ABSTRACT Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IAB) is a viral disease that generates great economic losses in the poultry industry. Due to its structural components and particular immunogenic characteristics, the IB virus, the chicken coronavirus (Gallus gallus), has generated a great challenge for its control, given the emergence of different genotypes with global distribution with changing clinical manifestations. This has generated interest in the study and analysis of the dynamics of the phylogenetic evolution of the virus, as well as the impact on immunological activity, requiring the development of new vaccine strains based on the high variability of the S1 gene portion 1. In the present review, updated information on the phylogenetic evolution of IAV was compiled and the impact on the immunogenic response in poultry production systems is analysed.

RESUMEN La Bronquitis Infecciosa Aviar (BIA) es una enfermedad viral que genera grandes pérdidas económicas en la industria avícola. Por los componentes estructurales y características inmunogénicas particulares, el virus de la BIA, el coronavirus del pollo (Gallus gallus), ha generado un gran desafío para su control, dada la aparición de diferentes genotipos de distribución mundial con manifestaciones clínicas cambiantes. Esto ha generado un interés del estudio y análisis de la dinámica de la evolución filogenética del virus, así como el impacto en la actividad inmunológica exigiendo el desarrollo de cepa vacunales nuevas basadas en la alta variabilidad de la porción 1 gen S1. En la presente revisión se recopiló información actualizada sobre la evolución filogenética del VBIA y se analiza el impacto en la respuesta inmunogénica en sistemas de producción avícola.

Abstract Background: Nano-vitamins and minerals are used in animal nutrition to improve performance and health of broiler chickens as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Objective: To evaluate the effect of several levels of a dietary nano α-tocopherol acetate plus selenium compound (NTS) on growth, intestinal histomorphometry, carcass traits, and immune status of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens were randomly divided into four groups, each one with three pens (n=20 per pen). Four doses of nano α-tocopherol acetate and selenium (0, 5, 7, and 10 mg/kg) were included in the basal diet for 42 days. Results: Final body weight, cumulative body weight gain, and final conversion ratio significantly improved with increasing NTS levels (p<0.05). Carcass traits and weight of internal organs increased in the groups fed 7 and 10 mg/kg NTS. High NTS doses significantly increased immune vaccine titers against Newcastle disease, avian influenza virus, infectious bursal disease, and infectious bronchitis. Moreover, dietary addition of NTS improved intestinal morphometry. Conclusion: Thus, NTS (7 and 10 mg/kg) can be added to poultry rations to improve production, carcass characteristics, and immune status of broilers. Further studies are needed to evaluate NTS residues in meat.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las nano-vitaminas y minerales se utilizan en nutrición animal para mejorar el rendimiento y la salud de los pollos de engorde como una posible alternativa al uso de antibióticos promotores del crecimiento. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de varios niveles dietarios de un acetato de nano α-tocoferol más un compuesto de selenio (NTS) en el crecimiento, histomorfometría intestinal, características de la canal y estado inmunológico de pollos de engorde. Métodos: Un total de 240 pollos Ross 308 de un día de edad se dividieron aleatoriamente en cuatro tratamientos, cada grupo con tres corrales (n=20 por corral). Se incluyeron cuatro dosis de nano α-tocoferol acetato y selenio (0, 5, 7 y 10 mg/kg) en la dieta basal durante 42 días. Resultados: El peso corporal total, la ganancia de peso acumulada y la tasa de conversión alimenticia final mejoraron significativamente al aumentar el nivel de NTS (p<0,05). Las características de la canal y el peso de los órganos internos mejoraron en los grupos alimentados con 7 y 10 mg/kg de NTS. El incremento del nivel de NTS aumentó significativamente los títulos de vacunas inmunitarias contra la enfermedad de Newcastle, el virus de la influenza aviar, la enfermedad infecciosa de la bursa y la bronquitis infecciosa. Además, la adición dietaria de NTS mejoró algunas características morfométricas intestinales. Conclusión: Es viable agregar NTS (7 y 10 mg/kg) en la ración para mejorar la producción, las características de la canal y el estado inmunológico de pollos de engorde. Se necesitan más estudios para evaluar los residuos de NTS en la carne.

