Basophilic Intranuclear Inclusion Research Articles

Pathological and phylogenetic characterization of a rare fowl adenovirus (FAdV-8b) associated with inclusion body hepatitis in naturally infected Meleagris gallopavo.

Adenoviruses are a diverse group of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in poultry, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), adenoviruses commonly cause hemorrhagic enteritis and, rarely, inclusion body hepatitis. In this study, we investigated fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) circulating in turkeys in Egypt. Following clinical examination of 500 birds, a portion of the hexon gene was amplified from four out of 50 samples from diseased birds (8%), and one amplicon that produced a strong band was selected for sequencing. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus in that sample belonged to serotype FAdV-8b. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of prepared tissue sections were performed to confirm the pathological findings. Diseased birds exhibited ruffled feathers, low body weight, a crouching posture, and diarrhea. Gross examination revealed petechial hemorrhage on the spleen, swollen pale liver, and congested intestine. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of eosinophilic and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, nuclear pyknosis, and apoptotic bodies in the liver, congestion, hemorrhage, and fibrosis in the lungs, and desquamation of enterocytes. The presence of viral antigens in the liver, lungs, and intestine was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the characterization of an outbreak of inclusion body hepatitis in turkeys (hybrid converter breeds) due to FAdV-8b in Egypt. This finding raises an epidemiological alarm, necessitating further studies, including full-genome sequencing, to trace the virus's origin and genetic diversity.

Identification of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei in Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata) Co-infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus in Taiwan

Background: The high mortality rate and stunted growth of marine shrimp in the farm have raised concerns about the outbreak of co-infection involving Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), which could lead to significant economic loss. In a mixed-culture farm consisting of Scylla serrata and Peneaus vannamei located in Yunlin Country, Taiwan, were reported mortality cases on culture animals. Methods: Based on clinical signs, histology and molecular analyses, the disease was diagnosed in this study. In the histopathology examination, infected organs, such as the carapace and gills, were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), then observed under microscope. For the molecular analysis, SalI DNA fragment (WSSV) and spore wall protein (SWP) gene (EHP) were targeted to detected the pathogen in animal host. Result: The cumulative mortality data for this co-infection indicates that S. serrata (1.5% mortality) exhibits higher susceptibility compared to P. vannamei ( greater than 99% mortality). Phylogenetic tree analysis reveals that the spore wall protein (SWP) gene of EHP and the SalI DNA fragment of WSSV strain extracted from S. serrata are genetically similar to those extracted from Peneaus spp., indicating the potential for cross-species infection. Histopathological examination of lesion tissue observed the presence of WSSV basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in the carapace tissue and gill fragments of S. serrata. The source of the disease outbreak is highly suspected to be the feed used, which consisted of raw shrimp and fish. This study provides the first documented case of natural EHP infection with co-infection of WSSV in S. serrata.

Pathogenicity of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) after multiple passages in mud crab, Scylla olivacea

