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Souci L, Denesvre C. Interactions between avian viruses and skin in farm birds. Vet Res 2024; 55:54. [PMID: 38671518 PMCID: PMC11055369 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the avian viruses that infect the skin of domestic farm birds of primary economic importance: chicken, duck, turkey, and goose. Many avian viruses (e.g., poxviruses, herpesviruses, Influenza viruses, retroviruses) leading to pathologies infect the skin and the appendages of these birds. Some of these viruses (e.g., Marek's disease virus, avian influenza viruses) have had and/or still have a devasting impact on the poultry economy. The skin tropism of these viruses is key to the pathology and virus life cycle, in particular for virus entry, shedding, and/or transmission. In addition, for some emergent arboviruses, such as flaviviruses, the skin is often the entry gate of the virus after mosquito bites, whether or not the host develops symptoms (e.g., West Nile virus). Various avian skin models, from primary cells to three-dimensional models, are currently available to better understand virus-skin interactions (such as replication, pathogenesis, cell response, and co-infection). These models may be key to finding solutions to prevent or halt viral infection in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Souci
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Virus Aviaires, UMR1282 ISP, INRAE Centre Val-de-Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Caroline Denesvre
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Virus Aviaires, UMR1282 ISP, INRAE Centre Val-de-Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Azeem S, Guo B, Sato Y, Gauger PC, Wolc A, Yoon KJ. Utility of Feathers for Avian Influenza Virus Detection in Commercial Poultry. Pathogens 2023; 12:1425. [PMID: 38133308 PMCID: PMC10748246 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the potential utility of feather samples for the convenient and accurate detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) in commercial poultry. Feather samples were obtained from AIV-negative commercial layer facilities in Iowa, USA. The feathers were spiked with various concentrations (106 to 100) of a low pathogenic strain of H5N2 AIV using a nebulizing device and were evaluated for the detection of viral RNA using a real-time RT-PCR assay immediately or after incubation at -20, 4, 22, or 37 °C for 24, 48, or 72 h. Likewise, cell culture medium samples with and without the virus were prepared and used for comparison. In the spiked feathers, the PCR reliably (i.e., 100% probability of detection) detected AIV RNA in eluates from samples sprayed with 103 EID50/mL or more of the virus. Based on half-life estimates, the feathers performed better than the corresponding media samples (p < 0.05), particularly when the samples were stored at 22 or 37 °C. In conclusion, feather samples can be routinely collected from a poultry barn as a non-invasive alternative to blood or oropharyngeal-cloacal swab samples for monitoring AIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahan Azeem
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Baoqing Guo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Yuko Sato
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Phillip C. Gauger
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
| | - Anna Wolc
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, IA 50063, USA
| | - Kyoung-Jin Yoon
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (B.G.); (Y.S.); (P.C.G.)
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Gaide N, Filaire F, Bertran K, Crispo M, Dirat M, Secula A, Foret-Lucas C, Payré B, Perlas A, Cantero G, Majó N, Soubies S, Guérin JL. The feather epithelium contributes to the dissemination and ecology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in ducks. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2272644. [PMID: 37847060 PMCID: PMC10627046 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2272644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Immature feathers are known replication sites for high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in poultry. However, it is unclear whether feathers play an active role in viral transmission. This study aims to investigate the contribution of the feather epithelium to the dissemination of clade 2.3.4.4b goose/Guangdong/1996 lineage H5 HPAIVs in the environment, based on natural and experimental infections of domestic mule and Muscovy ducks. During the 2016-2022 outbreaks, H5 HPAIVs exhibited persistent and marked feather epitheliotropism in naturally infected commercial ducks. Infection of the feather epithelium resulted in epithelial necrosis and disruption, as well as the production and environmental shedding of infectious virions. Viral and feather antigens colocalized in dust samples obtained from poultry barns housing naturally infected birds. In summary, the feather epithelium contributes to viral replication, and it is a likely source of environmental infectious material. This underestimated excretion route could greatly impact the ecology of HPAIVs, facilitating airborne and preening-related infections within a flock, and promoting prolonged viral infectivity and long-distance viral transmission between poultry farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gaide
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabien Filaire
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
- THESEO France, LanXess Biosecurity, LanXess Group, Laval, France
| | - Kateri Bertran
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manuela Crispo
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Malorie Dirat