Resumo Antecedentes: Nanovitaminas e minerais são utilizados na nutrição animal para melhorar o desempenho e a saúde de frangos de corte como uma possível alternativa ao uso de antibióticos promotores de crescimento. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de vários níveis dietéticos de um acetato de nano α-tocoferol mais um composto de selênio (NTS) no crescimento, histomorfometria intestinal, características de carcaça e estado imunológico de frangos de corte. Métodos: Um total de 240 pintos Ross 308 de um dia de idade foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos, cada grupo com três baias (n=20 em cada baia). Quatro doses de acetato de nano α-tocoferol e selênio (0, 5, 7 e 10 mg/kg) foram incluídas na dieta basal por 42 dias. Resultados: O peso corporal total, ganho de peso cumulativo e a conversão alimentar final melhoraram significativamente com o aumento do nível de NTS (p<0,05). As características da carcaça e o peso dos órgãos internos melhoraram nos grupos alimentados com 7 e 10 mg/kg de NTS. O incremento do nível de NTS aumentou significativamente os títulos de vacinas imunes contra a doença de Newcastle, vírus da gripe aviária, doença infecciosa da bolsa e bronquite infecciosa. Além disso, a adição dietética de NTS melhorou algumas propriedades morfométricas intestinais. Conclusão: É viável a adição de NTS (7 e 10 mg/kg) na ração para melhorar a produção, as características de carcaça e o estado imunológico de frangos de corte. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar os resíduos de NTS em carnes.

Abstract Avian infectious bronchitis (IBV) generates significant economic losses. While vaccination decreases these losses, new viral strains are continually emerging. The objective of this research was to perform molecular characterization of IBV strains circulating in laying hen farms in Tungurahua province, Ecuador. Swabs and organ samples from 47 farms were collected and sequenced, and results were compared to 17 live vaccines used in the area Sixteen farms were positive for IBV as determined by amplification of the 5'UTR region and a S1 segment. The construction of a phylogenetic tree showed that 5 samples were in the same clade as the Massachusetts-type strains, linage GI-1; 7 samples were in the GI-13 lineage clade of vaccine type 793B strains, and 4 samples were into a clade of Q1 type strains. In conclusion, although studies that include the entire protein S sequence are necessary, we were able to detect three types of strains circulating in the province of Tungurahua, two of which are probably vaccine-derived and one has an unknown origin.

Resumen La bronquitis infecciosa aviar genera importantes pérdidas económicas y, si bien la vacunación disminuye dichas mermas, el surgimiento continuo de nuevas cepas virales complica el control de la infección. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar, mediante técnicas moleculares, las cepas del virus de la bronquitis infecciosa aviar circulantes en explotaciones de gallinas ponedoras de la provincia de Tungurahua, Ecuador. Se trabajó con muestras de hisopados y de órganos de 47 granjas y las secuencias obtenidas fueron comparadas con las correspondientes a 17 vacunas a virus vivo empleadas en la zona. Se encontraron 16 granjas positivas al amplificar la región 5’UTR y un segmento de S1. La construcción de un árbol filogenético mostró que cinco de las secuencias se ubicaron en el mismo clado de las cepas de tipo Massachusetts, linaje GI-1; siete se encontraron en el clado del linaje GI-13 o cepas tipo 793B y cuatro secuencias se agruparon en un clado de cepas tipo Q1, linaje G1-16. Si bien se requieren estudios moleculares más completos en los que se amplifique la totalidad del gen S a fin de obtener datos más concluyentes, se logró determinar que existen tres tipos de cepas circulando en la provincia de Tungurahua, dos posiblemente vacunales y otra de origen desconocido.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian reovirus (ARV) cause significant losses in the poultry industry throughout the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in Manjacaze district, Southern Mozambique, to determine the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV. A total of 467 serum samples from adult unvaccinated backyard chickens were screened using commercial and competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kits. Our results showed anti-IBV and anti-ARV antibodies in all surveyed households and villages. The overall seroprevalence was 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.2-97.4) and 95.7% (95% CI: 88.0-99.2) for IBV and ARV, respectively. The risk of becoming exposed to IBV was lower in Chidenguele village compared with the other three villages (p > 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed for becoming exposed to ARV between villages (p < 0.05). The backyard chickens tested in this study had no previous history of vaccination, outbreaks or typical clinical signs of IB and AR diseases. Therefore, the presence of antibodies to IBV and ARV was considered clear evidence that the birds have been naturally exposed to those two infectious agents, and the infection was of subclinical type. It is concluded that IBV and ARV are widespread in backyard chickens in the studied area. These obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes. CONTRIBUTION: The epidemiology of IBV and ARV of backyard chicken in Mozambique is unknown. This study determined the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV in backyard chicken health. The obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes

Resumen La enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es causada por el virus denominado SARS-CoV-2, no obstante, en los pollos de corral los coronavirus causan Bronquitis Infecciosa Aviar. En la actualidad, se ha logrado analizar la secuencia genómica del virus SARS-CoV-2, el cual indica que éste emergió de un reservorio animal, incluso se ha considerado que un virus aislado de un murciélago, idéntico a SARS-CoV, sea el progenitor del nuevo coronavirus. En otros estudios, se ha evidenciado que la glicoproteína de la espícula viral tiene un alto grado de emparentamiento entre virus que infectan mamíferos y aves, que es la que permite el contacto con el huésped. Mientras que en el caso del IBV, al inhalarse, el virus se ligará a los receptores de glucoproteína que contienen ácido siálico en las células epiteliales ciliadas del tejido respiratorio, entonces la replicación viral dará como resultado la pérdida de la función ciliar, acopiamiento de moco, necrosis y descamación, provocando dificultad para respirar y asfixia. El IBV afecta tráquea, riñones y tracto reproductivo de muchas aves. En el caso de las gallinas, el IBV virémico causa lesiones en el magnum y en el útero. Esta revisión dilucida algunos puntos clave en las diferencias en el nuevo coronavirus y el virus de la bronquitis infecciosa. Es muy poco probable que SARS-CoV-2 infecte o cause enfermedades en las aves de corral.

Abstract The new coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is caused by the virus called SARS-CoV-2, however, in free-range chicken’s coronaviruses cause Avian Infectious Bronchitis. Currently, it has been possible to analyze the genomic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which indicates that it emerged from an animal reservoir, it has even been considered that a virus isolated from a bat, identical to SARS-CoV, is the parent of the new coronavirus. In other studies, it has been shown that the glycoprotein of the viral spicule has a high degree of relationship between viruses that infect mammals and birds, which is the one that allows contact with the host. Whereas in the case of IBV, when inhaled, the virus will bind to sialic acid-containing glycoprotein receptors in hair epithelial cells of respiratory tissue, then viral replication will result in loss of ciliary function, mucus clearance, necrosis, and peeling, causing shortness of breath and suffocation. IBV affects the trachea, kidneys, and reproductive tract of many birds. In chickens, viremic IBV causes lesions in the magnum and the uterus. This review elucidates some key points in the differences between the novel coronavirus and the infectious bronchitis virus. SARS-CoV-2 is highly unlikely to infect or cause disease in poultry.

