Fowl Adenovirus Group Research Articles

A sandwich amperometric immunosensor for the detection of fowl adenovirus group I based on bimetallic Pt/Ag nanoparticle-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

An enzyme-free sandwich amperometric immunosensor based on bimetallic Pt/Ag nanoparticle (Pt/AgNPs)-functionalized chitosan (Chi)-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as dual signal amplifiers and Chi-modified MWCNTs (MWCNTs-Chi) as substrate materials was developed for ultrasensitive detection of fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-I). MWCNTs have a large specific surface area, and many accessible active sites were formed after modification with Chi. Hence, MWCNTs-Chi, as a substrate material for modifying glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs), could immobilize more antibodies (fowl adenovirus group I-monoclonal antibody, FAdV-I/MAb). Multiple Pt/AgNPs were attached to the surface of MWCNTs-Chi to generate MWCNTs-Chi-Pt/AgNPs with high catalytic ability for the reaction of H2O2 and modified active sites for fowl adenovirus group I-polyclonal antibody (FAdV-I/PAb) binding. Amperometric i-t measurements were employed to characterize the recognizability of FAdV-I. Under optimal conditions, and the developed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range (100.93 EID50mL-1 to 103.43 EID50mL-1), a low detection limit (100.67 EID50mL-1) and good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. This immunosensor can be used in clinical sample detection.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Enteric Viruses in Poultry Flocks in Hebei Province, China.

Simple SummaryEnteric viruses act as etiological agents for a series of health disturbances that pose a threat to commercial chickens worldwide. The affected chickens exhibit stunted growth, low feed conversion, etc. On a global scale, research on enteric virus diversity has been performed in countries such as India, South Korea and Brazil, yet at present, there have been no conclusive reports of avian enteric viruses in China. In the present study, the virus species, infection types, clinical symptoms, and relationships among the virus species were studied in 145 positive enteric virus samples. Additionally, the evolutionary relationship and recombination of the viruses were also further studied. The results of this study can be used to define the distribution and infection type of enteric viruses in poultry, and to analyze the classification of and evolutionary relationship between certain viruses.Enteric viruses, as a potential pathogen, have been found to be vital causes of economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. The enteric viruses widely studied to date mainly include avian nephritis virus (ANV), avian reovirus (ARe), chicken astrovirus (CAstV), chicken parvovirus (ChPV), fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and avian rotavirus (ARoV). This paper aimed to identify single and multiple infections of the seven enteric viruses using the data obtained from positive 145 enteric virus samples in poultry flocks from different areas in Hebei Province, throughout the period from 2019 to 2021. Next, the correlation between bird age and clinical signs was investigated using PCR and RT-PCR techniques. Furthermore, the whole genomes of seven parvovirus strains and open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of six CAstV strains and eight ANV strains were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis and recombination analysis, to characterize the viruses and evaluate species correlation and geographic patterns. A total of 11 profiles of virus combinations were detected; 191 viruses were detected in 145 samples; 106 single infections were reported in 73.1% of the samples; and multiple infections were detected in the remaining 26.9%. For viruses, 69% of ChPV was correlated with single infection, while ANV (61.4%) and CAstV (56.1%) were correlated with multiple infections. However, IBV and ARe were not detected in any of the samples. Recombination events were reported in parvovirus, and all CAstV sequences investigated in this paper were included within genotype Bii. The eight ANV strains pertained to different subtypes with significant differences. The above results revealed for the first time the complexity of enteric viruses over the past several years, thus contributing to disease prevention and control in the future.

