Infected Poultry Research Articles

A review of current knowledge on avian Newcastle infection in commercial poultry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a tremendously contagious avian infection with extensive monetary ramifications for the chicken zone. To reduce the effect of ND on the Saudi rooster enterprise, our analysis emphasizes the necessity of genotype-particular vaccinations, elevated surveillance, public recognition campaigns, and stepped-forward biosecurity. Data show that one-of-a-kind bird species, outdoor flocks, and nearby differences in susceptibility are all vulnerable. The pathogenesis consists of tropism in the respiratory and gastrointestinal structures and some genotypes boom virulence. Laboratory diagnostics use reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and serotyping among different strategies. Vital records are supplied through immune responses and serological trying out. Vaccination campaigns, biosecurity protocols, and emergency preparedness are all covered in prevention and manipulation techniques. Notably, co-circulating genotypes and disparities in immunization regulations worry Saudi Arabia. The effect of ND in Saudi Arabia is tested in this paper, with precise attention paid to immunological reaction, pathogenesis, susceptibility elements, laboratory analysis, and preventative and manipulation measures. Saudi Arabia can shield its bird region and beef up its defences against Newcastle's ailment, enforcing those hints into its policies.

Pathology and molecular detection of influenza Asubtype H9N2 virus in commercial poultry in Nigeria, 2024

Background: After the first Avian Influenza H5N1 outbreak in Nigerian poultry in 2006, subsequent waves of outbreaks occurred, causing substantial losses. Despite effective control measures by 2008, a resurgence in 2015 led to further losses and required depopulation efforts. Aim: The aim of this study was to do Pathology and molecular detection of influenza A subtype H9N2 virus in commercial poultry in Nigeria during 2024. Methods: In February 2024, a poultry farmer reported high mortality in his mixed commercial poultry flock in Ibadan, Nigeria, submitting carcasses to the University of Ibadan's V.T.H. and the FAO Regional Laboratory at NVRI, Vom. Results: Necropsy of nine Isa Brown layers and three Abor Acre broilers revealed cyanosis of comb and wattles, generalized petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages including shank haemorrhages with sinusitis, pneumonia, and severe greenish faecal pasting also observed. At histopathology, denudation of the tracheal epithelia and parabronchial epithelial necrosis, obliteration, with airsac oedema and emphysema were observed. At NVRI, qPCR detected an Influenza A H9N2 virus in several pooled organ samples of layers, and broilers and eliminating the avian infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease viruses. Conclusion: This is the first report of H9N2 outbreak in commercial poultry in Southern Nigeria. The high pathogenicity shown in commercial poultry in this outbreak and the risk of dispersal of infected live poultry in Nigeria as previously seen in H5N1 require stakeholders’ intervention.

Global systematic review and meta-analysis on foodborne thermotole­rant Campylobacter prevalence in different species of poultry birds and associated sources of contamination

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most prevalent foodborne bacterial diseases. Infected chickens and poultry products are a possible source of this illness in people all over the world. Therefore, the objective of this current meta-analysis was to summarise the available data on the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter species in poultry and their products. A systematic literature search was conducted to gather pertinent articles from 2000 to 2021, using globally recognised four electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. The mean prevalence of campylobacteriosis in poultry species and their products (meat, eggs, and offal) was 44% (95% CI: 39–50%) with the highest prevalence in Australia (67%). Among the European countries, France had the maximum prevalence rate of 76%, while Japan had recorded 61% as the peak among Asian countries. Prevalence rates of 43% and 56% were calculated in United States and Brazil representing the American region. In the species-wise results, the mean prevalence rates of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were 29% and 16%, correspondingly. In case of live birds, chickens and turkeys possessed maximum prevalence rates of 47% and 40%, whereas 46% and 63% were recorded from poultry meat and liver. Besides, categorising the difference sources of contamination, the maximum prevalence rate of 62% was found in the poultry processing plants followed by 54% from supermarkets and 38% from farms. According to the current meta-analysis, Campylobacter jejuni was the most common bacterium worldwide, and poultry meat – the most frequent source of human infection. The predominance of Campylobacter species is a threat for public health, and national authorities must undertake strategies to control this disease in each country with the goal of establishing adequate risk management measures.