Resumo A nova doença coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) é causada pelo vírus denominado SARS-CoV-2, no entanto, em galinhas caipiras, os coronavírus causam bronquite infecciosa aviária. Atualmente, foi possível analisar a sequência genômica do vírus SARS-CoV-2, o que indica que ele emergiu de um reservatório animal, inclusive se considerou que um vírus isolado de um morcego, idêntico ao SARS-CoV, é o progenitor do novo coronavírus. Em outros estudos, foi demonstrado que a glicoproteína da espícula viral possui alto grau de parentesco entre os vírus que infectam mamíferos e aves, o que permite o contato com o hospedeiro. Enquanto no caso do IBV, quando inalado, o vírus se liga aos receptores de glicoproteína contendo ácido siálico nas células epiteliais ciliadas do tecido respiratório, a replicação viral resultará em perda da função ciliar, acúmulo de muco , necrose e descamação, causando falta de ar e sufocação. O IBV afeta a traqueia, os rins e o trato reprodutivo de muitas aves. No caso das galinhas, o IBV virêmico causa lesões no magno e no útero. Esta revisão elucida alguns pontos-chave nas diferenças entre o novo coronavírus e o vírus da bronquite infecciosa. É altamente improvável que o SARS-CoV-2 infecte ou cause doenças em aves.

SUMMARY Raising backyard birds is a common practice in Brazil, mainly in the countryside or suburban areas. However, the level of respiratory pathogens in these animals is unknown. We sampled two hundred chickens from 19 backyard flocks near commercial poultry farms and performed ELISA to Infectious Bronchitis Virus, avian Metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. We evaluated the association between the predictive ability of ELISA and Hemagglutination-inhibition (HI)by comparing results from eight flocks positive to Mycoplasma gallisepticum on ELISA. Besides, we assessed essential biosecurity measures in the properties (multiple species birds, rodent control, hygienic conditions, and water quality for the bird`s consumption). We could access the vaccination program only on four properties; in three of them, the birds were supposedly vaccinated for IBV. Overall the properties had a poor score for the biosecurity measures, and the seroprevalence in backyard poultry flocks for IBV, a MPV, MS, and MG were respectively 87.5% (14/16), 89.5% (17/19), 100 (19/19) and MG 84.21% (16/19). We found low specificity and predictive value between ELISA and HI in MG analysis and a positive correlation between the presence of clinical symptoms and mean MG titers. Backyard chicken are pathogens’ reservoirs and pose a risk for the commercial poultry farms in the region, and further efforts of the governmental entities and private sector of poultry production should consider these information to avoid future economic losses.

RESUMO A vacinação é a forma mais utilizada para prevenir a bronquite infecciosa causada pelo vírus da bronquite infecciosa das galinhas (IBV). Contudo, as vacinas convencionais são incapazes de diferenciar aves infectadas de vacinadas. No presente trabalho foi construído, caracterizado, e avaliado como candidato vacinal, um adenovírus recombinante expressando o gene N do IBV. O gene N foi clonado em um adenovírus humano tipo 5 defectivo e transfectado para as células HEK-293A para gerar rAd5_N. Após o vetor ser obtido como esperado e a confirmação da expressão da proteína N em HEK-293ª, foi realizada inoculação pela via oculo-nasal na dose de 10 7 TCID 50 /0,1mL para imunização de galinhas livres de patógenos específicos (SPF). A resposta imunológica do Ad5_N e a proteção contra o desafio ao IBV foram avaliadas e comparadas com uma vacina viva comercial. Não foram detectados anticorpos anti-IBV em aves vacinadas com o Ad5_N. A vacina comercial induziu anticorpos detectáveis a partir do 7º dia pós-vacinal. Em aves vacinadas com o Ad5_N não houve aumento na expressão de IFNγ. Neste estudo, o rAd5_N obtido não conferiu proteção contra desafio com IBV-M41. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de avaliar adenovírus recombinantes expressando outros genes do IBV.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of serum antibodies against four respiratory pathogens (avian influenza [AI], Newcastle disease [NDV], avian infectious bronchitis [IBV] and avian infectious laryngotracheitis [ILT]) that could affect migratory aquatic and resident birds of three high Andean lagoons of Ecuador. Blood samples (n=153) were collected from birds of seven species in the Andean lagoons of Colta, Yambo and Yahuarcocha. The presence of antibodies (Ab) against IBV and ILT was detected by an indirect ELISA (ELISAi) and by the haemagglutination inhibition test (HI); and NDV and avian influenza (H5N1 and H7N3) were detected by an ELISAc and HI. Seropositivity to NDV was 3.2% (5/153), with three cases in Yahuarcocha in the Neotropical cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), one case in Colta in the Andean coot (Fulica ardesiaca) and one in Yambo in the Andean reddish duck (Oxyura ferruginea). The seropositivity against AI was 13% (20/153), mainly in the Andean reddish duck and the Southern silvery grebe (Podicceps occipitalis) in Colta, and in the yellow-billed pintail (Anas georgica), Andean coot and Andean reddish duck in Yambo. Likewise, serum Ab was found against IBV in two cormorants in Yahuarcocha. No antibodies against ILT were found