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a highly virulent shrimp pathogen with a broad host range. Among the hosts, though mud crab, Scylla olivacea is reported to be more susceptible to WSSV than S. serrata and S. paramamosain, a detailed study on the pathogenicity and genome stability of the virus after multiple passages has yet to be reported. Firstly, to test the pathogenicity of the virus, WSSV was intramuscularly injected into healthy shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Experimentally infected P. vannamei showed the first mortality at 36 h post-injection (hpi), followed by 100 % cumulative mortality in 7 days post-injection (dpi). However, S. olivacea injected with the WSSV inoculum derived from infected shrimp showed the first mortality at 48 hpi and a cumulative mortality of 70 % at the end of the ten days experiment. Subsequently, WSSV was sequentially passaged five times in Scylla olivacea to find out any change in the virulence of the virus in each passage. S. olivacea groups injected with 1st, second, third and fourth passages derived from the crab recorded the first mortality between 48 and 56 hpi and the cumulative mortality of 60 to 70 % at the end of the ten days experiment. Injection of WSSV inoculum in P. vannamei derived from multiple passages in S. olivaceae revealed the retention of the pathogenicity of the virus. Shrimp groups injected with WSSV derived from different passages showed first mortality between 24 and 36 hpi and cumulative mortality of 100 % between 6 and 7 dpi. The average viral load in the shrimp groups injected with WSSV inoculum derived from shrimp was 3.6 × 108, whereas in shrimp injected with the inoculum derived from 1st, third and fifth passages from crab showed 4.0 × 108, 4.7 × 108 and 4.3 × 108 copies per 100 ng DNA. Histological examination of the gill and stomach tissue of shrimp injected with inoculum prepared from shrimp as well as the inoculum derived from 1st, third and fifth passages in S. olivacea revealed characteristic pathological manifestations of the WSSV infection in gill and stomach tissues such as hypertrophied nuclei, Cowdry A-type inclusions as well as massive basophilic intranuclear inclusions. Further, to study the genome stability, the primers targeting highly variable regions of the WSSV genome (ORF94, ORF125, ORF75, variable region (VR) 14/15 and VR 23/24) were used to amplify WSSV derived from different passages and the amplified PCR products were sequenced. The sequence analysis revealed the WSSV genome stability after multiple passages in mud crab, S. olivacea.

Association of equine gammaherpesvirus-5 with facial lymphohistiocytic interface dermatitis in seven adult horses from the United States.

Equine herpesvirus-5 (EHV-5) is commonly found in healthy asymptomatic horses worldwide. Although a cause-and-effect relationship has not been thoroughly determined, this virus has been associated with several disease conditions including equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) and 1 case of interface dermatitis. The authors searched the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center database for cases of equine interface dermatitis between 2007 and 2022. Ten cases were identified and scrutinized for viral inclusion bodies which were present in 5 of 10 cases. Two similar cases with interface dermatitis and viral inclusion bodies, which were not part of a retrospective search, were from the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The authors describe a total of 7 horses with dermatitis characterized by crusted, alopecic, non-pruritic, non-painful, irregular to annular areas over the face, most commonly the muzzle, for up to several years duration. Histologically, there was a CD3+ T lymphocyte-dominated lymphohistiocytic interface dermatitis with hydropic degeneration, apoptotic keratinocytes, and pigmentary incontinence. Keratinocytes within the upper stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum had glassy pale basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies consistent with herpesvirus. The presence of EHV-5 was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and in situ hybridization in 7 horses and by electron microscopy in 1 horse. One horse later developed EMPF and was euthanized. EHV-5 was not detected with qPCR from 5 control horses and 5 horses with interface dermatitis without histologic evidence of viral inclusion bodies. These are the first cases of facial interface dermatitis associated with EHV-5 reported in the United States.

Lessons learned from a sporadic FUSopathy in a young man: a case report

BackgroundIn frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum, younger patients may correspond to fusopathy cases, and cognitive decline could be rapidly progressive. We present a clinical and neuropathological description of a patient.Case presentationA 37-year-old man, without a family history of neurodegenerative diseases, was brought by his family to consult for dysarthria and behavioural change. Initial exploration showed spastic dysarthria and disinhibition. He progressively worsened with a pseudobulbar syndrome, right-lateralized pyramidal signs, left hemispheric corticobasal syndrome and, finally, lower motor neuron signs in his right arm. He died four years after the initiation of the syndrome from bronchopneumonia. Laboratory tests (including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose-containing positron emission tomography (PET-18F-FDG) showed left fronto-insular atrophy and hypometabolism. Subsequently, 123I-ioflupane (DaT-SCAN®) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was pathologic, manifesting bilaterally decreased activity with greater affection on the left side. Only a third electromyogram (EMG) detected denervation in the last year of evolution. No mutations were found in genes such as Tau, progranulin, C9orf72, FUS, TDP-43, CHMP2B, or VCP. In necropsy, severe frontotemporal atrophy with basophilic neuronal cytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions, negative for tau and TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43), but positive for fused in sarcoma (FUS) consistent with specifically basophilic inclusions body disease (BIBD) type was found.ConclusionsIn patients affected by FTD, particularly the youngest, with rapidly progressive decline and early motor affection, fusopathy must be suspected. These cases can include motor signs described in the FTD spectrum. Lower motor neuron affection in EMG could be detected late.

