ARS | Publication request: Development of reference antisera to enteric-origin avian viruses

Submitted to: American Association of Avian Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 23, 2008
Publication Date: July 12, 2009
Citation: Day, J.M., Pantin Jackwood, M.J. 2009. Development of reference antisera to enteric-origin avian viruses (abstract). American Association of Avian Pathologists annual meeting. July 12-15, 2009. Seattle, Washington.

Technical Abstract: Recent molecular surveys have revealed geographically distinct lineages of avian reovirus, rotavirus and astrovirus circulating in commercial poultry. To improve our understanding of enteric virus pathogenesis, specific immunological reagents are needed to detect viruses in histological samples. To this end, we prepared an inactivated oil emulsion turkey rotavirus vaccine and used it to produce reference antiserum in chickens. This antiserum was utilized to detect rotavirus antigen in the mature enterocytes of experimentally infected turkey poults via immunohistochemistry (IHC). This reference antiserum also resulted in less background staining than IHC using turkey convalescent serum. Antisera produced using this methodology should prove useful in tracking enteric virus infection in the organs of experimentally infected birds.