Specific detection of avian pneumovirus (APV) US isolates by RT-PCR

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.

Avian Metapneumovirus Infection in Poultry Flocks: A Review of Current Knowledge

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is one of the respiratory viruses that cause global economic losses in poultry production systems. Therefore, it was important to design a comprehensive review article that gives more information about aMPV infection regarding the distribution, susceptibility, transmission, pathogenesis, pathology, diagnosis, and prevention. The aMPV infection is characterized by respiratory and reproductive disorders in turkeys and chickens. The disease condition is turkey rhinotracheitis in turkeys and swollen head syndrome in chickens. Infection with aMPV is associated with worldwide economic losses, especially in complications with other infections or poor environmental conditions. The genus Metapneumovirus is a single-stranded enveloped RNA virus and contains A, B, C, and D subtypes. Meat and egg-type birds are susceptible to aMPV infection. The virus can transmit through aerosol, direct contact, mechanical, and vertical routes. The disease condition is characterized by respiratory manifestations, a decrease in egg production, growth retardation, increasing morbidity rate, and sometimes nervous signs and a high mortality rate, particularly in concurrent infections. Definitive diagnosis of aMPV is based mainly on isolation and identification methods, detection of the viral DNA, as well as seroconversion. Prevention of aMPV infection depends on adopting biosecurity measures and vaccination using inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant or DNA vaccines.

Phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses of subtype-B metapneumovirus from chickens in Tunisia

Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) is an economically important viral disease of chickens caused by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV). The virus comprises 6 different subtypes (A,B,C,D, New-1 and New-2). To date, no information was available on the presence of the virus in Tunisian poultry. The present work aims to detect the presence of (aMPV) in broiler chicken in Tunisia, then to characterise the isolates in order to determine their subtype and to estimate their geographic origin of introduction. A total of 289 samples were collected, aMPV detection was detected by real time RT-PCR and molecular characterization was warried out by Sanger sequencing on the glycoprotein (G) gene. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using Beast 2 software. Out of the 289 samples, 21 were revealed positive to aMPV. Only 2 isolates have been confirmed by sequencing analysis ; one isolate sampled in 2015 and another in 2019. Based on the partial G gene sequence, analysis of these 2 Tunisian isolates showed that they belong to subtype B. The isolate sampled in 2015, appeared to be phylogenetically related to derived vaccine strain. However, the one sampled in 2019 appeared to be a field strain. Phylodynamic analysis provided evidence that this field strain derived from a Spanish strain and probably the virus has been introduced from Spain to North Africa back in 2016. This study is the first that highlighted the circulation of (aMPV) in Tunisia. It is possible that aMPV has been circulating in Tunisia and neighboring countries without being detected. Also, multiple strains could be present and therefore multiple introductions have happened. Through this study, we shed the light on the importance of reinforcing farms biosecurity as well as virological surveillance.

Molecular Survey on A, B, C and New Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) Subtypes in Wild Birds of Northern-Central Italy

Simple Summary

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a common pathogen in poultry and has been detected in wild birds, suggesting the possible role in viral dissemination. A feature of aMPV is its genetic and antigenic variability, which has allowed the identification of various subtypes of the virus with different characteristics in terms of host tropism. Two new subtypes of aMPV were recently identified in gulls and parakeets. We aimed to explore the epidemiology of old and new aMPV subtypes in wild birds. Samples were collected in Italy during the surveillance of avian influenza in wild species and were tested with two multiplex real time RT-PCRs that were able to detect and distinguish the aMPV subtypes (A, B, C, gull, and parakeet subtypes). All of the individuals were negative, except for one mallard that was positive for aMPV subtype C. The M and G genes of this strain were molecularly characterized and revealed similarities with Chinese and European strains, including an Italian sequence that was previously detected in a widgeon. These findings confirm the susceptibility of mallards, which are closely related to domestic species, highlighting the importance of the epidemiological monitoring of aMPV circulation.