Optimization of novel type of trivalent inactivated Salmonella bacterial vaccine prevention program against Salmonella infections in poultry

Optimization of novel type of trivalent inactivated Salmonella bacterial vaccine prevention program against Salmonella infections in poultry

Antimicrobial Sensitivity of Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Poultry Feed, Water, and Eggshell

Poultry is the most important source of proteins forconsumption. Egg shell and drinking water contributes significantly to the spread of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections in poultry. A total of 150 samples from poultry feed (feeders n=25, feed bags n=25), water (water tanks n=25, drinkers n=25), and eggshell (n=50) were collected from ten layer farms of district Tando Allahyar. Overall results showed that higher 52% bacterial infection was recorded from the poultry feed, 42% was recorded from water samples while the lowest prevalence recorded from the eggshell 32%. The isolated bacterial species were E. coli, Salmonellatyphi, Shigella sonnei, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In poultry feed, a higher prevalence percentage of E. coli(16%) was recorded, followed by S. sonnei (14%), S.typhi(8%), S. aureus (8%),P. mirabilis (6%), and K. pneumonia (4%). In water, a higher prevalence of E. coli(12%) was recorded, followed by S. aureus (14%),S.typhi(11%), S. sonnei (11%), P. mirabilis (4%), and K. pneumonia (2%). In eggshells, a higher prevalence of E. coli(10%) was recorded followed by S. typhi(6%), S. sonnei (6%), S. aureus (6%), K. pneumonia (2%), and P. mirabilis (2%). E. coli species were susceptible to Tetracycline and Streptomycin. Salmonella typhi was susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline. Shigella sonnei was susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, and Tetracycline.Klebsiella pneumonia was susceptible to Streptomycin and Gentamicin.Proteus mirabilis was susceptible to Streptomycin and Gentamicin.Staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to Gentamicin and Erythromycin. In conclusion higher (52%) bacterial infection was recorded from the poultry feed,(42%) was recorded from water samples and the lowest prevalence was recorded from the eggshell (32%). It is concluded from the present study that bacterial contamination of E. coli, S. typhi, S. sonnei, K. pneumonia, P. mirabilis, S. aureus is common in poultry feed, water, and eggshell.

Ponazuril: Clinical efficacy, ultrastructure, and histopathology studies of in vivo anticoccidial action against Eimeria tenella

Ponazuril, a novel antiprotozoal drug in the class of triazine, has shown a promising application on apicomplexan infections in poultry and livestock. However, the effect and mechanism of action of ponazuril against Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) are unclear. The efficacy against E. tenella was initially studied by administering different doses of ponazuril in drinking water. The treated stage and site of ponazuril on E. tenella were observed through ultrastructural and histopathological analyses. Chicks were orally treated with a dose of 15 mg/kg body weight of ponazuril at different endogenous stages of E. tenella post-infection. According to the clinical study, the values of anticoccidial indices (ACI) were 157.0, 162.3, 196.9, 194.5, and 190.9, respectively, when the ponazuril was administered in drinking water at doses of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 mg/L for two consecutive days after infection. Among them, the 20 mg/L ponazuril group showed the best anticoccidial effect, which was superior to that of the toltrazuril treatment group, with an ACI value of 191.7. Histological analysis indicated that ponazuril effectively relieved cecal lesions, and decreased the number of merozoites. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) observed that merozoites became irregular in shape, and some apparent protrusions of the outer membrane were presented especially the second-generation merozoites. Additionally, abnormalities in the development of WFBI and WFBII in the macrogametocyte were observed, which may affect the formation of the ovule wall. Moreover, merozoites in the treated group showed uneven and marginalized chromatin and mitochondrial swelling. These results suggested ponazuril is a potential anticoccidial drug, providing information on the mechanism of anticoccidial effects.

