A sequential histopathologic and immunocytochemical study of chickens, turkey poults, and broiler breeders experimentally infected with turkey rhinotracheitis virus.

ABSTRACT

The histopathologic changes and the distribution of turkey rhinotracheitis virus (TRTV) antigen in the respiratory and reproductive tracts of experimentally infected chickens, turkey poults, and broiler breeders is described. TRTV antigen was detected using both immunofluorescent staining of cryostat sections and immunoperoxidase staining of formalin-fixed tissues. Viral antigen was observed associated with the cilia of the epithelial cells of turbinates, trachea, and lung. No TRTV antigen and no histopathologic changes were detected in the conjunctiva of any of the sacrificed birds, or in the reproductive tract and central nervous system of broiler breeders. The main histopathologic lesions and sites of TRTV replication were observed in the ciliated epithelial cells of turbinates and lung. These findings bring forward new information about pathologic changes and TRTV antigen distribution in tissues of experimentally infected birds.