Experimental infection of specific-pathogen-free chickens with avian rotaviruses

One-to-70-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were infected with rotaviruses isolated from chickens, turkeys, and pheasants. Chicks infected at 1 or 7 days of age remained largely free of infection: virus could be isolated from a few chicks of these ages, but virus antigen could not be detected in the epithelial cells of the intestinal villi. Treating the virus with trypsin before inoculation did not markedly enhance virus infectivity. The same batches of virus successfully infected chickens at 56 and 70 days of age: virus could be isolated between 1 and 5 days postinfection, and virus antigen was detected in the epithelial cells of the intestinal villi. Rotaviruses isolated from pheasants were infectious for 49-day-old chickens. All infections in the older chickens remained subclinical.     

B亚型禽偏肺病毒对SPF鸡的致病性

利用分离的1株B亚型禽偏肺病毒,采用静脉注射和点眼滴鼻两种途径接种SPF鸡,并在接种同时免疫新城疫弱毒疫苗。在攻毒后3、6、9、12、15d,每组随机抽取3只翅下采血,检测血液生化指标,利用血凝和血凝抑制试验检测新城疫HI抗体效价;利用流式细胞术分析外周血CD40／CD8比值,ELISA试剂盒测定血清中IL-2、IFN7的含量;同时观察静脉注射组和点眼滴鼻组鸡的临床症状、剖检病变和病理组织学变化。结果表明,攻毒后9～15d,静脉注射组和点眼滴鼻组外周血CD4＋/CD8＋比值和血清II-2、IFN-γ的含量均显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）,而静脉注射组与点眼滴鼻组间无显著差异（P〉0．05）;静脉注射组和点眼滴鼻组的免疫器官指数低于对照组,但各组间差异不显著（P〉0．05）;各组间新城疫HI抗体水平无显著差异（P〉0．05）;血液生化指标仪谷丙转氨酶（ALT）和谷草转氨酶（AST）在攻毒后显著升高（P〈0．05）,其他指标在各组间无显著差异（P〉0．05）;静脉注射组和点眼滴鼻组在感染后3～10d出现轻微临床症状;病理组织学检测结果显示,静脉注射组和点眼滴鼻组的呼吸道和肝脏病变最明显。综上所述,B亚型禽偏肺病毒感染SPF鸡后,在一段时间内抑制机体细胞免疫,导致免疫机能下降,并引起轻微的组织病变;B亚型禽偏肺病毒通过两种不同的攻毒途径对SPF鸡的致病性无显著差异。     

Pathology of avian adenovirus serotypes in the presence of Escherichia coli in infectious-bursal-disease-virus-infected specific-pathogen-free chickens

Ten strains of adenovirus representing 10 serotypes were administered intratracheally to 3-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens, which also received 2.5 X 10(5) colony-forming units of a pathogenic Escherichia coli intranasally. Those birds had been inoculated by eye drop at 1 day of age with a virulent infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Controls consisted of groups of chickens inoculated with: (a) IBDV and E. coli, (b) IBDV only, (c) E. coli only, and (d) no virus or E. coli. Gross pulmonary alterations at 5 days postinoculation (PI) included congestion and consolidation of one or both lungs of a chick inoculated with adenovirus serotype Ind-C and another inoculated with A-2. Histopathologic alterations in the lungs were those of multifocal interstitial and occasionally diffuse pneumonia. All 10 adenovirus serotypes elicited multifocal or diffuse pneumonia and bronchiolitis in one or more of the five birds per group necropsied at 5 days PI. T-8 and A-2 serotypes induced marked to serve diffuse pneumonia within 5 days; Ind-C, Stein, Tipton, 75-1A, B-3, and X-11 incited a mild diffuse pneumonia. In all groups, the pneumonic lesions were more severe 5 days PI than 12 days PI. Tracheitis was incited by Ind-C, Stein, T-8, and A-2 at 5 days PI; the lesions were minimal to marked in severity. None of the four control groups exhibited gross or histopathologic alterations except the two IBDV-infected groups, which exhibited bursal change.     

