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Oladosu OJ, Correia BSB, Grafl B, Liebhart D, Metges CC, Bertram HC, Daş G. 1H-NMR based-metabolomics reveals alterations in the metabolite profiles of chickens infected with ascarids and concurrent histomonosis infection. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:56. [PMID: 37978563 PMCID: PMC10655416 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut infections of chickens caused by Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum are associated with impaired host performance, particularly in high-performing genotypes. Heterakis gallinarum is also a vector of Histomonas meleagridis that is often co-involved with ascarid infections. Here, we provide a first insight into the alteration of the chicken plasma and liver metabolome as a result of gastrointestinal nematode infections with concomitant histomonosis. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) based-metabolomics coupled with a bioinformatics analysis was applied to explore the variation in the metabolite profiles of the liver (N = 105) and plasma samples from chickens (N = 108) experimentally infected with A. galli and H. gallinarum (+H. meleagridis). This was compared with uninfected chickens at different weeks post-infection (wpi 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 18) representing different developmental stages of the worms. RESULTS A total of 31 and 54 metabolites were quantified in plasma and aqueous liver extracts, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in any of the 54 identified liver metabolites between infected and uninfected hens. In contrast, 20 plasma metabolites including, amino acids, sugars, and organic acids showed significantly elevated concentrations in the infected hens (P < 0.05). Alterations of plasma metabolites occurred particularly in wpi 2, 6 and 10, covering the pre-patent period of worm infections. Plasma metabolites with the highest variation at these time points included glutamate, succinate, trimethylamine-N-oxide, myo-inositol, and acetate. Differential pathway analysis suggested that infection induced changes in (1) phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism, (2) alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; and 3) arginine and proline metabolism (Pathway impact > 0.1 with FDR adjusted P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, 1H-NMR based-metabolomics revealed significant alterations in the plasma metabolome of high performing chickens infected with gut pathogens-A. galli and H. gallinarum. The alterations suggested upregulation of key metabolic pathways mainly during the patency of infections. This approach extends our understanding of host interactions with gastrointestinal nematodes at the metabolic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyekunle John Oladosu
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia C Metges
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - Gürbüz Daş
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology 'Oskar Kellner', Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Hess C, Maegdefrau M, Grafl B, Hess M. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale Isolated from Turkeys over a 20-Year Period Harbor Similar Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Multidrug Resistance. Avian Dis 2022; 66:1-7. [PMID: 36214406 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-22-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infections with Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale are causing respiratory diseases that require antibiotic treatment in poultry worldwide. In the field, this agent is known to often be resistant to many antimicrobials, complicating therapeutic interventions. Therefore, there is a clear need to monitor trends in resistance development. In the present study, antibiotic resistance profiles of 64 O. rhinotracheale strains isolated from diseased turkeys from 2002 to 2021 were investigated against 19 antimicrobial substances by the microdilution method. Susceptibility toward chloramphenicol, carbapenem, and sulfamethozaxole combination was found for all strains. Most isolates were also susceptible to penicillins (98%-100%), with the exception of oxacillin, cephalosporins (84%-100%), tetracycline (89%), and tylosin (88%). In the case of quinolones, 89% of isolates showed intermediate resistance to enrofloxacin, whereas 90% showed full resistance to nalidixic acid. Full resistance to the tested aminoglycosides and colistin was revealed for all strains. Eighteen different AMR profiles were elucidated; more than half of the isolates (53%) shared the same AMR profile. Similar susceptibility profiles of O. rhinotracheale isolates were found on the different farms, proving some stability over the years. All isolates were classified as multidrug resistant. Multiple outbreaks within a flock or in successive flocks within a farm comprised 46 O. rhinotracheale isolates. Here, occasional changes in susceptibility for some antimicrobial substances were observed. In general, most of the changes occurred in quinolones, followed by tetracycline switching mainly from intermediate resistance to full resistance and vice versa. The present surveillance provides actual data on effective antibiotic treatments in case of disease outbreaks and contributes to the One Health concept acknowledging the important link between animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria,
| | - M Maegdefrau
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - B Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Daş G, Wachter L, Stehr M, Bilic I, Grafl B, Wernsdorf P, Metges CC, Hess M, Liebhart D. Excretion of Histomonas meleagridis following experimental co-infection of distinct chicken lines with Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia galli. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:323. [PMID: 34120639 PMCID: PMC8201732 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Histomonosis is a severe re-emerging disease of poultry caused by Histomonas meleagridis, a protozoan parasite which survives in the environment via the cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum. Following infection, the parasites reside in the ceca and are excreted via host feces. In the present work, male birds of conventional broiler (Ross 308, R), layer (Lohmann Brown Plus, LB) and a dual-purpose (Lohmann Dual, LD) chicken line were infected with 250 embryonated eggs of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum, respectively, with the latter nematode harboring Histomonas meleagridis, to investigate a co-infection of nematodes with the protozoan parasite in different host lines. Methods In weekly intervals, from 2 to 9 weeks post infection (wpi), individual fecal samples (n = 234) from the chickens were collected to quantify the excretion of H. meleagridis by real-time PCR and to determine the number of nematode eggs per gram (EPG) in order to elucidate excretion dynamics of the flagellate and the nematodes. This was further investigated by indirect detection using plasma samples of the birds to detect antibodies specific for H. meleagridis and worms by ELISA. The infection with H. meleagridis was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect the flagellate in the cecum of representing birds. Results The excretion of H. meleagridis could already be observed from the 2nd wpi in some birds and increased to 100% in the last week of the experiment in all groups independent of the genetic line. This increase could be confirmed by ELISA, even though the number of excreted H. meleagridis per bird was generally low. Overall, histomonads were detected in 60% to 78% of birds with temporary differences between the different genetic lines, which also showed variations in the EPG and worm burden of both nematodes. Conclusions The infection with H. gallinarum eggs contaminated with H. meleagridis led to a permanent excretion of the flagellate in host feces. Differences in the excretion of H. meleagridis in the feces of genetically different host lines occurred intermittently. The excretion of the protozoan or its vector H. gallinarum was mostly exclusive, showing a negative interaction between the two parasites in the same host. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04823-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gürbüz Daş
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner", Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Lukas Wachter
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Stehr
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner", Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ivana Bilic
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Wernsdorf
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelia C Metges
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner", Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Lagler J, Schmidt S, Mitra T, Stadler M, Grafl B, Hatfaludi T, Hess M, Gerner W, Liebhart D. Comparative investigation of IFN-γ-producing T cells in chickens and turkeys following vaccination and infection with the extracellular parasite Histomonas meleagridis. Dev Comp Immunol 2021; 116:103949. [PMID: 33253751 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The re-emerging disease histomonosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis that affects chickens and turkeys. Previously, protection by vaccination with in vitro attenuated H. meleagridis has been demonstrated and an involvement of T cells, potentially by IFN-γ production, was hypothesized. However, comparative studies between chickens and turkeys on H. meleagridis-specific T cells were not conducted yet. This work investigated IFN-γ production within CD4+, CD8α+ and TCRγδ+ (chicken) or CD3ε+CD4-CD8α- (turkey) T cells of spleen and liver from vaccinated and/or infected birds using clonal cultures of a monoxenic H. meleagridis strain. In infected chickens, re-stimulated splenocytes showed a significant increase of IFN-γ+CD4+ T cells. Contrariwise, significant increments of IFN-γ-producing cells within all major T-cell subsets of the spleen and liver were found for vaccinated/infected turkeys. This indicates that the vaccine in turkeys causes more intense systemic immune responses whereas in chickens protection might be mainly driven by local immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lagler
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; Institute of Immunology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Selma Schmidt
- Institute of Immunology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Taniya Mitra
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Stadler
- Institute of Immunology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tamas Hatfaludi
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Mirzazadeh A, Grafl B, Abbasnia M, Emadi-Jamali S, Abdi-Hachesoo B, Schachner A, Hess M. Reduced Performance Due to Adenoviral Gizzard Erosion in 16-Day-Old Commercial Broiler Chickens in Iran, Confirmed Experimentally. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:635186. [PMID: 33598489 PMCID: PMC7882599 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.635186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) in broilers is an emerging infectious disease with negative impact on flock productivity. Despite of known primary etiological role of fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) in AGE, there are a limited number of field reports worldwide, possibly because the disease is less noticeable and clinically difficult to assess. The present study documents an outbreak of AGE in 16-day-old broiler chickens on a farm in the north of Iran and the reproduction of the disease in an experimental setting. In the field, a sudden onset of mortality was noticed in affected broilers resulting in 6% total mortality and decreased weight gain leading to approximately 1-week delay to reach the target slaughter weight. Necropsy findings in dead broilers revealed black colored content in crop, proventriculus and gizzard together with severe gizzard erosions characterized by multiple black-brown areas of variable size in the koilin layer and mucosal inflammation. Microscopic examination revealed necrotizing ventriculitis marked with severe dissociation of koilin layer and degeneration of glandular epithelium with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. FAdV-1 was isolated from affected gizzards. Phylogenetic analysis of the hexon loop-1 (L1) sequence of the isolated virus showed 100% identity with pathogenic FAdV-1 strains previously reported from broiler chickens with AGE. Subsequently, an in vivo study infecting day-old commercial layer chickens with the field isolate demonstrated characteristic lesions and histopathological changes of AGE together with decreased weight gain in the infected birds. For the first time, the progress of a natural outbreak of AGE in Iran is described and experimental reproduction of the disease is demonstrated. The findings highlight the economic impact of the disease for regional poultry production due to mortality and impaired weight gain of the affected broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mirzazadeh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.,Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mohammad Abbasnia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sobhan Emadi-Jamali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahman Abdi-Hachesoo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anna Schachner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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6