Abstract

Recent insights into the genetic and antigenic variability of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), including the discovery of two new subtypes, have renewed interest in this virus. aMPV causes a well-known respiratory disease in poultry. Domestic species show different susceptibility to aMPV subtypes, whereas sporadic detections in wild birds have revealed links between epidemiology and migration routes. To explore the epidemiology of aMPV in wild species, a molecular survey was conducted on samples that were collected from wild birds during avian influenza surveillance activity in Italy. The samples were screened in pools by multiplex real time RT-PCR assays in order to detect and differentiate subtypes A, B, C, and those that have been newly identified. All the birds were negative, except for a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) that was positive for aMPV subtype C (sampled in Padua, in the Veneto region, in 2018). The sequencing of partial M and full G genes placed the strain in an intermediate position between European and Chinese clusters. The absence of subtypes A and B supports the negligible role of wild birds, whereas subtype C detection follows previous serological and molecular identifications in Italy. Subtype C circulation in domestic and wild populations emphasizes the importance of molecular test development and adoption to allow the prompt detection of this likely emerging subtype.

Detection of Three Avian Respiratory Viruses by Single-Tube Multiplex Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

Acute respiratory tract infections are leading causes of morbidity in poultry farms throughout the world. Avian pneumovirus (APV), avian influenza virus (AIV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been recognized as the most important pathogens of both chicken and turkeys. Single-virus reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (sRT-PCR) assays are used extensively to detect these viruses in clinical samples. This study reports the development and evaluation of a single-tube multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) assay for simultaneous and specific detection of APV, AIV, and NDV. Specific primers for each virus were selected that amplified products of predicted sizes from each virus in the mRT-PCR as well as in the sRT-PCR assays (438, 218, and 532 bp for APV, AIV, and NDV, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of mRT-PCR assay were compared with those of the sRT-PCR. The mRT-PCR assay was as sensitive as the sRT-PCR assays because virus detection limits were similar in both assays. The detection limits of mRT-PCR assay were 100.5 tissue culture infective dose (50%) (TCID50)/ml, 101.2 TCID50/ml, and 100.7 TCID50/ml for APV, AIV, and NDV, respectively. Overall, there was an excellent correlation between mRT-PCR and sRT-PCR assays. No product amplification was obtained with nucleic acid from infectious bronchitis virus and reovirus using these primer sets. In summary, mRT-PCR assay holds potential to be an economical and rapid diagnostic method for the simultaneous detection of 3 avian respiratory viruses in chickens and turkeys.

Design, Validation, and Absolute Sensitivity of a Novel Test for the Molecular Detection of Avian Pneumovirus

This study describes attempts to increase and measure sensitivity of molecular tests to detect avian pneumovirus (APV). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests were designed for the detection of nucleic acid from an A-type APV genome. The objective was selection of PCR oligonucleotide combinations, which would provide the greatest test sensitivity and thereby enable optimal detection when used for later testing of field materials. Relative and absolute test sensitivities could be determined because of laboratory access to known quantities of purified full-length DNA copies of APV genome derived from the same A-type virus. Four new nested PCR tests were designed in the fusion (F) protein (2 tests), small hydrophobic (SH) protein (1 test), and nucleocapsid (N) protein (1 test) genes and compared with an established test in the attachment (G) protein gene. Known amounts of full-length APV genome were serially diluted 10-fold, and these dilutions were used as templates for the different tests. Sensitivities were found to differ between the tests, the most sensitive being the established G test, which proved able to detect 6,000 copies of the G gene. The G test contained predominantly pyrimidine residues at its 3' termini, and because of this, oligonucleotides for the most sensitive F test were modified to incorporate the same residue types at their 3' termini. This was found to increase sensitivity, so that after full 3' pyrimidine substitutions, the F test became able to detect 600 copies of the F gene.

Development of a real-time RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous identification, quantitation and differentiation of avian metapneumovirus subtypes A and B

In recent years, special attention has been paid to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) diagnosis, due to its numerous advantages over classical PCR. A new multiplex quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) with molecular beacon probe assay, designed to target the SH gene, was developed. The test was evaluated in terms of specificity, sensitivity and repeatability, and compared with conventional RT nested-PCR based on the G gene. All of the AMPV subtype A and B strains tested were amplified and specifically detected while no amplification occurred with other non-target bird respiratory pathogens. The detection limit of the assay was 10(-0.41) median infectious dose/ml and 10(1.15) median infectious dose/ml when the AMPV-B strain IT/Ty/B/Vr240/87 and the AMPV-A strain IT/Ty/A/259-01/03 were used, respectively, as templates. In all cases, the amplification efficiency was approximately 2 and the error values were <0.2. Standard curves, generated either using the serial dilution of an RNA suspension or RNA extracted from the serial dilution of titrated viral suspensions as templates, exhibited good linearity (R (2)>0.9375) between crossing point values and virus quantities, making the assay herein designed reliable for quantification. When the newly developed qRT-PCR was compared with a conventional RT nested-PCR, it showed greater sensitivity with RNA extracted from both positive controls and from experimentally infected birds. This assay can be effectively used for the detection, identification, differentiation and quantitation of AMPV subtype A or subtype B to assist in disease diagnosis and to carry out rapid surveillance with high levels of sensitivity and specificity.

