Comparative Study of DTMUV and LPS on Duck Liver Disease

This study investigated the structural features of adult duck liver and compared pathological alterations induced by duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV, strain XZ-2012) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Histological techniques (HE, reticular fiber, and trichrome staining) revealed normal duck liver exhibited reddish-brown coloration with indistinct lobule boundaries and no prominent bile ducts. Kupffer cell distribution was mapped via jugular ink injection. DTMUV infection caused liver swelling, congestion, and yellowish discoloration. Histopathology showed lymphocyte infiltration around central veins and portal areas, increased reticular fibers, thickened basement membranes, hepatocyte vacuolation, and erythrocyte accumulation in sinusoids. In contrast, LPS exposure led to mild hepatic enlargement without vacuolar degeneration but with marked perivascular lymphocyte aggregation and reticular fiber proliferation. Both treatments elevated Kupffer cell numbers. These findings demonstrate distinct liver injury patterns: DTMUV induces direct hepatocellular damage with inflammatory responses, while LPS triggers intense immune cell recruitment without significant hepatocyte degeneration. The study provides insights into avian viral versus bacterial pathogenesis and liver defense mechanisms, offering a foundation for further research into waterfowl infectious diseases.