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Aurélie Secula
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Bruno Payré
- CMEAB, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Albert Perlas
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Cantero
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Natàlia Majó
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Catalonia, Spain
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Elbers ARW, Gonzales JL, Koene MGJ, Germeraad EA, Hakze-van der Honing RW, van der Most M, Rodenboog H, Velkers FC. Monitoring Wind-Borne Particle Matter Entering Poultry Farms via the Air-Inlet: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus and Other Pathogens Risk. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121534. [PMID: 36558868 PMCID: PMC9788232 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wind-supported transport of particle matter (PM) contaminated with excreta from highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv)-infected wild birds may be a HPAIv-introduction pathway, which may explain infections in indoor-housed poultry. The primary objective of our study was therefore to measure the nature and quantity of PM entering poultry houses via air-inlets. The air-inlets of two recently HPAIv-infected poultry farms (a broiler farm and a layer farm) were equipped with mosquito-net collection bags. PM was harvested every 5 days for 25 days. Video-camera monitoring registered wild bird visits. PM was tested for avian influenza viruses (AIV), Campylobacter and Salmonella with PCR. Insects, predominantly mosquitoes, were tested for AIV, West Nile, Usutu and Schmallenberg virus. A considerable number of mosquitoes and small PM amounts entered the air-inlets, mostly cobweb and plant material, but no wild bird feathers. Substantial variation in PM entering between air-inlets existed. In stormy periods, significantly larger PM amounts may enter wind-directed air-inlets. PM samples were AIV and Salmonella negative and insect samples were negative for all viruses and bacteria, but several broiler and layer farm PM samples tested Campylobacter positive. Regular wild (water) bird visits were observed near to the poultry houses. Air-borne PM and insects-potentially contaminated with HPAIv or other pathogens-can enter poultry air-inlets. Implementation of measures limiting this potential introduction route are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin R. W. Elbers
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-320-238687
| | - José L. Gonzales
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Francisca C. Velkers
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Giglia G, Agliani G, Munnink BBO, Sikkema RS, Mandara MT, Lepri E, Kik M, Ijzer J, Rijks JM, Fast C, Koopmans MPG, Verheije MH, Gröne A, Reusken CBEM, van den Brand JMA. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Eurasian Blackbirds ( Turdus merula) Naturally Infected with Usutu Virus. Viruses 2021; 13:1481. [PMID: 34452347 PMCID: PMC8402641 DOI: 10.3390/v13081481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus. Despite its continuous circulation in Europe, knowledge on the pathology, cellular and tissue tropism and pathogenetic potential of different circulating viral lineages is still fragmentary. Here, macroscopic and microscopic evaluations are performed in association with the study of cell and tissue tropism and comparison of lesion severity of two circulating virus lineages (Europe 3; Africa 3) in 160 Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) in the Netherlands. Results confirm hepatosplenomegaly, coagulative necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic inflammation as major patterns of lesions and, for the first time, vasculitis as a novel virus-associated lesion. A USUV and Plasmodium spp. co-infection was commonly identified. The virus was associated with lesions by immunohistochemistry and was reported most commonly in endothelial cells and blood circulating and tissue mononucleated cells, suggesting them as a major route of entry and spread. A tropism for mononuclear phagocytes cells was further supported by viral labeling in multinucleated giant cells. The involvement of ganglionic neurons and epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract suggests a possible role of oral transmission, while the involvement of feather follicle shafts and bulbs suggests their use as a diagnostic sample for live bird testing. Finally, results suggest similar pathogenicity for the two circulating lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giglia
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Gianfilippo Agliani
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Bas B. Oude Munnink
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Reina S. Sikkema
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Maria Teresa Mandara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (M.T.M.); (E.L.)
| | - Marja Kik
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jooske Ijzer
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Jolianne M. Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Disease, Friedrich-Loeffler Institut, D-17493 Isle of Riems, Germany;
| | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
| | - Monique H. Verheije
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Chantal B. E. M. Reusken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (B.B.O.M.); (R.S.S.); (M.P.G.K.); (C.B.E.M.R.)
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M. A. van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomedical Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (G.G.); (G.A.); (M.K.); (J.I.); (M.H.V.); (A.G.)
