Avian bornavirus in the urine of infected birds

Abstract

Avian bornavirus (ABV) causes proventricular dilatation disease in multiple avian species. In severe clinical disease, the virus, while primarily neurotropic, can be detected in many organs, including the kidneys. We postulated that ABV could be shed by the kidneys and found in the urine of infected birds. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated viral N and P proteins of ABV within the renal tubules. We adapted a nonsurgical method of urine collection for use in parrots known to be shedding ABV in their droppings. We obtained urine without feces, and results were compared with swabs of fresh voided feces. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay performed on these paired samples from five birds indicated that ABV was shed in quantity in the urine of infected birds, and a single sample was urine-positive and fecal-negative. We suggest that urine sampling may be a superior sample for detection of birds shedding ABV, and advocate that additional birds, known to be shedding or infected with ABV, should be investigated via this method.

Viral vector vaccines expressing nucleoprotein and phosphoprotein genes of avian bornaviruses ameliorate homologous challenge infections in cockatiels and common canaries

“…One reason for non-efficient protection might be the invasive parenteral inoculation with a rather high challenge dose which may have enabled the virus to overcome immunity. Epidemiological data suggests avian bornaviruses are horizontally transmitted10 and urofecal-oral transmission is assumed to be a natural infection route55154. However, successful experimental infection of cockatiels via this route has not been reported.…”

Investigation into the possibility of vertical transmission of avian bornavirus in free-ranging Canada geese (Branta canadensis)

“…ABV is present in the faeces and urine of infected parrots and waterfowl (Raghav et al, 2010;Heatley & Villalobos, 2012;Delnatte et al, 2014); urofaecal-oral transmission of ABV was confirmed in an unintentional study where mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) acquired the infection by ingesting droppings from infected cockatiels . Epidemiological investigation of outbreaks of proventricular dilation disease in psittacine aviaries also suggests urofaecal-oral transmission of ABV to be the primary method of spread.…”

<p>Comparison Of Four Anti-Avian IgY Secondary Antibodies Used In Western Blot And Dot-Blot ELISA To Detect Avian Bornavirus Antibodies In Four Different Bird Species</p>

“…[5][6][7][8] Sampling for histopathology and tissue immunoassays, especially of nervous tissues, is not practical in living birds, thus these tests are more commonly used in post-mortem diagnosis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can utilize less invasive samples such as feather follicles, feces/urine, and cloacal swabs, 5,7,[9][10][11][12][13] however sensitivity will vary due to intermittent viral shedding. [13][14][15] Immunologic testing comparing ABV specific antigens found that the viral nucleoprotein is immunodominant and hence the best antigen to use in a microtiter plate ELISA and in fluorescent antibody assays.…”

“…Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can utilize less invasive samples such as feather follicles, feces/urine, and cloacal swabs, 5,7,[9][10][11][12][13] however sensitivity will vary due to intermittent viral shedding. [13][14][15] Immunologic testing comparing ABV specific antigens found that the viral nucleoprotein is immunodominant and hence the best antigen to use in a microtiter plate ELISA and in fluorescent antibody assays. 9,16 A mixed anti-avian species IgY secondary antibody is often used in ABV serologic tests.…”