Pathological and molecular studies on elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus haemorrhagic disease among captive and free-range Asian elephants in India.

In the present research pathology and molecular diagnosis of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus-haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) among Asian elephants was studied. Out of 76 cases, 20 were positive for EEHV infection in PANPOL and POL1 based semi-nested PCR. Out of 20 samples, 10 samples were fatal cases of EEHV-HD while 10 were of either subclinical or latent infection. Acute onset haemorrhagic disease with EEHV-HD had anorexia, facial and neck swelling, cyanotic buccal mucosa and tongue, nasal and ocular discharge, and colic. The hallmark of gross finding in all cases were severe haemorrhagic lesions in the internal organs viz. cyanosis of tongue with multifocal petechial haemorrhages, diffuse epicardial and endocardial haemorrhages, swollen liver (rounded edges) with parenchymal haemorrhages, serosal and mucosal haemorrhages in gastrointestinal tract, congested kidneys with corticomedullary haemorrhages, highly congested meninges, and brain capillaries with haemorrhages. Microscopic findings in all the cases had severe vascular changes in the visceral organs. Microthrombi was present in the vasculature of tongue, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and brain. The endothelial lining of most of the blood vessels were swollen with apoptotic changes. Amphophilic to basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the endothelial cells. Immunostaining using anti-EEHV DNAPOL hyperimmune sera revealed intense positive signals in the endothelium of blood vessels and their walls. Quantification of viral load in necropsy tissue samples revealed highest in the heart (7.4×106/μg of sample) and least in the brain (9×103/μg of sample). The PCR amplicons from EEHV1 specific genes (POL1(U38) and TER were subjected to partial genome sequencing which had 99.9% similarity with the EEHV1A subtype. It was concluded that Asian elephants in India are latently infected for EEHV1 and in all the fatal EEHV-HD cases, EEHV1A subtype was the causative agent with characteristic pathomorphological changes in visceral organs.

Histopathological Investigation of Prawn Penaeus monodon in the Improved Extensive Culture Ponds of Nellore Region, Andhra Pradesh, India

Present work was aimed to see the quality of the prawn Penaeus monodon under improved extensive aquaculture system collected from Muthukur area of Andhra Pradesh located Pradesh located at 14.29 19 latitude and 80.10383 longitude. To assess the quality of the prawn, prawns were surveyed in the improved extensive pond and collected for histopathological investigation by adopting double staining methods (hematoxylin and eosin). Results showed that WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus) was characterised by prominent eosinophilic to pale basophilic intra nuclear inclusion bodies in hypertrophied nuclei of most commonly in the epithelial cells and connective tissue cells of the above target tissues. Monodon baculovirus (MBV) was characterised by intensive stained or multiple spherical or rounded hypertrophied intra nuclear inclusion bodies ranging from 0.1 m to 18 m in the epithelial cells of hepatopancreas. This kind of necrotic behaviour was also found along with acidophilic intra nuclear inclusion in hypertrophic nuclei with marginated chromatin. MBV infected shrimps showed generalised signs of disease such as lethargy, anorexia, poor feeding, dark colouration and reduced growth rate. Intensive stained basophilic hypertrophic rounded intranuclear inclusions symptoms were also found due to those disease both in eye and gill tissues. It is predicted that the prawn collected from the pond showed the symptoms of both viral and bacterial infection.

