Egg Drop Syndrome Research Articles

Isolation and identification of Duck tembusu virus strain lH and development of latex-agglutination diagnostic method for rapid detection of antibodies.

SUMMARY. An outbreak of egg-drop syndrome occurred on a Sheldrake duck farm in Longhai in Fujian Province, China, in 2012. The main clinical symptoms were sharply reduced egg production, crooked necks, and death. We isolated the virus from the sick ducks, identified it, and observed the histopathologic changes after viral infection. We detected viral RNA in the blood and feces of the infected ducks and developed a latex-agglutination diagnostic method to detect anti-Tembusu-virus antibodies. Our results show that the pathogenic virus is a Tembusu virus. The histopathologic changes included follicular cell degeneration and necrosis, follicular cavity filled with blood cells, massive necrosis in the brain, and degeneration and necrosis of the nerve and glial cells. When the transmission of the virus in the infected ducks was studied, the duck blood was positive for viral nucleic acid for up to 29 days, and the feces were positive for viral nucleic acid for up to 13 days. We successfully established a simple, rapid, and easy- to-use latex-agglutination diagnostic method for the detection of antibodies against duck Tembusu virus.

Serological Survey of Major Avian Viral Diseases Related with Egg Production in Commercial Chicken Flocks in Korea

While use of mass rearing systems improved poultry production, chances of exposing to contagious diseases have been increased, making flocks more vulnerable to diseases. Diseases of interest which affects egg production adversely include Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), Infectious bronchitis (IB), Avian meta-pneumoviral infection (aMPV) and Egg drop syndrome’76 (EDS’76). This report collected and analyzed 5,385 serum samples, which were collected from 1,330 different chicken flock, provided by Chungbuk National University, Avian Disease Laboratory at 2009. Serums were analyzed based on rearing stages; 0∼1.3weeks (wks) (maternal antibody period), >1.3∼3 wks (starting period), >3∼10 wks (growing period), >10∼22 wks (developing period), >22∼40 wks (peak laying period), >40∼60 wks (late laying period) and over 60 wks (post-molting period). Results showed the 99.7% of the tested flocks were immunized against ND and73.8%, 97.1%, 78,2% and 78% of the flocks were immunized against other 4 agents (LPAI, IB, EDS’76, aMPV). Maternal antibody was transferred to enough quantity for NDV. Generally, antibody titers which were developed at 22 weeks were stabilized permanently for life. In case of IB and aMPV, infection titer emerged as early as 10 weeks and the titer was increased from 99.4% to 100% for life. EDS76 showed increase in titers, reflecting decreased frequency of vaccination programs. Overall, this study displayed general trends of major viral disease in layers, but considering the trend of development of preventive measures and evolution of pathogens, conducting serological surveys on a regular basis is important.

Development of slide ELISA (SELISA) for detection of four poultry viral pathogens by direct heat fixation of viruses on glass slides

The development of an easy and simpler method of slide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SELISA) for the diagnosis of four economically important poultry viruses viz., Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and egg drop syndrome 76 virus (EDS 76) and the use of SELISA for semi quantitation of NDV are described. The positive signals for viral aggregates were detected under light microscope. This is the first report regarding the development of SELISA based on heat fixation for the diagnosis of viral pathogens.

