Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Molecular, Functional, and Ecological Characterization of Antarctic Penguin Orthoavulaviruses (AVV17-19)
Gabriela Muñoz1,2, César Echeverría3,4, Raúl Alegria5,6
1Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile.
Abstract:
Emerging avian avulaviruses (AVVs) have been identified in Antarctic ecosystems; however, their biological properties and current circulation remain poorly understood. This study utilized historical egg-isolated Antarctic penguin avulavirus strains (AVV17, AVV18, and AVV19) and combined molecular characterization with field surveillance during the 2024-2025 Antarctic season. The historical isolates were molecularly confirmed using RT-qPCR targeting the L gene, confirming their classification as AVV17, AVV18, or AVV19. These isolates were tested for replication indicators in REM 134, MDCK cells and embryonated chicken eggs. Only AVV18 showed evidence of productive replication in REM 134 cells, as indicated by decreasing Ct values and the presence of cytopathic effects.AVV17 and AVV19 were detectable by RT-qPCR but did not exhibit cytopathic changes or replication dynamics. None of the viruses replicated efficiently in MDCK cells. Further propagation of AVV18 in embryonated chicken eggs showed viral amplification in some eggs. Concurrent surveillance at five sites in the South Shetland Islands detected low-level circulation of AVV17-19, exclusively in cloacal swabs, with no viral RNA found in environmental samples. These findings link historical isolates to current circulation, highlighting selective replication among Antarctic AVVs and limited ecological spread in penguin hosts.
More Related Videos
08:40Production of Pseudotyped Particles to Study Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses in a Biosafety Level 2 Setting
Published on: March 1, 2019
08:10Production of High-Titer Infectious Influenza Pseudotyped Particles with Envelope Glycoproteins from Highly Pathogenic H5N1 and Avian H7N9 Viruses
Published on: January 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Viral Mutations
Viruses of Archaea
The Antiviral System of Bacteria and Archaea: CRISPR
Retroviruses
Viral Recombination