Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 9002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergy of Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus and Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus Enhances the Pathogenicity in Chickens

by Huijuan Xu, Wenxue Li, Yu Nie, Sheng Chen, Hongxin Li, Xinheng Zhang, Qingmei Xie and Weiguo Chen

Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040740 - 05 Apr 2024

Viewed by 464

Abstract

Subgroup J avian leukemia virus (ALV-J) and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) are widely acknowledged as significant immunosuppressive pathogens that commonly co-infect chickens, causing substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. However, whether co-infection of ALV-J and CIAV have synergistic pathogenicity remains uncertain. [...] Read more.

Subgroup J avian leukemia virus (ALV-J) and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) are widely acknowledged as significant immunosuppressive pathogens that commonly co-infect chickens, causing substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. However, whether co-infection of ALV-J and CIAV have synergistic pathogenicity remains uncertain. To explore their synergistic pathogenesis, we established a co-infection model of ALV-J and CIAV in HD11 cells and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. We discovered that ALV-J and CIAV can synergistically promote the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, IFN-α, and IFN-γ and apoptosis in HD11 cells. In vivo, compared to the ALV-J and CIAV mono-infected group, the mortality increased significantly by 27% (20 to 47%) and 14% (33 to 47%) in the co-infected group, respectively. We also discovered that ALV-J and CIAV synergistically inhibited weight gain and exhibited more severe organ damage in co-infected chickens. Furthermore, we found that CIAV can promote the replication of ALV-J in HD11 cells and significantly enhance ALV-J viral load in blood and tissues of co-infected chickens, but ALV-J cannot promote the replication of CIAV. Moreover, by measuring the immune organ indexes and proportions of blood CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ lymphocytes, more serious instances of immunosuppression were observed in ALV-J and CIAV co-infected chickens than in mono-infected chickens. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ALV-J and CIAV synergistically enhance pathogenicity and immunosuppression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 8585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization, Pathogenicity, and Epidemiology Analysis of Three Sub-Genotype Pigeon Newcastle Disease Virus Strains in China

by Zeren Wang, Zhengyang Geng, Hongbo Zhou, Pengju Chen, Jing Qian and Aizhen Guo

Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040738 - 04 Apr 2024

Viewed by 548

Abstract

Pigeon Newcastle disease (ND) is a serious infectious illness caused by the pigeon Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1). Genotype VI NDV is a primary factor in ND among Columbiformes (such as pigeons and doves). In a recent study, eight [...] Read more.

Pigeon Newcastle disease (ND) is a serious infectious illness caused by the pigeon Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1). Genotype VI NDV is a primary factor in ND among Columbiformes (such as pigeons and doves). In a recent study, eight pigeon NDV strains were discovered in various provinces in China. These viruses exhibited mesogenic characteristics based on their MDT and ICPI values. The complete genome sequences of these eight strains showed a 90.40% to 99.19% identity match with reference strains of genotype VI, and a 77.86% to 80.45% identity match with the genotype II vaccine strain. Additionally, analysis of the F gene sequence revealed that these NDV strains were closely associated with sub-genotypes VI.2.2.2, VI.2.1.1.2.1, and VI.2.1.1.2.2. The amino acid sequence at the cleavage site of the F protein indicated virulent characteristics, with the sequences ¹¹²KRQKRF¹¹⁷ and ¹¹²RRQKRF¹¹⁷ observed. Pigeons infected with these sub-genotype strains had a low survival rate of only 20% to 30%, along with lesions in multiple tissues, highlighting the strong spread and high pathogenicity of these pigeon NDV strains. Molecular epidemiology data from the GenBank database revealed that sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 strains have been prevalent since 2011. In summary, the findings demonstrate that the prevalence of genotype VI NDV is due to strains from diverse sub-genotypes, with the sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 strain emerging as the current epidemic strain, highlighting the significance of monitoring pigeon NDV in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surveillance of Avian Metapneumovirus in Non-Vaccinated Chickens and Co-Infection with Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli

by Gleidson Biasi Carvalho Salles, Giulia Von Tönnemann Pilati, Beatriz Pereira Savi, Eduardo Correa Muniz, Mariane Dahmer, Josias Rodrigo Vogt, Antonio José de Lima Neto and Gislaine Fongaro

Microorganisms 2024, 12(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010056 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 735

Abstract

Brazil is the second largest producer of broiler chicken in the world, and the surveillance of avian pathogens is of great importance for the global economy and nutrition. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection results in high rates of animal carcass losses due to aerosacculitis [...] Read more.