Pathomorphological studies of polyserositis in commercial caged layer chicken

ObjectiveTo detect etiological agents and pathological changes associated with polyserositis in commercial layer chicken. MethodsTen commercial layer flocks which had a sudden increase in mortality and a drop in egg production with lesions suggestive of colisepticemia were investigated. Flock details and pathological changes were recorded in affected flocks to assess the prevalence and impact of polyserositis on commercial layer chicken. Trachea, heart blood, liver, oviduct, cloacal swab, poultry house environment samples, water and feed samples were screened for bacteriological agents. Pooled tissue (trachea, lung, spleen, caecal tonsil, kidney and oviduct) samples from colisepticemia cases were screened for viral agents. Serum samples collected from affected flocks were screened for Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus and egg drop syndrome-76 virus by haemagglutination inhibition test, and for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsOn necropsy examination of dead birds, fibrinous polyserositis and congestion of various visceral organs were noticed. Microscopically, deciliation and hypertrophy of mucus glands showed in the tracheal epithelium. Vascular derangements and infiltration of inflammatory cells showed in the lungs and air sac. Fibrinous polyserositis, focal necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells showed in parenchyma of heart and liver. Inflammatory changes were observed in the ovary and oviduct. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated as a pure culture from 108 birds and from the poultry house environment of the ten affected flocks. Among the eight E. coli serotypes, identified serotypes O78 and O111 were predominant. In colisepticemia affected flocks egg production drop and mortality varied from 3%-10% and 2%-5%, respectively and occured during the peak egg production (21 to 40 weeks) and southwest monsoon season (June to September). ConclusionsThe present study revealed that the colisepticemia inducing E. coli isolates were derived from the layer house environment. Hence, the incidences of colisepticemia can be minimized by effectively reducing the bacterial load in the layer house environment through appropriate biosecurity measures.

Prevalence and pathology of oviduct impaction in commercial white leghorn layer chicken in Namakkal region of India

Aim : The avian oviduct is a tubular organ responsible for fertilization, secretion of the components surrounding the yolk and transport of egg in the reproductive tract. Disorders of oviduct may have a great bearing on production potential and incur a heavy loss. A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and pathological changes of impacted oviduct in commercial white leghorn layer chicken in Namakkal region of India for a period of four years from 2006 to 2009. : A total of 5145 carcasses of white leghorn layers, above 20 weeks age from 255 flocks were examined for various oviduct abnormalities. Heart blood, liver and oviduct swabs collected upon necropsy from 45 layer chicken from six flocks with oviduct impaction were screened for bacterial agents. Pooled tissue (trachea, lung, spleen, caecal tonsil, kidney and oviduct) samples from impacted oviduct cases were screened for viral agents. Serum samples collected from affected flocks were screened for Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and egg drop syndrome - 76 (EDS-76) virus by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and (Mg) and (Ms) by ELISA. Flock details and pathological changes were recorded in affected flocks to assess the prevalence and impact of oviduct impaction on commercial layer chicken. : The results of the present investigation indicated that the oviduct impaction was responsible for 0.87% of the reproductive tract abnormalities in commercial layers between 21 and 80 wk of age. Egg production drop, morbidity and mortality recorded in the affected flocks were varied from 3 to 8, 0.4 to 1.2 and 0.2 to 0.5 % respectively. The oviduct impaction was commonly noticed above 40 wk old layers and predominantly during colder months. Serum samples collected from three flocks with oviduct impaction were found positive for Mg and Ms infection in ELISA test. was isolated as a pure culture in 29 birds and concurrent with other bacterial agents in 16 birds. Serotyping of isolates revealed that O , O and O were the predominant types. Necropsy examination of carcasses with impacted oviduct showed emaciation, peritonitis, regression of ovarian follicles and distension of oviduct commonly in the infundibulum and magnum region. The exudate was either large mass with concentric layering on cut section or numerous caesous masses with varying size and shape often mixed with creamy or serosangunious fluid. Histopathological examination of oviduct revealed the presence of lymphoid foci in the epithelial layer with marked atrophy and degeneration of mucosal folds. : Impacted oviduct constituted 0.87 % of oviduct abnormality in commercial layer chicken with an overall mortality of 0.5 %. The findings of this study showed that the oviduct impaction might be caused by in concurrence with spp.

Egg Drop Syndrome-76 (EDS-76) in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica): an experimental study revealing pathology, effect on egg production/quality and immune responses.

