Non-epidermidis coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolated from farm animals can inhibit the hemagglutinating activity of Newcastle disease virus and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3

The Embp protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis inhibits the hemagglutination of the H1N1 influenza virus and protects birds from a viral respiratory infection. Several species of Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) are present in the respiratory cavity, particularly in nostrils. We hypothesize that non-epidermidis CoNS found in animals can have the same function as observed in S. epidermidis. Thirty Non-epidermidis CoNS isolates were obtained from poultry, sheep, goat, pig, and dairy cow nostrils. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) activity was assayed in bacteria-free supernatants from non-epidermidis CoNS against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV). In 13 of the 30 strains (43.3 %), bacteria-free supernatants showed HI activity for NDV and BPIV-3. Staphylococcus xylosus supernatants from poultry (one isolate), sheep (two isolates), goat (one isolate), and dairy cow (three isolates) had the highest frequency of HI activity on NDV and BPIV-3, followed by Staphylococcus sp. supernatants from goat (one isolate), dairy cow (two isolates), and finally Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus chromogens and Staphylococcus gallinarum supernatants with single isolation from poultry, pig and poultry, respectively. Nine isolates had the homologous gene to the embp gene of S. epidermidis, and it was associated with HI activity in the studied viruses. By Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis, S. xylosus isolates showed to be different clones and related to the origin of isolation and HI activity. These results demonstrate that non-epidermidis CoNS supernatants from different animals and origins have the ability of HI on NDV and BPIV-3, indicating that not only S. epidermidis has the same function.     

An investigation of the disease status of village poultry in Mauritania

Three contagious poultry diseases in Mauritania were studied. Serum samples and tracheal swabs were taken from 80 chickens in village poultry flocks in each of three different regions. Antibodies against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were detected in 4.8% of chickens, antibodies against Gumboro disease virus in 15.8% of chickens and antibodies against Salmonella pullorum in 6.2% of chickens. Six isolates of NDV were made, of which four formed plaques on chicken embryo fibroblast monolayers. Seropositivity was highest in the Trarza region, bordering the River Senegal, and four out of six of the NDV isolates were made from chickens in this region.     

2008-2009年部分地区新城疫病毒分离株的进化分析

本研究旨在从分子水平上掌握中国新城疫病毒的变异情况和新城疫的流行规律,对2008-2009年从中国部分省市养殖场分离的9株新城疫病毒毒株,采用RT-PCR方法扩增其F和HN基因,经克隆和测序,对所得序列进行同源性和遗传进化分析。结果显示,9株分离株有8株为基因Ⅶ型,1株为基因Ⅱ型,F基因开放性阅读框架(ORF)为1662 bp,强毒株同La Sota的核苷酸同源性为83.5%~84.2%。HN基因开放性阅读框架(ORF)为1716或1734 bp,强毒株在538位缺失1个糖基化位点。结果表明,近年流行的ND疫情主要是由基因Ⅶ型NDV引起,F和HN基因的变异可能与频繁的疫苗免疫选择压力有关。     

鸽新城疫野毒株的分离及生物学特性研究

对分离的Ｇ１、Ｇ２、Ｇ３３株鸽新城疫病毒进行了电镜检查、致病性指数测定、血凝试验（ＨＡ）,与鸡新城疫Ｌａｓｏｔａ毒株的交叉血凝抑制试验（ＨＩ）、致病性试验。测得鸡胚半数感染量（ＥＩＤ５０）分别为１０－８．４１,１０－７．５３,１０－７．８３;鸡胚最小致死量（ＬＤ）均为１０－４;鸡胚平均致死时间（ＭＤＴ）分别为８０ｈ,９０ｈ,９６ｈ;１日龄雏鸡脑内致病指数（ＩＣＰＩ）分别为１．６０,１．５０,１．５５;分离毒株与Ｌａｓｏｔａ毒株和其相应血清的交叉凝集抑制试验有明显差异。将分离毒株分别接种１月龄鸽各３只,４～１０ｄ全部出现典型神经症状,１５ｄ内死亡。结果表明所分离的３株病毒为鸽新城疫病毒,在抗原性上与鸡新城疫病毒存在一定差异,对鸡也有一定致病力。为制定防制措施,研制鸽新城疫疫苗,控制新城疫流行提供了科学依据。     