Isolation and characterization of a novel chicken astrovirus in China

Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is associated with kidney disease and visceral gout, runting and stunting syndrome, and white chick hatchery disease, causing economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, 55.6% of 36 clinical samples from Guangdong province in China were positive for CAstV, but negative for other common enteric viruses, including avian nephritis virus, infectious bronchitis virus, fowl adenovirus Group I, Newcastle disease virus, chicken parvovirus, reovirus, and rotavirus by PCRs and RT-PCRs. A CAstV strain, named GD202013, was isolated from Guangdong province in south China, and was identified by CAstV RT-PCR. A whole genome sequence analysis demonstrated that GD202013 shares 76.0 to 88.1% identity with 24 reference strains in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis, based on whole genome and capsid protein, showed that GD202013 is more closely related to 2 US strains (GA2011/US/2011 and 4175/US/2011) belonging to subgroup Bii. Recombination analysis indicated that GD202013 is a recombinant strain formed by 3 strains: a major parent strain CkP5/US/2016, and 2 minor parent strains (GA2011/US/2011 and G059/PL/2014). In addition, the chicken embryo infection experiment demonstrated that GD202013 causes hatchability reduction, growth depression, and death of embryos. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions in the liver, kidney and small intestine were observed in the dead-in-shell embryos. This is the first report of the novel CAstV infection in China.

Caracterización molecular del adenovirus aviar en pollos comerciales del Ecuador

El Adenovirus Aviar del grupo I (FAdV-I), es considerado como un patógeno de mucha importancia en la industria avícola en el Ecuador y a nivel mundial. La Hepatitis por Cuerpos de Inclusión (IBH) y el Síndrome del Hidropericardio (HPS), son las principales enfermedades asociadas a este virus, y a pesar de ser un agente etiológico que por lo general se encuentra relacionado a enfermedades inmunodepresoras como Anemia Infecciosa de las Aves o la enfermedad de Gumboro, recientes estudios han demostrado la actividad patológica del FAdV-I como responsable primario de estas enfermedades. Desde la década de 1990, se reportaron varios brotes importantes de IBH y HPS en muchos países de América Latina incluyendo el Ecuador, logrando identificar principalmente al serotipo 4 del FAdV-I como agente causal de estos brotes. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar por métodos moleculares como la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR), la presencia de los serotipos del FAdV-I que se encuentran circulando en granjas de aves comerciales en Ecuador. Fueron colectados diferentes órganos de aves con problemas entéricos en la zona norte del Ecuador, y posteriormente impregnados en tarjetas FTA para su transporte y procesamiento. 4/13 (30,8%) muestras fueron positivas a FAdV-I y mediante el secuenciamiento y análisis bioinformático del ADN amplificado por la PCR, se caracterizaron los serotipos 6 y 11 del FAdV-I. Estos datos nos demuestran la variedad de serotipos presentes en granjas avícolas del Ecuador y que podrían estar influenciando en el estado sanitario de la industria avícola del país.

Molecular characterization of fowl adenovirus group I in commercial broiler chickens in Brazil.

Avian adenovirus has been reported in many countries and is an infectious agent related with inclusion body hepatitis, hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), and respiratory and enteric conditions in chickens worldwide. The objective of this study was to detect and establish the molecular sequences of the hexon gene from the avian adenovirus strains of group I (FAdV-I) isolated from birds with hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), malabsorption syndrome and runting-stunting syndrome, to characterize the serotype of virus affecting commercial flocks in Brazil. Molecular characterization was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using specific primers to amplify the Loop 1 (L1) variable region of the hexon gene in the FAdV-I genome and subsequent sequencing of the PCR product for each positive sample. The results have revealed the presence of the FAdV-8a, FAdV-8b, and FAdV-11 serotypes circulating in Brazilian chicken flocks. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these sequences into three (3) distinct groups, 14 samples were aligned with the FAdV-11 group, three (3) samples in the FAdV-8b group and one (1) sample in the FAdV-8a group. The serotypes FAdV-8a, FAdV-8b, and FAdV-11 are circulating in Brazilian chicken flocks. Therefore, these results are very important for improvement biosecurity measurements and vaccine production.

A Review of Eight High-Priority, Economically Important Viral Pathogens of Poultry within the Caribbean Region.

Viral pathogens cause devastating economic losses in poultry industries worldwide. The Caribbean region, which boasts some of the highest rates of poultry consumption in the world, is no exception. This review summarizes evidence for the circulation and spread of eight high-priority, economically important poultry viruses across the Caribbean region. Avian influenza virus (AIV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), fowl adenovirus group 1 (FADV Gp1), and egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV) were selected for review. This review of serological, molecular, and phylogenetic studies across Caribbean countries reveals evidence for sporadic outbreaks of respiratory disease caused by notifiable viral pathogens (AIV, IBV, NDV, and ILTV), as well as outbreaks of diseases caused by immunosuppressive viral pathogens (IBDV and FADV Gp1). This review highlights the need to strengthen current levels of surveillance and reporting for poultry diseases in domestic and wild bird populations across the Caribbean, as well as the need to strengthen the diagnostic capacity and capability of Caribbean national veterinary diagnostic laboratories.

