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A comparative study of the pathogenesis of malabsorption syndrome in broilers
T Songserm1, J M Pol, D van Roozelaar
1Department of Avian Virology, ID-Lelystad BV Institute for Animal Science and Health, The Netherlands.
Avian Diseases
|September 28, 2000
Summary
Malabsorption syndrome (MAS) in broilers was reproduced using MAS homogenates, with histopathology classifying distinct lesion types. Intestinal lesions significantly impacted weight gain more than proventricular lesions.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Veterinary microbiology
Background:
- Malabsorption syndrome (MAS) is a significant concern in broiler production.
- Understanding the causative agents and pathological manifestations of MAS is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reproduce MAS in broiler chickens using homogenates from affected flocks.
- To investigate the histopathological changes and identify potential infectious agents associated with MAS.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of 1-day-old broiler chicks with five MAS homogenates.
- Histopathological examination of tissues (proventriculus, small intestine, pancreas).
- Virus isolation, seroconversion, immunohistochemistry for viral antigen detection.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification.
Main Results:
- MAS homogenates induced varied clinical signs and histopathological lesions, classifiable into proventriculitis, combined intestinal and proventricular lesions, or isolated intestinal lesions.
- Intestinal lesions had a greater negative impact on weight gain compared to proventricular lesions.
- Reovirus was detected in inoculated groups; enterovirus-like particles were also found in some groups.
- Microscopic pancreatic lesions were observed in three of five inoculated groups.
- Various bacteria, including hemolytic Escherichia coli, Pasteurella hemolytica, and Enterococcus durans, were isolated.
Conclusions:
- Histopathology is effective in classifying MAS presentations in broilers.
- Reovirus is implicated in MAS pathogenesis, though its exact role requires further investigation.
- The contribution of other detected agents (enterovirus-like particles, bacteria, bacteriophages) to MAS pathogenesis remains undetermined.