Evaluasi Efektivitas Antibiotik Komersil Terhadap Agen Penyebab Gejala Snot pada Ayam Broiler di Kabupaten Kupang

Snot is a symptom of upper respiratory system infections in poultry, characterized by exudate production from the nasal cavity, swelling of infraorbital sinuses, snoring, sneezing, and dyspnoea. The aetiology of snot that have been isolated are Avibaterium paragallinarum, Pasteurella multocida, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, and Mycoplasma sp. Snot symptom can be eradicated with antibiotic treatment; however, antibiotic resistance makes antibiotic treatment ineffective. This study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of some commercial antibiotics against bacteria isolated from broiler chicken with snot symptom in Kupang Regency. Amoxycillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, cefoxitin, and ciprofloxacin were tested using the Kirby Bauer method with McFarland Turbidity Standard against Avibacterium paragallinarum, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma sp isolates. Inhibition zones were measured and compared to the standard of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) to determine the sensitivity or resistance percentage. The result showed that Avibacterium paragallinarum, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma sp were highly resistant to amoxycillin and ampicillin, yet most sensitif to ciprofloxacin. This suggests commercial antibiotics that are productive to eradicate snot symptom and implies some antibiotics that are ineffective to overcome snot symptom and hence should not be used in the field.

The generation of hemagglutinin monoclonal antibodies against H9N2 influenza virus

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are widely distributed, causing continuous outbreaks in poultry and sporadic infections in humans. Vaccination is the primary method used to prevent and control H9N2 AIV infection. However, the ongoing evolution and mutation of AIVs often result in limited protection effects from vaccines. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting influenza viruses offer a promising alternative. In this study, we immunized mice with inactivated H9N2-W1 virus, and we screened and acquired five mAbs, namely 4D12, F4, 5C8, 2G8 and A11. We showed that all five mAbs specifically targeted the HA protein of various H9N2 AIV strains. In vitro neutralization tests demonstrated that all five mAbs exhibited neutralization activity against H9N2 AIVs, with mAb F4 displaying the most potent neutralization effect. The F4 mAb exhibited dose-dependent preventive and therapeutic effects against lethal H9N2-115 infection, and the administration of F4 at a dose of 3 μg/g provided complete protection in vivo. Our study presents an alternative approach for preventing and controlling H9N2 AIV infection. Furthermore, the identified F4 mAb holds promise as a solution to potential pandemics in humans caused by H9N2 AIVs.

Protective effects of puerarin on liver tissue in Salmonella-infected chicks: a proteomic analysis

Salmonella enterica is a zoonotic bacterium that not only causes serious economic losses to the livestock and poultry industries but also seriously endangers human health. Long-term indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to drug resistance in Salmonella, and thus the identification of alternatives to antibiotics is crucial. In this study, the effects of puerarin on the S. enterica-infected chickens were investigated. A total of 360 chicks were randomly assigned as the control group (CON), the S. enterica group (S), and puerarin-treatment group (P). Chicks in the P group were fed the basal diet supplemented with 50 (P50), 100 (P100), 200 (P200), and 400 (P400) mg/kg puerarin, respectively. It was found that puerarin treatment markedly altered the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), together with the malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) contents in the serum. The mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, Bcl-2, and caspase-8 in the livers of S. enterica-infected chicks was increased after infection but significantly reduced after treatment with puerarin. Histologic analysis showed that puerarin effectively mitigated morphological damage in the liver caused by S. enterica. Proteomic analysis revealed that S. enterica infection led to metabolic disorders in the liver, resulting in oxidative stress, increased inflammation, and significantly elevated levels of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers. The findings of the filtered sequencing were verified by using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Treatment with 100 mg/mL puerarin thus effectively alleviated disordered liver metabolism, reduced inflammation and oxidative damage and significantly reduced the levels of hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers in the liver. The results suggest that puerarin has the potential to replace antibiotics to control Salmonella infection in poultry and thus improve food safety.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered chickens in Tripoli, Lebanon.