Inclusion Body Hepatitis in commercial broiler chickens of an organised poultry farm – A case study

Adenoviruses cause a wide range of diseases among all avian species. Even though most of them cause mild disease, some are associated with specific clinical conditions. Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are the etiological agents of two important diseases; Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and Hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in poultry. Ten dead birds of 45 days old were brought for necropsy to the post-mortem facility available at the Division of Pathology, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar. The percentage of mortality was nearly 15 per cent and affected birds were dull, depressed with pallor of comb and ruffled feathers. On post-mortem examination, it was observed that the liver was swollen and yellow with fibrinous deposits over the surface. On microscopic examination, large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in hepatocytes which was suggestive of IBH. Diagnosis was further confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Pathomorphological changes in the liver of broiler chickens caused by adeno-virus infection. Description of a spontaneous case in a private farm of the Lviv region

The article covers the results of pathomorphological studies of broiler chickens' liver (Cobb 500 cross) spontaneously damaged by Group I fowl adenovirus. Clinical signs of the disease in broiler chickens appeared on the 15th day of life and were manifested by a sharp decrease in water and feed consumption. The fowl was lethargic for several days, breathing hard, mostly sitting with its head down and eyes closed. During the breeding period, the mortality rate reached 13.2 %, accompanied by significant growth retardation. A peak of mortality was observed within 20–24 days of life. Antibody titers monitored by immunoenzymatic method using BioChek ELISA tests for infectious bursal disease (IBD), infectious bronchitis (IBV), and Newcastle disease (ND) virus were within normal post-vaccination levels. Pathological autopsy of broiler chickens revealed hepatomegaly, diffuse punctate and petechial hemorrhages under the Glisson's capsule, and military necrosis in the liver parenchyma. Hydropericarditis, pulmonary edema, renal dystrophy, and catarrhal enteritis were also detected in some cases. Liver fragments were selected for histological examination, fixed in a 10 % aqueous solution of neutral formalin, washed in water, and dehydrated in an ascending series of alcohols, followed by sealing and embedding in paraffin. Deparaffinized sections were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin. Optical examination of hepatocytes revealed large, round basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, multifocal necrosis of hepatocytes, stasis, and fatty dystrophy. According to the molecular genetic test results of broiler chickens' liver fragments, the DNA of Group I fowl adenovirus, serotype FAdV-11, was isolated.

Epidemiology, pathology, prevention, and control strategies of inclusion body hepatitis and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in poultry: A comprehensive review.

Infection with fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) can result in a number of syndromes in the production of chicken, including inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), and others, causing enormous economic losses around the globe. FAdVs are divided into 12 serotypes and five species (A–E; 1–8a and 8b−11). Most avian species are prone to infection due to the widespread distribution of FAdV strains. The genus aviadenovirus, which is a member of the adenoviridae family, is responsible for both IBH and HHS. The most popular types of transmission are mechanical, vertical, and horizontal. Hepatitis with basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies distinguishes IBH, but the buildup of translucent or straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sac distinguishes HHS. IBH and HHS require a confirmatory diagnosis because their clinical symptoms and postmortem abnormalities are not unique to those conditions. Under a microscope, the presence of particular lesions and inclusion bodies may provide clues. Traditional virus isolation in avian tissue culture is more delicate than in avian embryonated eggs. Additionally, aviadenovirus may now be quickly and precisely detected using molecular diagnostic tools. Preventive techniques should rely on efficient biosecurity controls and immunize breeders prior to production in order to protect progeny. This current review gives a general overview of the current local and global scenario of IBH, and HHS brought on by FAdVs and covers both their issues and preventative vaccination methods.

Pathogenicity Assessment and Vaccine Efficacy of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 and 11 Responsible for Inclusion Body Hepatitis Hydropericardium Syndrome in Broilers