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la presencia de anticuerpos séricos frente a cuatro patógenos respiratorios (influenza aviar [AI], enfermedad de Newcastle [NDV], bronquitis infecciosa aviar [IBV] y laringotraqueítis infecciosa aviar [ILTV]) que podrían afectar a las aves acuáticas migratorias y residentes de tres lagunas altoandinas del Ecuador. Se colectaron 153 muestras de sangre de aves de siete especies en las lagunas andinas de Colta, Yambo y Yahuarcocha. La presencia de anticuerpos (Ac) contra IBV e ILTV se detectó por un ELISA indirecto (ELISAi) y por la prueba de inhibición de la hemoaglutinación (HI); para NDV e influenza aviar (H5N1 y H7N3) se usó un ELISAc e HI. La seropositividad a NDV fue de 3.2% (5/153), habiendo tres casos en Yahuarcocha en el cormorán neotropical (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), un caso en Colta en la focha andina (Fulica ardesiaca) y uno en Yambo en el pato rojizo andino (Oxyura ferruginea). La seropositividad contra AI fue de 13% (20/153), mayormente en el pato rojizo andino y el zambullidor plateado (Podicceps occipitalis) en Colta, y en el ánade piquiamarillo (Anas georgica), focha andina y pato rojizo andino en Yambo. Asimismo, se encontró Ac séricos contra IBV en dos cormoranes en Yahuarcocha. No se encontraron anticuerpos contra ILTV

The objective of the study was to develop a molecular platform for the quantification of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from a culture system in embryonated SPF eggs. First, four pairs of primers were evaluated that amplify different regions of the NDV viral genome that code for: nucleocapsid protein (NP), protein matrix (M), fusion protein (F) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) to select the most conserved one from which a molecular platform based on reverse transcription was developed -conventional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCRc) in two steps for the detection of NDV. Subsequently, it was taken to reverse transcription -real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the quantification of NDV produced from a system of embryonated eggs. Through these techniques, it was determined that the primers for the M gene were adequate according to the optimization criteria for the development of both methods. Sensitivity tests showed that the RT-qPCR (116 genomic copies/µl) was 10 times more sensitive than the RT-PCRc. The primers proved to be specific since there were no amplifications in the negative controls or in other avian pathogens (infectious laryngotracheitis virus, avian metapneumovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, Avibacterium paragallinarum, Gallibacterium anatis and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale). Due to its sensitivity and specificity, this platform is proposed for the quantification of NDV vaccine when it is produced from an embryonated egg system, as an alternative to conventional titration methods such as hemagglutination, plaque assay, TCDI50 and DIEP50.