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Mirzazadeh A, Grafl B, Berger E, Schachner A, Hess M. Longitudinal Serological Monitoring of Commercial Broiler Breeders for Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs)-Presence of Antibodies Is Linked with Virus Excretion. Avian Dis 2020; 65:177-187. [PMID: 34339138 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-20-00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the poultry industry worldwide is facing an emerging trend of fowl adenovirus (FAdV)-associated diseases with a significant economic impact, especially in meat-type chickens. Vertical transmission is an important feature of all FAdVs; hence, preventive measures mostly revolve around breeding stocks. However, knowledge about temporal development of FAdV infections in modern commercial settings is rare or even nonexistent. In the present study, longitudinal monitoring for FAdV was conducted in broiler breeder flocks located in a confined geographical region with intensive poultry production in Iran. For this, the antibody status of birds from 4 to 32 wk of age was monitored with a commercial FAdV-ELISA and virus neutralization test (VNT). In parallel, fecal shedding of FAdV was determined at the peak of egg production with real-time PCR and virus isolation. Overall, the commercial ELISA showed seroconversion of flocks before onset of production. VNT resolved in detail infection patterns of individual serotypes with a primordial FAdV-D (FAdV-2/-11) infection, frequently followed by FAdV-E (FAdV-8a, -8b) superinfection. FAdV-A (FAdV-1) was traced in half of the investigated flocks, while no evidence of infection with FAdV-C (FAdV-4, -10) was noted. Common serological profiles between different houses of the same farm indicate an overarching biosecurity. Serological profiles coupled with virological findings at the peak of egg production indicated that higher antibody levels, determined by ELISA, correlated with lower amounts of viral DNA in fecal excretion. Simultaneously, the number of isolated FAdVs belonging to distinct serotypes declined in accordance with a rise of neutralizing antibodies in birds, underlining the significance of serotype-specific antibodies in the epidemiology of FAdV in breeders. Investigations in breeders were complemented with screening of FAdV-associated diseases in local broilers over a 3-yr period; 26 cases of inclusion body hepatitis with dominant involvement of FAdV-11/FAdV-8b, one outbreak of adenoviral gizzard erosion related to FAdV-1, and no evidence of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome suggest that identical serotypes are maintained in the local poultry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mirzazadeh
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, .,Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Evelyn Berger
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schachner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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7
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Abstract
Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infections in chickens have undergone substantial changes in recent decades, driven by host and pathogen factors. Based on the pathogenesis of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), modern broilers are much more inclined to have difficulties keeping the metabolic homeostasis, whereas adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) is noticed equally in broilers and egg-layers. Defining the importance of certain serotypes for specific FAdV diseases is a major achievement of recent years but the isolation of viruses from clinically healthy birds remains unexplained, as virulence factors are hardly known and continue to be a "black box". Together with further studies on pathogenesis of FAdV-induced diseases, such knowledge on virulence factors would help to improve protection strategies, which presently mainly concentrate on autogenous vaccines of breeders to prevent vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schachner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria.,Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
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Grafl B, Gaußmann B, Sulejmanovic T, Hess C, Hess M. Risks and disease aetiologies of compromised performance in commercial broilers kept at lower stocking density and limited antimicrobial use. Avian Pathol 2020; 49:621-630. [PMID: 32746625 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2020.1805411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The health status of broilers raised at lower stocking density and limited antimicrobial use (but routine anticoccidials) was assessed in order to identify prevalent causes of disease, mortality and reduced performance. "Dead-on-farm"(DOF) broilers from 145 commercial flocks were investigated at two different time points (TP1:7-14 and TP2:28-35 days of age); per sampling, 6-10 DOF broilers were selected for post-mortem investigation and gross pathomorphological changes were assessed from 2717 birds in total. Post-mortem findings were substantiated by bacteriological, virological and parasitological investigations. Furthermore, production data of all flocks were collected and used to perform comprehensive statistical analysis. Overall, colibacillosis was found most important with a significant negative impact on flock health, productivity and profitability through all ages of broiler production. At TP1, primary reasons for mortality comprised yolk sac infections, generally found together with fibrinous polyserositis due to E. coli. Furthermore, femoral lesions, which correlated with increased flock mortality, were associated with detection of E. coli. At TP2, ascites was detected frequently in DOF broilers, correlating with increased production losses in the fourth and fifth weeks of life. No aetiological link between the presence of ascites and the detection of the investigated pathogens was observed, instead a positive correlation was noticed with altitude above sea level of the farm, and with the sex of the birds. Disease conditions could not be linked with the housing system. Presence of infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus and fowl adenovirus did not correlate with macroscopic lesions or a specific disease. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS In young broilers lesions of visceral organs due to bacterial infections dominated. Colibacillosis impacts broiler health, productivity and profitability independent of the age of birds. Disorders of the locomotor system were frequently observed throughout production. Older broilers frequently showed pathologic changes due to metabolic disorders. Overall, a shift from infectious towards metabolic disease conditions was noticed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Grafl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Gaußmann
