Isolation and characterization of rotavirus from feral pigeon in mammalian cell cultures
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1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Japan.
Abstract:
Avian rotaviruses were isolated from feral pigeon faeces treated with trypsin using roller tube cultures of mammalian cells. Two pigeon strains, designated as strains PO-8 and PO-13, produced a marked cytopathic effect (CPE), small intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and high titres of infectious particles in infected MA-104 and MDBK cell lines without cell adaptation and roller drum apparatus. The pigeon rotaviruses shared a common group specific antigen with the Lincoln strain of bovine rotavirus by indirect immunofluorescence, but differed from both the Lincoln strain and the Wa strain of human rotavirus in neutralization tests. The RNA segment profile of this virus on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis differed from that of group A mammalian rotaviruses. The results of a serological survey suggested that antibody to pigeon rotaviruses was widespread in avian species in Japan.
Insights
Avian rotaviruses were isolated from feral pigeon feces. These novel pigeon rotaviruses (PO-8, PO-13) show distinct genetic and antigenic properties, with widespread antibodies found in Japanese avian species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Microbiology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Rotaviruses are a significant cause of gastroenteritis in various animal species.
- Avian rotaviruses have been identified in several bird species, but their diversity and host range require further investigation.
- Pigeons, as a common avian species, may act as reservoirs or hosts for novel rotavirus strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize avian rotaviruses from feral pigeon populations.
- To determine the antigenic and genetic relatedness of pigeon rotaviruses to known mammalian and avian rotaviruses.
- To assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against pigeon rotaviruses in Japanese avian species.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of avian rotaviruses from feral pigeon feces using mammalian cell cultures (MA-104, MDBK).
- Characterization of viral properties, including cytopathic effect (CPE) and particle production.
- Serological analysis using indirect immunofluorescence and neutralization tests against bovine and human rotavirus strains.
- Analysis of viral RNA genome segments via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).
- Serological survey to detect antibodies in avian species.
Main Results:
- Two distinct pigeon rotavirus strains (PO-8, PO-13) were successfully isolated and propagated in cell culture, exhibiting significant cytopathic effects.
- Pigeon rotaviruses shared a common group-specific antigen with bovine rotavirus but were antigenically distinct in neutralization tests.
- The RNA profile of pigeon rotaviruses differed from that of group A mammalian rotaviruses.
- A serological survey indicated widespread antibodies to pigeon rotaviruses among avian species in Japan.
Conclusions:
- Feral pigeons harbor unique avian rotavirus strains with distinct antigenic and genetic profiles.
- These findings suggest a potential for interspecies transmission or a broader host range for avian rotaviruses.
- The widespread presence of antibodies highlights the epidemiological significance of pigeon rotaviruses in avian populations.