The histopathologic changes and the distribution of turkey rhinotracheitis virus (TRTV) antigen in the respiratory and reproductive tracts of experimentally infected chickens, turkey poults, and broiler breeders is described. TRTV antigen was detected using both immunofluorescent staining of cryostat sections and immunoperoxidase staining of formalin-fixed tissues. Viral antigen was observed associated with the cilia of the epithelial cells of turbinates, trachea, and lung. No TRTV antigen and no histopathologic changes were detected in the conjunctiva of any of the sacrificed birds, or in the reproductive tract and central nervous system of broiler breeders. The main histopathologic lesions and sites of TRTV replication were observed in the ciliated epithelial cells of turbinates and lung. These findings bring forward new information about pathologic changes and TRTV antigen distribution in tissues of experimentally infected birds.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.