不同H9N2亚型禽流感病毒株致病力的比较试验

参照NDV评价毒力的方法对1998—2008年间收集的25株H9N2AIV的致病性进行了比较研究。结果显示,25株H9N2AIV不同毒株间致病性有较大差异,大致分为3类：致病性偏强、致病性中等和致病性较弱。从中选出致病力有差异的8个毒株进行了1日龄雏鸡脑内接种指数（ICPI）、6周龄鸡静脉接种指数（IVPI）以及8周龄SPF鸡人工感染排毒试验,结果证明大部分毒株ICPI和IVPI基本上为0,排毒散毒的高峰期在攻毒后第5天到第6天。在25个毒株中,3#和12#表现出了比较高的致病性,不仅其EID50值最高（分别为10-8.8/0.2mL和10-8.8/0.2mL）、ELD50值最高（分别为10-7.9/0.2mL和10-8.7/0.2mL）,而且鸡胚平均死亡时间也最短（分别为66.5,69h）。3#、12#还出现了1日龄雏鸡脑内接种指数（分别为0.238,0.437）和6周鸡静脉内接种指数（分别为0.34,0.51）。在8周龄SPF鸡人工感染排毒试验中3#和12#毒株的排毒量大,排毒时间也明显长于其他毒株（第2～9天）。以上试验结果表明我国H9N2AIV不同毒株致病性有明显差异,呈多态性,致病性偏强的毒株造成鸡群较高的死亡率。     

陕西省鸡肾型传染性支气管炎病毒的分离鉴定

从临床表现呼吸道传染病的20个发病鸡群中先后分离出18株病毒,通过鸡胚感染、血清学试验、分子生物学试验、动物回归试验证明其中13株是冠状病毒科的鸡传染性支气管炎病毒,3株为新城疫病毒,2株为H9禽流感病毒。该13株中的BJ2、FF2、YL2、B01、G5、YX、WH、WG分离毒具有很强的嗜肾性和致病力,这8个陕西流行株的血清型与W118毒株相同,而与IBVGray株、W93株有一定的差异。结果表明,陕西地区主要流行鸡肾型传染性支气管炎,且流行株具有强致病力。     

3株鸽源新城疫病毒的分子特征及对鸽的致病性

2011―2013年在新城疫流行病学调查中分离到3株鸽源新城疫病毒(SDS,SD01和SD02),为了进一步了解其生物学特性和遗传进化规律,对3株病毒进行了测序和生物活性分析,并对分离株SDS对鸽的致病性进行了评价。结果表明,毒株SDS基因组全长为15192 bp,基因排列方式为3′-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-5′,3个分离株F蛋白裂解位点氨基酸序列均为¹¹²RRQKRF¹¹⁷,具有典型的新城疫强毒的分子特征。系统进化分析表明这3个毒株与基因Ⅵ型NDV毒株聚于一簇,属于ClassⅡ系Ⅵb基因型。3个分离株F蛋白的融合肽和七肽重复区,HN蛋白的抗原中和表位存在多处突变,与单克隆抗体1E5、2F10的反应性也发生改变,表明3个分离株与疫苗株LaSota有明显的抗原差异。SDS攻毒试验结果显示,试验鸽自攻毒后5 d出现明显的临床症状,滴鼻组和肌肉注射组的死亡率分别为60%和70%;病死鸽剖检可见脑膜充血出血,腺胃乳头、腺胃肌胃交界及肠道出血,肝脏肿大,脾有淤血斑。滴鼻组在攻毒后5~14 d于喉头和泄殖腔检出排毒,而肌肉注射组在攻毒后3~14 d于喉头和泄殖腔有排毒。     