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that has a wide range of intermediate hosts. It infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans and birds. The latter typically pick up the infection by ground feeding, and people can contract the parasite from eating undercooked chicken meat. In recent years, investigations into T. gondii infection in poultry have been reported worldwide. However, there is no epidemiological data regarding the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in chicken in Lebanon. Thus, the current investigation was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in chicken destined for human consumption in the Tripoli district of Lebanon. For this, a cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2021 and February 2022. Blood samples were collected from 400 chickens in four poultry abattoirs in Tripoli. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to test sera for T. gondii antibodies. The association of T. gondii seroprevalence with potential risk factors was assessed using the Chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was used to confirm the association. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies reported in this study was 13% (52/400); it was higher in the free-range chicken group (19.3%, 29/150) than in the caged group (9.2%, 23/250) (OR=2.365; 95% CI: 1.311-4.267) (P=0.004). The wet season and the presence of cats in the poultry farms were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity to T. gondii infection (P≤0.0001). Given the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in slaughtered chicken in this area, the consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meats may pose a serious threat to public health and highlight the need to implement appropriate precautionary strategies to halt the spread of T. gondii to humans.

Analysis of random mutations in Salmonella Gallinarum dihydropteroate synthase conferring sulfonamide resistance.

In bacteria and primitive eukaryotes, sulfonamide antibiotics block the folate pathway by inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase (FolP) that combines para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) and dihydropterin pyrophosphate (DHPP) to form dihydropteroic acid (DHP), a precursor for tetrahydrofolate synthesis. However, the emergence of resistant strains has severely compromised the use of pABA mimetics as sulfonamide drugs. Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum (S. Gallinarum) is a significant source of antibiotic-resistant infections in poultry. Here, a sulfonamide-resistant FolP mutant library of S. Gallinarum was generated through random mutagenesis. Among resistant strains, substitution of amino acid Arginine 171 with Proline (R171P) in the FolP protein conferred the highest resistance against sulfonamide. Substitution of Phe28 with Leu or Ile (F28L/I) led to modest sulfonamide resistance. Structural modeling indicates that R171P and Phenylalanine 28 with leucine or isoleucine (F28L/I) substitution mutations are located far from the substrate-binding site and cause insignificant conformational changes in the FolP protein. Rather, in silico studies suggest that the mutations altered the stability of the protein, potentially resulting in sulfonamide resistance. Identification of specific mutations in FolP that confer resistance to sulfonamide would contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

137 Macroalgae Extracts Limits Marek’s Disease Virus Load and Dissemination in Vitro

Abstract Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly contagious lymphoproliferative disease of chickens caused by an alphaherpesvirus, Marek’s disease virus (MDV). Marek’s disease is presently controlled by systematic vaccination of animals, which protects efficiently against clinical disease, However, MDV vaccines do not prevent the multiplication and spread of MDV field strains generating immunosuppression. They may also favor the emergence of strains with increased virulence. Therefore, MDV persists to be a major problem for the poultry industry generating economic losses estimated at 1 to 2 billion dollars per year. The development of new sustainable alternative strategies to control MDV is needed. Macroalgae extracts have previously been shown to exert antiviral and immunomodulatory activities that could support the animals to better resist to this challenge. The objective of the study was to explore the effect of sulphated green macroalgae (Ulva.sp) extract (MSPIMMUNITY) on MDV infection in vitro. To determine the impact on MDV lytic replication, CEFs were infected and treated with increasing doses of algae extract. The viral load was quantified at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours post infection (hpi) by qPCR. The results showed the treatments significantly decreased MDV lytic replication in CEFs in a dose-dependent manner with the strongest effect observed with concentrations of 1mL/L. From 24 hpi, the viral load was reduced by about 80% with the algae extract at a concentration of 2mL/L and this is maintained over time and reached 94% at 96 hpi, A substantial decrease in MDV plaque size (from 2- to 3-fold) was demonstrated suggesting that macroalgae extract impede MDV cell-to-cell spread in vitro. This study provides the first evidence that the use of macroalgae extracts could be a good alternative to limit MDV infection in poultry. It could be used in in feed or in drinking water formulation to support the fight of the animal to viral challenges.

