Detection of IBV and AMPV in broiler-parent-roosters in Brazil

Abstract

Infection with both Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) and Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) in chickens can cause severe damage to the female reproductive tract in due to viral replication in the epithelium of the oviduct. Hypothesized is that the male reproductive system can be affected by these viruses as well, since it contains ciliated epithelial tissue, which is a target for these viruses. Furthermore, IBV is hypothesized to be the causative agent responsible for the formation of epididymal stones, resulting in decreased fertility in roosters. The aim of this study is to detect IBV or aMPV in roosters with decreased fertility in a broiler-breeder company in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Five roosters of five flocks of broiler breeders, aged, 2,7,17, 21 and 40 weeks were chosen randomly for examination. Of these roosters, lungs and trachea, caecal tonsils, kidneys and testes were screened on the presence of IBV and aMPV, using heminested PCR. Of the testis-samples, 25% was positive on the IBV screening. Roosters aged 2 and 7 weeks appeared negative on the screening PCR for IBV. None of the samples were positive for aMPV. After PCR aimed to amplify the region coding for the S1 subunit of the IBV S gene, genealogic analysis revealed that the IBV-strain present in these roosters belongs to the Brazilian genotype. These results indicate that IBV can be detected in organs of roosters with impaired fertility, including testes, but further research is required to define the exact role of IBV in this process.