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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Gaide N, Foret-Lucas C, Figueroa T, Vergne T, Lucas MN, Robertet L, Souvestre M, Croville G, Le Loc'h G, Delverdier M, Guérin JL. Viral tropism and detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in feathers of ducks and geese. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5928. [PMID: 33723295 PMCID: PMC7960704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses (HPAIVs) display a tissue pantropism, which implies a possible spread in feathers. HPAIV detection from feathers had been evaluated for H5N1 or H7N1 HPAIVs. It was suggested that viral RNA loads could be equivalent or higher in samples of immature feather compared to tracheal (TS) or cloacal swabs (CS). We investigated the suitability of feathers for the detection of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAIV in ducks and geese field samples. In the six H5N8 positive flocks that were included in this study, TS, CS and immature wing feathers were taken from at least 10 birds. Molecular loads were then estimated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targetting H5 and M genes. In all flocks, viral loads were at least equivalent between feather and swab samples and in most cases up to 103 higher in feathers. Bayesian modelling confirmed that, in infected poultry, RT-qPCR was much more likely to be positive when applied on a feather sample only (estimated sensitivity between 0.89 and 0.96 depending on the positivity threshold) than on a combination of a tracheal and a cloacal swab (estimated sensitivity between 0.45 and 0.68 depending on the positivity threshold). Viral tropism and lesions in feathers were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Epithelial necrosis of immature feathers and follicles was observed concurrently with positive viral antigen detection and leukocytic infiltration of pulp. Accurate detection of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs in feather samples were finally confirmed with experimental H5N8 infection on 10-week-old mule ducks, as viral loads at 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection were higher in feathers than in tracheal or cloacal swabs. However, feather samples were associated with lower viral loads than tracheal swabs at day 1, suggesting better detectability of the virus in feathers in the later course of infection. These results, based on both field cases and experimental infections, suggest that feather samples should be included in the toolbox of samples for detection of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses, at least in ducks and geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gaide
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Charlotte Foret-Lucas
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Thomas Figueroa
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Timothée Vergne
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Lucas
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Luc Robertet
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Marie Souvestre
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Croville
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Guillaume Le Loc'h
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Maxence Delverdier
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Jean-Luc Guérin
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, INRAE, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.
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Development of ssDNA Aptamers for Diagnosis and Inhibition of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H5N1. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081116. [PMID: 32731467 PMCID: PMC7465229 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) has severely affected the poultry industry worldwide and has caused the deaths of millions of birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is characterized by high mortality and the ability to transmit from birds to humans. Early diagnosis is difficult because of the variation in pathogenicity and the genetic diversity between virus subtypes. Therefore, development of a sensitive and accurate diagnostic system is an urgent priority. We developed ssDNA aptamer probes to detect AI viruses. Through seven rounds of SELEX to search for a probe specific to the highly pathogenic AI virus subtype H5N1, we identified 16 binding aptamers and selected two with the highest binding frequency. These two aptamers had strong binding affinities and low detection limits. We found that they could bind more specifically to H5N1, as compared to other subtypes. Furthermore, these aptamers inhibited hemagglutination, which is caused by the virus surface protein hemagglutinin. Our results indicate that our screened aptamers are effective molecular probes for diagnosing H5N1 and can be used as therapeutic agents to inhibit viral surface proteins. Sensitive diagnosis and suppression of avian influenza will help maintain a stable and healthy livestock industry, as well as protect human health.
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Nazir S, Charlesworth RPG, Walkden-Brown SW, Gerber PF. A Melanin bleaching method to prevent non-specific immunostaining of chicken feathers. MethodsX 2020; 7:100957. [PMID: 32612940 PMCID: PMC7317669 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin in pigmented organs like the skin is known to react with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) to give a brown colour indistinguishable from the colour that DAB imparts to target antibodies bound to specific antigens. This can lead to false positives in chicken feathers during immunoperoxidase staining. Here, we present a simple, fast and practical method for bleaching chicken feathers which can be applied prior to immunohistochemistry staining without affecting specific antigen-antibody binding. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a melanin-bleaching technique prior to immunoperoxidase staining techniques of chicken feathers for detection of pathogens. Optimisations of the method include:Removal of melanin from tissue sections using a short incubation with potassium permanganate followed by incubation with oxalic acid prior to immunostaining for improved specificity. This technique did not affect the antigenicity of infectious laryngotracheitis virus antigen and did not cause damage or detachment of tissues from the slides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Nazir
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Australia
| | | | - Stephen W Walkden-Brown
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Australia
| | - Priscilla F Gerber
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Australia
