Novel Picornavirus in Turkey Poults with Hepatitis, California, USA
2011
New Virus Found in Turkeys with Hepatitis
Sample size: 8
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Honkavuori Kirsi S., Shivaprasad H. L., Briese Thomas, Street Craig, Hirschberg David L., Hutchison Stephen K., Lipkin W. Ian
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
To identify a candidate etiologic agent for turkey viral hepatitis.
Conclusion
The study identified a novel picornavirus as the likely cause of turkey viral hepatitis.
Supporting Evidence
- High-throughput sequencing revealed picornavirus sequences in the livers of diseased poults.
- Real-time PCR confirmed the presence of viral RNA in various tissues of affected turkeys.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new virus is distinct from known picornaviruses.
Takeaway
Researchers found a new virus in sick turkeys that might be making them sick and causing them to die.
Methodology
Samples from diseased turkey poults were analyzed using high-throughput pyrosequencing and real-time PCR.
Limitations
The specific burden of turkey viral hepatitis could not be estimated with confidence.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from 8 commercial flocks in California, USA.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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