile virus, Avian influenza virus and Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1, and were positive for BAGV only. Sequencing data confirmed the specificity of the molecular detection. Our results indicate that BAGV is circulating in southern Portugal and confirm that Eurasian magpie is potential susceptible to BAGV infection. The inclusion of the abundant Eurasian magpie in the list of BAGV hosts raises awareness of the potential role of this species as as an amplifying host.

The genetic and biological characterization of the first avian paramyxovirus serotype 14 isolated from chicken in China.

In October 2020, an avian paramyxovirus serotype 14 (APMV-14)-designated chicken/Fujian/2160/2020 (FJ2160) was isolated from tracheal and cloacal swab sample of chicken collected from live bird market in Fujian province in China during the active surveillance program. The complete genome of FJ2160 comprised 15,444 nucleotides (nt) complying with the paramyxovirus "rule of six" and encoded six non-overlapping structural proteins in the order of 3'-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-'5. The complete genome sequence analysis showed that FJ2160 had the highest identity (90.0%) with the APMV-14 isolated from Japan, while the nucleotide sequence identities of FJ2160 and other APMVs ranged from 42.4 to 51.1%. The F protein cleavage site was TREGR↓L, which resembled a lentogenic strain of APMV-1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the FJ2160 closest relative was APMV-14. The intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) tests indicated that the virus was lentogenic. This is the first report of APMV-14 in China. These results provide evidence that APMV-14 could infect chickens and reveal the genetic characteristics and biological properties of the virus, which can help to better understand this new emerging APMV-14.

Newcastle disease in pigeon review article

Newcastle disease (ND) is a viral disease of poultry and other bird species like pigeon (Columbi livia), it characterizes as devastating and contagious and it has been distributed worldwide. ND in pigeons is caused by pigeon paramyxovirus type 1(PPMV-1) which is an antigenic and host variant of the avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1), the disease in pigeons is termed paramyxovirosis and cause nervous signs with high mortality usually in the bird with kidneys infected with viscerotropic strains, and neural signs appeared individually. PPMV-1 was initially detected by hemagglutination activity (HA) and confirmed with hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI), and molecular-based techniques. Serological diagnosis of paramyxovirosis is necessary because of the similarity of the PPMV-1 infection with sodium chloride poisoning, pigeon herpes virus infection (PHV), and ornidazole overdose that cause same neurological signs. PPMV-1 infection can be controlled effectively by vaccination by specific vaccines associated with good biosecurity aspect

Avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 isolation from migratory birds and environmental water in southern Japan: An epidemiological survey during the 2018/19-2021/2022 winter seasons.

Newcastle disease caused by highly pathogenic viruses of avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1) is a highly contagious poultry disease. Although a large-scale epidemic of Newcastle disease had occurred in Japan between the 1950s and the 2000s, there have been no outbreaks anywhere since 2010. In addition, there are no reports of epidemiological surveys of APMV-1 in wild birds in Japan in the last 10 years. We conducted the first epidemiological survey of APMV-1 in the Izumi plain, Kagoshima prefecture of southern Japan from the winter of 2018 to 2022. A total of 15 APMV-1 strains were isolated, and isolation rates from roosting water and duck fecal samples were 2.51% and 0.10%, respectively. These results indicate that the isolation method from environmental water may be useful for efficient surveillance of APMV-1 in wild birds. Furthermore, this is the first report on the success of APMV-1 isolation from environmental water samples. Genetic analysis of the Fusion (F) gene showed that all APMV-1 isolates were closely related to virus strains circulating among waterfowl in Far East Asian countries. All isolates have avirulent motifs in their cleavage site of F genes, all of which were presumed to be low pathogenic viruses in poultry. However, pathogenicity test using embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that some isolates killed all chicken embryos regardless of viral doses inoculated (102 -106 50% egg infectious dose). These results indicated that APMV-1 strains, which are potentially pathogenic to chickens, are continuously brought into the Izumi plain by migrating wild birds.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Newcastle Disease in Backyard Chicken Production System in Selected Districts of Ilubabor Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to December 2020 to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Newcastle disease in selected districts of Illubabor Zone, South-western Ethiopia. Districts were selected by convenient sampling method and PAs were selected randomly. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from chicken of greater than 3 weeks of age and a serological test was conducted using Indirect ELISA. The Indirect ELISA test identified the overall seroprevalence of avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1) 16.93% (65) (95% CI: 13.2-20.7%). This study estimated 12% (95% CI: 5.6-18.4%), 16.8% (95% CI: 10.1-23.5%), and 20% (13.9- 26.1%) seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in Hurumu, BiloNopa, and Metu districts respectively. Among the individual chicken risk factors assessed; sex (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.35-6.38, P=0.007) and from flock level risk factors, flock size (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.006-1.27, P=0.039) and disposal of dead chickens (OR: 11.67, 95% CI: 3.58-38.02, P<0.001) were significantly associated with seroprevalence of Newcastle disease. The results of the present study revealed higher seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in the study area and deserved the implementation of appropriate preventive and control measures and further studies should be undertaken to identify types of strains circulating in this area.