Coinfection of the gut with protozoal and metazoal parasites in broiler and laying chickens

The chicken business faces substantial economic losses due to the risk of parasitic coinfection. Because the current study aimed to investigate enteric parasitic coinfections problems among the suspected examined chicken farms, samples were collected during the field investigation from suspected freshly dead birds, clinically diseased, apparently healthy, and litter samples for further laboratory parasitological, histopathological, and immunological examinations. Variable mortalities with various clinical indicators, such as ruffled feathers, weight loss, diarrhea of various colors, and a decline in egg production, occurred on the farms under investigation. In addition, the treatment protocols of each of the farms that were evaluated were documented and the m-RNA levels of some cytokines and apoptotic genes among the infected poultry have been assessed. The prevalence rate of parasitic coinfection in the current study was found to be 8/120 (6.66%). Parasitological analysis of the samples revealed that they belonged to distinct species of Eimeria, cestodes, and Ascaridia galli. When deposited, A. galli eggs were nonembryonated and ellipsoidal, but cestodes eggs possessed a thin, translucent membrane that was subspherical. Eimeria spp. oocysts in layer chickens were identified as Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima in broiler chickens. Our findings proved that coinfection significantly upregulated the IL-1β, BAX, and Cas-3 genes. Conversely, the IL-10, BCL-2, and AKT mRNA levels were downregulated, indicating that nematode triggered apoptosis. The existence of parasite coinfection was verified by histological investigation of the various intestinal segments obtained from affected flocks. A. galli and cestodes obstructed the intestinal lumen, causing different histological alternations in the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, the lamina propria revealed different developmental stages of Eimeria spp. It was determined that parasite coinfection poses a significant risk to the poultry industry. It was recommended that stringent sanitary measures management methods, together with appropriate treatment and preventative procedures, be employed in order to resolve such issues.

Chicken mixed infection in Kotayk region of the Republic of Armenia

The purpose of the research is study of chicken parasitic associations in small farms of Kotayk region, and analysis of the determined factors. Materials and methods. Research was conducted in 2021 to 2022 in small poultry farms of Kotayk Marz. Poultry feces samples were examined at the Laboratory of Parasitology of the Research Center of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise, Armenian National Agrarian University. Totally 210 fecal samples were examined. Eimeria spp. oocysts and nematode eggs were detected by means of method after Darling. The results of the research were processed by statistical methods. Results and discussion. Results of the research have shown that poultry eimeriasis had a wide prevalence in Kotayk Region (52.86%). Three species of Eimeria spp. have been detected: E. acervulina, E. tenella, and E. necatrix. E. acervulina was the most prevalence species (34.29%). The highest intensity of the infection has been registered in Nairi and Kotayk Regions of the region. The above-mentioned species of Eimeria spp. have been occurred both in mono- and poly-infection, with various combinations of the species. E. acervulina + E. tenella combination was the most common. Poultry eimeriasis occurred as a mixed-infection with ascaridiasis, heterakiasis, and capillariasis. The highest extensiveness of the poultry infection has been registered in Kotayk and Hrazdan Regions of the region (65.71% in both cases). Geographical location, as well as natural and climatic conditions of the region promote the prevalence of the mixed infection of poultry.

Characterization of Salmonella enterica Biofilms and Antibiofilm Effect of Carvacrol and 2-Aminobenzimidazole.

