FAdV-4 can cause more noticeable clinical symptoms compared to FAdV-8b after infecting specific pathogen free

Qinqin Sun1, Yajuan Li1, Yunfei Huang1

  • 1School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China.; Foshan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Foshan University, Foshan, China.

Poultry Science
|July 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Fowl adenovirus serotypes 4 and 8b cause liver damage in chickens, but FAdV-4 is more severe, leading to high mortality and organ swelling. Both viruses show strong pathogenicity.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Avian Pathology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are significant pathogens in poultry.
  • FAdV-4 and FAdV-8b are serotypes known to cause hepatic lesions.
  • Distinct pathogenic profiles between FAdV serotypes necessitate comparative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the infectivity and pathogenicity of FAdV-4 and FAdV-8b in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks.
  • To elucidate the similarities and differences in clinical and pathological outcomes induced by these two FAdV serotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Subcutaneous inoculation of SPF chicks with FAdV-4 or FAdV-8b.
  • Clinical observation for signs of illness and mortality assessment.
  • Postmortem examination and histopathological analysis of affected tissues.

Main Results:

  • FAdV-4 induced acute mortality (60%), pericardial effusion, widespread organ edema, and severe hepatic lesions.
  • FAdV-8b caused mild depression, hepatic lesions (hemorrhagic necrosis, focal necrosis), but no pericardial effusion or significant edema.
  • Both viruses induced inflammatory reactions in kidneys, pancreas, and duodenum, and lymphocyte necrosis in lymphoid organs.

Conclusions:

  • FAdV-4 exhibits significantly higher pathogenicity than FAdV-8b, characterized by acute mortality and systemic effects.
  • Both FAdV-4 and FAdV-8b are capable of inducing substantial hepatic lesions and affecting lymphoid organs.
  • Comparative analysis highlights distinct virulence factors and disease manifestations between FAdV serotypes.