Detection and molecular characterization of chicken astrovirus associated with chicks that have an unusual condition known as “white chicks” in Brazil

Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is one of many viruses related to enteric diseases in poultry that are associated with Runting-Stunting Syndrome (RSS), which affects young chickens. CAstV was also recently associated with an unusual condition in chicks called “white chicks.” Some hatcheries in certain states of Brazil have reported several incubation problems, mortality, and the presence of chicks with white plumages over the past several months. These chicks were termed locally as “white chicks.” The present work investigated 30 chicks with this unusual condition using a multidisciplinary approach. Postmortem examination of each chick showed enlarged livers and intestines that were full of liquid and gas (30/30). The pancreas, kidneys, and spleen were pale (30/30). The other organs did not show any macroscopic alterations. CAstV, chicken parvovirus (ChPV), avian nephritis virus (ANV), avian rotavirus (ARtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1) were tested in the intestines, pancreas, proventriculus, gizzard, liver, spleen, bursa, kidneys, thymus, lung, heart, brain, and yolk sac in each chick. All organs and yolk sacs were positive for CAstV in different titres and negative for the other tested viruses. The partial molecular characterization of the ORF 1b gene of CAstV using 28 sequences revealed a high similarity of the nucleotides and amino acids with sequences of CAstV from North America, Europe, and Asia, and our CAstV sequences clustered into a unique group that was separate from the other sequences. These results demonstrated that CAstV was associated with the white chick condition in Brazil. The virus was distributed in most organs, including the brain and yolk sac. These results suggest that the virus could be transmitted vertically. The molecular characterization also revealed that the CAstV associated with white chick condition was molecularly related to other CAstV sequences found worldwide.

Hydropericardium Hepatitis Syndrome Emerged in Cherry Valley Ducks in China

Since June 2015, a highly pathogenic disease occurred in duck flocks in China, causing pericardial effusion, enlarged discoloured liver, renal enlargement and haemorrhagic lung with a mortality ranging from 5% to 20%. Previous study confirmed that Fowl adenovirus group C (FAdV-C) and some field FAdVs isolates had been identified as causative agents of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS) in chickens and geese world widely. In this study, we firstly report the isolation of FAdV-C from ducks with HHS. The two isolates, designated as SDSX and SDJX, were separated from liver samples using 9-day-old SPF chicken embryos and could cause severe cytopathic effects in duck and chicken embryonic kidney cells. The entire ORF sequences of hexon gene of the two isolates were amplified, sequenced and analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Phylogenetic analysis of loop 1 sequences of hexon gene of FAdVs revealed that the two isolates were closely related to FAdV-C isolates, which could cause HHS in chickens. Experimental infection indicated that the isolate was high pathogenicity to 20-day-old ducks. Our study shows that the recently emerged HHS in ducks was caused by FAdV-C and may possess a potential risk to other poultry flocks.

Molecular detection of chicken parvovirus in broilers with enteric disorders presenting curving of duodenal loop, pancreatic atrophy, and mesenteritis

Enteric disorders are an important cause of economic losses in broiler chickens worldwide. Several agents have been associated with enteric problems, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In this study, broiler chickens showing signs of enteric disorders were subjected to molecular diagnosis for several viral agents and also for pathological examination for elucidating this problem. Thus, the chickens were screened for avian nephritis virus (ANV), chicken astrovirus (CAstV), avian rotavirus (ArtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1), and chicken parvovirus (ChPV). Postmortem examinations revealed a curving of the duodenal loop (J-like appearance) and intestines filled with liquid and gaseous content. Histopathological analysis of the duodenal loop showed pancreatic atrophy, acute mesenteritis, and enteritis. PCR results showed that ChPV was the sole viral agent detected in samples with lesions such as the curved duodenal loop and pancreatic atrophy. Molecular characterization of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences revealed a high similarity with other strains of ChPV from Brazil, Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia. These findings suggest an association between ChPV and the development of enteritis, pancreatitis, and pancreatic atrophy, which may lead to curling of the duodenal loop. Together, these alterations may disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, diminishing digestion and the absorption of dietary nutrients and consequently leading to reduced weight gain, flock impairment, dwarfism, and an elevated feed conversion rate.

