Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
Generating Recombinant Avian Herpesvirus Vectors with CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
Published on: January 7, 2019
Host specificity of avian metapneumoviruses
Paul A Brown1, Chantal Allée1, Céline Courtillon1
1a VIPAC Unit (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety), Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory , Ploufragan, France.
Abstract:
To date, four subgroups of avian metapneumoviruses have been defined (AMPV-A, B, C and D) based on genetic and antigenic differences. The extent of infection in the three principal species (turkeys, chickens and ducks) by these subgroups is, however, not well defined. Here, a series of controlled and ethically approved experimental infections were performed in specific pathogen-free turkeys, chickens and ducks with each of the four AMPV subgroups. For subgroup C, one strain isolated from turkeys in the USA (turkey AMPV-C) and one isolated from ducks in France (duck AMPV-C) were compared. Globally, these extensive experimental trials demonstrated that AMPV-A, B, turkey C and D were well adapted to Galliformes, especially turkeys; however, chickens showed limited clinical signs and differences in seroconversion and transmission. Notably, chickens did not transmit AMPV-A to contacts and were shown for the first time to be susceptible to AMPV-D. The duck AMPV-C was well adapted to ducks; however, chickens and turkeys seroconverted and were positive by virus isolation. In addition, seroconversion of contact turkeys to duck AMPV-C demonstrated horizontal transmission of this virus in a non-palmiped species under our experimental conditions. Interestingly, in chickens and turkeys, duck AMPV-C isolation was possible despite a lack of detection of viral RNA. Likewise, the turkey AMPV-C virus was well adapted to turkeys yet was also isolated from chickens despite a lack of detection of viral RNA. These results would suggest a selection for viral genetic sequences that differ from the original strain upon adaptation to a 'non-conventional host'.
Insights
Avian metapneumoviruses (AMPVs) subgroups A, B, and turkey C/D primarily infect Galliformes like turkeys. Chickens showed varied susceptibility and transmission, notably not transmitting AMPV-A and being susceptible to AMPV-D.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Avian Pathology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Four avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) subgroups (A, B, C, D) are known, but their infection patterns in turkeys, chickens, and ducks are unclear.
- Understanding host-specific adaptations and transmission dynamics of AMPV subgroups is crucial for poultry health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally infect turkeys, chickens, and ducks with AMPV subgroups A, B, C (US turkey and French duck strains), and D.
- To define the susceptibility, clinical signs, seroconversion, and transmission of different AMPV subgroups in key poultry species.
Main Methods:
- Controlled experimental infections using specific pathogen-free turkeys, chickens, and ducks.
- Inoculation with four AMPV subgroups, including two distinct AMPV-C strains.
- Monitoring for clinical signs, seroconversion, virus isolation, and viral RNA detection.
Main Results:
- AMPV-A, B, turkey C, and D adapted well to Galliformes, particularly turkeys.
- Chickens exhibited limited disease but showed differential seroconversion and transmission; they did not transmit AMPV-A and were susceptible to AMPV-D.
- Duck AMPV-C infected ducks, chickens, and turkeys, with evidence of horizontal transmission in turkeys. Viral isolation in chickens/turkeys occurred without detectable RNA, suggesting host-specific genetic adaptation.
Conclusions:
- AMPV subgroups display distinct host specificities and transmission capabilities across poultry species.
- Chickens demonstrate unique responses to AMPV infection, including resistance to transmission of certain strains and susceptibility to others.
- Adaptation to non-conventional hosts may involve selection for genetic variants of AMPV, impacting viral RNA detection.
More Related Videos
12:09Avian Influenza Surveillance with FTA Cards: Field Methods, Biosafety, and Transportation Issues Solved
Published on: August 2, 2011
06:57In Vitro Culture for H5N1-Specific Duck T Cells and Detection of Immune Responses Using Intracellular Cytokine Staining Method
Published on: May 30, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:16Specific Heat
For example, increasing the temperature of one gram of water by 1°C requires one calorie of heat energy and can be written as 1 cal/g-°C, or...
01:27Density, Specific Weight, Specific Gravity and Compressibility of Fluid
Specific weight represents the weight per unit volume and is calculated by multiplying...
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:13Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predicted Value
Sensitivity is the...
01:19Specific Gravity of Aggregate
Bulk or gross specific gravity is calculated by taking the ratio of the mass of aggregates in the saturated surface-dry state to the total volume that includes both the solids and the voids within the...