Brazil is the second largest producer of broiler chicken in the world, and the surveillance of avian pathogens is of great importance for the global economy and nutrition. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) infection results in high rates of animal carcass losses due to aerosacculitis and these impacts can be worsened through co-infection with pathogenic bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (APEC). The present study evaluated the seroprevalence of the main aMPV subtypes in unvaccinated broiler chickens from poultry farms in Brazil, as well as the clinical effects of co-infection with APEC. Blood samples, respiratory swabs, femurs, liver, and spleen of post-mortem broiler chickens were collected from 100 poultry production batches, totaling 1000 samples. The selection of the production batch was based on the history of systemic and respiratory clinical signs. The results indicated that 20% of the lots showed serological evidence of the presence of aMPV, with two lots being positive for aMPV-B. A total of 45% of batches demonstrated co-infection between aMPV and APEC. The results point to the need for viral surveillance, targeted vaccination, and vaccination programs, which could reduce clinical problems and consequently reduce the use of antibiotics to treat bacterial co-infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genomic Characteristics of an Arthritis-Causing Salmonella pullorum

by Zhiyuan Lu, Jiaqi Huang, Peiyong Li, Mengze Song, Ben Liu, Wenli Tang and Shuhong Sun

Microorganisms 2023, 11(12), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11122986 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 952

Abstract

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar pullorum (Salmonella pullorum) is an avian-specific pathogen that has caused considerable economic losses to the poultry industry. High endemicity, poor implementation of hygiene measures, and lack of effective vaccines hinder the prevention and control of [...] Read more.

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar pullorum (Salmonella pullorum) is an avian-specific pathogen that has caused considerable economic losses to the poultry industry. High endemicity, poor implementation of hygiene measures, and lack of effective vaccines hinder the prevention and control of this disease in intensively maintained poultry flocks. In recent years, the incidence of arthritis in chicks caused by Salmonella pullorum infection has increased. In this study, four Salmonella pullorum strains were identified from the livers, spleens, and joint fluids of Qingjiaoma chicken breeders with arthritis clinical signs, and an arthritis model of chicks was successfully established using SP206-2. Whole genome sequencing of the SP206-2 strain showed that the genome was 4,730,579 bp, 52.16% GC content, and contained 5007 genes, including 4729 protein-coding regions. The genomic analysis of four arthritis-causing isolates and three diarrhea-causing isolates showed that the genome of arthritis-causing isolates was subject to nonsynonymous mutations, shift mutations, and gene copy deletions. An SNP phylogenetic tree analysis showed that arthritis-causing isolates are located in a different evolutionary branch from diarrhea-causing isolates. Further differential genes analysis showed that the genome of arthritis-causing isolates had missense mutations in genes related to substance metabolism and substance transport, as a result of adaptive evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of FAdV-4 from Indigenous Chicken Breeds in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China

by Jinyu Lai, Liangyu Yang, Fashun Chen, Xingchen He, Rongjie Zhang, Yong Zhao, Gan Gao, Weiwu Mu, Xi Chen, Shiyu Luo, Tao Ren and Bin Xiang

Microorganisms 2023, 11(11), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112631 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 903

Abstract

Fowl adenovirus-induced hepatitis–pericardial effusion syndrome outbreaks have been increasingly reported in China since 2015, resulting in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. The genetic diversity of indigenous chicken results in different immune traits, affecting the evolution of these viruses. Although the molecular [...] Read more.

Fowl adenovirus-induced hepatitis–pericardial effusion syndrome outbreaks have been increasingly reported in China since 2015, resulting in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. The genetic diversity of indigenous chicken results in different immune traits, affecting the evolution of these viruses. Although the molecular epidemiology of fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has been well studied in commercial broiler and layer chickens, the prevalence and genetic characteristics of FAdV-4 in indigenous chickens remain largely unknown. In this study, samples were collected from six indigenous chicken breeds in Yunnan province, China. FAdV-positive samples were identified in five of the six indigenous chicken populations via PCR and 10 isolates were obtained. All FAdVs belonged to serotype FAdV-4 and species FAdV-C. The hexon, fiber, and penton gene sequence comparison analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of FAdV-4 isolates in these chickens might have originated from other provinces that exported chicks and poultry products to Yunnan province. Moreover, several distinct amino acid mutations were firstly identified in the major structural proteins. Our findings highlighted the need to decrease inter-regional movements of live poultry to protect indigenous chicken genetic resources and that the immune traits of these indigenous chickens might result in new mutations of FAdV-4 strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergence and Persistent Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N8) in Kosovo, May 2021–May 2022

by Armend Cana, Bianca Zecchin, Xhavit Merovci, Alice Fusaro, Edoardo Giussani, Sadik Heta, Kiril Krstevski, Dafina Mehmetukaj, Izedin Goga, Beqe Hulaj, Bafti Murati, Calogero Terregino and Aleksandar Dodovski

Microorganisms 2023, 11(9), 2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092226 - 02 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608

Abstract

In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on 19 May 2021. The outbreak consisted of three phases: May–June 2021, September–November 2021, and January–May 2022. In total, 32 backyards and 10 [...] Read more.