Introducing B Cell Epitopes of Newcastle Disease Virus Obtained from Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) as Sub-Unit Vaccine Candidate to Eradicate Newcastle Disease Virus in Poultry

Poultry farm is important commodity in Indonesia. It provides protein source as Indonesian consume varies kind of its product such as meats (chicken, duck and quail) and eggs. In Indonesia, rearing activities were differentiated into three types such as extensive traditional system, semi-intensive system, and intensive system. All these systems have same problem relate to outbreak of viral disease. One of viral disease causes annual outbreak is Newcastle Disease. It is caused by infection of Avian Paramyxovirus serotype 1. It infects varies avian species such as pigeons, ostrich, water fowl, chicken, and cockatoo. Control such as vaccination has been conducted but it could not protect the poultry from Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) infection. It is noted that the protectivity of seed vaccine is influenced by the epitopes generates various protectivity level of the vaccination program. Sub-unit vaccine could become the best choice to protect NDV infection. Molecular analyses were conducted to obtain B cell epitopes which could induce immune system safely. Sample of pigeons (Columba livia) were collected from live bird market in Surabaya. The collected sample showed clinical signs such as respiratory disturbance, limping, loss of appetite and subclinical enteric disturbance/diarrhea. Two out of four samples were serologically confirmed to be infected with NDV (Pigeon/Surabaya/2019/01 and Pigeon/Surabaya/2019/03). Molecular approach was conducted to obtain the nucleotide sequence of the samples. The sequence was employed to epitope analyses by using Kolaskar-Tongaonkar antigenicity and Emini surface accessibility softwares. Obtained epitopes were analyzed using Vaxijen, Allertop, and ToxinPred to confirm that the epitopes are safely to be applied. Peptides were obtained from NDV infecting pigeons were noted has possibility to become seed vaccine candidate. Several peptides were obtained from Pigeon/Surabaya/2019/01 and Pigeon/Surabaya/2019/03; SWVYIHLLSTF, CTNVCLSEIQLLHSFA, VRPCMVIVRL, NLTGRKRRTVG and SDREYSQAIAR passed the in-silico screenings. These epitopes are possibly to be used as sub-unit vaccine to eradicate Newcastle Disease Virus.

Intranasal Immunization with a Recombinant Avian Paramyxovirus Serotypes 2 Vector-Based Vaccine Induces Protection against H9N2 Avian Influenza in Chicken.