Recombinant protein-based viral disease diagnostics in veterinary medicine

Identification of pathogens or antibody response to pathogens in human and animals modulates the treatment strategies for naive population and subsequent infections. Diseases can be controlled and even eradicated based on the epidemiology and effective prophylaxis, which often depends on development of efficient diagnostics. In addition, combating newly emerging diseases in human as well as animal healthcare is challenging and is dependent on developing safe and efficient diagnostics. Detection of antibodies directed against specific antigens has been the method of choice for documenting prior infection. Other than zoonosis, development of inexpensive vaccines and diagnostics is a unique problem in animal healthcare. The advent of recombinant DNA technology and its application in the biotechnology industry has revolutionized animal healthcare. The use of recombinant DNA technology in animal disease diagnosis has improved the rapidity, specificity and sensitivity of various diagnostic assays. This is because of the absence of host cellular proteins in the recombinant derived antigen preparations that dramatically decrease the rate of false-positive reactions. Various recombinant products are used for disease diagnosis in veterinary medicine and this article discusses recombinant-based viral disease diagnostics currently used for detection of pathogens in livestock and poultry.

Detection by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and molecular characterization of subtype B avian metapneumovirus isolated in Brazil

Subtype B avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) was isolated and detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in Brazilian commercial laying chicken flocks with no history of vaccination against aMPV and presenting respiratory signs and decreased egg production. RT-PCR results from samples from three affected flocks revealed that the three isolates were subtype B. Partial sequence analysis of the G glycoprotein gene confirmed that the samples belonged to subtype B and were not of the vaccine type. Comparison of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the G gene of the three Brazilian aMPV samples with subtype B isolates from other countries revealed 95.1% to 96.1% identity. Nucleotide sequences showed 100% identity among the Brazilian subtype B samples and 95.6% identity with the subtype B vaccine strain used in Brazil. This work describes the circulation of subtype B aMPV in Brazil and discusses its importance in terms of disease epidemiology.

Glycoprotein gene truncation in avian metapneumovirus subtype C isolates from the United States

The length of the published glycoprotein (G) gene sequences of avian metapneumovirus subtype-C (aMPV-C) isolated from domestic turkeys and wild birds in the United States (1996–2003) remains controversial. To explore the G gene size variation in aMPV-C by the year of isolation and cell culture passage levels, we examined 21 turkey isolates of aMPV-C at different cell culture passages. The early domestic turkey isolates of aMPV-C (aMPV/CO/1996, aMPV/MN/1a-b, and 2a-b/97) had a G gene of 1,798 nucleotides (nt) that coded for a predicted protein of 585 amino acids (aa) and showed >97% nt similarity with that of aMPV-C isolated from Canada geese. This large G gene got truncated upon serial passages in Vero cell cultures by deletion of 1,015 nt near the end of the open reading frame. The recent domestic turkey isolates of aMPV-C lacked the large G gene but instead had a small G gene of 783 nt, irrespective of cell culture passage levels. In some cultures, both large and small genes were detected, indicating the existence of a mixed population of the virus. Apparently, serial passage of aMPV-C in cell cultures and natural passage in turkeys in the field led to truncation of the G gene, which may be a mechanism of virus evolution for survival in a new host or environment.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Avian Pneumovirus in Chickens with Respiratory Disease in Jordan

Avian pneumovirus (APV) causes upper respiratory tract infection in chickens and turkeys. There is a serious respiratory disease in chickens, resulting in catastrophic economic losses to chicken farmers in Jordan. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of APV as a factor in the respiratory disease of chickens in Jordan by serological and molecular methods. Thirty-eight chicken flocks were examined by competitive ELISA (23 broilers, 8 layers, and 7 broiler breeders), and 150 chicken flocks were examined by reverse-transcription PCR (133 broiler flocks, 7 layer flocks, and 10 broiler breeder flocks). Avian pneumovirus antibodies were detected in 5 out of 23 broiler flocks (21.7%), 6 out of 8 layer flocks (75%), and 7 out of 7 broiler breeder flocks (100%). Avian pneumovirus nucleic acid was detected in 17 broiler flocks (12.8%) and 3 layer flocks (42.9%). None of the broiler breeder flocks tested by reverse-transcription PCR was positive. All of the 20 detected APV isolates were subtype B. This is the first report of APV infection in Jordan. In conclusion, the Jordanian poultry industry, vaccination programs should be adjusted to include the APV vaccine to aid in the control of this respiratory disease.