Isolation of chicken astrovirus from specific pathogen-free chicken embryonated eggs

Astroviruses have been associated with enteric disorders in many animal species, including chickens. Here, we describe the isolation, propagation, and pathological characteristics of chicken astrovirus (CAstV) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryonated eggs (CEE) from chickens with diarrhea and runting–stunting syndrome. The CEE were inoculated via the yolk sac route. Viral confirmation was carried out using PCR techniques and transmission electron microscopy negative staining with ammonium molybdate. The intestinal contents were screened for CAstV, and differential diagnostic testing was performed for avian nephritis virus, avian rotavirus, avian reovirus, chicken parvovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, and fowl adenovirus Group I to detect co-infection with other infectious agents. Seven- or 14-day-old CEEs presented with hemorrhages, edema, a gelatinous aspect, deformities, and dwarfism. The supporting membranes did not show any alterations. Here, we have described the isolation of CAstV and its pathological characteristics in SPF CEE.

Fowl adenovirus Group I as a causal agent of inclusion body hepatitis/hydropericardium syndrome (IBH/HPS) outbreak in brazilian broiler flocks

Commercial broiler flocks from a farm located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, presented diarrhea, depression, increased mortality and poor weight gain. Upon post-mortem examination, classical signs of Inclusion Body Hepatitis/Hydropericardium Syndrome (IBH/HPS) were observed, including enlarged pale yellow-colored livers and straw-colored liquid in the pericardial sac. In addition, gross lesions were also observed in the kidneys, pancreas, thymus, intestines and gallbladder. Samples of these organs were analyzed by PCR for the detection of the hexon gene of the Fowl Adenovirus (FAdVs) Group I. The results were positive for both flocks (A and B) assayed by PCR. The macroscopic lesions associated with the detection of FAdV Group I by PCR in several of these affected organs allowed for the identification of IBH/HPS. In fact, this is the first report in Brazil of IBH/HPS in broilers, which identifies FAdVs group I as a causal agent of the disease. These findings may contribute to the worldwide epidemiology of the adenovirus-mediated hepatitis/hydropericardium syndrome.

Viral agents related to enteric disease in commercial chicken flocks, with special reference to Latin America

Poultry enteric diseases are an important economic problem involving many etiologic agents, including enteric viruses. Several viral agents have been detected around the world in enteric contents isolated from commercial chicken and turkeys flocks that initially appear healthy but exhibit enteric signs, such as diarrhoea, decreased food consumption, loss of body weight, and mortality. Chicken astrovirus, avian nephritis virus, chicken parvovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, fowl adenovirus group 1, avian reovirus, and avian rotavirus have been identified in chickens with enteric diseases. However, no single virus has been established as directly causative of enteric diseases. Knowledge of these viruses is minimal, and information regarding their role in enteric diseases is also scarce. This lack of knowledge, together with the important economic impact that enteric diseases have on poultry, justify the importance of their study. In the present review, all viruses involved in enteric diseases are discussed, with greater emphasis placed on those of the most prevalent.

SPF 닭에서 레오바이러스와 아데노바이러스의 단일 혹은 혼합감염에 따른 병원성 비교

Avian reovirus (ARV) and fowl adenovirus (FAdV) were evaluated for pathogenicity in specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens. ARV was isolated from the broilers with history of malabsorption syndrome (MAS). FAdV was isolated from the layer breeders with inclusion body hepatitis and hydropericardium syndrome. Total 6 inoculated groups including 1 un-inoculated group were organized and inoculated with the ARV and/or FAdV by oral route. The minimal pathological lesions and lower viral gene detection rates were present in the ARV inoculated groups compared to those of FAdV or ARV/FAdV inoculated groups. Common gross lesions in the ARV inoculated group were distended intestine with foamy contents and in the FAdV group there were foamy cecal contents and hydropericardium among the evaluation methods such as gross and histological lesion, viral gene detection, body weight and serum chemistry, histopathological lesion score was reliable especially in the liver lesions such as hepatic necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. However, we did not success to evaluate the synergetic effect of mixed infection of ARV and FAdV in this study. Therefore, we need further study to reproduce malabsorption syndrome of ARV infection using different viral agent such as rotavirus and using different dose of virus.