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Slomka MJ, Puranik A, Mahmood S, Thomas SS, Seekings AH, Byrne AMP, Núñez A, Bianco C, Mollett BC, Watson S, Brown IH, Brookes SM. Ducks Are Susceptible to Infection with a Range of Doses of H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (2016, Clade 2.3.4.4b) and Are Largely Resistant to Virus-Specific Mortality, but Efficiently Transmit Infection to Contact Turkeys. Avian Dis 2020; 63:172-180. [PMID: 31131575 DOI: 10.1637/11905-052518-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Widespread H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV; clade 2.3.4.4b) infections occurred in wild birds and poultry across Europe during winter 2016-17. Four different doses of H5N8 HPAIV (A/wigeon/Wales/052833/2016 [wg-Wal-16]) were used to infect 23 Pekin ducks divided into four separate pens, with three contact turkeys introduced for cohousing per pen at 1 day postinfection (dpi). All doses resulted in successful duck infection, with four sporadic mortalities recorded among the 23 (17%) infected ducks, which appeared unrelated to the dose. The ducks transmitted wg-Wal-16 efficiently to the contact turkeys; all 12 (100%) turkeys died. Systemic viral dissemination was detected in multiple organs in two duck mortalities, with limited viral dissemination in another duck, which died after resolution of shedding. Systemic viral tropism was observed in two of the turkeys. The study demonstrated the utility of Pekin ducks as surrogates of infected waterfowl to model the wild bird/gallinaceous poultry interface for introduction of H5N8 HPAIV into terrestrial poultry, where contact turkeys served as a susceptible host. Detection of H5N8-specific antibody up to 58 dpi assured the value of serologic surveillance in farmed ducks by hemagglutination inhibition and anti-nucleoprotein ELISAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek J Slomka
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom,
| | - Anita Puranik
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Mahmood
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Saumya S Thomas
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda H Seekings
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Núñez
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Bianco
- Pathology Department, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C Mollett
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Watson
- Animal Services Unit, APHA-Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Brown
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon M Brookes
- Avian Virology and Mammalian Influenza Research, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
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10
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Usui T, Soda K, Sumi K, Ozaki H, Tomioka Y, Ito H, Murase T, Kawamoto T, Miura M, Komatsu M, Imanishi T, Kurobe M, Ito T, Yamaguchi T. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in zoo birds caused by HA clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 subtype viruses in Japan in winter 2016. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:686-697. [PMID: 31605424 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In late 2016, two zoos, one in northern Japan and the other in central Japan, experienced highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, in which multiple zoo birds were infected with H5N6 subtype HPAI virus (HPAIV). Here, we report an overview of these HPAI outbreaks. HPAIV infections were confirmed by virus isolation in three black swans (Cygnus atratus) and three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) kept in the Omoriyama Zoo hospital. At Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, following the death of a black swan at a zoo pond, nine waterfowl, including two black swans, four cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii leucopareia), two mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and a wigeon (Anas penelope), died after HPAIV infection in isolation facilities. Based on the presence of H5-specific antibodies in their sera, two surviving black swans and a surviving mallard at Higashiyama Zoo appeared to have HPAIV infection, although the virus was not isolated. The detectable levels of antibodies (≥10 HI) were maintained for at least 5-9 months, as determined by haemagglutinin inhibition test. Isolation of two H5N6 subtype HPAIVs from an open-air pond where affected zoo birds were previously housed at Higashiyama Zoo strongly indicates that wild waterfowl associated with aquatic environments brought the virus to the zoo. The phylogenetic relationships of the 18 isolates indicated direct viral transmission among birds within each zoo. In both zoos, containment of suspected birds in isolation facilities might have allowed the virus spread among birds inside the facility. However, maintaining containment measures and strict sanitation procedures could facilitate successful physical containment and clearance of HPAIV in both zoos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsufumi Usui
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kosuke Soda
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kanae Sumi
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroichi Ozaki
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yukiko Tomioka
- Laboratory of Experimental Animal, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Murase
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Masami Kurobe
- Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Avian Zoonosis Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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11
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Stoute S, Crossley B, Shivaprasad HL. Study of an Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in Commercial Pekin Ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) in California. Avian Dis 2018; 62:101-108. [PMID: 29620470 DOI: 10.1637/11773-112017-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A February 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 in a flock of commercial Pekin ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) in California was investigated in detail. Approximately 17,349 five-wk-old ducks experienced an increased mortality from a normal of eight birds per day to 24, 18, 24, 33, and 61 birds per day, respectively, in the last 5 days prior to flock depopulation. Clinically, there was decreased water and feed consumption, and approximately 1.0% of the affected flock exhibited neurologic signs. Necropsy of five clinically ill ducks revealed pale, patchy areas on the epicardium in two birds, pale foci of necrosis in the liver of one bird, and airsacculitis in three birds. Histopathology revealed multifocal nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, myositis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and glossitis. Immunohistochemistry revealed avian influenza virus (AIV) nucleoprotein in the nucleus and cytoplasm of various cells in the aforementioned organs, as well as in the skin and feathers. Eight of the 10 sera samples tested were positive for avian influenza antibodies by agar gel immunodiffusion serology. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs taken from 15 birds, as well as from the lungs, livers, pancreas, and spleen, were positive for AIV by real-time reverse transcriptase (rRT) PCR. AIV was isolated and typed as Eurasian lineage HPAI H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4, by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Ames, IA. Extensive surveillance of birds for AIV around the 10-km zone did not reveal any additional cases. Ducks on the affected premises were humanely euthanatized by foam and composted in-house, the houses were heated to 57 C for 4 days, and swabs were taken periodically from the compost to ensure negativity for AIV by rRT-PCR. The compost and litter were then removed, and the house was pressure cleaned, disinfected, and repopulated approximately 120 days after euthanatization of the ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Stoute
- A California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, Turlock Branch, 1550 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, CA 95381
| | - Beate Crossley
- B California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, Davis Branch, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616
| | - H L Shivaprasad
- C California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, Tulare Branch, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274
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