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Pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus in Egypt
Tropical Animal Health and Production
|February 1, 1982
Summary
A novel herpesvirus was identified in Egyptian domestic pigeons with neurological disease. This virus is antigenically similar to pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus, suggesting a potential cause of the observed nervous disorders.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Avian Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Domestic pigeons can suffer from various neurological disorders.
- Herpesviruses are known pathogens affecting multiple animal species, including birds.
- Previous identification of pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus (PHMEV) indicates the existence of herpesviral infections in pigeon populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a virus causing nervous disorders in domestic pigeons in Egypt.
- To determine the taxonomic and antigenic relationship of the isolated virus to known herpesviruses.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation from affected pigeon brain and liver tissues.
- Morphological and biophysical characterization of the isolated virus.
- Antigenic comparison with reference strains, specifically pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus.
Main Results:
- A virus was successfully isolated from diseased pigeons.
- The virus exhibited morphological and biophysical properties consistent with the family Herpetoviridae.
- Antigenic analysis revealed a close relationship, potentially identity, to pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus.
Conclusions:
- The isolated virus is a herpesvirus, likely responsible for the observed neurological symptoms in Egyptian domestic pigeons.
- The findings suggest that pigeon herpes encephalomyelitis virus or a closely related strain is circulating in Egypt.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the pathogenicity and epidemiology of this herpesvirus in domestic pigeons.