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tarik Sulejmanovic
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Hess
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Mirzazadeh A, Asasi K, Schachner A, Mosleh N, Liebhart D, Hess M, Grafl B. Gizzard Erosion Associated with Fowl Adenovirus Infection in Slaughtered Broiler Chickens in Iran. Avian Dis 2020; 63:568-576. [PMID: 31865670 DOI: 10.1637/aviandiseases-d-19-00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gizzard erosions have been noticed in slaughtered broiler chickens during inspection at a processing plant in Iran. The condition was detected in piled gizzards derived from seven commercial broiler farms brought to slaughter on the same day. In total, 48 gizzards with lesions underwent thorough pathologic and virologic investigation. Perforation, roughening, and discoloration of the koilin layer as well as inflammation of the mucosa were observed macroscopically. Histologic examination showed dissociation of and cellular debris in the koilin layer accompanied by a loss and degeneration of glandular epithelium with mild to marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layer. Fowl adenovirus serotypes 1 (FAdV-1), 11 (FAdV-11), and 8a (FAdV-8a) were found in 13, 12, and 1 gizzard(s), respectively. Therein included were two gizzards that showed mixed infections with FAdV-1 and FAdV-11. Detailed analysis of the hexon gene revealed that the Iranian FAdV-1 isolates could be divided into two subclusters, more closely related to either the European (CELO) or the Asian (Ote) FAdV-1 reference strains. The present study, for the first time, describes not only the appearance of gizzard erosion but also the isolation of FAdV-1 and FAdV-8a from broilers in Iran and offers insights on the epidemiology of FAdV infection in Iranian flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Mirzazadeh
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, 7144169155.,Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210
| | - Keramat Asasi
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, 7144169155
| | - Anna Schachner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210
| | - Najmeh Mosleh
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, 7144169155
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria A-1210,
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10
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Lagler J, Mitra T, Schmidt S, Pierron A, Vatzia E, Stadler M, Hammer SE, Mair KH, Grafl B, Wernsdorf P, Rauw F, Lambrecht B, Liebhart D, Gerner W. Cytokine production and phenotype of Histomonas meleagridis-specific T cells in the chicken. Vet Res 2019; 50:107. [PMID: 31806018 PMCID: PMC6896354 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0726-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis is the causative agent of the re-emerging disease histomonosis of chickens and turkeys. Due to the parasite’s extracellular occurrence, a type-2 differentiation of H. meleagridis-specific T cells has been hypothesized. In contrast, a recent study suggested that IFN-γ mRNA+ cells are involved in protection against histomonosis. However, the phenotype and cytokine production profile of H. meleagridis-specific T cells still awaits elucidation. In this work, clonal cultures of a virulent monoxenic strain of H. meleagridis were used for infecting chickens to detect IFN-γ protein and IL-13 mRNA by intracellular cytokine staining and PrimeFlow™ RNA Assays, respectively, in CD4+ and CD8β+ T cells. Infection was confirmed by characteristic pathological changes in the cecum corresponding with H. meleagridis detection by immunohistochemistry and H. meleagridis-specific antibodies in serum. In splenocytes stimulated either with H. meleagridis antigen or PMA/ionomycin, IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells from infected chickens increased in comparison to cells from non-infected birds 2 weeks and 5 weeks post-infection. Additionally, an increase of IFN-γ-producing CD4−CD8β− cells upon H. meleagridis antigen and PMA/ionomycin stimulation was detected. Contrariwise, frequencies of IL-13 mRNA-expressing cells were low even after PMA/ionomycin stimulation and mainly had a CD4−CD8β− phenotype. No clear increase of IL-13+ cells related to H. meleagridis infection could be found. In summary, these data suggest that H. meleagridis infection induces a type-1 differentiation of CD4+ T cells but also of non-CD4+ cells. This phenotype could include γδ T cells, which will be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lagler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Taniya Mitra
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selma Schmidt
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alix Pierron
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleni Vatzia
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Stadler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine E Hammer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerstin H Mair
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Wernsdorf
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabienne Rauw
- Avian Virology & Immunology Unit, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Dieter Liebhart
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Grafl B, Berger E, Wernsdorf P, Hess M. Successful reproduction of adenoviral gizzard erosion in 20-week-old SPF layer-type chickens and efficacious prophylaxis due to live vaccination with an apathogenic fowl adenovirus serotype 1 strain (CELO). Vaccine 2019; 38:143-149. [PMID: 31672334 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently, outbreaks of adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) have been documented in pullets and layers housed free range and in enriched cage systems characterized by increased mortality and a negative impact on egg production. In the present study the pathogenicity of a fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) field strain as well as the aetiological role of a FAdV-8a strain, both isolated from AGE affected pullets, were investigated in vivo in 20-week-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) layer-type chickens. Furthermore, the efficacy of a single (week 17) and double (week 14 and 17) application of a live vaccine consisting of an apathogenic FAdV-1 (CELO strain) against challenge with virulent FAdV-1 was investigated. For the first time, AGE was successfully reproduced in adult birds after oral infection of 20-week-old SPF birds with a virulent FAdV-1 field isolate, characterized by pathological changes of the gizzard from 7 days post challenge onwards. In addition, a negative impact of the FAdV-1 infection on the development of the reproductive tract was observed. Thus, confirming the pathogenicity and aetiological role of FAdV-1 in the development of AGE and economic losses due to AGE in layers. In contrast, no pathological changes were observed in birds infected with FAdV-8a. Independent of a single or double application of the live FAdV-1 vaccine strain CELO, no gross pathological changes were observed in gizzards post challenge with the virulent FAdV-1, indicating that complete protection of layers against horizontal induction of AGE was achieved. Nonetheless, virulent FAdV-1 was detected in cloacal swabs and gizzards in both vaccinated groups post challenge determined by the application of an amplification refractory mutation system quantitative PCR used to differentiate between vaccine and challenge strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Evelyn Berger
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Patricia Wernsdorf
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Hess C, Grafl B, Bagheri S, Kaesbohrer A, Zloch A, Hess M. Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Gallibacterium anatis from Layers Reveals High Number of Multiresistant Strains and Substantial Variability Even Between Isolates from the Same Organ. Microb Drug Resist 2019; 26:169-177. [PMID: 31526229 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2019.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this investigation, data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of 213 Gallibacterium anatis isolates were determined from 93 laying hens originating from 39 flocks. Each flock was sampled three times during its life time for the presence of G. anatis. The broth microdilution method was applied comprising 21 antimicrobial substances. Multidrug resistance was found in 96.2% of the G. anatis isolates. Most of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline (89.2%), tylosin (94.8%), enrofloxacin (58.2%), nalidixic acid (77.4%), and sulfamethoxazole (77.0%). Resistance against antimicrobial substances increased significantly with the age of birds. A total of 99 different AMR profiles were detected. On flock level, different AMR profiles were found in 71.8% of the flocks independent of the sampling time point. On bird level, identical AMR profiles were mostly found in isolates originating from the same organ of a single bird, but 22 such paired isolates differed in their AMR profile. Variations of AMR profiles were found within isolates from a single bird, but from different organs. Isolates from systemic organs were significantly more resistant to different antimicrobial substances compared to isolates from the reproductive tract. No influence could be found in regard to an increase of resistance and applied antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hess
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sina Bagheri
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annemarie Kaesbohrer
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Zloch
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Sulejmanović T, Grafl B, Bilić I, Jaskulska B, Hess M. PCR and serology confirm the infection of turkey hens and their resilience to histomonosis in mixed flocks following high mortalities in toms. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:228. [PMID: 31088526 PMCID: PMC6518625 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Histomonosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis, is a severe disease especially in turkeys where it can cause high mortalities. Recently, outbreaks were described in which turkey hens showed no clinical signs despite high mortalities in toms, from which they were separated only by a wire fence. The present study investigated three similar outbreaks of histomonosis whereby in two of them only a few hens were being affected and none in the third. Hens from all flocks were kept until end of production and slaughtered as scheduled. However, in all three cases, the disease progressed in toms reaching nearly 100% within two weeks. Methods Following diagnosis of the disease, tissue samples were obtained from toms and hens at necropsy. Environmental dust, cloacal swabs and blood were taken on three successive farm visits within compartments of hens and toms and tested by real-time PCR or ELISA. The DNA from a total of 18 samples positive for H. meleagridis was further subjected to conventional PCR utilizing the 18S rRNA primers and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Results All tissue samples and some cloacal swabs were tested positive. Dust samples confirmed the presence of H. meleagridis DNA that spread within entire houses up to 6 weeks after the first clinical signs of histomonosis. Sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA locus demonstrated the presence of the same strain in birds of both sexes within each of the turkey houses. Investigation of serum samples two weeks post-initial diagnosis and prior to euthanasia resulted in antibody detection in 73% of toms and 70% of hens. Until the end of the investigation the number of positive hens per farm increased up to 100% with mean OD-values approaching those noticed in toms prior to euthanasia. Conclusions For the first time it could be demonstrated that turkey hens kept in the same house as toms became infected during fatal outbreaks in toms. This highlights the value of different diagnostics methods in order to trace the parasite in connection with the host response. The strange phenomenon that only single hens succumb to the diseases despite being infected requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Sulejmanović
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivana Bilić
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Jaskulska
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Gaußmann B, Hess C, Grafl B, Kovacs M, Troxler S, Stessl B, Hess M, Paudel S. Escherichia coli isolates from femoral bone marrow of broilers exhibit diverse pheno- and genotypic characteristics that do not correlate with macroscopic lesions of bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis. Avian Pathol 2018; 47:271-280. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2018.1440065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gaußmann
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mercedes Kovacs
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Salome Troxler
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beatrix Stessl
- Institute of Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology and Food Science, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Surya Paudel
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Matos M, Dublecz K, Grafl B, Liebhart D, Hess M. Pancreatitis Is an Important Feature of Broilers Suffering from Inclusion Body Hepatitis Leading to Dysmetabolic Conditions with Consequences for Zootechnical Performance. Avian Dis 2017; 62:57-64. [DOI: 10.1637/11755-092717-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Matos
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Károly Dublecz
- Department of Animal Science, Georgikon Faculty, University of Pannonia, Deak F. u. 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Abstract
The stand-alone pathogenicity of fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) had long been disputed, given the ubiquity of the viruses versus sporadic outbreaks, and variation between experimental studies. However, a globally emerging trend of FAdV-associated diseases has marked the past two decades, with hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome mainly in Asia besides Arabian and Latin American countries, and geographically more disseminated outbreaks of inclusion body hepatitis. Finally, the appearance of FAdV-induced gizzard erosion (AGE) in Asia and Europe completed the range of diseases. Epidemiological studies confirmed serotype FAdV-4 as agent of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome, whereas inclusion body hepatitis is related to FAdV-2, -8a, -8b and -11. Members of the biologically more distant serotype FAdV-1 induce AGE. Urged by increasing problems in the field, numerous pathogenicity studies with FAdVs from outbreaks substantiated the primary aetiologic role of particular strains for distinct clinical conditions. Developments in the poultry industry towards highly specialized genetic breeds and rigorous biosecurity additionally contribute to the growing incidence of FAdV-related diseases. Confirming field observations, recent studies connected a higher susceptibility of broilers with their distinct physiology, implying the choice of bird type as a factor to be considered in infection studies. Furthermore, elevated biosecurity standards have generated immunologically naïve breeding stocks, putting broilers at risk in face of vertical FAdV transmission. Therefore, future prevention strategies should include adequate antibodies in breeders prior to production and - if necessary - vaccination, in order to protect progenies. This review aims to deliver a detailed overview on the current global situation about FAdV-induced diseases, their reproduction in vivo and vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schachner
- a Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV) , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria
| | - Miguel Matos
- b Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- b Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- a Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV) , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria.,b Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria
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17
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Grafl B, Garcia-Rueda C, Cargill P, Wood A, Schock A, Liebhart D, Schachner A, Hess M. Fowl aviadenovirus serotype 1 confirmed as the aetiological agent of gizzard erosions in replacement pullets and layer flocks in Great Britain by laboratory and in vivo studies. Avian Pathol 2017; 47:63-72. [PMID: 28920482 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2017.1367364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
An investigation into the aetiology and pathogenesis of adenoviral gizzard erosion has been conducted following three natural outbreaks affecting one flock of 6-week-old replacement pullets and two consecutive placements of free range layers at the age of 21 and 23 weeks. Affected flocks showed increased mortality (0.12-0.30% per week), and gizzard lesions were consistent with fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) involvement. To substantiate the initial findings, a selection of archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gizzard samples from another 12 pullet and layer flocks, for which macroscopic and histopathological diagnosis of the disease were recorded in Great Britain during the period 2009-2016, were also investigated. In situ hybridization (ISH), virology and/or PCR confirmed the presence of FAdV species-A, serotype-1 (FAdV-A, FAdV-1) DNA in gizzard samples of all 15 cases investigated. Co-infections with additional FAdV serotypes including FAdV-8a were detected by serology and/or virology in two of the pullet flocks. However, species-specific in situ hybridization revealed that pathological changes of affected gizzards were only associated with the detection of FAdV-A. A subsequent in vivo study infecting 21-day-old SPF pullets with FAdV-1 or FAdV-8a strains isolated from the 6-week-old replacement pullets revealed characteristic pathomorphological changes only in the gizzards from birds infected with FAdV-1. While infection with FAdV-8a was confirmed by virology and serology, infected SPF birds did not develop pathomorphological changes. Therefore, the aetiological involvement of the isolated FAdV-8a in the development of adenoviral gizzard erosion in commercial pullets has been ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Grafl
- a Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | | | - Peter Cargill
- c Wyatt Poultry Veterinary Services Limited , Hereford , UK
| | - Alisdair Wood
- b Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Avian Pathology , Penicuik , UK
| | - Alex Schock
- b Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Avian Pathology , Penicuik , UK
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- a Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Anna Schachner
- d Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV) , Vienna , Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- a Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Vienna , Austria.,d Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV) , Vienna , Austria
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18
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Grafl B, Polster S, Sulejmanovic T, Pürrer B, Guggenberger B, Hess M. Assessment of health and welfare of Austrian laying hens at slaughter demonstrates influence of husbandry system and season. Br Poult Sci 2017; 58:209-215. [DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2017.1280723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Polster
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - T. Sulejmanovic
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - B. Pürrer
- EZG Frischei - Österreichische Frischeier Erzeugergemeinschaft Vertriebs - GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - B. Guggenberger
- EZG Frischei - Österreichische Frischeier Erzeugergemeinschaft Vertriebs - GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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19
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Matos M, Grafl B, Liebhart D, Schwendenwein I, Hess M. Selected clinical chemistry analytes correlate with the pathogenesis of inclusion body hepatitis experimentally induced by fowl aviadenoviruses. Avian Pathol 2016; 45:520-9. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2016.1168513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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Matos M, Grafl B, Liebhart D, Hess M. The outcome of experimentally induced inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) by fowl aviadenoviruses (FAdVs) is crucially influenced by the genetic background of the host. Vet Res 2016; 47:69. [PMID: 27356980 PMCID: PMC4928300 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-016-0350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) was experimentally induced by oral inoculation of two groups of specific pathogen-free (SPF) broilers and two groups of SPF layers at day-old with either a fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV)-D or a FAdV-E strain. A substantial variation in the degree of susceptibility was observed with mortalities of 100 and 96% in the FAdV-E and D infected SPF broiler groups, respectively, whereas in the groups of infected SPF layers mortalities of only 20 and 8% were noticed. Significant changes in clinical chemistry analytes of all infected birds together with histopathological lesions indicated impairment of liver and pancreas integrity and functions. Furthermore, significantly lower blood glucose concentrations were recorded at peak of infection in both inoculated SPF broiler groups, in comparison to the control group, corresponding to a hypoglycaemic status. High viral loads were determined in liver and pancreas of SPF broilers already at 4 days post-infection (dpi), in comparison to SPF layers, indicating a somewhat faster viral replication in the target organs. Overall, highest values were noticed in the pancreas of SPF broilers independent of the virus used for infection. The actual study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of IBH, a disease evolving to a metabolic disorder, to which SPF broilers were highly susceptible. Hence, this is the first study to report a significant higher susceptibility of SPF broiler chickens to experimentally induced IBH in direct comparison to SPF layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Matos
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Beatrice Grafl
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Poultry Vaccines (IPOV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Grafl B, Weise H, Le Bris J, Liebhart D, Bilic I, Hess M. Aberrant Clinical Appearance and Pathomorphology Noticed During an Outbreak of Histomonosis Indicates a Different Pathogenesis ofHistomonas meleagridisGenotype 2. Avian Dis 2015; 59:452-8. [DOI: 10.1637/11093-041715-case.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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22
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Grafl B, Prokofieva I, Wernsdorf P, Dublecz K, Hess M. Clinical signs and progression of lesions in the gizzard are not influenced by inclusion of ground oats or whole wheat in the diet following experimental infection with pathogenic fowl adenovirus serotype 1. Avian Pathol 2015; 44:230-6. [PMID: 25768948 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2015.1028886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study the effects of dietary gizzard stimulation on the development and severity of adenoviral gizzard erosion were investigated. For this purpose, specific pathogen-free broilers were divided into six groups, investigating the influence of an oat-containing diet with higher fibre content, a whole wheat-containing diet and a control diet of nearly identical composition, but containing ground wheat. For each feed administered, one group of birds was experimentally infected on the 10th day of age by the oral route with virulent fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1), recently proven to induce gizzard erosions, while the respective negative control groups remained uninfected. Experimental feed was administered from 2 days post-infection onwards. No significant differences on gizzard health or in weight gain could be detected between uninfected control groups or between FAdV-1 infected groups that received different experimental feed. However, independent of the supplied diet, a significantly reduced weight gain was noted from 7 days post-infection onwards in FAdV-1 infected broilers compared to uninfected birds that received the same diet. Macroscopically, discolouration and erosion of the koilin layer and inflammation of the gizzard mucosa were observed in all FAdV-1 infected groups. Histologically, necrosis, degeneration of gizzard epithelial cells and multiple basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed. In summary, after experimental infection with FAdV-1 development of gizzard erosion in chickens was not influenced by the feeding regimes investigated. Therefore, it is unlikely that dietary gizzard stimulation influences the outcome of adenoviral gizzard erosion in vertically infected broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Grafl
- a Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health , Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria
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Grafl B, Aigner F, Liebhart D, Marek A, Prokofieva I, Bachmeier J, Hess M. Vertical transmission and clinical signs in broiler breeders and broilers experiencing adenoviral gizzard erosion. Avian Pathol 2014; 41:599-604. [PMID: 23237373 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2012.740614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present report documents an outbreak of adenoviral gizzard erosion in 22 broiler flocks in Germany. The clinical picture was characterized by uneven growth of affected broilers that resulted in considerably lower than average weight at slaughtering. Fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) was isolated from gizzard lesions and histological examinations demonstrated FAdV-1-positive intranuclear inclusion bodies in gizzard epithelial cells of affected broilers by in-situ hybridization. Birds from all affected flocks originated from one broiler breeder farm. During production of affected birds, broiler breeders were between 27 and 32 weeks old. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and specific virus neutralization assay of sera from parent birds demonstrated an acute FAdV-1 infection within the first 5 weeks of the production cycle. Clinically, broiler breeders exhibited a moderate fall in the hatchability of their chicks, while egg production remained normal. No further clinical signs could be observed. Genetically identical FAdV-1 strains were isolated from gizzards of embryos at the lowest point of hatchability and from affected broiler flocks raised on independent farms. For the first time, direct detection of viable FAdV-1 from gizzards of embryos and progenies of one FAdV-1-seropositive broiler breeder farm in the course of an outbreak of adenoviral gizzard erosion could be demonstrated, highlighting the importance of vertical transmission of this disease. Additionally, growth retardation and subsequent reduced average weight at the time of slaughter of broiler chickens underline the economic impact of adenoviral gizzard erosion for poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Grafl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Avian, Reptile and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz, Vienna, Austria
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Liebhart D, Sulejmanovic T, Grafl B, Tichy A, Hess M. Vaccination against histomonosis prevents a drop in egg production in layers following challenge. Avian Pathol 2013; 42:79-84. [PMID: 23391185 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2012.760841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effect of attenuated Histomonas meleagridis on pullets was investigated and the protection of vaccinated adult laying hens against a severe challenge was studied in the same experimental setting. Four groups of 25 pullets were set up at 18 weeks of life and birds in two groups were vaccinated with in vitro-attenuated H. meleagridis. Chickens in two groups (vaccinated and non-vaccinated) were challenged 5 weeks later with virulent histomonads, while the remaining groups were retained until termination of the study 11 weeks post vaccination. Vaccination of pullets did not have any impact on their subsequent performance. Egg production of non-vaccinated but challenged birds dropped significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between 2 and 4 weeks post challenge (p.c.) to 58.7%, compared with 90% in control chickens. At 4 weeks p.c., the drop in egg production in vaccinated and challenged birds was significantly lower (P=0.02) than in non-protected layers. Pathological changes were found only in challenged birds 2 and 6 weeks p.c. Several non-vaccinated birds showed severe lesions in the caeca with sporadic involvement of the liver and atrophy of the reproductive tract. Vaccination prior to challenge reduced the incidence of pathological findings. For the first time, vaccination of pullets with in vitro-attenuated histomonads could be shown to be an effective and safe prophylactic tool to prevent a severe drop in egg production of commercial layers following experimental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Liebhart
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Clinic for Avian, Reptile and Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz, Vienna, Austria.
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Grafl B, Liebhart D, Günes A, Wernsdorf P, Aigner F, Bachmeier J, Hess M. Quantity of virulent fowl adenovirus serotype 1 correlates with clinical signs, macroscopical and pathohistological lesions in gizzards following experimental induction of gizzard erosion in broilers. Vet Res 2013; 44:38. [PMID: 23705834 PMCID: PMC3672026 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) and commercial broilers with maternally derived fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) antibodies were orally infected with a European “pathogenic” FAdV-1, isolated from broilers showing signs of gizzard erosion. During the experiment, broilers were observed and weighed daily up to 17 days post infection (dpi). Clinically, both infected groups showed significant decrease of weight compared to respective negative control groups. Birds were examined by necropsy at 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 dpi. Pathological changes in the gizzards were noticed in both experimentally infected groups from 7 dpi onwards. Macroscopically, erosion of the koilin layer and inflammation or ulceration of the gizzard mucosa were observed. Histologically, presence of FAdV-1 in intranuclear inclusion bodies of degenerated glandular epithelial cells was demonstrated by in-situ hybridization and inflammatory cell infiltration of the lamina propria, submucosa and muscle layer was detected. Tissue samples were investigated by a recently developed real-time PCR and the viral DNA load was calculated from gizzard, liver, spleen and cloacal swabs with the highest amounts of FAdV-1 DNA found in the gizzard. For the first time, successful reproduction of clinical signs in broilers as well as pathological lesions in the gizzard were achieved with a European FAdV-1 isolate displaying some genetic differences to so far reported virulent FAdV-1 from Japan. Furthermore, highest viral load in gizzards could be linked with macroscopical and histological lesions. Therefore, the conducted analyses provide important insights into the pathogenesis of adenoviral gizzard erosion.
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Grafl B, Liebhart D, Windisch M, Ibesich C, Hess M. Seroprevalence of Histomonas meleagridis in pullets and laying hens determined by ELISA. Vet Rec 2011; 168:160. [PMID: 21493512 DOI: 10.1136/vr.c6479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Serum samples from 1120 layers from 56 flocks and 400 pullets from 20 flocks were tested by an indirect sandwich ELISA to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to Histomonas meleagridis in chickens kept in alternative husbandry systems. The overall prevalence of antibodies to H meleagridis in layers was 37.3 per cent, and positive birds were identified in 50 flocks. This was significantly higher than in pullets, where only 8.3 per cent of the birds tested positive. Optical density (OD) values obtained from pullet sera were much lower than the OD values from layers; however, positive birds were detected in half of the pullet flocks. In particular, all birds from an organic pullet flock were found to be positive, with high OD values. Overall, the highest prevalence of positive sera was obtained from birds kept in free-range flocks. Attempts to reisolate live histomonads from birds in 18 layer flocks were unsuccessful.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Grafl
- Clinic for Avian, Reptile and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Ruf T, Grafl B. Maximum rates of sustained metabolic rate in cold-exposed Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus): the second wind. J Comp Physiol B 2010; 180:1089-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-010-0476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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