Thisstudy aimed to assess the pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of fowl adenovirus serotypes 4 and 11, causing inclusion body hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome in broilers. The study was carried out on 144-day-old Cobb broiler chicks divided into six experimental groups, each of 24 birds. Group, I birds served as a control without any vaccine or viral challenge, while birds of Group II were vaccinated with commercial vaccine on 6th day. Group III and IV birds were non-vaccinated and challenged with 107 TCID50 of FAdV serotype 4 and 11, respectively, on the 27th day. In contrast, Group V and VI birds were vaccinated on the 6th day and challenged with 107 TCID50 of FAdV serotype 4 and 11 on the 27th day. The challenge of FAdV serotype 4 led to 66.66% mortality, and serotype 11 produced 5.00% mortality in the experimental groups. The challenge of the virus led to the production of clinical signs such as depression, huddling, reduced feed intake, reluctance to move, and terminal gasping before death. Characteristic gross lesions of IBH-HPS were observed in birds that died after the challenge of serotypes 4 and 11 of FAdV. The liver was enlarged with focal areas of necrosis, subcapsular hemorrhages, and mild fatty changes. The heart was flabby, congested, and showed hydropericardium with an accumulation of clear watery to a yellow jelly-like fluid in the pericardial sac. The kidneys were enlarged and hemorrhagic. On microscopic examination, the liver showed multifocal areas of necrosis with infiltration of mononuclear cells, mild fatty changes and large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The birds that died after the challenge of the virus were positive for the presence of FAdV upon PCR. The vaccine efficacy study indicated that the vaccine provided satisfactory protection against Fowl Adenovirus challenge in experimental groups V and VI.

HYDROPERICARDIUM HEPATITIS SYNDROME IN CHICKENS/ARTICLE REVIEW

Hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome is an acute infectious disease of broiler chickens characterized by high mortality, accumulation of fluids in the pericardial sac and necrosis of hepatocytes, during 1987 the virus was isolated from chickens in Angara near Karachi city in Pakistan and the disease takes it is name of this city. It is reported in China in 2015 in birds of 3-6 weeks in broiler chickens causing sudden death with high mortality reaches up to 75%. Avian adenovirus divided into 3genrea: Atadodenovirus, Siadenovirus, and Aviadenovirus the last one divided in to 5 species A to E subgroup1 strain 4 causing (Hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome). Subgroup 2 causing turkey (hemorrhagic enteritis, marble spleen disease). Subgroup 3 causing (Egg drop syndrome EDS). strain D and E produce inclusion body hepatitis while strain 1 causing (quill bronchitis). outbreaks of the disease producing economic losses for the poultry industry. Both vertical and horizontal transmission have an important role in the spreading of the disease. gross examination of the liver showing friable, enlargement, paleness of the liver. the kidney is swelling and hemorrhage with pale areas of necrosis in the parenchyma, pericardium is filled with clear or jelly fluids but histological changes showing hepatitis, nephritis and presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. There are many tests can be used for the diagnosis such as PCR, ELISA, neutralization test. We concluded that the disease has economic importance due to high mortality and high losses of chicken’s meat production, so, biosecurity and vaccination are essential for preventing the infection.

Novel papillomavirus in a mallard duck with mesenchymal chondroid dermal tumors.

Papillomaviruses, which are epitheliotropic and may induce epithelial tumors, have been identified in several avian species, including ducks. An adult female mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) was admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center with 2 beige, well-demarcated, firm masses: one in the subcutis under a wing, and the other on a digit of the right foot. After euthanasia, the masses were fixed in formalin for histologic examination. Both tumors had a lobular organization with cartilage cores surrounded by densely cellular interlacing bundles of spindle cells. Neoplastic chondroblasts in both masses, particularly the digital mass, contained basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, which consisted of assembly complexes of icosahedral virions of 44-nm diameter. Next-generation sequencing allowed whole genome assembly of a novel papillomavirus (Anas platyrhynchos papillomavirus 2) related most closely to Fulmarus glacialis papillomavirus 1 (59.49% nucleotide identity). Our case supports the observation that certain papillomaviruses can productively infect mesenchymal cells and induce neoplasia.

