Characterization of avian paramyxovirus type 6 isolated from a Eurasian teal in the intersection of migratory flyways in Russia.

The complete genome sequence was determined for avian paramyxovirus (APMV-6) serotype 6 strain teal/Chany/455/2009, isolated from a teal (Anas crecca) in Siberia. Siberia is crossed by four major migration flyways and represents the major breeding area for many wild bird species in the Palearctic. Strain teal/Chany/455/2009 is genetically closely related to Kazakh and Chinese strains and belongs to the genetic group of duck/Hong Kong/18/199/77-like APMV-6 viruses. We show that the virus has low pathogenic potential according to genetic markers and animal model experiments.

Characterization of avian paramyxovirus serotype 14, a novel serotype, isolated from a duck fecal sample in Japan.

A hemagglutinating virus isolate designated 11OG0352, was obtained from a duck fecal sample. Genetic and virological analyses indicated that it might represent a novel serotype of avian paramyxovirus (APMV). Electron micrographs showed that the morphology of the virus particle was similar to that of APMV. The complete genome of this virus comprised 15,444 nucleotides complying with the paramyxovirus "rule of six" and contains six open reading frames (3'-N-P-M-F-HN-L-5'). The phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome revealed that the virus was a member of the genus Avulavirus, but that it was distinct from APMV-1 to APMV-13. Although the F-protein cleavage site was TREGK↓L, which resembles a lentogenic strain of APMV-1, the K residue at position -1 of the cleavage site was first discovered in APMV members. The phosphoprotein gene of isolate 11OG0352 contains a putative RNA editing site, 3'-AUUUUCCC-5' (negative sense) which sequence differs from that of other APMVs. The intracerebral pathogenicity index test did not detect virulence in infected chicks. In hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests, an antiserum against this virus did not detectably react with other APMVs (serotypes 1-4, 6-9) except for low reciprocal cross-reactivity with APMV-6. We designated this isolate, as APMV-14/duck/Japan/11OG0352/2011 and propose that it is a novel APMV serotype. The HI test may not be widely applicable for the classification of a new serotype because of the limited availability of reference antisera against all serotypes and cross-reactivity data. The nucleotide sequence identities of the whole genome of 11OG0352 and other APMVs ranged from 46.3% to 56.1%. Such comparison may provide a useful tool for classifying new APMV isolates. However, the nucleotide sequence identity between APMV-12 and APMV-13 was higher (64%), which was nearly identical to the lowest nucleotide identity (67%) reported in subgroups within the serotype. Therefore, consensus criteria for using whole genome analysis should be established.

Isolation, identification, and comparison of four isolates of avian paramyxovirus serotype 2 in China.

Four Yucaipa-like viruses of avian paramyxovirus serotype 2 (APMV-2) were isolated in China from the imported Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae) and broilers in 1998-2002, and were named F4, F6, F8, and NK, respectively. Examined under electron microscope, the isolates were found to be round in shape and varying in size. The results of the hemagglutination inhibition test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (using monoclonal antibodies) showed some differences between the isolates and the reference strain Yucaipa. The isolates derived from chickens had a closer relationship to Yucaipa virus than did those of finches. Sequence comparison of the fusion gene and the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene showed similar results, although the variations were lesser among APMV-2 viruses in nucleotide and amino acid sequence. By sequence comparison, it was also revealed that at the molecular level the four virus strains belong to APMV-2, and that two of the strains were isolated from the same group of imported Gouldian Finches.

A goose-sourced paramyxovirus isolated from southern China.

We report the isolation and characterization of a paramyxovirus from geese in South China during 1997. The isolate, designated as goose paramyxovirus/QingYuan 1997-1 (GPMV/QY97-1), showed pathogenicity to geese and could agglutinate chicken erythrocytes. Its hemagglutinating activity was inhibited by antiavian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (APMV-1) serum. The F gene of isolate was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and sequence analysis proved that its sequence conformed to that reported in the literature, encoding an F0 protein of 553 amino acids with 13 cysteine residues and 6 potential glycosylation sites. It also contained multiple basic amino acids at the deduced cleavage site of the fusion protein, which is a typical feature of highly virulent APMV-1 strains. Sequences analysis of the F gene of GPMV/QY97-1 revealed a homology with other APMV-1 isolates, with its identity ranging from 84.1% to 99.9% on a nudeotide basis and from 88.8% to 99.6% on an amino acid basis. Phylogenetic analysis of the APMV-1 isolates showed that this isolate most closely resembled the reference APMV-1 strain GD/1/98/Go, which was originally isolated from geese in 1998.

Detection of paramyxoviruses in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) on the Brazilian tropical coast.