Human metapneumovirus in turkey poults

TOC summary: Human metapneumovirus causes clinical signs in turkey poults.

This study was conducted to reexamine the hypothesis that human metapneumovirus (hMPV) will not infect turkeys. Six groups of 2-week-old turkeys (20 per group) were inoculated oculonasally with 1 of the following: noninfected cell suspension; hMPV genotype A1, A2, B1, or B2; or avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype C. Poults inoculated with hMPV showed nasal discharge days 4–9 postexposure. Specific viral RNA and antigen were detected by reverse-transcription PCR and immunohistochemical evaluation, respectively, in nasal turbinates of birds exposed to hMPV. Nasal turbinates of hMPV-infected turkeys showed inflammatory changes and mucus accumulation. Each of the 4 hMPV genotypes caused a transient infection in turkeys as evidenced by clinical signs, detection of hMPV in turbinates, and histopathologic examination. Detailed investigation of cross-species pathogenicity of hMPV and aMPV and its importance for human and animal health is needed.

Development of a vaccine-challenge model for avian metapneumovirus subtype C in turkeys

The objective of this study was to evaluate different preparations of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype C as vaccine challenge in turkeys. Two aMPV isolates and their respective nasal turbinate homogenates after propagation in turkeys were used in the study. Significantly higher clinical sign scores were recorded in birds inoculated with 20 or 2% turbinate homogenate of recent isolate. Birds in the above groups showed more pronounced histopathological lesions, and a higher percentage of birds showed viral RNA and antigen in tissues. The data demonstrated that nasal turbinate homogenate of recent isolate produced severe clinical signs and lesions in turkeys and could be an ideal candidate for vaccine-challenge studies.

Comparison of avian cell substrates for propagating subtype C avian metapneumovirus

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) is a respiratory viral pathogen that causes turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) or swollen head syndrome (SHS) in chickens. AMPV was first isolated in South Africa during the early 1970s and has subsequently spread worldwide during the 1980s to include Europe, Asia, and South America. In 1996, a genetically distinct AMPV subgroup C was isolated in the US following an outbreak of TRT. Vero cells are currently the best available substrate for AMPV propagation but are of non-avian origin. A number of different avian cell substrates have been compared to determine which is the most suitable for the propagation of AMPV to sufficiently high titers. Of the cell substrates tested, primary turkey turbinate and kidney and chicken kidney cells produced titers equal to or greater than Vero cells. Turkey turbinate and kidney epithelial cells that were life-span extended by the ectopic expression of human telomerase catalytic subunit (HTERT) initially displayed AMPV titers comparable to Vero cell controls, but declined in virus production with increased passage in culture. Interestingly, plaques emanating from Vero propagated virus were relatively small and dispersed, when analyzed by immunofluorescent assays (IFA), while both turkey turbinate and kidney cell propagated AMPV produced larger plaques. Even with these differences, there were no changes in the predicted amino acid sequences of the nucleocapsid (N) and phosphoprotein (P) genes of AMPV propagated in either turkey turbinate or Vero host cells. However, the fusion (F) gene showed 11 amino acid differences (98.7% identity) between the two host cell types. These results suggest that AMPV propagated in homologous avian cellular substrates may produce more infectious virus with possibly more effective fusion activity, compared to Vero cell propagation.

Emergence of a virulent type C avian metapneumovirus in turkeys in Minnesota

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the pathogenesis of a recent isolate of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) in turkeys and to evaluate the quantitative distribution of the virus in various tissues during the course of infection. Seventy 2-week-old turkey poults were divided equally into two groups. One group was inoculated with aMPV (MN 19) with a titer of 10(5.5) TCID50 oculonasally. Birds in the second group were maintained as sham-inoculated controls. Birds showed severe clinical signs in the form of copious nasal discharge, swollen sinus, conjunctivitis, and depression from 4 days postinoculation (PI) to 12 days PI. Samples from nasal turbinates, trachea, conjunctiva, Harderian gland, infraorbital sinus, lungs, liver, and spleen were collected at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 days PI. Histopathologic lesions such as a multifocal loss of cilia were prominent in nasal turbinate and were seen from 3 to 11 days PI. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of aMPV from 3 to 9 days PI in nasal turbinate and trachea. Viral RNA could be detected for 14 days PI from nasal turbinate and for 9 days from trachea. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of aMPV from 1 to 11 days PI in nasal turbinates and from 3 to 9 days PI in the trachea. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data showed the presence of a maximum amount of virus at 3 days PI in nasal turbinate and trachea. Clinically and histopathologically, the new isolate appears to be more virulent compared to the early isolates of aMPV in the United States.

