Phylogenetic analysis of Columbid herpesvirus-1 in rock pigeons, birds of prey and non-raptorial birds in Poland

Abstract

BackgroundThe identity of herpesviruses isolated in Europe from domestic pigeons (Columbid herpesvirus-1 - CoHV-1) as well as falcons and owls remains unknown. All these herpesviruses are antigenically and genetically related. The falcons and owls are thought to have become infected during the ingestion of pigeon meat thus suggesting the virus’s capacity to infect a wide range of hosts. The aim of the conducted study was to detect the occurrence of CoHV-1 and estimating the similarities and differences in the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase gene of herpesviruses isolated from domestic pigeons, birds of prey and non-raptorial free-ranging birds in Poland.ResultsThe study has shown the presence of CoHV-1 in 20.4% (18/88) in the examined birds. In case of one CoHV-1, infected Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), neurological signs were observed. Nucleotide sequencing of the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase gene, showed a high similarity among Polish strains (100%), independently from the species of the affected birds. Only one compared CoHV-1 strain - KP 21/23 originating from Germany showed a slightly lower similarity at a level of 99.1%. Further analysis has shown the identity of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase of CoHV-1 strains and other herpesviruses present in poultry as well as other birds ranged from 35.4 to 44.9%. Interestingly CoHV-1 infection was also confirmed for the first time in four non-raptorial birds.ConclusionsThe current study has shown a high similarity of CoHV-1 strains and the possible transmission of herpesviruses between domestic rock pigeons and free-ranging birds including raptors and non-raptorial birds. Further studies focused on cloning and the analysis of the whole CoHV-1 genome which is needed to explain the role of the observed similarities and differences between field strains of columbid herpesviruses.

Detection of CoHV-1 by loop-mediated amplification (LAMP). Application of LAMP for CoHV-1 incidence monitoring in domestic pigeons

“…CoHV‐1 infections are frequently detected among population of free‐ranging pigeons and birds of prey in Poland (Woźniakowski et al . ). We also shown the CoHV‐1 infection may spread between different species of birds.…”

“…All results applied in LAMP were verified using real‐time PCR (Woźniakowski et al . ). The viruses detected by LAMP were isolated and grown in CEFs as it was observed by the presence of cytopathic effect (CPE) visible as cells forming syncytia.…”

“…The results were confirmed by real‐time PCR using previously described primers and conditions (Woźniakowski et al . ).…”

“…The virus presence in LAMP positive samples was also verified by isolation in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) as previously described (Woźniakowski et al . ). Briefly, the 10% (w/v) liver homogenates of CoHV‐1 strains were used for inoculation of CEFs prepared from 11‐day‐old SPF chickens (Lohmann Tierzucht, Cuxhaven, Germany).…”

“…We have recently described the occurrence of herpesvirus infection among free‐ranging pigeons and birds of prey in Poland (Woźniakowski et al . ). In spite of detection of the DNA‐dependent DNA polymerase gene, we were unable to show the classical inclusion body hepatitis specific for Smadel disease.…”