Aquatic migratory birds are a major vectors by which influenza viruses and paramyxoviruses are spread in nature. Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are usually present on the southern shores of South America and can swim as far as the southern coast of Brazil in winter. In 2008, however, several Magellanic penguins were observed on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Paramyxoviruses were isolated from Magellanic penguins on the Espírito Santo state coast, approximately 4000 km from their breeding colonies, although influenza viruses were not detected. Among the paramyxoviruses, five Avulavirus isolates belonging to serotype APMV-2 and the serotype APMV-10, which was proposed by Miller et al. (2010), were identified. These results highlight the risks associated with the spread of paramyxoviruses between natural to non-natural habitats by birds exhibiting unusual migration patterns, and they document for the first time the presence of the APMV-2 and APMV-10 serotypes on penguins in Brazil. The local avifauna may become infected with these viruses through close contact between migratory and resident birds. Continued surveillance of virus incidence in these migratory populations of penguins is necessary to detect and prevent the potential risks associated with these unusual migration patterns.

Research of Viral Agent in Free-living Pigeon Feces (Columba livia) in the City of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, for Transmission Electron Microscopy / Investigación de Agentes Virales en Heces de Palomas de Vida Libre (Columba livia) en la Ciudad de São Paulo, SP, Brasil, Através de Miscroscopía Electrónica de Transmisión

The pigeon feces are vehicle of diseases both for humans and other animal species. In these birds, the most important viral diseases of the digestive tract are transmitted by the paramyxovirus, adenovirus and coronavirus. Avian paramyxoviruses have been isolated from a variety of species of free living and domestic birds worldwide, with several symptoms and clinical signs and economic losses. Paramyxoviruses belong to the Paramyxoviridae family and Avulovirus genus that includes nine serotypes (APMV 1 to 9). Avian adenoviruses belong to the Adenoviridae family and Aviadenovirus genus. In pigeons, cause classical adenovirosis and necrotizing hepatitis. The respiratory and enteric tracts are common targets of coronavirus. They belong to the Coronaviridae family and to 3a and 3c groups. In this study, we described the presence of viral agents in free-living pigeon feces (Columba livia) from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The feces were processed by negative staining technique (rapid preparation) for transmission electron microscopy. In this technique paramyxoviruses particles, pleomorphic, roughly spherical or filamentous, measuring 100 to 500 nm of diameter containing an envelope covered by spikes, with characteristic helical herring-bone-like nucleocapsid, measuring 15 to 20 nm in diameter, were visualized in 45 (79 percent) out of 57 feces samples. In 2 (3.5 percent) samples, paramyxovirus and adenovirus particles were simultaneously visualized. Adenovirus particles were isometric, spherical, characterized as "complete "or" empty ", measuring between 70 and 90 nm in diameter. Paramyxovirus and coronavirus particles were detected in 3 (5.2 percent) samples. Coronaviruses were pleomorphic with a diameter of 75-160 nm containing a solar corona-shaped envelope, with projections of approximately 20 nm of diameter. Seven (12.3 percent) samples were negative for viral particles.

Los heces de las palomas constituyen vehículos de enfermedades importantes, tanto para el Hombre como para otras especies animales. En estas aves, las enfermedades virales más importantes del tracto digestivo son transmitidas por los paramixovirus, adenovirus y coronavirus. Paramixovirus aviario, en todo el mundo, ha sido aislado de una variedad de especies de vida libre y de aves domésticas, que causan variados síntomas y señales clínicas con pérdidas económicas. El Paramixovirus pertenece a la familia Paramyxoviridae y al género Avulavirus que incluye nueve serotipos (APMV 1 a 9). Adenovirus aviario pertenece al género de la familia Adenoviridae y género Aviadenovirus. En las palomas, causan la adenovirosis clásica y la hepatitis necrotizante. El tracto respiratorio y entérico son los albos comunes de los coronavirus. Ellos pertenecen a la familia Coronaviridae y a los grupos 3a y 3c. En este trabajo, se describe la presencia de agentes virales en las heces de palomas de vida libre (Columba livia) en la ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil. Las heces se procesaron para la técnica de microscopía electrónica de transmisión, a través de la técnica de contrastación negativa (preparación rápida). A través de esta técnica fueron visualizadas las partículas de paramixovirus, pleomórficas, más o menos esféricas o filamentosas, de 100 a 500 nm de diámetro que contiene un envoltorio cubierto con espículas, con nucleocapside con características helicoidales, midiendo de 15 a 20 nm de diámetro en 45 (79 por ciento) de 57 muestras. En 2 (3,5 por ciento) muestras, fueron observadas simultáneamente partículas de paramixovirus y de adenovirus. Las partículas de adenovirus eran isométricas, esféricas, caracterizadas como “completa " o “vacía ", midiendo entre 70 y 90 nm de diámetro. Fueron analizadas en tres muestras (5,2 por ciento) las partículas de paramixovirus y coronavirus. Los coronavirus son pleomórficos, con un diámetro de 75 a 160 nm, que contiene un capa en forma de corona solar con proyecciones de aproximadamente 20 nm de diámetro. Siete (12,3 por ciento) muestras fueron negativas para las partículas virales.