Protection by recombinant viral proteins against a respiratory challenge with virulent avian metapneumovirus

Protection by recombinant avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) N or M proteins against a respiratory challenge with virulent aMPV was examined. N, M or N+M proteins were administered intramuscularly (IM) with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) or by the oculonasal (ON) route with cholera toxin-B (CTB). Each turkey received 40 or 80 microg of each recombinant protein. Birds were considered protected against challenge if the challenge virus was not detectable in the choanal swabs by RT-PCR. At a dose of 40 microg/bird, N protein given with IFA by the IM route protected eight out of nine birds. M protein at the same dose protected three out of seven birds, while a combination of N+M proteins (40 microg each) protected three out of four birds. At a dose of 80 microg of each of N and M proteins per bird given with IFA by the IM route, 100% protection was achieved. ON immunization with a mixture of N and M proteins induced partial protection when the proteins were given with CTB; no detectable protection was noted without CTB. N and M proteins induced anti-aMPV antibodies, although protection against virulent virus challenge did not appear to be associated with the level or presence of antibodies.

Expression of recombinant small hydrophobic protein for serospecific detection of avian pneumovirus subgroup C

The small hydrophobic (SH) gene of the avian pneumovirus (APV) Colorado isolate (CO), which belongs to subgroup C (APV/C), was expressed with a baculovirus vector. The recombinant SH protein was evaluated as a potential subgroup-specific diagnostic reagent in order to differentiate infections resulting from APV/C from those induced by APV/A, APV/B, and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). When the recombinant baculovirus was used to infect insect cells, a 31- to 38-kDa glycosylated form of the SH protein was produced and subsequently tested for reactivity with antibodies specific for APV/A, APV/B, APV/C, and hMPV. Western blot analysis showed that the expressed recombinant SH protein could only be recognized by APV/C-specific antibodies. This result was consistent with sequence analysis of the APV/C SH protein, which had very low (24%) amino acid identity with the corresponding protein of hMPV and no discernible identity with the SH protein of APV/A or APV/B. A recombinant SH protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed, and it further confirmed the lack of reactivity of this protein with antisera raised to APV/A, APV/B, and hMPV and supported its designation as a subgroup-specific antigen. This finding indicated that the recombinant SH protein was a suitable antigen for ELISA-based detection of subgroup-specific antibodies in turkeys and could be used for serologically based differential diagnosis of APV and hMPV infections.

Animal pneumoviruses: molecular genetics and pathogenesis

Pneumoviruses are single-stranded, negative-sense, nonsegmented RNA viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae, subfamily Pneumovirinae, and include pathogens that infect humans (respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus), domestic mammals (bovine, ovine, and caprine respiratory syncytial viruses), rodents (pneumonia virus of mice), and birds (avian metapneumovirus). Among the topics considered in this review are recent studies focused on the roles of the individual virus-encoded components in promoting virus replication as well as in altering and evading innate antiviral host defenses. Advances in the molecular technology of pneumoviruses and the emergence of recombinant pneumoviruses that are leading to improved virus-based vaccine formulations are also discussed. Since pneumovirus infection in natural hosts is associated with a profound inflammatory response that persists despite adequate antiviral therapy, we also review the recent experimental treatment strategies that have focused on combined antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory approaches.

Seroprevalence of avian pneumovirus in Minnesota turkeys

Avian pneumovirus (APV) causes respiratory tract infection in turkeys and was first seen in the United States in Colorado in late 1996. In early 1997, the disease was recognized in Minnesota and caused estimated losses of up to 15 million dollars per year. This virus has not been reported in the other turkey producing states. We here report the seroprevalence of APV in Minnesota from August 1998 to July 2002. The average rate of seroprevalence has been 36.3% (range = 14.2%-64.8%). A seasonal bias was observed, with peak incidences in the fall and spring. A higher rate of seropositivity was observed in counties with the highest concentration of turkeys.