Pathogenicity of an avian influenza virus serotype H9N2 in chickens

A low pathogenic avian influenza virus (AIV) serotype H9N2 affected many commercial flocks in the Middle East in late 1990s and early 2000s. Due to the varying pathogenicity ofAIV H9N2 reported in previous studies, this study was carried out to determine the pathogenicity of a Jordanian isolate of H9N2 in broiler and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. Mild tracheal rales were observed in the broilers but not in the SPF birds starting 3 days postinfection (DPI) and until the end of the experiment at 16 DPI. Infected chickens had gross and histologic changes limited to the respiratory system (sinuses, trachea, lungs, and air sacs) characterized by congestion and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. However, the lesions in the broiler chickens were more severe than those in the SPF chicks. Furthermore, the virus caused significant (P = 0.004) reduction (230 g) in average body weight of the infected broiler group compared with the uninfected broiler group. Both broiler and SPF-infected groups seroconverted, and they had a geometric mean titer of 2(8.2) and 2(9.3), respectively, on the hemagglutination inhibition test at 16 DPI. Cloacal virus shedding was not detected by 9 DPI and 15 DPI in broiler and SPF-infected groups, respectively. This study demonstrated the pathogenic nature of the local Jordanian H9N2 isolate and the variation from what it has been reported in other countries of the region. Regional effort should be directed to start an eradication program of this disease because of its pathogenicity for chickens, wide distribution, and possible interference with surveillance for H5N1 serotype.     

Serologic detection of adenovirus infections in specific-pathogen-free chickens

A specific-pathogen-free flock of White Leghorns, which were housed conventionally and were previously serologically negative for all common poultry pathogens including avian adenoviruses, incurred an outbreak of adenovirus that was detected at about 39 weeks of age. The infection was detected serologically through the agar-gel precipitin test (AGPT) and also by a microneutralization test (MNT) adapted for 11 serotypes of avian adenovirus. The MNT detected specific antibodies to serotype-3 avian adenovirus (IBHV-Tipton) but no other serotype. While AGPT-positive sera drawn from the flock gradually declined from 54% to 17%, neutralizing-antibody levels rose sharply at 46 weeks of age to a peak that was maintained over the remaining 18 weeks of the flock's production.     

Pathology of specific-pathogen-free chickens inoculated with H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated in Japan in 2004

Specific-pathogen-free chickens inoculated with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses isolated in Japan in 2004 were investigated pathologically. The chickens inoculated intravenously with the viruses died within 26 hr after inoculation. Macroscopically, minimal necrosis of the tip of the comb, and hemorrhages of the palpebral conjunctiva, liver, cerebellum, and muscles were rarely observed. Histologically, dead chickens had minimal focal necrosis of hepatocytes with fibrinous thrombi in sinusoids, mild necrosis of splenic ellipsoids with fibrinous exudation, minimal necrosis of the brain, mild necrosis of epidermal cells of the comb with congestion of the lamina propria, and hemorrhages and edema of the lamina propria of the conjunctiva. Virus antigens were seen in the sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes in the liver, the capillary endothelial cells of the spleen, the capillary endothelial cells and cardiac myocytes in the heart, the capillary endothelial cells and necrotic nerve cells in the brain, the capillary endothelial cells in the lamina propria of the comb, the renal tubular epithelial cells, and the pancreatic acinar cells. The chickens inoculated by natural infectious routes died within 1-4 days after inoculation. Macroscopically, some chickens had hemorrhages in the conjunctiva, edematous swelling of the face and wattles, hydropericardium, hemorrhages of the proventriculus and bursa of Fabricius, increased secretion of tracheal mucus, and congestion and edema of lungs. Histologic lesions by natural infectious routes were similar to those by intravenous inoculation, except for the pancreatic necrosis. This study suggests H5N1 HPAI viruses isolated in Japan in 2004 cause pathologic conditions similar to natural cases.     

Pathogenicity of recent isolates of infectious bursal disease virus in specific-pathogen-free chickens: protection conferred by an intermediate vaccine strain

The pathogenicity of recent isolates of infectious bursal disease virus and the protection conferred against them by a commercial vaccine strain of intermediate virulence were examined in specific-pathogen-free chickens. Based on clinical signs, mortality, and macroscopic lesions in susceptible chickens, the isolates designated as A-Delmarva and U-28 were distinct from a previously known serotype I virulent isolate (Edgar). Histopathological analysis of the bursa of Fabricius did not establish differences between the field isolates. Although the vaccine strain produced some degree of bursal damage in antibody-free chickens, it was significantly less severe than the damage caused by the field isolates. The active immune response induced by vaccination was cross-protective against the pathological effects produced by the different isolates used in this study.     