Biofilm-associated foodborne Salmonella infections in poultry have become increasingly challenging for veterinarians, particularly in developing countries, and warrant thorough investigation. We assessed the biofilm-forming tendency of poultry isolates of Salmonella enterica, namely Salmonella Typhimurium (n = 23), Salmonella Infantis (n = 28), and Salmonella Heidelberg (n = 18), in nutrient-rich Rappaport-Vassiliadis Soya (RVS) peptone broth and nutrient-deficient diluted Tryptone Soya Broth (TSB). Seven of the tested isolates exhibited moderate biofilm formation in diluted TSB, whereas two showed such formation in RVS. In addition, the Congo red agar assay revealed curli and cellulose production in seven isolates. Fourteen specific biofilm-associated genes were analyzed identifying sdiA and seqA to be the most prevalent (100%), and glyA the least prevalent (69.5%). The prevalence of the genes bcsA and csgA was significantly lower in moderate and weak biofilm formers, respectively, as compared with nonbiofilm formers in RVS peptone broth. Furthermore, the compounds carvacrol and 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-ABI) effectively inhibited biofilm formation by Salmonella serovars in RVS peptone and TSB media, respectively. Whereas the antibiofilm activity of 2-ABI against Salmonella has not been reported previously, we determined its most effective concentration at 1.5 mM among tested antibiofilm treatments. These findings indicate that Salmonella strains prevalent in poultry farms have the potential to form biofilms, and the tested compounds should be further explored as supportive or alternative antimicrobials.

Pathognomonic features of Pasteurella multocida isolates among various avian species in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

The present study aimed to isolate Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) from pulmonary cases in several avian species and then investigate the histopathological features, antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence characteristics, and risk factors analysis of the isolates in each species in correlation with epidemiological mapping of pasteurellosis in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The obtained data revealed a total occurrence of 9.4% (30/317) of P. multocida among the examined birds (chickens, ducks, quails, and turkeys). The incidence rate was influenced by avian species, climate, breed, age, clinical signs, and sample type. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that all isolates were sensitive to florfenicol and enrofloxacin, while 86.6 and 73.3% of the isolates displayed resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and erythromycin, respectively. All of the P. multocida isolates showed a multiple-drug resistant pattern with an average index of 0.43. Molecular characterization revealed that the oma87, sodA, and ptfA virulence genes were detected in the all examined P. multocida isolates. The ermX (erythromycin), blaROB-1 (β-lactam), and mcr-1(colistin) resistance genes were present in 60, 46.6, and 40% of the isolates, respectively. Ducks and quails were the most virulent and harbored species of antimicrobial-resistant genes. These results were in parallel with postmortem and histopathological examinations which detected more severe interstitial pneumonia lesions in the trachea and lung, congestion, and cellular infiltration especially in ducks. Epidemiological mapping revealed that the Fakous district was the most susceptible to pasteurellosis infection. Thus, farmers are recommended to monitor their flocks for signs of respiratory disease, seek veterinary care promptly if any birds are sick, and avoid the random usage of antibiotics. In conclusion, this study presents a comprehensive picture of the risk factors in correlation to the pathognomonic characteristics of P. multocida infection in poultry sectors to help in developing more effective strategies for prevention and control.

Antigenic mapping of the hemagglutinin of the H9 subtype influenza A viruses using sera from Japanese quail (Coturnix c. japonica).

Determining the relevant amino acids involved in antigenic drift on the surface protein hemagglutinin (HA) is critical to understand influenza virus evolution and efficient assessment of vaccine strains relative to current circulating strains. We used antigenic cartography to generate an antigenic map of the H9 hemagglutinin (HA) using sera produced in one of the most relevant minor poultry species, Japanese quail. Key antigenic positions were identified and tested to confirm their impact on the antigenic profile. This work provides a better understanding of the antigenic diversity of the H9 HA as it relates to reactivity to quail sera and will facilitate a rational approach for selecting more efficacious vaccines against poultry-origin H9 influenza viruses in minor poultry species.