닭 유래 아데노 바이러스 혈청형 4형(FAdV-4) 사독 오일 백신의 안전성 및 효능 평가

봉입체성 간염-심낭수종증(IBH-HPS)은 주로 육계에서 다발하며 3~6주령의 육계에서 최고 75%까지의 폐사율을 일으킬 수 있는 질병이다. 주 증상으로는 심낭의 황색 수양성 액체가 저류되는 심낭수종증과 함께 봉입체성 간염이 나타난다. 1987년 파키스탄에서 처음 발생이 보고된 후 여러 나라에서 발병되었으며, 최근 우리나라에서도 질병 발생이 확인된 바 있다. 본 실험에서는 IBH-HPS에 대한 경제적 피해를 감소시키기 위한 목적으로 사독 오일 백신을 제조하여 안전성 및 효능을 평가하였다. 2주령의 SPF 닭에 제조한 사독 백신을 1 또는 2수분으로 근육 접종한 뒤 2주 후인 4주령에 FAdV-4로 공격 접종을 실시하였다. 백신 접종에 의한 임상 증상 발현 및 폐사가 관찰되지 않아 백신의 안전성이 인정되었고, AGP 검사를 통해 FAdV-4에 대한 항체가 100% 형성되었음을 확인하였다. 공격 접종 시 각각 경구 또는 근육으로 접종하였고, 접종 후 10일간 관찰한 결과, 백신 접종군 모두 부검 소견, 바이러스 유전자 검색율 및 조직학적 병변도에 있어서 효능이 인정되었다. 육안 병변의 경우, 백신 비접종군에서는 간의 괴사 반점이 10~50%의 개체에서 발생한 데 비해 백신 접종군에서는 관찰되지 않았다. 바이러스 유전자 검색 양성률 또한 백신 접종군이 백신 비접종군에 비해 낮은 수준으로 나타났으며, 이는 특히 근육 투여군에서 더 명확하게 나타났다. 조직 병변도는 관찰 기간 내내 핵내 봉입체는 관찰되지 않았으나, 림프구 침윤 및 간세포의 괴사 정도가 백신 접종군에서 현저히 감소한 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서, 본 실험에서 제조한 FAdV-4 사독 오일 백신은 실험계에 임상적으로 안전하고 면역원성도 높았으며, 효능에 있어서는 백신 비접종군에서의 임상 증상이 명확하지 않았음에도 불구하고, 육안 병변, 바이러스 검색율 및 조직 병변도에 있어서 공격 접종에 대한 방어가 효과적인 것으로 판단된다. Inclusion body hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (IBH-HPS) is an acute viral disease usually found in broilers aged from 3 to 5 weeks and causes up to 75% mortality. Among the 12 serotypes of fowl adenovirus group 1, serotype-4 (FAdV-4) was identified as a primary agent of IBH-HPS and was usually isolated in IBH-HPS cases in Korea since 2007. To prevent these IBH-HPS outbreaks in Korea, we developed the FAdV-4 inactivated vaccine using Korean isolate (ADL070244) and evaluated the efficacy of this vaccine. For the efficacy test, 2-week-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens intramuscularly inoculated with 1 or 2 dose of inactivated vaccine were used and challenged with FAdV-4 through either intramuscular or oral route at 2 weeks after vaccination. The vaccine induced good seroconversion which was confirmed by agar gel precipitation (AGP) test. In addition, the vaccine could decrease the FAdV-4 detection rate and histological lesion severity such as lymphocyte infiltration and necrosis in the liver comparing with those of non-vaccination group. Based on the current results, the developed FAdV-4 inactivated vaccine in this study was effective in the terms of reduction of virus detection rate and histological lesions severity. However, it was difficult to confirm the efficacy of the vaccine clearly because of no mortality and clinical signs in the non-vaccinated group after challenge. Therefore, we need further study to develop a standard challenged model system which could clearly evaluate the efficacy of the vaccines for FAdV-4.