不同宿主源NDV毒株对SPF鸡致病性研究

为阐明不同宿主及不同基因型新城瘦病毒(NOV)对SPF鸡致病性,选择分离自鸡、番鸭、鹅、健康野鸟的基因VIId亚型NDV 6株,鸡源基因Ⅲ型和鸽源基因VIb型毒株各1株,以及基因Ⅸ型强毒F48E9,共9株NDV毒株进行致病性试验.在对各毒株的EID50及主要致病指数MDT、ICPI测定基础之上,以相同剂量感染15日龄SPF鸡,观察临床症状及剖检病变,计算发病率和死亡率,并在攻毒后不同时间采集主要组织样品.以SYBR Green I Real-time PCR检测病毒最早出现时间及病毒载量.结果表明,6株基因VIId亚型NDV毒株导致SPF鸡100%发病,死亡率90%以上,属于高致病性毒株;基因Ⅲ、VIb型毒株导致SPF鸡发病但不死亡,属于中等毒力毒株.VIId亚型毒株与F48E9株攻毒后SPF鸡在病理变化、组织嗜性及病毒载量上没有显著差异.根据毒株的MDT、ICPI指数及攻毒鸡病程综合判断,VIId亚型毒株在致病性上与F48E9株差异不显著.健康野鸟携带基因VIId亚型高致病性NDV,在NDV的自然生态传播过程中起重要作用,提示应该加强对野鸟的流行病学监测及相关研究.     

Pathogenicity evaluation of different Newcastle disease virus chimeras in 4-week-old chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the disease-inducing ability of four chimeric Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) by clinicopathological assessment. The infectious clones were previously generated by insertion of hemagglutinin–neuraminidase (HN) and/or fusion (F) genes from virulent strains (Turkey North Dakota and California 02) into a mesogenic strain (Anhinga) backbone. Groups of 4-week-old chickens were inoculated via eye drop instillation, clinical signs were monitored daily, and necropsies with collection of tissues were performed at 2, 5, 10, and 14 days post infection. Tissue sections were evaluated for histopathology and immunohistochemistry for NDV nucleoprotein. All viruses replicated successfully in the natural host, although viral recovery, seroconversion, and extent of immunohistochemical staining were greatest from birds infected with those viruses containing both F and HN genes from the same virulent virus. There was minimal to no increase in clinicopathologic disease due to infection with the chimeras compared to the recombinant backbone. However, all birds developed histological evidence of encephalitis. The results suggest that the inherent virulence of Turkey North Dakota and California 2002 strains is due to more than the simple presence of their F and HN genes.     

In ovo vaccination of specific-pathogen-free chickens with vaccines containing multiple agents.

We used in ovo technology to protect chickens against multiple diseases by inoculating vaccines containing mixtures of live viral agents. A single in ovo injection of a vaccine containing serotypes 1, 2, and 3 of Marek's disease virus (MDV), a vaccine strain of serotype 1 infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and recombinant fowl pox vaccine with HN and F genes of Newcastle disease virus (rFP-NDV) induced protection against virulent MDV, IBDV, Newcastle disease virus, and fowl poxvirus. The multiple-agent vaccine induced specific antibodies against the viral agents present in the mixture and did not adversely affect the survival of hatched chickens. Inoculation of a vaccine containing serotypes 1, 2, and 3 of MDV and IBDV did not affect hatchability of eggs, although the addition of rFP-NDV to the mixture reduced hatchability by 23%-26%. In ovo vaccination with a vaccine containing MDV and IBDV vaccine viruses did not exacerbate the inhibitory effect of individual viral agents on humoral and cellular immune competence.     

The efficacy of an avian metapneumovirus vaccine applied simultaneously with infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease virus vaccines to specific-pathogen-free chickens

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) are important respiratory pathogens of chickens. To achieve early posthatch protection against all three diseases it would be helpful to deliver live aMPV, IBV, and NDV vaccines simultaneously at 1 day of age. However, previous work has indicated that the efficacy of aMPV vaccines may be affected when codelivered with IBV or NDV vaccines. The efficacy of an aMPV vaccine when codelivered to chickens in a trivalent combination with an NDV and an IBV vaccine was examined. The serological antibody response to the aMPV vaccine given with the IBV and NDV vaccine was significantly lower than when the aMPV vaccine was given alone. However, the aMPV vaccine did not affect the serological response to the IBV and NDV vaccines. Irrespective, the efficacy of the aMPV vaccine was not affected based on clinical signs postchallenge. This is the first report showing aMPV, IBV, and NDV vaccines can be codelivered without affecting the efficacy of the aMPV vaccine.     

Pathogenicity and antigenicity of avian nephritis isolates.

