Fine structure of inclusion bodies in hepatic cells of chickens naturally affected with inclusion body hepatitis

Abstract

SUMMARYThe fine structure of intranuclear inclusion bodies in the hepatic cells of chickens naturally affected with inclusion body hepatitis was studied comparing them with the inclusions seen with light microscopy. Ultrastructurally the inclusions were classified into two types depending on whether they contained virus particles or not. The first type consisted of virus particles, granular material and loose granular material, and sometimes concentric-circular lamellae enclosing the virus core. It is suggested that the virus particles are adenoviruses. This type corresponded to the basophilic inclusions seen with light microscopy. The second type was without virus particles and was subdivided into two forms, one consisting of fibrillar-granular material and the other of crystals composed of filaments. These corresponded to the eosinophilic inclusions seen with light microscopy. Eosinophilic inclusions were present in all 20 cases of inclusion body hepatitis, whereas the basophilic inclusions were present in only six. The presence of adenovirus particles might suggest that they are the aetiology of this condition, although they were present in only six of the 20 cases examined. The significance of the inclusions without viral particles was not adequately elucidated, but it was suggested they are degenerating material present in cells dying from the effects of the viral infection. INTRODUCTIONSince the first report on inclusion body hepatitis of chickens (IBH) (Helmboldt and Frazier, 1963), it has been well recognised that intranuclear inclusion bodies in the hepatic cells is characteristic of the disease. The present authors and their co-worker (Itakura et al, 1974) reported that the inclusions in spontaneous IBH were divided into two types, one was eosinophilic and the other basophilic, and that the majority of inclusion were of the eosinophilic type.

Inclusion bodies containing adenovirus‐like particles in the kidneys of Psittacine birds

“…in inclusion body hepatitis of chickens (Itakura et al 1977). On electron microscopy the medium-sized IIB seem to be different from the eosinophilic IIB without particles appearing in inclusion body hepatitis (Itakura et al, 1977). It is not known whether they are virally induced or reflect some aberration of cell activity.…”

“…These suggest the large IIB have been induced by adenovirus infections. in inclusion body hepatitis of chickens (Itakura et al 1977). On electron microscopy the medium-sized IIB seem to be different from the eosinophilic IIB without particles appearing in inclusion body hepatitis (Itakura et al, 1977).…”

Inclusion body hepatitis due to adenovirus in pigeons

“…Adenovirus particles were detected only in the basophilic inclusions of hepatocytes in the present cases. The basophilic inclusions consisted of assembling adenovirions, while the eosinophilic inclusions without particles corresponded to fibrillar-granular materials and filaments (Itakura et al, 1977). Nuclear fibrils were also reported by Adair et al (1979), and thought to represent the filamentous T antigen (Home, 1973).…”

Molecular Identification of Fowl Adenovirus Associated with Inclusion Body Hepatitis in Iran

“…Icterus is mostly seen in skin over the legs, breasts and subcutaneous fat (18). In the majority of outbreaks, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions are found in the hepatocytes while otherwise basophilic inclusions are detected infrequently (19). Diagnosis of the IBH is based on the isolation and identification of adenoviruses.…”