Isolation and serological characterization of the fowl adenoviruses associated with respiratory disease in domestic chicken

Respiratory diseases have great importance in poultry production as they pose a serious threat to the poultry farmers affecting productivity. Several pathogens may cause respiratory symptoms in birds, however fowl adenoviruses (FAdV) have recently emerged as a significant respiratory pathogen. Present study describes isolation and serological characterization of FAdVs from the chickens showing respiratory involvement. Lungs and trachea were collected from dead or moribund birds showing respiratory symptoms and isolation of FAdVs was done in chicken embryo liver (CEL) cells. MGG staining of CEL cells showed the presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusions characteristic to aviadenovirus infection. Various serological tests viz., agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), counter immune-electrophoresis (CIEP), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), dot-ELISA and micro-serum neutralization test (SNT) were standardized for detection of FAdV isolates in cell culture and tissue samples from natural outbreaks reported from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nepal.

Pathogenicity of field strain of fowl aviadenovirus serotype 11 isolated from chickens with inclusion body hepatitis in Morocco.

Outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis have emerged in Morocco since 2013 and has resulted in significant economic losses to poultry farms. Three isolates of the causative virus, Fowl adenonovirus (FAdV)were characterized from chickens with IBH, but their pathogenicity has never been investigated. In this work, the pathogenicity of an isolate FAdV 11 (MOR300315 strain) was evaluated by inoculating a group of 40 SPF chickens at 3 days of age by oral route. A group of 40 chicks injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution was used as a control group. The infected chickens showed decreased weight gain from 3dpi. Necropsy displayed pallor and enlargement in liver, swelling and slight hemorrhage in kidney and spleen at 6 dpi. Histopathological changes were mainly characterized by severe and extensive hepatic necrosis associated with the presence of basophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies within hepatocytes. The FAdV was reisolated in chicken embryo fibroblast cell culture from liver tissue homogenate of infected chicken from 3 to 6 dpi. Viral DNA was detected by PCR in liver, kidney, spleen and cloacal swabs from 3 to 13 dpi. Antibody response against inoculated FAdV was appeared from 9 dpi. These results confirmed that the FAdV 11 strain is pathogenic in chicken. This study is the first experimental infection of FAdV 11 in chicken in Morocco, which increase our understanding of its pathogenicity in chickens and indicate that preventive measures against FAdV infection in poultry farms should be implemented in Morocco.

Phylogenetic analysis and pathological characterization of fowl adenovirus isolated during inclusion body hepatitis outbreak in Tubas, Palestine.

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) associated with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) was identified in commercial broiler chickens in Palestine. Investigated birds showed primary clinical signs and lesions of IBH including growth retardation, congested and enlarged liver with necrosis, petechial hemorrhage and basophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies. The mortality rate was from 15.00%. The FAdV was detected and sequenced in the liver samples of infected chicken by polymerase chain reaction using hexon gene-specific primers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that FAdVs belong to FAdV-D serotype 10, clustered within the European highly pathogenic isolates. The highest nucleotide sequence similarity was 99.48% with highly pathogenic FAdV-D serotype 10 detected from infected chicken in Poland (GenBank: LN907532.1) and FAdV-D from infected chicken in Sweden (GenBank: HE961828.1). The lowest similarity was 93.46% with Canadian FAdV-D (GenBank: EF685576.1). In conclusion, this is the first report describing the presence of IBH revealing that the causative virus is closely similar to the highly pathogenic FAdV-D serotype 10 of IBH in broiler chickens in Palestine.

First detection and molecular characterisation of a pigeon aviadenovirus A and pigeon circovirus co-infection associated with Young Pigeon Disease Syndrome (YPDS) in Turkish pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

Pigeon aviadenovirus A and Pigeon circovirus are both DNA viruses, infect and cause severe clinical diseases in pigeons. These viruses are associated with an immunosuppression syndrome similar to ‘Young Pigeon Disease Syndrome’ (YPDS). This study reports the identification of a natural co‐infection, with severe clinical signs (crop vomiting, watery diarrhoea, anorexia and sudden death) of Pigeon aviadenovirus A and Pigeon circovirus in a breeding pigeon flock in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Both viruses were isolated from pigeons pooled internal organs using primary chicken embryo kidney cell cultures (CEKC) and specific pathogen‐free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs. Also, both viruses were identified by PCR amplification followed by Sanger sequencing whereas histopathological examination showed degenerated hepatocytes with basophilic intranuclear viral inclusions. As known, both viruses typically have similar transmission characteristics and common clinical manifestations; however, co‐infection may exacerbate the disease with devastating outcomes. This is the first report of its kind in Turkey for those viruses and is essential for the protection against these kinds of infections in pigeons.