Egg Drop Syndrome-76 (EDS-76) is a recognized disease of chickens and Japanese Quails, which is of high economic importance due to its drastic negative effects on egg production in laying birds. The aim of the present study was to better understand the EDS-76 viral disease process in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), since very limited studies have been conducted in this species of birds. For this purpose, an experimental study was conducted with infection of EDS-76 virus in laying Japanese quails to reveal pathology, effect on egg production/quality and immune responses of this virus in these birds. By 7, 9 and 13-15 Days Post Infection (DPI), drop as well as aberrant egg production and lower mean egg quality were observed compared to control birds. Significant histopathological changes were observed in genitalia and spleen. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) titres rose rapidly by 2nd week when it became maximum; thereafter declined and maintained at low levels up to 10 week post infection. The mean total protein values in infected quail gradually increased to 4.10±0.05/100 mL without any change in mean albumen value at 12 DPI. In conclusion, the course of the EDS-76 is significant not only in chickens but also in quails even though it occurs occasionally in quails. Explorative pathological, blood biochemical and immunological studies are suggested during EDS-76 viral disease course in quails. This would aid in formulating effective disease prevention and control measures for this economically important disease of poultry.

Development of a new real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect Duck adenovirus A DNA and application to samples from Swiss poultry flocks

Between 2008 and 2012, commercial Swiss layer and layer breeder flocks experiencing problems in laying performance were sampled and tested for infection with Duck adenovirus A (DAdV-A; previously known as Egg drop syndrome 1976 virus). Organ samples from birds sent for necropsy as well as blood samples from living animals originating from the same flocks were analyzed. To detect virus-specific DNA, a newly developed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method was applied, and the presence of antibodies against DAdV-A was tested using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In 5 out of 7 investigated flocks, viral DNA was detected in tissues. In addition, antibodies against DAdV-A were detected in all of the flocks.

Isolation and characterization of a Chinese strain of Tembusu virus from Hy-Line Brown layers with acute egg-drop syndrome in Fujian, China

Tembusu virus (TMUV) has been a causative agent of an acute egg-drop syndrome found in Chinese duck populations since at least 2010. In this paper, we report the characterization of a TMUV-like flavivirus (named CJD05) isolated from naturally infected egg-laying fowl. The virus was identified and then isolated from hens suffering from severe egg drop and fever in Fujian Province, China. The virus replicated well in MDEF and CEF cells, and its cytopathogenic effect (CPE) was apparent. Hemagglutinating activity (HA) was negative for this virus using erythrocytes from both chickens and pigeons. Viral particles were enveloped and approximately 45 nm in diameter, as observed by electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length nucleotide sequence of CJD05 indicated that this virus is closely related to the duck-origin TMUV, belonging to Ntaya group of flavivirus. Most importantly, pathogenicity studies showed that CJD05 is highly virulent in 1-day-old chicks, 1-day-old Muscovy ducks, egg-laying chickens and shelducks. Our research highlights the increase in epidemic disease caused by avian TMUV, and subsequent outbreaks are becoming more complicated to treat. The pathogenic mechanisms of the virus are still not fully understood, further research is needed.

Full Genome Sequence of Egg Drop Syndrome Virus Strain FJ12025 Isolated from Muscovy Duckling

Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV) strain FJ12025 was isolated from a 9-day-old Muscovy duckling. The results of the sequence showed that the genome of strain FJ12025 is 33,213 bp in length, with a G+C content of 43.03%. When comparing the genome sequence of strain FJ12025 to that of laying duck original strain AV-127, we found 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between the two viral genome sequences. A genomic sequence comparison of FJ12025 and AV-127 will help to understand the phenotypic differences between the two viruses.