Cold-Adapted Strain of Avian Pneumovirus as a Vaccine in One-Day-Old Turkeys and the Effect of Inoculation Routes

To determine the optimum route of vaccination, we inoculated 1-day-old turkeys with a cold-adapted strain of avian pneumovirus (APV) by oculonasal, oral, or aerosol route. Another two groups served as nonvaccinated-challenged and nonvaccinated-nonchallenged groups. Birds in all vaccinated and nonvaccinated-challenged groups were challenged with virulent APV 3 wk postvaccination. After challenge, no vaccinated bird developed clinical signs or virus shedding, whereas nonvaccinated-challenged birds developed clinical signs (clinical score = 11.2/bird) and shed virus from their choanal cleft. Birds in all three vaccinated groups seroconverted at 3 wk postvaccination. The nonvaccinated-nonchallenged group remained free of clinical signs and virus shedding and did not develop APV antibodies throughout the course of the study. These results suggest that this cold-adapted strain of APV is safe and effective in 1-day-old turkeys when given by any of the three routes.

Avian pneumovirus and its survival in poultry litter

The survival of avian pneumovirus (APV) in turkey litter was studied at different temperature (room temperature, [approximately 22-25 C], 8 C, and -12 C) conditions. Built-up turkey litter from a turkey breeder farm known to be free of APV was obtained and was divided into two portions. One portion was sterilized by autoclaving and the other portion was kept nonautoclaved. Both samples were inoculated with a Vero cell-propagated Minnesota isolate of APV subtype C (APV/MN2A) with a titer of 10(5) 50% tissue culture infective dose at 1% level. These samples were then stored at three different temperatures: -12 C, 8 C, and room temperature (20-25 C). The samples were tested for the presence of viral RNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and for the presence of live virus by virus isolation in Vero cells at the intervals of 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days. Our studies revealed the presence of APV RNA even after 90 days in the autoclaved litter samples kept at -12 C and at 8 C. The virus was isolated from the autoclaved litter kept at -12 C up to 60 days. From the nonautoclaved litter, viral RNA was detected up to 60 days and virus was isolated up to 14days. The present study indicated that APV could survive in built-up turkey litter up to 60 days postinoculation at a temperature of-12 C.

Presence of avian pneumovirus subtypes A and B in Japan

Four avian pneumovirus (APV) isolates from chickens clinically diagnosed with swollen head syndrome were genetically characterized as to the subtypes of the virus in Japan. The results of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions based on subtype-specific primers and direct sequence analysis of G genes indicated subtypes A and B but not C or D of APV were present in Japan. Several routes or sources are conceivable for APV to invade into Japan.

Cold adapted avian pneumovirus for use as live, attenuated vaccine in turkeys

We report the development of a cold adapted strain of avian pneumovirus (APV) and its evaluation as a live vaccine candidate in 2-week-old turkey poults. A US isolate of APV (APV/MN/turkey/1-a/97) was serially passaged in Vero cells for 41 passages and then adapted to grow at sub-optimal temperatures by growing successively at 35, 33 and 31 degrees C for eight passages at each temperature. The virus thus adapted to grow at 31 degrees C was used as a candidate vaccine. The birds were vaccinated with two different doses of cold adapted virus and challenged with virulent virus 2 weeks after vaccination. No clinical signs were observed post-vaccination. Upon challenge, no clinical signs were seen in vaccinated birds but severe clinical signs were seen in non-vaccinated, challenged birds. The signs included unilateral or bilateral mucoid nasal discharge, watery eyes and swelling of infraorbital sinuses. The antibody levels in vaccinated birds were not very high. None of the vaccinated birds were found to shed virus after challenge in their choanal secretions whereas all of the non-vaccinated, challenged birds shed the virus. The absence of clinical signs and virus shedding in vaccinated birds as compared to that in non-vaccinated birds suggests that the cold adapted strain of APV is a viable candidate for use as a live, attenuated vaccine in turkeys.

