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Unusual pox lesions found in Chinese jungle mynahs (Acridotheres cristatellus)

Y C Hsieh1, S H Chen, C W Wang

  • 1Tainan Hsien Livestock Disease Control Center, Tainan, and Department of Biology, National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan.

Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A
|October 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Poxvirus infection was identified in Chinese jungle mynahs, affecting skin, oral cavity, and the uropygial gland. This study reveals the virus is phylogenetically related to wood pigeon poxvirus.

Area of Science:

  • Avian pathology
  • Virology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Poxvirus infections are significant in avian populations, causing various clinical signs.
  • The Chinese jungle mynah ( *Acridotheres cristatatus* ) is a common bird species, but information on its susceptibility to poxvirus is limited.

Observation:

  • Macroscopic examination revealed pox lesions on feathered and unfeathered skin, oral mucosa, and the uropygial gland of affected mynahs.
  • Microscopic analysis showed characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions within proliferative cells in all lesion types.
  • Ultrastructural examination of the virus particles confirmed a poxvirus morphology, with a convoluted outer membrane, lateral bodies, and a central core.

Findings:

  • Nucleotide sequencing of the 4b core protein gene identified the causative agent as a novel poxvirus.
  • Phylogenetic analysis based on the 4b core protein sequence indicated a close relationship between the mynah poxvirus and wood pigeon poxvirus.
  • This research marks the first documented instance of poxvirus infection involving the uropygial gland in any avian species.

Implications:

  • This study expands the known host range of poxviruses and highlights the uropygial gland as a potential target.
  • Understanding the phylogenetic relationship aids in poxvirus classification and epidemiology.
  • Further research into mynah poxvirus pathogenesis and transmission is warranted for effective disease management in avian populations.

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