Duck Tembusu virus exhibits neurovirulence in BALB/c mice

BackgroundDuck Tembusu virus is a member of the Ntaya group in the genus Flavivirus. The virus has been responsible for severe duck egg-drop syndrome in China since 2010. Its emergence and rapid spread have caused great economic loss for the poultry industry. The epidemiology of the virus infection and the potential threat to public health is of great concern because of the infective and zoonotic nature of flaviviruses.ResultsIn this study, the pathogenicity of duck Tembusu virus in BALB/c mice was investigated. Infected mice developed clinical signs, including loss of appetite, ruffled hair, weight loss, disorientation, blindness and paralysis of hind limbs from six days post- infection following intracerebral inoculation. Morbidity was 100%, with mortality ranging from 20 to 80% in three- to eight-week-old mice. High virus titers were recovered from the brain, and the virus was distributed in several organs. Histologically, there was widespread non-suppurative encephalitis in the brain. Lymphocyte depletion in the spleen was observed, along with fatty degeneration in the liver and kidney.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate, for the first time, that duck Tembusu virus is highly neurovirulent in BALB/c mice. The mouse model used in this work was able to produce Tembusu virus infection and could be useful for elucidating some of the aspects of the pathophysiology of other flavivirus infections.

Duck egg drop syndrome virus: an emerging Tembusu-related flavivirus in China

Duck egg drop syndrome virus (DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus isolated from ducks in China. DEDSV infection mainly results in severe egg drop syndrome in domestic poultry, which leads to huge economic losses. Thus, the discovery of ways and means to combat DEDSV is urgent. Since 2010, a remarkable amount of progress concerning DEDSV research has been achieved. Here, we review current knowledge on the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathology of DEDSV. A detailed dissection of the viral genome and polyprotein sequences, comparative analysis of viral antigenicity and the corresponding potential immunity against the virus are also summarized. Current findings indicate that DEDSV should be a distinct species from Tembusu virus. Moreover, the adaption of DEDSV in wildlife and its high homology to pathogenic flaviviruses (e.g., West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and dengue virus), illustrate its reemergence and potential to become a zoonotic pathogen that should not be overlooked. Detailed insight into the antigenicity and corresponding immunity against the virus is of clear significance for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs specific for DEDSV.

Epidemiology of egg drop syndrome virus in ducks from South Korea

Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV) is an important pathogen of poultry that decreases egg production in chickens and causes respiratory disease in goslings. In 2011, we obtained serum samples from 139 domestic Pekin ducks, 416 one-day-old Pekin ducklings, and 75 wild ducks (67 mallards and 8 pintails) to survey their exposure to EDSV. A total of 123 of 139 sera (88.5%) from Pekin ducks, 396 of the ducklings (95.2%), and 16 of 67 mallards (23.9%) were positive. Field cases of EDSV in wild and domestic ducks were investigated. Six cases from domestic Pekin ducks were identified by PCR detection and were used for virus isolation and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analyses of the partial hexon and full fiber genes showed that the D11-JW-012 and D11-JW-017 strains among 6 isolates belonged to different clusters compared with other known strains including the 127 strain. We assessed cell growth efficiency by hemagglutination (HA) titers and cytopathic effects in duck embryo liver cells and chicken embryo liver (CEL) cells to investigate host adaptation. The D11-JW-017 strain propagated more in chicken embryo liver than the D11-JW-012 strain and the field isolate from chickens. Our results demonstrate the high prevalence of EDSV in wild and domestic ducks in South Korea and provide information on EDSV from ducks that showed variable adaptability in chickens.

Respiratory disease due to current egg drop syndrome virus in Pekin ducks

Severe acute respiratory symptoms with coughing, dyspnea, and gasping were reported in two flocks of 9-day-old Pekin ducklings from different provinces. Gross lesions, white exudate and mucous membrane congestion in the trachea as well as blue to purple color changes and sclerosis in lungs were observed. Histological lesions revealed that the trachea and bronchial epithelium were hyperplastic and infiltrated by neutrophil granulocytes. Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV) was differentially diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction, and the strains were isolated from tracheas and lungs by inoculation of 10-day-old embryonated duck eggs. The virus isolates were designated strain D11-JW-012 and D11-JW-017. The clinical and pathological signs were reproduced by intra-tracheal inoculation of the isolates in 3-day-old ducklings. Although the two isolates produced similar clinical signs, pathological lesions and ciliostasis, the D11-JW-017 strain resulted in more severe clinical signs with progressive symptoms compared to those of D11-JW-012 strain-infected ducklings. We suggest that different EDSV strains with mild or severe to moderate pathogenicity coexist and have potential risks in poultry. Hereby, we report an EDSV infection in ducklings.