The G-4260, IR-N, M-6, and M-8 strains of avian nephritis virus (ANV) were inoculated orally into 1-day-old specific-pathogen-free chicks of the line PDL-1 for pathological and serological study. Five of 15 chicks inoculated with the G-4260 strain died with visceral urate depositions. One of 15 chicks each inoculated with the M-6 and M-8 strains died with nephrosis and visceral urate deposition, respectively. No chicks inoculated with the IR-N strain died. Mean body weights of ANV-inoculated chicks, except for the IR-N-inoculated chicks, at 14 days postinoculation (PI) were significantly lower than those of control chicks (P less than 0.01). However, interstitial nephritis was observed in all ANV-inoculated birds that were histopathologically examined at 14 days PI. In the serological study, the G-4260 and IR-N strains were classified as the same serotype, and the M-6 and M-8 strains were classified as a different serotype from the G-4260 and IR-N strains. These results indicate that there at least two serotypes of ANV and its strains differ in pathogenicity.     

Pathogenicity for chickens of avian influenza viruses isolated from whistling swans and a black-tailed gull in Japan

We isolated 24 Hav1 Neq1 and 18 Hav6 Nav3 influenza viruses from such free-living wild waterfowl as whistling swans, black-tailed gulls, and tufted ducks in western Japan in 1980. Two Hav1 Neq1 viruses isolated from a whistling swan and a black-tailed gull and a Hav6 Nav3 virus from a whistling swan were examined for their pathogenicity for chickens. Five-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were inoculated with the viruses intratracheally or intraperitoneally. Virus was recovered successfully from all the organs, including the brain, despite the absence of signs of disease. The intracerebral pathogenicity index scores obtained for the Hav1 Neq1 viruses were 0.43 and 0.87; the score for the Hav6 Nav3 virus was 0.43. No virus produced plaques in cultivated chick embryo fibroblast cells in the absence of trypsin.     

Pathogenicity of Campylobacter jejuni for turkeys and chickens.

A Campylobacter jejuni isolate obtained from a turkey liver, designated C101, and a C. jejuni isolate obtained from the feces of a chicken, designated C111, were used to inoculate their respective hosts. Isolate C101 depressed weight gain by 20% when inoculated into newly hatched poults or 4-day-old poults. It also caused death, hepatic necrosis, and generalized hemorrhages in turkey embryos. The chicken-derived isolate, C111, did not reduce weight gain in newly hatched chicks, but it did induce mortality in chicken embryos. The supernatant of the cultures of both C. jejuni isolates also caused mortality in embryos.     

Differences in the induction of urate deposition of specific-pathogen-free chicks inoculated with avian nephritis virus passaged by five different methods.

The G-4260 strain of avian nephritis virus (ANV) was passaged using five different methods as follows: method 1, passage three times in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of 11-day-old embryonated eggs (CAM3); method 2, passage twice in CAM and further passage once in yolk sac (YS) of 6-day-old embryonated eggs (CAM2-YS1); method 3, passage 11 times in CAM (CAM11); method 4, passage 10 times in CAM and further passage twice in YS (CAM10-YS2); method 5, passage as in Method 4 and then passage three times in chicken kidney cell culture (CAM10-YS2-CK3). CAM11 and CAM10-YS2 were each inoculated orally into 25 one-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks. Seven chicks in the CAM11-inoculated group and six chicks in the CAM10-YS2-inoculated group died or were killed because they were moribund; all had either nephrosis or urate deposition. CAM3, CAM2-YS1, CAM10-YS2, and CAM10-YS2-CK3 were each inoculated intraperitoneally into 15 one-day-old SPF chicks. No chicks inoculated with CAM3 or CAM2-YS1 died, but wo chicks inoculated with CAM10-YS2 and three inoculated with CAM10-YS2-CK3 died with urate deposition. At 14 postinoculation, plasma urate values of the CAM10-YS2- and CAM10-YS2-CK3-inoculated chicks were significantly higher than those of CAM3- and CAM2-YS1-inoculated chicks and control chicks (P less than 0.01). However, interstitial nephritis was observed in most of the ANV-inoculated birds.     

Pathogenicity of avian leukosis viruses

Three methods were used in attempts to obtain non-oncogenic avian leukosis virus for possible use as an immunoprophylactic agent for the control of lymphoid leukosis in chickens. These were: 1) isolate a nononcogenic virus from commercial breeder flocks experiencing very little or no lymphoid leukosis; 2) obtain a non-oncogenic recombinant from mixed infection of a strain with low oncogenicity, Rous-associated virus-60 (RAV-60), with RAV-1 or RAV-2 in cell culture; and 3) attempt to attenuate subgroup A avian leukosis virus by serial passage in avian cell culture. Of 43 isolates obtained from field sources, all were pathogenic except one, and its pathogenicity was questionable because of the low amount of virus tested. All 42 clones from mixed infection of highly oncogenic and poorly oncogenic virus and all clones passaged serially in cell culture were oncogenic.