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Title: STUDIES ON THE REPLICATION OF SARS CORONAVIRUS IN AVIAN SPECIES

Author
item Spackman, Erica
item Swayne, David
item Suarez, David
item Tumpey, Terrence
item Beck, Joan

Submitted to: American Society for Microbiology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2003
Publication Date: 10/31/2003
Citation: Spackman, E., Swayne, D.E., Suarez, D.L., Tumpey, T., Beck, J.R. 2003. Studies on the replication of sars coronavirus in avian species. American Society for Microbiology.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus emerged in late 2002 in Southeast Asia, where is produced severe disease with a relatively high mortality rate. The origin of the virus is unknown, although several mammalian species have been identified as possible reservoirs. In order to help elucidate the possible role of avian species as reservoirs for the SARS coronavirus the pathogenesis and replication of the virus was evaluated in five avian species (chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail and geese). Clinical disease was absent in all species and no gross or microscopic lesions were observed. Viral replication was assessed by real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) and virus isolation in cell culture from oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs. Although no virus was detected by virus isolation, at one day post inoculation, the oropharyngeal swabs from two white rock chickens were positive by RRT-PCR. Overall SARS coronavirus did not cause clinical disease in the species evaluated and initial results suggest that virus replication was at best, very limited.