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Findings from M. Vascellari and co-researchers advance knowledge in bird flu
December 17th, 2007
2007 DEC 17 -- According to recent research published in the journal Veterinary Pathology, "The ongoing H5N1 Asian epidemic is currently affecting a number of avian species including ducks. These birds are an important part of the poultry industry in the affected countries, and it is likely that they are acting as a reservoir of infection." "Ten Pekin ducks were challenged with 100 mu l containing 10(7) 50% egg infective dose of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) A/Duck/ Vietnam/12/05 (H5N1), administered by an intra-nasal and oral route. Clinical symptoms were recorded twice a day up to 14 days postinfection (dpi). Clinical signs were first noted at 2 dpi, with conjunctivitis and slight depression, and progressed over a period of 1-3 days to severe neurologic signs consisting of torticollis, incoordination, tremors, and seizures. Survival times varied from 3 to 7 dpi. On postmortem examination, hemorrhages were observed in the duodenum, ceca, proventriculus, ventriculus, trachea, pancreas, and brain. Histologic lesions, as well as immunohistochemistry positivity, were recorded in the pancreas and brain. In situ hybridization revealed viral antigen associated with acinar pancreatic cells, bronchial epithelia] cells, and with cells of the central nervous system as well as neurons of the submucosal plexus of the duodenum," wrote M. Vascellari and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Our experimental findings agree with those previously observed in ducks naturally infected with HPAIV H5N1 viruses, confirming the acquired viral neurotropism and pancreatotropism, as previously noted in other avian species, as well as in humans." Vascellari and colleagues published their study in Veterinary Pathology (Pathologic findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A/Duck/Vietnam/12/05 (H5N1) in experimentally infected Pekin ducks, based on immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Veterinary Pathology, 2007;44(5):635-642). For additional information, contact M. Vascellari, Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Venezie, FAO, OIE, National Reference Laboratory Newcastle Diseases & Avian Influenz, Legnaro, Italy. The publisher's contact information for the journal Veterinary Pathology is: American College Vet. Pathologist, 810 East 10TH Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA. Keywords: Italy, Legnaro, Avian Flu, Avian Influenza, Avian Influenza Virus, Bird Flu, Central Nervous System Disease, Conjunctivitis, Depression, Mental Health, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Torticollis, Viral Research, Virology. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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