Viruses in Beef, Mutton, Chevon, Venison, Fish and Poultry Meat Products

Beef means meat of cattle, mutton means meat of sheep, chevon means meat of flesh of the goat used as food, venison means meat of dear, fish means meat of fish and shellfish, poultry means chicken , duck, geese, turkey, pigeon and rabbit. Beef, mutton, chevon, venison, fish and poultry meat act as a main sources of animal protein, In recent decades, viruses have been increasingly known as important causes of foodborne diseases mostly due to the improved methods of diagnosis and investigation of viruses. Viruses transmission through consumption of infected beef, mutton, chevon, venison, fish and poultry meat products or contact with contaminated beef, mutton, chevon, venison, fish and poultry meat products and water is now well known. The viruses most frequently involved in foodborne infections are public noroviruses, hepatitis A virus, human rotavirus, and hepatitis E virus. Beef, mutton, chevon, venison, fish and poultry meat act as major sources of animal protein, NoV and RV infections are common cause of acute human gastroenteritis, while hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus cause human hepatitis worldwide. Most of the cases remain unreported due to subclinical cases.

Disentangling the innate immune responses of intestinal epithelial cells and lamina propria cells to Salmonella Typhimurium infection in chickens.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) is a major foodborne pathogen and poultry are a key reservoir of human infections. To understand the host responses to early stages of Salmonella infection in poultry, we infected 2D and 3D enteroids, the latter of which contains leukocytes, neurons, and mesenchymal cells that are characteristic of the lamina propria. We infected these enteroids with wild-type (WT STm), a non-invasive mutant lacking the prgH gene (ΔprgH STm), or treated them with STm lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and analyzed the expression of innate immune related genes by qPCR at 4 and 8 h. The localization of the tight junction protein, ZO-1, expression was disrupted in WT STm infected enteroids but not ΔprgH STm or LPS treated enteroids, suggesting a loss of epithelial barrier integrity. The innate immune response to LPS was more pronounced in 2D enteroids compared to 3D enteroids and by 8 hpi, the response in 3D enteroids was almost negligible. However, when STm adhered to or invaded the enteroids, both 2D and 3D enteroids exhibited an upregulation of inflammatory responses. The presence of lamina propria cells in 3D enteroids resulted in the unique expression of genes associated with immune functions involved in regulating inflammation. Moreover, 2D and 3D enteroids showed temporal differences in response to bacterial invasion or adherence. At 8 hpi, innate responses in 3D but not 2D enteroids continued to increase after infection with WT STm, whereas the responses to the non-invasive strain decreased at 8 hpi in both 2D and 3D enteroids. In conclusion, STm infection of chicken enteroids recapitulated several observations from in vivo studies of Salmonella-infected chickens, including altered epithelial barrier integrity based on ZO-1 expression and inflammatory responses. Our findings provide evidence that Salmonella-infected enteroids serve as effective models for investigating host-pathogen interactions and exploring the molecular mechanisms of microbial virulence although the 3D model mimics the host more accurately due to the presence of a lamina propria.

Trends and Challenges in the Surveillance and Control of Avian Metapneumovirus.

Among the respiratory pathogens of birds, the Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) is one of the most relevant, as it is responsible for causing infections of the upper respiratory tract and may induce respiratory syndromes. aMPV is capable of affecting the reproductive system of birds, directly impacting shell quality and decreasing egg production. Consequently, this infection can cause disorders related to animal welfare and zootechnical losses. The first cases of respiratory syndromes caused by aMPV were described in the 1970s, and today six subtypes (A, B, C, D, and two more new subtypes) have been identified and are widespread in all chicken and turkey-producing countries in the world, causing enormous economic losses for the poultry industry. Conventionally, immunological techniques are used to demonstrate aMPV infection in poultry, however, the identification of aMPV through molecular techniques helped in establishing the traceability of the virus. This review compiles data on the main aMPV subtypes present in different countries; aMPV and bacteria co-infection; vaccination against aMPV and viral selective pressure, highlighting the strategies used to prevent and control respiratory disease; and addresses tools for viral diagnosis and virus genome studies aiming at improving and streamlining pathogen detection and corroborating the development of new vaccines that can effectively protect herds, preventing viral escapes.