Commercial inactivated vaccines against H9N2 avian influenza (AI) have been developed in China since 1990s and show excellent immunogenicity with strong HI antibodies. However, currently approved vaccines cannot meet the clinical demand for a live-vectored vaccine. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vectored vaccines have shown effective protection in chickens against H9N2 virus. However, preexisting NDV antibodies may affect protective efficacy of the vaccine in the field. Here, we explored avian paramyxovirus serotype 2 (APMV-2) as a vector for developing an H9N2 vaccine via intranasal delivery. APMV-2 belongs to the same genus as NDV, distantly related to NDV in the phylogenetic tree, based on the sequences of Fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene, and has low cross-reactivity with anti-NDV antisera. We incorporated hemagglutinin (HA) of H9N2 into the junction of P and M gene in the APMV-2 genome by being flanked with the gene start, gene end, and UTR of each gene of APMV-2-T4 to generate seven recombinant APMV-2 viruses rAPMV-2/HAs, rAPMV-2-NPUTR-HA, rAPMV-2-PUTR-HA, rAPMV-2-FUTR-HA, rAPMV-2-HNUTR-HA, rAPMV-2-LUTR-HA, and rAPMV-2-MUTR-HA, expressing HA. The rAPMV-2/HAs displayed similar pathogenicity compared with the parental APMV-2-T4 virus and expressed HA protein in infected CEF cells. The NP-UTR facilitated the expression and secretion of HA protein in cells infected with rAPMV-2-NPUTR-HA. Animal studies demonstrated that immunization with rAPMV-2-NPUTR-HA elicited effective H9N2-specific antibody (6.14 ± 1.2 log2) responses and conferred complete immune protection to prevent viral shedding in the oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs from chickens challenged with H9N2 virus. This study suggests that our recombinant APMV-2 virus is safe and immunogenic and can be a useful tool in the combat of H9N2 outbreaks in chicken.

Genetic and evolutionary characterization of avian paramyxovirus type 4 in China.

As an economically important poultry pathogen, avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 (APMV-4) frequently reported and isolated from domestic and wild birds particularly waterfowls worldwide. However, evolutionary dynamics of APMV-4 based on genomic characteristics is lacking. In this study, APMV-4 strain designated JX-G13 was isolated from oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples of wild birds in China. Phylogenetic analysis revealed APMV-4 strains were divided into four genetic genotypes and China isolates were mainly clustered into Genotype I. The MCMC tree indicated that APMV-4 diverged about 104years ago with the evolutionary rate of 1.2927×10-3 substitutions/site/year. BSP analysis suggested that the effective population size of APMV-4 exhibited a steady state and decreased slowly after 2013. The F gene of APMV-4 was considered relatively conserved among isolates based on nucleotide diversity analysis. Although the F gene was under purifying selection, two positions (5 and 21) located in 3'-UTR were subject to positive selection. Our study firstly presented the evolutionary assessments on the genetic diversity of circulating APMV-4 from wild birds and domestic poultry.

Retraction: Experimental infection of mice with avian paramyxovirus serotypes 1 to 9.

Retraction: Experimental infection of mice with avian paramyxovirus serotypes 1 to 9.

Retraction: Evaluation of the Replication, Pathogenicity, and Immunogenicity of Avian Paramyxovirus (APMV) Serotypes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 in Rhesus Macaques

Retraction: Evaluation of the Replication, Pathogenicity, and Immunogenicity of Avian Paramyxovirus (APMV) Serotypes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 in Rhesus Macaques

Retraction: Mutations in the Fusion Protein Cleavage Site of Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 4 Confer Increased Replication and Syncytium Formation In Vitro but Not Increased Replication and Pathogenicity in Chickens and Ducks.

Retraction: Mutations in the Fusion Protein Cleavage Site of Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 4 Confer Increased Replication and Syncytium Formation In Vitro but Not Increased Replication and Pathogenicity in Chickens and Ducks.

Retraction: Replication, Neurotropism, and Pathogenicity of Avian Paramyxovirus Serotypes 1-9 in Chickens and Ducks.

Retraction: Replication, Neurotropism, and Pathogenicity of Avian Paramyxovirus Serotypes 1-9 in Chickens and Ducks.