Incidence of egg drop syndrome – 1976 in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: To know the magnitude of influence by Egg Drop Syndrome – 1976 (EDS –'76) virus infection in causing drop in egg production in and around Namakkal. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 cloacal swabs and 15 pouch shell glands (uteri) homogenates from 15 poultry farms in and around Namakkal area were used for virus isolation. Three numbers of 10 –day- old embryonated duck eggs were used for the inoculation of each suspected material for virus isolation. The isolate was identified by HA property, by specific inhibition of HA and by AGPT using hyperimmune serum raised against reference EDS –'76 virus strain 127. Results: Out of samples from 15 farms only one isolate (6.6%) was obtained from poultry farm No.5. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that the EDS –'76 virus influence in causing drop in egg production in this area to be minimal.

Italian Field Survey Reveals a High Diffusion of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B in Layers and Weaknesses in the Vaccination Strategy Applied

The current information on the prevalence of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection in layers is fragmentary and its true impact on egg production often remains unknown or unclear. In order to draw an epidemiologic picture of aMPV presence in layer flocks in Italy, a survey was performed on 19 flocks of pullets and layers based on longitudinal studies or sporadic samplings. aMPV was detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and blood samples were collected for serology by aMPV ELISA. Occurrences of respiratory signs and a drop in egg production were recorded. Possible involvement of infectious bronchitis (IB) and egg drop syndrome (EDS) viruses that could have caused loss of egg production we ruled out for IB virus by RT-PCR, and EDS virus was ruled out by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI). Only subtype B of aMPV was found in both pullet and layer farms. Surveys of pullets showed that most groups became infected prior to the onset of lay without showing clear respiratory signs. At the point of lay, these groups were serologically positive to aMPV. In two layer flocks, egg drops were observed and could be strongly linked to the presence of aMPV infection. Results were correlated with aMPV vaccination programs applied to the birds in three flocks on the same farm. Only a vaccination program which included two live and one killed vaccines gave complete protection from aMPV infection to the birds, while a single live vaccine application was not efficacious. The current study gives an inside view of field aMPV diffusion in Italy and its control in layers.

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of the newly emerged poultry Flavivirus

Poultry Flavivirus (PF) was a recently emerged virus with high morbidity rates and mortality rates in China. It is the causative agent of egg drop syndrome at present. Development of the reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was the most efficient way to prevent and control the PF disease. The assay was performed at 64°C for 45min, using six specific primers that recognized eight targets of the PF E gene. The RT-LAMP assay, compared to conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, has 100-fold-greater sensitivity, with a detection limit of 1 × 10(-3) copies per μL RNA and no cross-reaction with poultry other viruses. The RT-LAMP assay is a valuable tool for detected PF without requiring any sophisticated equipment, and the detection has potential usefulness for clinical diagnosis in the field.

An infectious full-length cDNA clone of duck Tembusu virus, a newly emerging flavivirus causing duck egg drop syndrome in China

Duck Tembusu virus (TMUV) is a recently identified pathogenic flavivirus that causes severe egg drop and encephalitis in Chinese ducks and geese. It has been found to be most closely related to the mosquito-origin Tembusu virus and chicken Sitiawan virus reported in Malaysia. However, the ecological characteristics and the pathogenesis of duck TMUV are largely unknown. We report the construction of full-length cDNA clone of duck TMUV strain JXSP. The virus genome was reverse transcribed, amplified as seven overlapping fragments and successively ligated into the low copy number vector pWSK29 under the control of a T7 promoter. Transfection of BHK-21 cells with the transcribed RNA from the full-length cDNA clone resulted in production of highly infectious progeny virus. In vitro growth characteristics in BHK-21 cells and virulence in ducklings and BALB/c mice were similar for the rescued and parental viruses. This stable infectious cDNA clone will be a valuable tool for studying the genetic determinants of duck TMUV.

