Avian rotavirus enteritis - an updated review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Animal Health
• Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Rotaviruses (RVs) are a major cause of enteritis and diarrhea in livestock and poultry, leading to substantial global economic losses.
• Avian rotaviruses (AvRVs), including groups A, D, F, and G, have been identified worldwide, with RVA being the most studied, while the significance of other groups requires further investigation.
• AvRV infections often occur as co-infections with other pathogens, exacerbating disease severity and leading to secondary bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of avian rotaviruses (AvRVs), encompassing their epidemiology, pathology, pathogenesis, and immunology.
• To discuss recent advancements in AvRV diagnostics and vaccine development.
• To highlight the need for improved prevention and control strategies, including point-of-care diagnostic assays and new-generation vaccines.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes information from existing literature on avian rotaviruses.
• It examines epidemiological data, pathological findings, and pathogenetic mechanisms associated with AvRV infections.
• Recent developments in molecular diagnostics and vaccine technologies are analyzed.

Main Results:

• AvRVs pose a significant threat to the poultry industry, causing considerable economic losses.
• While RVA is well-documented, the roles of other AvRV groups (RVD, RVF, RVG) in disease pathogenesis are less understood.
• Co-infections with various agents complicate AvRV disease, and secondary bacterial infections are common in survivors.

Conclusions:

• Despite advances in diagnostics, there is a need for point-of-care assays for better disease burden assessment and timely intervention.
• The development of effective, new-generation vaccines targeting immunogenic AvRV antigens is a critical unmet need.
• Integrated strategies for prevention, control, and public health improvement are essential for managing AvRV infections in poultry.