Results of scientific expedition to natural biotopes of the Republic of Tyva in 2019 with the purpose of infectious disease monitoring in wild bird populations

The results of the scientific expedition to Tere Khol and Uvs Nuur Lakes in the Republic of Tyva with the purpose of active monitoring of highly dangerous diseases in wild migratory waterfowl and epidemic analysis of these biotope water areas are presented in the paper. The Uvs Nuur Lake is a kind of an indicator for avian influenza introduction to the Russian Federation, because this is the resting and nesting area for many migratory wild birds during the period of mass migrations from Central and South-East Asian countries. In the process of active monitoring the complete autopsy of bird carcasses with description of organs and systems and sampling for laboratory diagnostics were performed. Droppings (pooled samples), parts of internal organs from dead and shot birds, blood (if possible) served as biological and pathological material for testing. While sampling, species were identified using an ornithological guide. The autopsy of dead waterfowl and birds shot for diagnostic purposes demonstrated a high worm burden of nematodes and cestodes. Two samples from European herring gulls were positive for avian influenza type A virus genome and subtype H13N6 was identified in one of them. Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1), the agent of Newcastle disease, was found in one sample from gulls. The lakes of the Republic of Tyva are the most significant sites for sampling of biological material from wild birds, as the primary detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in this territory is a serious signal of potential further virus spread and a precursor to a probable epizooty. Notwithstanding the absence of AIV very virulent isolate detections in wild bird populations the middle term prognosis for 2020 can be designated as cautious, as the avian influenza epidemic situation is deteriorating globally, especially in the European countries, and the threat of the virus introduction to the Russian territory with migratory birds still exists.

A recombinant avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 expressing the hemagglutinin protein protects chickens against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus challenge

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a devastating disease of poultry and a serious threat to public health. Vaccination with inactivated virus vaccines has been applied for several years as one of the major policies to control highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infections in chickens. Viral-vectored HA protein vaccines are a desirable alternative for inactivated vaccines. However, each viral vector possesses its own advantages and disadvantages for the development of a HA-based vaccine against HPAIV. Recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) strain LaSota expressing HA protein vaccine has shown promising results against HPAIV; however, its replication is restricted only to the respiratory tract. Therefore, we thought to evaluate avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 (APMV-3) strain Netherlands as a safe vaccine vector against HPAIV, which has high efficiency replication in a greater range of host organs. In this study, we generated rAPMV-3 expressing the HA protein of H5N1 HPAIV using reverse genetics and evaluated the induction of neutralizing antibodies and protection by rAPMV3 and rNDV expressing the HA protein against HPAIV challenge in chickens. Our results showed that immunization of chickens with rAPMV-3 or rNDV expressing HA protein provided complete protection against HPAIV challenge. However, immunization of chickens with rAPMV-3 expressing HA protein induced higher level of neutralizing antibodies compared to that of rNDV expressing HA protein. These results suggest that a rAPMV-3 expressing HA protein might be a better vaccine for mass-vaccination of commercial chickens in field conditions.

Deteksi Molekuler Gen Fusion (F) dan Analisis Perbandingan Beberapa Enzim Restriksi sebagai Penentu Patotipe Virus Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease (ND) is a contagious viral disease caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype-1 (APMV-1). This viral infection is responsible for devastating outbreak by attacking nerve, respiration, and also digestive system. This disease often followed with decreasing of eggs production and also responsible for economic losses in the poultry industries around the globe. The main goal was to differentiate virulent or avirulent strain of ND virus from F gene, which is the virulent marker of ND virus, by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Restrion Enzyme Analysis using BamH1, Hin 1l, and Apa 1. Ten ND virus samples came from Animal Disease Investigation Center (ADIC) Wates virus collection, collected from field case in 2012-2013. Newcastle disease virus was collected by extraction from the samples. The RNA product of extraction were used as a template for amplification in RT-PCR. The target of RT-PCR amplification was F gene. The results indicated positive reaction due to existing of DNA fragment band in size of 767 bp. RT-PCR and Restrion Enzyme Analysis can be used as tool to determine the pathotype of ND virus showed different restriction visualized by gel agarose electrophoresis.