El estudio tuvo por objetivo desarrollar una plataforma molecular para la cuantificación del virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle (NDV) a partir de un sistema de cultivo en huevos embrionados SPF. Primero se evaluaron cuatro pares de cebadores que amplifican diferentes regiones del genoma viral de NDV que codifican para la proteína de nucleocápside (NP), proteína matriz (M), proteína fusión (F) y la ARN polimerasa ARN dependiente (L), con la finalidad de seleccionar el más conservado a partir del cual se desarrolló una plataforma molecular basada en la transcripción reversa -reacción en cadena de polimerasa convencional (RT-PCRc) en dos pasos para la detección del NDV. Posteriormente, esta fue llevada a transcripción reversa -reacción en cadena de polimerasa en tiempo real (RT-qPCR) para la cuantificación de NDV producido a partir de un sistema de huevos embrionados. Mediante estas técnicas se determinó que los cebadores para el gen M fueron adecuados según los criterios de optimización para el desarrollo de ambos métodos. Mediante ensayos de sensibilidad se demostró que la RT-qPCR (116 copias genómicas/µl) era 10 veces más sensible que el RT-PCRc. Los cebadores fueron específicos pues no hubo amplificados en los controles negativos ni en otros patógenos aviares (virus de la laringotraqueitis infecciosa, metapneumovirus aviar, virus de la bronquitis infecciosa, Avibacterium paragallinarum, Gallibacterium anatis y Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale). Debido su sensibilidad y especificidad, se propone esta plataforma para la cuantificación de NDV vacunal cuando es producido a partir de un sistema de huevos embrionados, como una alternativa frente a métodos convencionales de titulación como hemaglutinación, ensayo en placa, TCDI50 y DIEP50.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los diferentes genotipos del virus de bronquitis infecciosa (VBI) presente en granjas avícolas comerciales de diferentes localidades del departamento de Tolima, Colombia. Materiales y métodos . Se recolectaron 105 muestras de hisopados traqueales provenientes de aves de 21 granjas. Las aves habían sido vacunadas contra el VBI. Se realizó un "screen" para identificar muestras positivas y posteriormente la secuenciación de la región parcial de la subunidad S1 y el análisis filogenético de los aislamientos con las cepas de referencia, incluidas las vacunas utilizadas actualmente en el país. Resultados. Aves de todas las granjas tenían signos respiratorios, pero sólo cuatro granjas confirmaron la enfermedad. Las muestras positivas de VBI (HT6, HT9, HT10 y HT11) fueron patogénicas para embriones de 9 días de edad. La muestra HT6 se agrupó en el mismo clúster que las cepas de la vacuna Massachusetts. Las muestras HT9 y HT11 mostraron 99% de similitud y agrupan genéticamente distantes de las cepas de referencia y de los aislados. El HT10 mostró baja similitud con aislamientos y cepas de referencia, agrupándose separadamente en otro clúster. Conclusiones. Nuevos genotipos circulan en el departamento del Tolima, donde hay un riesgo de recombinación genética. Se estima que las vacunas utilizadas no están ofreciendo una protección cruzada contra los nuevos genotipos.

ABSTRACT Objective. The aim of this study was identify the different genotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (IVB) present in commercial poultry farms from different localities of the Tolima Department, Colombia. Materials and methods. 105 samples of tracheal swabs of poultry of 21 farms were collected. Poultry had been vaccinated against IVB. An screen to identify positive samples and posteriorly the sequencing of the partial region of the S1 subunit and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates with the reference strains, including the vaccine currently used in the country was performed. Results . Poultry all farms had respiratory signs, but only four farms was confirmed the disease. Positive samples of the IBV (HT6, HT9, HT10 and HT11) were pathogenic for embryos 9-days-old. The HT6 sample was grouped in the same cluster that the Massachusetts strains. The HT9 and HT11 samples showed 99% similarity and were grouped genetically distant from the reference strains and other isolated. The HT10 sample showed low similarities with the isolates and reference strains, grouping alone in another cluster. Conclusions . New genotypes are circulating in the Tolima Department, where there is a risk of genetic recombination. Is believed that vaccines used were not providing cross-protection against the new genotypes.

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is an endangered seabird that breeds along the coast of Namibia and South Africa, and disease surveillance was identified as a priority for its conservation. Aiming for the establishment of baseline data on the presence of potential pathogens in this species, a comprehensive health assessment (blood smear examination, haematology, biochemistry and serology) was conducted on samples obtained from 578 African penguins at 11 breeding colonies and a rehabilitation centre. There were 68 penguins that were seropositive for at least one of seven pathogens tested: avian encephalomyelitis virus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, Newcastle disease virus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. All samples were seronegative for avian influenza virus subtypes H5 and H7 and infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The apparent prevalence of Babesia sp. and Borrelia sp. in blood smears was consistent with previous studies. Babesia-infected individuals had a regenerative response of the erythrocytic lineage, an active inflammatory response and hepatic function impairment. These findings indicate that African penguins may be exposed to conservation-significant pathogens in the wild and encourage further studies aiming for the direct detection and/or isolation of these microorganisms.

