Methods for Isolating and Identifying Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV)

Dr. Nagy's lab continues to investigate sensitive and fast methods for isolating and identifying various Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV). Current IBV serotype status in Ontario is not well documented and it is suggested that the use of live attenuated vaccines may be contributing to variant IBV serotypes.

The objective of a proposed study is to catalogue IBV strains, with similar genes, and thus be able to compare live with attenuated strains. It is hoped to be able to determine if the causative agent of IB outbreaks in vaccinated layer flocks is the result of a variant strain of IBV. Sentinel birds, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, will be placed in selected commercial flocks for a 7-day period and then brought back to the lab for study.

The high potential risk as well as economical loss to the industry from this highly infectious disease justifies continued and increased research funding.

Dr. Nagy's lab also continues to look into the basic structure and function of adenoviruses. The family Adenoviridae includes viruses that have been isolated from many mammalian species (genus Mastadenovirus) and avian species (Aviadenovirus). There are several distinct features, which separate avian and mammalian Adenoviruses. Avian adenoviruses belong to what is referred to as Group 1 and share a common group antigen with viruses found in geese, ducks and turkeys. Although Mastadenoviruses have been extensively investigated and their genomic picture well characterized, Adenoviruses have received much attention. However , the complete nucleotide sequences for several viruses including the egg drop syndrome and the turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus have not been identified.

Dr. Nagy's lab undertook to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the fowl adenovirus strain referred to as A-2A. This they were successful in doing. Other basic in vitro studies were conducted to gain original information on the structure, function and interaction of specific adenovirus genomes.

New poultry health problems continue to appear on almost a regular basis in the poultry industry. Adenoviruses have been identified as contributing to a number of such problems. Hence, it is imperative that good basic research be carried out to identify, characterize and learn the mode of action of such viruses so that the industry can respond quickly to novel health problems that are bound to arise.

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