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Hemorrhagic enteritis of turkeys
1Department of Veterinary PathoBiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) causes significant turkey losses. Young turkeys show resistance, but HEV can lead to mortality and immune suppression in older birds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Avian Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hemorrhagic enteritis (HE) is an economically significant disease affecting turkeys, primarily caused by a type II adenovirus.
- The hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) is widespread and can cause substantial mortality and immunodepression in unprotected turkey flocks.
- Young turkeys (2-4 weeks) exhibit age-related resistance to clinical HE, influenced by maternal antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and impact of hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) in turkeys.
- To understand the clinical manifestations and immunological effects of HEV infection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical signs including hemorrhagic enteritis and splenomegaly.
- Histopathological examination for intranuclear inclusions in reticuloendothelial cells.
- Evaluation of the effects of bursectomy and splenectomy on clinical HE.
- Assessment of HEV's impact on humoral and cellular immune functions in turkeys.
Main Results:
- Clinical HE is characterized by enteritis and splenomegaly.
- HEV infection leads to intranuclear inclusions in reticuloendothelial cells.
- Bursectomy or splenectomy can prevent clinical HE.
- HEV significantly depresses both humoral and cellular immune functions in turkeys.
Conclusions:
- Hemorrhagic enteritis virus poses a significant threat to turkey health and industry.
- HEV infection induces both clinical disease and profound immunodepression.
- The precise mechanism by which HEV causes immunodepression remains to be elucidated.