禽肉产品中禽流感与新城疫多重PCR-DHPLC检测方法的建立

应用多重RT-PCR反应(mRT-PCR)结合变性高效液相色谱(DHPLC)技术建立禽产品中禽流感病毒和新城疫病毒的快速检测方法。以禽流感病毒NP基因和新城疫病毒F基因各设计1对引物,经优化单相RT-PCR(sRT-PCR)反应体系,建立多重RT-PCR(mRT-PCR)同时检测禽流感和新城疫,其PCR扩增产物经DHPLC技术进行快速检测分析后,检测极限分别达10-0.5ELD50/0.1mL和10-1.5ELD50/0.1mL。与普通凝胶电泳比较,敏感性高2个数量级。特异性试验表明,mRT-PCR-DHPLC仅检测到禽流感病毒与新城疫病毒,而对其他5种禽类病原体和SPF鸡胚尿囊液均未检测到阳性吸收峰。所建立的方法检测不同亚型禽流感病毒29株、不同来源及不同毒力的新城疫病毒16株,结果与实时荧光定量PCR检测结果完全一致;与病原分离法同时检测人工感染鸡的组织脏器,两种方法检测禽流感的符合率为94.4%(34/36),检测新城疫的符合率为95.4%(21/22)。病原分离法的检出率虽高于DHPLC方法,但经统计学分析两者差异不显著,两种方法同时对27份进口鸡胗样品与90份棉拭子样品进行检测,阴性符合率为100%,可适用于进出口禽肉产品的检测。     

华东地区健康水禽携带新城疫病毒情况调查

近年来,新城疫逐渐成为了一种严重的家养水禽疾病。尽管如此,目前对于我国水禽新城疫的流行和分布情况依然知之甚少。本研究采集了2011-2012年中国华东6省1市的部分活禽市场和养殖场表观健康家鸭和家鹅泄殖腔棉拭样品,进行新城疫病毒的分离和毒力检测工作。通过测定分离株F基因高变区nt47-420,对其进行遗传进化分析。结果显示,在1200份样品中,检测到阳性样品23份,分离率为1．92％,表明眼观健康家鸭和家鹅中携带新城疫病毒。对比寒冷的春冬两季和炎热的夏季,新城疫病毒的分离率存在明显的差别。在中国家鸭和鹅中流行的新城疫毒株依然对温度敏感,高温天气不利于新城疫疫情蔓延。对分离株的鸡胚平均死亡时间和脑内接种指数进行了测定。参考76株GenBank中已发表并鉴定基因型毒株的F基因高变区nt47～420,对23株家养水禽分离株进行了遗传进化分析,结果发现分离株与流行的强毒株和疫苗株遗传距离较远。其中,13株与ClassII基因Ib亚型遗传距离最近;3株属于ClassI基因2型;7株与ClassI基因3b亚型遗传距离最近。     

Molecular epidemiological investigation of Newcastle disease virus from domestic ducks in Korea

To expand the epidemiological understanding of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) found in domestic ducks in Korea, 14 NDV isolates from apparently healthy domestic ducks were biologically and genetically characterized. Thirteen and 1 isolates of NDV were categorized into lentogenic and velogenic viruses, respectively, based on in vivo pathogenicity tests. Twelve lentogenic viruses showed HA activity to horse RBCs, while 1 lentogenic virus and the velogenic virus were negative. Lentogenic viruses (n=13) had sequence motifs of (112)ERQERL(117) (n=1) or (112)GRQGRL(117) (n=12) at the F0 cleavage site, while the velogenic virus (n=1) had a sequence motif of (112)RRQKRF(117) at the same site. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that at least three distinct genotypes may exist in domestic ducks in Korea; one class I genotype (genotype 2), and two class II (genotypes I and VII) genotypes. The class I virus was most closely related to strains of genotype 2 which were isolated in birds from the USA, Germany and Denmark. Twelve lentogenic class II viruses were grouped together in genotype I, and were then divided into at least three clusters, namely Aomori-like, Ulster2C-like, and V4-like. The velogenic class II virus was assigned to genotype VII which represents viruses responsible for recent epidemics in many Asian countries including Korea. The epidemiological importance of domestic duck isolates of NDV in Korea is discussed.     

