Human metapneumovirus in turkey poults

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Avian Pathology
• Zoonotic Disease Research

Background:

• Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was previously thought not to infect turkeys.
• Understanding metapneumovirus cross-species transmission is crucial for both human and animal health.
• Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) circulates in poultry, but its relationship with hMPV requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the susceptibility of turkeys to infection with human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
• To determine if different genotypes of hMPV can cause disease in turkeys.
• To compare the pathogenicity of hMPV and aMPV in turkeys.

Main Methods:

• Six groups of turkeys were inoculated with either hMPV (genotypes A1, A2, B1, B2), aMPV subtype C, or a control.
• Clinical signs, viral RNA (RT-PCR), viral antigen (immunohistochemistry), and histopathology were assessed.
• Infection was monitored via oculonasal inoculation and postexposure observations.

Main Results:

• Turkeys inoculated with hMPV exhibited clinical signs including nasal discharge.
• Viral RNA and antigen of hMPV were detected in the nasal turbinates of infected turkeys.
• Histopathological examination revealed inflammatory changes and mucus accumulation in the nasal turbinates of hMPV-infected birds.
• All four tested hMPV genotypes established a transient infection in turkeys.

Conclusions:

• Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) can successfully infect turkeys, challenging previous assumptions.
• hMPV infection in turkeys leads to transient respiratory signs and detectable viral presence in nasal tissues.
• Further research into the cross-species pathogenicity of hMPV and aMPV is essential for public and animal health surveillance.