In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on 19 May 2021. The outbreak consisted of three phases: May–June 2021, September–November 2021, and January–May 2022. In total, 32 backyards and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that had been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of three H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influenza A Virus in Pigs in Senegal and Risk Assessment of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) Emergence and Transmission to Human

by Mamadou Malado Jallow, Mamadou Aliou Barry, Amary Fall, Ndiendé Koba Ndiaye, Davy Kiori, Sara Sy, Déborah Goudiaby, Mbayame Ndiaye Niang, Gamou Fall, Malick Fall and Ndongo Dia

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11081961 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1742

Abstract

We conducted an active influenza surveillance in the single pig slaughterhouse in Dakar to investigate the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and to provide serologic evidence of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection in pigs at interfaces with human populations [...] Read more.

We conducted an active influenza surveillance in the single pig slaughterhouse in Dakar to investigate the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of influenza A viruses (IAVs) and to provide serologic evidence of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection in pigs at interfaces with human populations in Senegal. Nasal swab and blood samples were collected on a weekly basis from the same animal immediately after slaughter. Influenza A viruses were diagnosed using RT-qPCR and a subset of positive samples for H3 and H1 subtypes were selected for full genome amplification and NGS sequencing. Serum samples were tested by HI assay for the detection of antibodies recognizing four AIVs, including H9N2, H5N1, H7N7 and H5N2. Between September 2018 and December 2019, 1691 swine nasal swabs were collected and tested. Influenza A virus was detected in 30.7% (520/1691), and A/H1N1pdm09 virus was the most commonly identified subtype with 38.07% (198/520), followed by A/H1N2 (16.3%) and A/H3N2 (5.2%). Year-round influenza activity was noted in pigs, with the highest incidence between June and September. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the IAVs were closely related to human IAV strains belonging to A/H1N1pdm09 and seasonal H3N2 lineages. Genetic analysis revealed that Senegalese strains possessed several key amino acid changes, including D204 and N241D in the receptor binding site, S31N in the M2 gene and P560S in the PA protein. Serological analyses revealed that 83.5% (95%CI = 81.6–85.3) of the 1636 sera tested were positive for the presence of antibodies against either H9N2, H5N1, H7N7 or H5N2. Influenza H7N7 (54.3%) and H9N2 (53.6%) were the dominant avian subtypes detected in Senegalese pigs. Given the co-circulation of multiple subtypes of influenza viruses among Senegalese pigs, the potential exists for the emergence of new hybrid viruses of unpredictable zoonotic and pandemic potential in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 2148 KiB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Sampling Methods for Detection of Salmonella Infections in Laying Hens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ewa Pacholewicz, Henk J. Wisselink, Miriam G. J. Koene, Marleen van der Most and Jose L. Gonzales

Microorganisms 2023, 11(8), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082100 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1683

Abstract

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly reported foodborne gastrointestinal infection in humans in the European Union (EU). Most outbreaks are caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, present in contaminated food products, particularly in egg and egg products. In recent years, an increase in the prevalence [...] Read more.

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly reported foodborne gastrointestinal infection in humans in the European Union (EU). Most outbreaks are caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, present in contaminated food products, particularly in egg and egg products. In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of Salmonella in laying hen flocks in the EU has been observed. For the effective control of infection, adequate detection is key. In laying hen flocks, the occurrence of Salmonella in the EU is monitored by the culture of environmental samples (dust, faeces, and boot swabs). The performance of sampling procedures described in the literature for the detection of Salmonella in laying hens was reviewed. In total, 924 abstracts were screened, resulting in the selection of 87 abstracts and 18 publications for qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively. Sample sizes and sampling locations of faecal material and dust were variable and poorly described. Microbiological culture methods used to detect Salmonella were variably described in the literature and were often incomplete. Overall, the available literature indicates higher sensitivity of environmental versus individual hen matrices and points to differences in sensitivity between environmental matrices. For non-cage housing systems, boot swabs are the preferred samples, while for cage housing systems dust might be a more reliable sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Poultry Pathogens and Poultry Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI