Molecular detection of chicken parvovirus in broilers with enteric disorders presenting curving of duodenal loop, pancreatic atrophy, and mesenteritis

Abstract

Enteric disorders are an important cause of economic losses in broiler chickens worldwide. Several agents have been associated with enteric problems, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In this study, broiler chickens showing signs of enteric disorders were subjected to molecular diagnosis for several viral agents and also for pathological examination for elucidating this problem. Thus, the chickens were screened for avian nephritis virus (ANV), chicken astrovirus (CAstV), avian rotavirus (ArtV), avian reovirus (AReoV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), fowl adenovirus group I (FAdV-1), and chicken parvovirus (ChPV). Postmortem examinations revealed a curving of the duodenal loop (J-like appearance) and intestines filled with liquid and gaseous content. Histopathological analysis of the duodenal loop showed pancreatic atrophy, acute mesenteritis, and enteritis. PCR results showed that ChPV was the sole viral agent detected in samples with lesions such as the curved duodenal loop and pancreatic atrophy. Molecular characterization of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences revealed a high similarity with other strains of ChPV from Brazil, Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia. These findings suggest an association between ChPV and the development of enteritis, pancreatitis, and pancreatic atrophy, which may lead to curling of the duodenal loop. Together, these alterations may disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, diminishing digestion and the absorption of dietary nutrients and consequently leading to reduced weight gain, flock impairment, dwarfism, and an elevated feed conversion rate.

Avian parvovirus: classification, phylogeny, pathogenesis and diagnosis

“…The role of chicken and turkey parvoviruses in pathogenesis in enteric disease syndromes is not completely understood. The chicken and turkey parvoviruses have been associated with RSS of young broilers and PEC or PEMS in turkey poults Guy, 2015;Nuñez et al, 2016). These enteric syndromes are complex and have been associated with several viruses, bacteria and protozoa (Barnes & Guy, 2003).…”

“…Histologically, the small intestine has acute catarrhal enteritis and moderate to severe distension of crypts with associated eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions within epithelial cells. These inclusions are composed of array of parvovirus particles Nuñez et al, 2016). The atrophy of pancreas, bursa of Fabricius (BF) and spleen was observed Nuñez et al, 2016).…”

“…These inclusions are composed of array of parvovirus particles Nuñez et al, 2016). The atrophy of pancreas, bursa of Fabricius (BF) and spleen was observed Nuñez et al, 2016). Recently, association between ChPV and the development of lymphocytic pancreatitis, heterophilic pancreatitis and pancreatic atrophy has been reported (Nuñez et al, 2016).…”

“…The atrophy of pancreas, bursa of Fabricius (BF) and spleen was observed Nuñez et al, 2016). Recently, association between ChPV and the development of lymphocytic pancreatitis, heterophilic pancreatitis and pancreatic atrophy has been reported (Nuñez et al, 2016). In addition to the intestinal tract, a positive reaction by immunohistochemistry for the follicles of the BF was observed in turkeys .…”

Detection of enteric viruses in pancreas and spleen of broilers with runting-stunting syndrome (RSS)

“…This disorder (also known as malabsorption syndrome and as runting-stunting syndrome or RSS) is a multifactorial disease of chickens which results in gastrointestinal alterations along with elevated feed conversion and decreased body weight (Rebel et al 2006, Saif 2013, Nuñez et al 2016a, Nuñez et al 2016b). Bacterial, protozoal and viral agents are known to be involved in the development of outbreaks, which are also related to flock management and to the immunological status of flocks , Moura-Alvarez et al 2013, Moura-Alvarez et al 2014).…”