Characterization of avian metapneumoviruses isolated in the USA

Avian pneumovirus (APV; officially known as turkey rhinotracheitis virus) is an emergent pathogen of birds in the USA that results in upper respiratory tract disease in turkeys. Six years after the first outbreak in the USA, the disease continues to ravage turkey flocks, primarily in the state of Minnesota. From 1997 to 2000, the industry recorded losses estimated at 15 million US dollars per annum. Researchers have developed sensitive diagnostic techniques, including the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. which, when used together, are highly sensitive in detecting APV outbreaks in commercial turkey flocks. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence of 15 US viruses isolated between 1996 and 2000 demonstrated that the US viruses are relatively homogenous but different from the European APV subgroups A and B, resulting in the classification of US isolates into subgroup C. Infectious APV was isolated from sentinel waterfowls placed close to an infected commercial turkey farm and from wild Canada geese captured in Minnesota, suggesting that free-ranging birds may be involved in the spread of APV. Current efforts to prevent and control the infection include improving management and biosecurity practices and developing attenuated live and deletion mutant vaccines capable of conferring protection.

Experimental and field evaluation of a live vaccine against avian pneumovirus

The attenuation of an avian pneumovirus (APV) isolate (APV/MN/turkey/1-a/97) by 63 serial passages in cell culture (seven in chicken embryo fibroblasts and 56 in Vero cells) and its evaluation as a live attenuated vaccine in turkey poults is described. The birds were vaccinated with two different doses of attenuated virus (10(4.5) median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID(50))/ml and 10(2.5) TCID(50) /ml) at 2 weeks of age, and were challenged 2 weeks later with virulent APV. No clinical signs were seen in vaccinated, challenged birds, whereas severe clinical signs were observed in the mock-vaccinated, challenged group. Vaccinated birds developed anti-APV antibodies, which increased in titre following challenge with virulent virus. On challenge, none of the vaccinates was found to shed viral nucleic acid as detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, but non-vaccinated, challenged birds did. The vaccine virus was also evaluated under field conditions in two farms. At one farm, the 'seeder bird approach' was used and two birds per 1,000 birds were vaccinated by the oculo-nasal route. In the second farm, the virus was given to all birds simultaneously in the drinking water. The birds vaccinated by the drinking water route seroconverted earlier and continued to shed virus for longer as compared with birds inoculated by the seeder bird approach. The overall results of this study indicate that the 63rd passage of APV was sufficiently attenuated and offered protection against challenge with virulent virus.

Molecular epidemiology of subgroup C avian pneumoviruses isolated in the United States and comparison with subgroup a and B viruses

The avian pneumovirus (APV) outbreak in the United States is concentrated in the north-central region, particularly in Minnesota, where more outbreaks in commercial turkeys occur in the spring (April to May) and autumn (October to December). Comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix (M), fusion (F), and second matrix (M2) genes of 15 U.S. APV strains isolated between 1996 and 1999 revealed between 89 and 94% nucleotide sequence identity and 81 to 95% amino acid sequence identity. In contrast, genes from U.S. viruses had 41 to 77% nucleotide sequence identity and 52 to 78% predicted amino acid sequence identity with European subgroup A or B viruses, confirming that U.S. viruses belonged to a separate subgroup. Of the five proteins analyzed in U.S. viruses, P was the most variable (81% amino acid sequence identity) and N was the most conserved (95% amino acid sequence identity). Phylogenetic comparison of subgroups A, B, and C viruses indicated that A and B viruses were more closely related to each other than either A or B viruses were to C viruses.

Rapid detection of avian pneumovirus in tissue culture by microindirect immunofluorescence test

An indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) test with a 96-well, flat-bottomed microplate was developed to detect avian pneumovirus (APV) antigen in Vero cell cultures. Samples of nasal turbinates and swabs from infraorbital sinuses and trachea were collected from 4-week-old poults experimentally inoculated with APV. The APV titers by tissue culture IFA staining were compared with that of visual reading of cytopathic effect (CPE). The ability of IFA staining to detect APV antigen correlated well with visualizing CPE. The use of IFA staining of Vero cell cultures allowed detection of APV in substantially less time than the use of visualizing CPE. In addition, the use of IFA allowed specific identification of the virus in cell culture.

Neonatal avian pneumovirus infection in commercial turkeys

Eleven market turkey flocks developed a respiratory disease characterized by coughing, swollen sinuses and nasal discharge. These symptoms first appeared between 3 and 16 days of age. Avian pneumovirus (APV) RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in six of six flocks tested. APV was detected by immunohistochemistry in turbinates of three of three affected flocks tested. Virus isolation attempts were negative. Ten of 11 flocks became seropositive on the APV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Five weeks prior to hatch of these affected market turkeys, several breeder flocks in one geographic area had developed clinical signs and experienced decline in egg production typical of APV infection. In two breeder flocks, acute and convalescent sera indicated APV infection during the period of declining egg production. Attempts to detect APV RNA by RT-PCR from choanal cleft swabs of newly hatched poults were successful. Attempts to isolate the virus from these PCR-positive samples were negative.

