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Proliferative pododermatitis associated with virus-like particles in a northern gannet
P Y Daoust1, D Wadowska, F Kibenge
1Department of Pathology & Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada. daoust@upei.ca
Abstract:
Small multifocal lesions of proliferative pododermatitis were observed in an emaciated adult male northern gannet (Morus bassanus). Ultrastructurally, these lesions were associated with numerous virus-like particles with a size and morphology suggestive of Papovaviridae. DNA in situ hybridization with probes for avian polyomaviral and papillomaviral nucleic acid and an immunohistochemical test for the presence of papillomaviral antigen failed to identify this virus further. To our knowledge, papovavirus-like particles have not been recognized previously in this avian species.
Insights
Researchers observed unusual virus-like particles in proliferative lesions on a northern gannet. These papovavirus-like particles, potentially a novel avian polyomavirus or papillomavirus, were not definitively identified in this seabird species.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Veterinary virology
- Marine wildlife health
Background:
- Pododermatitis, an inflammation of the foot, can affect various avian species.
- Northern gannets (Morus bassanus) are large seabirds susceptible to various health issues, particularly when emaciated.
- Papovaviridae is a family of viruses that includes polyomaviruses and papillomaviruses, known to infect various animal hosts.
Observation:
- Small, multifocal lesions of proliferative pododermatitis were identified in an emaciated adult male northern gannet.
- Ultrastructural examination of these lesions revealed numerous virus-like particles.
- The particles' size and morphology were consistent with those belonging to the Papovaviridae family.
Findings:
- Despite characteristic morphology, specific identification of the virus was not achieved.
- DNA in situ hybridization assays for avian polyomavirus and papillomavirus were negative.
- Immunohistochemical tests for papillomaviral antigen also yielded negative results, failing to confirm the suspected viral agents.
Implications:
- This study reports the potential presence of papovavirus-like particles in northern gannets for the first time.
- The findings suggest a possible novel viral agent or an unusual manifestation of known viruses in this avian species.
- Further research is warranted to characterize these virus-like particles and their etiological role in avian pododermatitis.