Molecular Detection of a Novel Fowl Adenovirus Serotype-4 (FadV-4) from an Outbreak of Hepatitis Hydropericardium Syndrome in Commercial Broiler Chickens in Egypt.

Hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) is an acute infectious disease caused by fowl adenovirus serotype-4 (FAdV-4), which mainly affects broilers aged 4-5 wk. During the winter of January 2021, a 32-day-old broiler flock (Cobb-500) suffered from unusually high mortality (15%) in the Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The chickens showed depression, ruffled feathers, and greenish diarrhea besides the typical pathologic features of suspected HHS involving flabby hearts, accumulation of a straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sacs, and pale, enlarged hemorrhagic and friable livers with necrotic foci. The kidneys exhibited edema with uric acid depositions. Histopathologic examination of bird livers naturally infected with HHS showed multifocal areas of necrosis, vascular changes, and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies (INIB) in the hepatocytes. Molecular identification of the causative agent was accomplished by PCR and sequence analysis of the hyper-variable regions of loop 1 of the hexon gene of fowl aviadenovirus. A pathogenic strain of the novel genotype-4 (FAdV-4) was demonstrated, closely similar to the Israeli strain IS/1905/2019, with an identity of 98%. This is the first report to identify FADV-4 in Egypt, prompting further studies to elucidate its epidemiologic role in all poultry sectors and associated economic losses to provide insights to its control and prevention.

Co-Infection of Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in the Wild Crustaceans of Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India.

The present study was intended to screen the wild crustaceans for co-infection with Infectious Hypodermal and Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHHNV) and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India. We screened a total of 607 shrimp and 110 crab samples using a specific polymerase chain reaction, and out of them, 82 shrimps (13.5%) and 5 (4.5%) crabs were found positive for co-infection of IHHNV and WSSV. A higher rate of co-infection was observed in Penaeus monodon and Scylla serrata than other shrimp and crab species. The nucleotide sequences of IHHNV and WSSV obtained from crab in this present study exhibited very high sequence identity with their counterparts retrieved from various countries. Histopathological analysis of the infected shrimp gill sections further confirmed the eosinophilic intra-nuclear cowdry type A inclusion bodies and basophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies characteristics of IHHNV and WSSV infections, respectively. The present study serves as the first report on co-infection of WSSV and IHHNV in Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India and accentuates the critical need for continuous monitoring of wild crustaceans and appropriate biosecurity measures for brackishwater aquaculture.

BK Virus-Associated Nephropathy after Renal Transplantation.

Recent advances in immunosuppressive therapy have reduced the incidence of acute rejection and improved renal transplantation outcomes. Meanwhile, nephropathy caused by BK virus has become an important cause of acute or chronic graft dysfunction. The usual progression of infection begins with BK viruria and progresses to BK viremia, leading to BK virus associated nephropathy. To detect early signs of BK virus proliferation before the development of nephropathy, several screening tests are used including urinary cytology and urinary and plasma PCR. A definitive diagnosis of BK virus associated nephropathy can be achieved only histologically, typically by detecting tubulointerstitial inflammation associated with basophilic intranuclear inclusions in tubular and/or Bowman’s epithelial cells, in addition to immunostaining with anti-Simian virus 40 large T-antigen. Several pathological classifications have been proposed to categorize the severity of the disease to allow treatment strategies to be determined and treatment success to be predicted. Since no specific drugs that directly suppress the proliferation of BKV are available, the main therapeutic approach is the reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. The diagnosis of subsequent acute rejection, the definition of remission, the protocol of resuming immunosuppression, and long-term follow-up remain controversial.