Detection of antibodies to U.S. isolates of avian pneumovirus by a recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The nucleocapsid (N) protein of subgroup C (United States-specific) avian pneumovirus (APV/US) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and antibodies to the recombinant N protein were shown to specifically recognize the approximately 47-kDa N protein of APV/US by Western immunoblot analysis. The recombinant APV/US N protein was used in a sandwich-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the resulting assay was found to be more sensitive and specific than the routine indirect ELISA for the detection of APV/US antibodies in turkey sera.

Susceptibility of ducks to avian pneumovirus of turkey origin

OBJECTIVE

To determine the susceptibility of ducks to avian pneumovirus (APV) of turkey origin.

ANIMALS

30 Pekin ducks that were 2 weeks old.

PROCEDURE

Ducks were assigned to 3 groups (10 ducks/group). Ducks of groups 1 and 2 were inoculated (day 0) with 200 microl of cell-culture fluid containing APV of turkey origin (10(5.5) median tissue-culture infective dose/ml) by the oculonasal (group 1) or oral (group 2) route. Ducks of group 3 served as noninoculated control birds. Two ducks from each group were euthanatized 3, 6, 9, 15, and 21 days after inoculation. Blood samples, tissue samples from the lungs, trachea, nasal turbinates, duodenum, diverticulum vitellinum (Meckel's diverticulum), and cecum, and swab specimens from the choana, cloaca, and trachea were obtained from all birds during necropsy and examined for APV by use of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), virus isolation, and histologic examination. Blood samples also were examined for APV antibodies, using an ELISA.

RESULTS

Tissue samples obtained up to 21 days after inoculation had positive results when tested by use of RT-PCR. Virus was isolated from nasal turbinates of birds inoculated via the oculonasal route. Serum samples obtained 15 and 21 days after inoculation had positive results when tested for APV-specific antibody. Clinical signs of disease were not observed in ducks inoculated with APV of turkey origin.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ducks inoculated with APV of turkey origin may not develop clinical signs of disease, but they are suspected to play a role as nonclinical carriers of APV.

Avian pneumovirus (APV) RNA from wild and sentinel birds in the United States has genetic homology with RNA from APV isolates from domestic turkeys

Nasal turbinates or swabs were collected from wild ducks, geese, owls, sparrows, swallows, and starlings and from sentinel ducks placed next to turkey farms experiencing avian pneumovirus (APV) infections and were analyzed for APV genome and infectious particles. APV RNA was detected in samples examined from geese, sparrows, and starlings. APV RNA and antibodies were also detected in two different groups of sentinel ducks. Infectious APV was recovered from sentinel duck samples. The APV M gene isolated from the wild birds had over 96% predicted amino acid identity with APV/Minnesota 2A, which was isolated earlier from domestic turkeys showing respiratory illness, suggesting that wild birds may be involved in spreading APV infection.

Development of a highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant matrix protein for detection of avian pneumovirus antibodies

The matrix (M) protein of avian pneumovirus (APV) was evaluated for its antigenicity and reliability in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis of APV infection, a newly emergent disease of turkeys in United States. Sera from APV-infected turkeys consistently contained antibodies to a 30-kDa protein (M protein). An ELISA based on recombinant M protein generated in Escherichia coli was compared with the routine APV ELISA that utilizes inactivated virus as antigen. Of 34 experimentally infected turkeys, 33 (97.1%) were positive by M protein ELISA whereas only 18 (52.9%) were positive by routine APV ELISA 28 days after infection. None of the serum samples from 41 uninfected experimental turkeys were positive by M protein ELISA. Of 184 field sera from turkey flocks suspected of having APV infection, 133 (72.3%) were positive by M protein ELISA whereas only 99 (53.8%) were positive by routine APV ELISA. Twelve serum samples, which were negative by M protein ELISA but positive by routine APV ELISA, were not reactive with either recombinant M protein or denatured purified APV proteins by Western analysis. This indicates that the samples had given false-positive results by routine APV ELISA. The M protein ELISA was over six times more sensitive than virus isolation (11.5%) in detecting infections from samples obtained from birds showing clinical signs of APV infection. Taken together, these results show that ELISA based on recombinant M protein is a highly sensitive and specific test for detecting antibodies to APV.