Uma estirpe variante do vírus da bronquite infecciosa (VBI) associada com o desenvolvimento de nefrite em galinhas, foi isolado e identificado como variante por análise do gene S1. A estirpe IBV/Brazil/PR05 foi testada quanto à sua capacidade de induzir a expressão de interleucina-6 (IL-6) nos tecidos renais e traqueais. Galinhas vacinadas com a estirpe Massachusetts H120 e não vacinadas foram desafiadas com a estirpe IBV/Brazil/PR05. Cinco dias após a infecção, traquéias e rins foram coletados para análise por RT-qPCR, imunohistoquímica e histopatologia. Foi determinada a expressão relativa de IL-6 e da carga viral. A expressão de IL-6 e carga viral foram correlacionadas com o desenvolvimento de nefrite e lesão traqueal. A expressão de IL-6 foi maior quando houve aumento da carga viral na traqueia e nos rins. A carga viral presente nos rins foi inferior quando as aves foram vacinadas, entretanto foi observada nefrite acentuada. Houve alta correlação entre o desenvolvimento de nefrite e o nível de expressão de IL-6, bem como a expressão de IL-6 e a carga viral. A expressão de IL-6, presente tanto nos rins e nas traqueias, foi relacionada a carga viral presente nestes tecidos, e o desenvolvimento das lesões foi relacionado com a expressão de IL-6. Estes dados sugerem que a variante IBV/Brazil/PR05 pode induzir a expressão de citocinas pró-inflamatórias de forma correlacionada com a carga viral, e o aumento de IL-6 está envolvido com o influxo de células inflamatórias no tecido, o que evolui para o desenvolvimento de nefrite. Isto pode contribuir como um modelo para o desenvolvimento de agentes imunossupressores da IL-6 para evitar processos inflamatórios agudos contra infecção com o VBI e talvez outros coronavírus, bem como contribuir para o entendimento da imunopatogênese das estirpes nefropatogênicas deste vírus.

A Brazilian field isolate (IBV/Brazil/PR05) of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), associated with development of nephritis in chickens, was previously genotyped as IBV variant after S1 gene sequencing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of IL-6 in kidneys and trachea of birds vaccinated and challenged with IBV/Brazil/PR05 strain, correlating these results with scores of microscopic lesions, specific IBV antigen detection and viral load. The up-regulation of IL-6 and the increased levels of viral load on renal and tracheal samples were significantly correlated with scores of microscopic lesions. Reduced levels of viral load were detected in kidneys of birds previously vaccinated and challenged, compared to non-vaccinated challenged group, although markedly microscopic lesions were observed for both groups. The expression of IL-6, present both in the kidney and in the tracheas, was dependent on the load of the virus present in the tissue, and the development of lesions was related with IL-6 present in the tissues. These data suggest that variant IBV/Brazil/PR05 can induce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in a manner correlated with viral load and increased IL-6 is involved in the tissue with the influx of inflammatory cells and subsequent nephritis. This may contribute with a model to the development of immunosuppressive agents of IL-6 to prevent acute inflammatory processes against infection with IBV and perhaps other coronaviruses, as well as contribute to the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of IBV nephropatogenic strains.