Novel avian paramyxovirus-based vaccine vectors expressing the Ebola virus glycoprotein elicit mucosal and humoral immune responses in guinea pigs

Paramyxovirus vaccine vectors based on human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV-3) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been previously evaluated against Ebola virus (EBOV) challenge. Although both the viral vectored vaccines efficiently induce protective immunity, some concerns remain to be solved. Since HPIV-3 is a common human pathogen, the human population has pre-existing immunity to HPIV-3, which may restrict the replication of the vaccine vector. For NDV, mesogenic (intermediate virulent) strain used in previous studies is currently classified as a Select Agent in the United States, thus making it unsuitable to be used as a vaccine vector. To overcome these concerns, we have developed a modified NDV vector based on a mesogenic NDV strain, in which the ectodomains of envelope glycoproteins were replaced with the corresponding ectodomains from avian paramyxovirus serotype 3 (APMV-3). The modified NDV vector was highly attenuated in chickens and was able to express the EBOV glycoprotein (GP) gene at high level. In addition, the recombinant APMV-3 was also evaluated as a vaccine vector to express the EBOV GP gene. Guinea pigs immunized with these two vector vaccines developed high levels of neutralizing GP-specific IgG and IgA antibodies.

Biological characterization of wild-bird-origin avian avulavirus 1 and efficacy of currently applied vaccines against potential infection in commercial poultry.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV), the type member of the species Avian avulavirus 1 (formerly known as avian paramyxovirus serotype 1), causes a highly contagious and economically important disease in a myriad of avian species around the globe. While extensive vaccination programs have been implemented in ND-endemic countries, the disease is continuously spreading in commercial, backyard, and wild captive poultry. In order to investigate the evolution of the virus and assess the efficiency of the vaccine regimens that are currently being applied in commercial poultry, four wild-bird-origin NDV strains were characterized biologically, based on mean death time and intracerebral pathogenicity index, and genetically, based on the cleavage motif (112RRQKRF117) in the fusion (F) protein. Based on these features, all of the isolates were characterized as velogenic strains of NDV. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genome sequence revealed clustering of these isolates within class II, genotype VII. This class of NDV remains the predominant genotype in the Egyptian poultry industry, as well as in those of many Asian and African countries. To investigate the potential of these wild-bird-origin NDV isolates to cause infection in domesticated poultry and to assess the efficacy of currently available vaccines for protection of commercial poultry, an extensive animal challenge experiment was performed. Cumulative clinicopathological and immunological investigations of virus-challenged chickens indicate that these isolates can potentially be transmitted between chicken and cause systemic infections, and the currently applied vaccines are unable to prevent clinical disease and virus shedding. Taken together, the data represent a comprehensive evaluation of the ability of Egyptian wild-bird-origin NDV strains to cause infection in commercial poultry and highlights the need for a continuous and large-scale surveillance as well as revised vaccine approaches. These integrated and multifaceted strategies would be crucial in any efforts to control and eradicate the disease globally.

Modified Newcastle Disease virus as an improved vaccine vector against Simian Immunodeficiency virus

SIV infection in macaques is a relevant animal model for HIV pathogenesis and vaccine study in humans. To design a safe and effective vaccine against HIV, we evaluated the suitability of naturally-occurring avirulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains and several modified versions of NDV as vectors for the expression and immunogenicity of SIV envelope protein gp160. All the NDV vectors expressed gp160 protein in infected cells. The gp160 expressed by these vectors formed oligomers and was incorporated into the NDV envelope. All the NDV vectors expressing gp160 were attenuated in chickens. Intranasal immunization of guinea pigs with modified NDV vectors such as rNDV-APMV-2CS/gp160 and rNDV-APMV-8CS/gp160 (NDV strain LaSota containing the cleavage site sequences of F protein of avian paramyxovirus (APMV) serotype 2 and 8, respectively), and rNDV-BC-F-HN/gp160 (NDV strain BC containing LaSota F cleavage site and LaSota F and HN genes) elicited improved SIV-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses compared to other NDV vectors. These modified vectors were also efficient in inducing neutralizing antibody responses to tier 1 A SIVmac251.6 and tier 1B SIVmac251/M766 strains. This study suggests that our novel modified NDV vectors are safe and immunogenic and can be used as vaccine vector to control HIV.