Serological and pathological studies of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from caged birds from Southeast Asia

Eleven isolates of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), from caged birds imported from or captured in Southeast Asia in 1979-80, were antigenically divided into five distinct groups. Most of them were distinguishable from more classical NDVs (vaccine B1 strain and Miyadera strain) on the basis of their reactivity to eight monoclonal antibodies against the HN molecule of NDV in hemagglutination-inhibition tests. However, when three representative isolates were evaluated for their biological properties and pathogenicity against 1-day-old chickens, all three were found to be velogenic types that could induce serious symptoms of Newcastle disease and which eventually killed all of the chickens, regardless of the route of infection. There was not any significant correlation between their reactivity patterns with the monoclonal antibodies and their virulence.     

Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus in Captive Wild Birds

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated from the faeces of seven different species of clinically healthy captive wild birds. All seven NDV isolates were characterized as velogenic, based on the mean death time in embryonated hens' eggs and the intracerebral pathogenicity index in day-old chicks. Three of the isolates were placed in group C₁ based on the reactions with monoclonal antibodies. The role of captive wild birds in the epidemiology of Newcastle disease is briefly discussed.     

Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from rural chicken in northwest Ethiopia reveals the circulation of three distinct genotypes in the country

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious disease that affects many species of birds and causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Fifteen Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates obtained from rural chickens in northwest Ethiopia in 2011 and 2012 were characterized genotypically. The main functional region of the F gene was amplified and sequenced (260 nucleotides). Among the Ethiopian NDV isolates, 2 isolates had the virulent motif ¹¹²R-R-Q-K-R-F¹¹⁷ at the cleavage site of the fusion protein while 13 isolates contained the lentogenic motif ¹¹²G-G/R-Q-G-R-L¹¹⁷. Phylogenetic analysis based on the variable region of the F gene indicated that the two isolates exhibiting the virulent motif belonged to lineage 5 (genotype VII) subgenotype d and the remaining 13 isolates were grouped into lineage 2 (genotype II). The nucleotide sequences of lineage 5 isolates were genetically related to the Sudanese NDV isolates, suggesting potential epidemiological link of ND outbreaks between neighbouring countries. The lentogenic strains shared similarities with La Sota vaccine strain and probably originated from the vaccine strain either through direct exposure of birds to the live vaccine or to infectious La Sota-like strains circulating in rural poultry. This study provides genetic evidence on the existence of different NDV genotypes circulating in the rural poultry in Ethiopia. The virulent NDV continues to be a problem in poultry sector in Ethiopia, and their continuous circulation in rural and commercial poultry calls for improved surveillance and intensified vaccination and other control measures.     

Previous infection with virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus reduces highly pathogenic avian influenza virus replication,disease, and mortality in chickens

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are two of the most important viruses affecting poultry worldwide and produce co-infections especially in areas of the world where both viruses are endemic; but little is known about the interactions between these two viruses. The objective of this study was to determine if co-infection with NDV affects HPAIV replication in chickens. Only infections with virulent NDV strains (mesogenic Pigeon/1984 or velogenic CA/2002), and not a lentogenic NDV strain (LaSota), interfered with the replication of HPAIV A/chicken/Queretaro/14588-19/95 (H5N2) when the H5N2 was given at a high dose (10^6.9 EID₅₀) two days after the NDV inoculation, but despite this interference, mortality was still observed. However, chickens infected with the less virulent mesogenic NDV Pigeon/1984 strain three days prior to being infected with a lower dose (10^5.3–5.5 EID₅₀) of the same or a different HPAIV, A/chicken/Jalisco/CPA-12283-12/2012 (H7N3), had reduced HPAIV replication and increased survival rates. In conclusion, previous infection of chickens with virulent NDV strains can reduce HPAIV replication, and consequently disease and mortality. This interference depends on the titer of the viruses used, the virulence of the NDV, and the timing of the infections. The information obtained from these studies helps to understand the possible interactions and outcomes of infection (disease and virus shedding) when HPAIV and NDV co-infect chickens in the field.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13567-015-0237-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Characterization of Newcastle Disease Viruses Isolated from Chickens and Ducks in Tamilnadu,India