Objetivo. Evaluar la dinámica serológica contra el virus de bronquitis infecciosa aviar y su relación con la presentación y/o antecedentes de signos clínicos y hallazgos patológicos, bajo condiciones de campo. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un muestreo al azar en dos fases, en pollo de engorde y reproductoras de granjas del Departamento de Cundinamarca. En la primera fase se tomó muestra de sangre a un total de 224 aves, distribuidas en 7 granjas. En la segunda fase, realizada 20 días posteriores al primer muestreo, se tomó una segunda muestra al mismo número de aves empleadas inicialmente. Las muestras de los sueros obtenidos se emplearon para la realización del inmunoensayo ligado a enzima (ELISA), diseñado para detectar anticuerpos frente al virus de la bronquitis infecciosa aviar en suero sanguíneo. Resultados. Se obtuvo que del total de las granjas analizadas el 85.72% mostró reactividad serológica al virus de la Bronquitis Infecciosa aviar (VBIA), con correlación ante la presencia de los signos clínicos o antecedentes respiratorios en granja.

Objective. Evaluate the serological dynamics against avian infectious bronchitis virus and its relationship with the presentation and / or a history of clinical signs and pathological findings, under field conditions. Materials and methods. A random sampling was conducted in two phases, in broiler and breeder farms located in the Department of Cundinamarca. In the first phase blood sample were taken from a total of 224 birds, distributed over the 7 farms. In the second phase, carried out 20 days after the first, a second sample was collected from the same number of birds used in the first phase. The serum samples were used to carry out the enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) intended to detect antibodies against avian infectious bronchitis virus in blood serum. Results. As a result it was found that from the total farms analyzed the 85.72% showed serologic reactivity against Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus (AIBV) that correlated to the presence of clinical signs or previous history of respiratory disease in the farm.

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are pathogens of veterinary importance that affect birds and bovine in Cuba; however, molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of these viruses are unknown. This study was aimed at determining the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of both agents, based in the spike S gene. A molecular analysis was carried out from field strains of BCoV collected between 2009 and 2011 and phylogenetic studies were conducted using partial or complete S gene sequences as phylogenetic markers. Besides, studies of phylogenetic inference were carried out in S1 region of recent isolates of IBV. All Cuban bovine coronavirus sequences were located in a single cluster supported by 100 % bootstrap and 1.00 posterior probability values. The Cuban BCoV sequences were also clustered with the USA BCoV strains corresponding to the GenBank accession numbers EF424621 and EF424623, suggesting a common origin for these viruses. This phylogenetic cluster was also the only group of sequences in which no recombination events were detected. Of the 45 amino acid changes found in the Cuban strains, four were unique. On the other hand, two putative genotypes genetically different to the Massachusetts genotype H120 strain used in the Cuban vaccination program were found in the flocks assessed. In addition, a potential nephropathogenic IBV isolate was found by first time in Cuba. This research won the 2012 Award of the Cuban National Academy of Sciences.

El virus de la bronquitis infecciosa aviar (IBV) y el coronavirus bovino (BCoV) son agentes patógenos de importancia veterinaria porque afectan a las aves y al ganado bovino en Cuba. Como se desconocen sus características moleculares y diversidad genética, el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinarlas en ambos agentes, a partir del gen de la espícula S. Se analizaron cepas de campo de BCoV, recolectadas entre los años 2009 y 2011, y se compararon filogenéticamente según varios marcadores del gen S. Además se hicieron estudios de inferencia filogenética en una región de S1 de aislados recientes del IBV. Todas las cepas de BCoV cubanas se localizaron en un mismo grupo filogenético con un soporte estadístico del 100 % y valor de probabilidad posterior 1.00. Las secuencias de coronavirus bovino cubanas se agruparon con cepas de BCoV de EE.UU. con números de acceso en el GenBank de EF424621 y EF424623, que sugiere un origen común para estos virus. Este grupo filogenético fue el único en cuyas secuencias no se detectaron eventos de recombinación. De los 45 cambios de aminoácidos en las cepas cubanas, cuatro fueron únicos. En las granjas evaluadas se detectaron dos posibles genotipos genéticamente diferentes al genotipo Massachusetts de la cepa H120 usada en el programa de vacunación cubano. Además, se halló un potencial aislado de IBV nefropatogénico encontrado por primera vez en Cuba. Este trabajo mereció el Premio Anual de la Academia de Ciencias de Cuba del año 2012.