Genomic and antigenic characterization of the newly emerging Chinese duck egg-drop syndrome flavivirus: genomic comparison with Tembusu and Sitiawan viruses

Duck egg-drop syndrome virus (DEDSV) is a newly emerging pathogenic flavivirus causing avian diseases in China. The infection occurs in laying ducks characterized by a severe drop in egg production with a fatality rate of 5-15 %. The virus was found to be most closely related to Tembusu virus (TMUV), an isolate from mosquitoes in South-east Asia. Here, we have sequenced and characterized the full-length genomes of seven DEDSV strains, including the 5'- and 3'-non-coding regions (NCRs). We also report for the first time the ORF sequences of TMUV and Sitiawan virus (STWV), another closely related flavivirus isolated from diseased chickens. We analysed the phylogenetic and antigenic relationships of DEDSV in relation to the Asian viruses TMUV and STWV, and other representative flaviviruses. Our results confirm the close relationship between DEDSV and TMUV/STWV and we discuss their probable evolutionary origins. We have also characterized the cleavage sites, potential glycosylation sites and unique motifs/modules of these viruses. Additionally, conserved sequences in both 5'- and 3'-NCRs were identified and the predicted secondary structures of the terminal sequences were studied. Antigenic cross-reactivity comparisons of DEDSV with related pathogenic flaviviruses identified a surprisingly close relationship with dengue virus (DENV) and raised the question of whether or not DEDSV may have a potential infectious threat to man. Importantly, DEDSV can be efficiently recognized by a broadly cross-reactive flavivirus mAb, 2A10G6, derived against DENV. The significance of these studies is discussed in the context of the emergence, evolution, epidemiology, antigenicity and pathogenicity of the newly emergent DEDSV.

Development of RT-LAMP and real-time RT-PCR assays for the rapid detection of the new duck Tembusu-like BYD virus

A new duck Tembusu virus (TMUV), also known as BYD virus, has been identified as the causative agent for the emerging duck egg-drop syndrome in mainland China. The rapid spread and wide distribution of the new TMUV in mainland China result in heavy loss to the poultry industry and pose great threats to public health. Rapid and sensitive detection methods are critical for prevention and control of TMUV infections. In this study, a reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) and an SYBR Green-I-based real-time RT-PCR assay specific for the duck TMUV were developed and validated with laboratory and field samples, respectively. The detection limits were 1 × 10(-4) and 1 × 10(-3) PFU per reaction for the RT-LAMP assay and real-time RT-PCR assay, respectively. The specificities were analyzed with other related members of the genus Flavivirus, and no cross-reaction was observed. Furthermore, both assays were evaluated with field samples, and they exhibited high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the real-time RT-PCR assay worked well in viral load analysis, which revealed that the spleen may be the primary target for the replication of new duck TMUV in ducks. The TMUV-specific RT-LAMP and real-time RT-PCR assays will provide useful tools for the diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of TMUV infection.

Antiviral activity of Aloe hijazensis against some haemagglutinating viruses infection and its phytoconstituents

Evaluation of the antiviral activities of flowers, flower-peduncles, leaves, and roots of Aloe hijazensis against haemagglutinating viruses of avian paramyxovirus type-1 (APMV-1), avian influenza virus type A (AI-H5N1), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and egg-drop syndrome virus (EDSV) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos were carried out. Extract of the flowers and leaves showed relatively higher activity than the extracts of other plant parts. Thirteen compounds were isolated from both the flowers and flower-peduncles of A. hijazensis. The isolated compounds were classified into: five anthraquinones; ziganein, ziganein-5-methyl ether, aloesaponarin I, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, one dihydroisocoumarin; feralolide, four flavonoids; homoplantaginin, isoorientin, luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside, isovitexin, one phenolic acid; p-coumaric acid, the anthrone; barbaloin together with aloenin. Eleven compounds were attributed to the flowers and seven to the flower-peduncles. Homoplantaginin and luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside are reported here for the first time from Aloe spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activity of those plant parts.