During 1993, outbreaks of Newcastle disease occurred on many farms in Tamilnadu, India. Six Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates were obtained from the chickens on five different farms and from the birds on one duck farm during outbreaks of the disease. All the isolates were characterized as velogenic, based on the mean death time, intravenous pathogenicity index, intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI), stability of haemagglutinin at 56°C, agglutination of equine erythrocytes, haemagglutination elution pattern and adsorption of haemagglutinin by chick brain cells. The isolate obtained from ducks resembled a group D strain, based on its ICPI and its reaction with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. The other five NDV isolates obtained from chickens were placed in groups B(1), C1(2) and D(2) on the basis of their binding patterns with the panel of monoclonal antibodies. In challenge experiments, it was found that LaSota vaccine provided 100% protection against each of these field isolates and against a local NDV strain obtained from the Institute of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Tamilnadu, India, while unvaccinated chickens succumbed to challenge. The possible origin of epizootic viruses causing outbreaks in vaccinated flocks is discussed.     

Pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in commercial and specific pathogen-free turkeys experimentally infected with isolates of different virulence

The pathogenesis of five different Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates representing all pathotypes was examined in commercial and specific pathogen-free (SPF) turkeys. Experimentally-infected birds were monitored clinically and euthanatized, with subsequent tissue collection, for examination by histopathology, by immunohistochemistry for the presence of NDV nucleoprotein, and by in situ hybridization for the presence of replicating virus. Clinically, the lentogenic pathotype did not cause overt clinical signs in either commercial or SPF turkeys. Mesogenic viruses caused depression in some birds. Turkeys infected with velogenic neurotropic and velogenic viscerotropic isolates showed severe depression, and neurologic signs. Histologic appearances for all strains had many similarities to lesions observed in chickens inoculated with the various isolates; that is, lesions were present predominantly in lymphoid, intestinal, and central nervous tissues. However, in general, disease among turkeys was less severe than in chickens, and turkeys could be considered a subclinical carrier for some of the isolates.     

Unexpected newcastle disease virus in day old commercial chicks and breeder hen

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) specific antigen in the gut contents and NDV specific antibody in blood circulation were seen in day old chicks belonging to nine different commercial hatcheries of Tamil Nadu, India. Antigen disappeared by 4th week and antibody by 6th week of age. Fourteen NDV isolates obtained from the gut contents of day old chicks of different commercial hatcheries, one NDV isolate from dead in shell eggs and one NDV isolate from breeder hen were characterized and grouped under velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic pathotypes. Four isolates were grouped under F and another four isolates were grouped under E based on reaction with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) but found to be velogenic based on pathogenicity tests. In one particular flock velogenie NDV was isolated from breeder hen, dead in shell embryos and day old chicks and they all belong to Mabs group E. Vertical transmission of velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic NDVs and role of NDVs in the gut contents have been discussed.     

Molecular characterization of a recent Newcastle disease virus outbreak in Jordan

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease and is a continuous threat to the poultry industry worldwide. In the early months of 2011, several devastating ND outbreaks occurred in Jordan affecting broilers, layers and breeders. The fusion gene of the isolated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was partially amplified by RT-PCR, then directly sequenced. The NDV isolates were found to have the motif(112)RRQKRF(117). This motif and a mean death time (MDT) of 46h are indicative of the velogenic nature of these NDV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the new NDV strain belongs to the lineage 5d (Aldous et al., 2003) and is closely related to the Chinese strain SG/Liaoning/2009. NDV outbreaks in 2010 and 2011 have been noted in neighboring countries. Based on the high nucleotide similarity between our isolated NDV isolates and the Chinese NDV strain, the origin of these recent NDV isolates might be from China.