An emerging new fowl adenovirus genotype

A New HEK293 Cell with CR2 Region of E1A Gene Deletion Prevents the Emergence of Replication-Competent Adenovirus

PURPOSE

To eliminate the contaminants of Replication-Competent Adenovirus (RCA) during high titer recombinant oncolytic adenovirus production.

METHODS

At first, we detected E1A copy numbers of different sources of 293 cells using Q-PCR, and we screened a subclone JH293-C21 of the JH293 cell line (purchased from ATCC) with lower early region 1A (E1A) copy numbers and higher adenovirus production ability. Then, we deleted the conserved region (CR)2 of the E1A gene in this subclone using the CRISPR-Cas9 system and obtained a stable cell clone JH293-C21-C14 with lower E1A expression, but the RCA formation had no significant reduction. Then, we further deleted the CR2 of JH293-C21-C14 cells with the CRISPR-Cas9 system and obtained a strain of cells named JH293-C21-C14-C28. Finally, we detected the capacity for cell proliferation, adenovirus production, and RCA formation in the production of recombinant adenovirus.

RESULTS

The JH293-C21-C14-C28 cells had a similar cell proliferation ability and human adenovirus production as JH293-C21 cells. Most importantly, RCA production in JH293-C21-C14-C28 cells was lower than in JH293-C21 cells.

CONCLUSION

Human adenovirus producer cell clone JH293-C21-C14-C28 with CR2 deletion can effectively prevent the RCA production of replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus; this will provide significant advantages in utility and safety in gene therapy.

Comparison of Penton and Hexon Genes of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 11 in Molecular Detection of IBH in Broilers

Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs) are widely distributed pathogens across the globe. The FAdVs from serotypes FAdV 2, 3, 8a, 8b, 9, and 11 are responsible for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). Recently, increased mortality and IBH-suspected lesions were observed in 8-10-day-old broiler chickens in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. In this regard, the present study aimed to compare penton and hexon genes of ADDV11 in the molecular detection of IBH in broiler chickens. In total, 100 liver specimens were collected from 10 suspected farms, and their DNAs were extracted. Two polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) were applied; one targeting the L1 region of the hexon gene and another aiming at the penton gene. Based on the findings, 60% of samples showed positive results in both PCRs and phylogenetic analysis clustered the studied viruses into serotype 11 (species D) FAdV. The detected FAdVs also shared a multitude of homologies with previously published serotype 11 viruses from Iran and those identified in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India, China, and Canada. This research not only provides an update on circulating FAdVs in Iran, but also introduces the penton gene as an alternative target for IBH diagnosis. Considering that IBH is a primary disease in Iran with both horizontal and vertical routes of transmission, urgent preventive measures are needed.

Molecular phylodynamics of fowl adenovirus serotype 11 and 8b from inclusion body hepatitis outbreaks

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) serotypes are involved in a variety of clinical manifestations in poultry and has resulted in substantial economic loss to the poultry farmers. Despite the endemicity of Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in South Asian countries, including India, its etiology is not well studied. In western India, the rural poultry flocks obtained from the vaccinated parents were experiencing disease outbreaks with substantial economic losses due to heavy outbreaks and mortality. Therefore, the study was conducted to decipher the molecular epidemiology of the FAdV from field outbreaks in western India. A total of 37 commercial broiler poultry flocks and 29 village poultry flocks of western India were visited during 2019 to 2021. Out of these, 19.14% flocks showed incidence of IBH during the age of 15 to 35 days. The mortality ranged from 3.3 percent to 55.28 percent. The samples were subjected for amplification of partial hexon gene covering loop 1 and loop 2. The results revealed 48.28% positivity by PCR. The sequence analysis identified 14 isolates as species D serotype 11 with 0.97 to 0.99% divergence and two as species E serotype 8b with 0.99% divergence. The FAdV-11 isolates showed amino acid substitutions D195N, T399A, N417S, and N496H. The amino acids I188 and N195 were conserved in FAdV-11. The molecular clock in Bayesian methods was used to determine most common ancestor. The isolates MH379249 and MH379248 were determined the most recent common ancestor for FAdV-11 and FAdV-8b isolates. The analysis suggested evolution of 10 FAdV-11 strains in 2012, and four FAdV-11 strains and two FAdV-8b strains in 2018.

An Old Acquaintance: Could Adenoviruses Be Our Next Pandemic Threat?

Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are one of the most important pathogens detected in acute respiratory diseases in pediatrics and immunocompromised patients. In 1953, Wallace Rowe described it for the first time in oropharyngeal lymphatic tissue. To date, more than 110 types of HAdV have been described, with different cellular tropisms. They can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, even urinary tract inflammation, although most infections are asymptomatic. However, there is a population at risk that can develop serious and even lethal conditions. These viruses have a double-stranded DNA genome, 25-48 kbp, 90 nm in diameter, without a mantle, are stable in the environment, and resistant to fat-soluble detergents. Currently the diagnosis is made with lateral flow immunochromatography or molecular biology through a polymerase chain reaction. This review aimed to highlight the HAdV variability and the pandemic potential that a HAdV3 and 7 recombinant could have considering the aggressive outbreaks produced in health facilities. Herein, we described the characteristics of HAdV, from the infection to treatment, vaccine development, and the evaluation of the social determinants of health associated with HAdV, suggesting the necessary measures for future sanitary control to prevent disasters such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with an emphasis on the use of recombinant AdV vaccines to control other potential pandemics.

Molecular epidemiology analysis of fowl adenovirus detected from apparently healthy birds in eastern China

BACKGROUND

Fowl adenovirus is of major concern to the poultry industry worldwidely. In order to monitor the prevalent status of Fowl adenovirus in China, a total of 1920 clinical samples from apparently healthy birds in the 25 sites of poultry flocks, Slaughterhouse and living bird markets from 8 provinces in eastern China were collected and detected by PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS

The epidemiological survey showed that Fowl adenoviruses were detected in living bird markets, and circulating in a variety of fowl species, including chickens, ducks, goose and pigeons. Among the 1920 clinical samples, 166 samples (8.65%) were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. In this study, totally all the 12 serotypes (serotypes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9, 10 and 11) fowl adenoviruses were detected, the most prevalent serotype was serotype 1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 166 FAdVs of 12 serotypes were divided into 5 fowl adenovirus species (Fowl aviadenovirus A, B, C, D, E).

CONCLUSIONS

In the epidemiological survey, 8.65% of the clinical samples from apparently healthy birds were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. Totally all the 12 serotypes fowl adenoviruses were detected in a variety of fowl species, which provided abundant resources for the research of fowl adenoviruses in China. The newly prevalent FAdV serotypes provides valuable information for the development of an effective control strategy for FAdV infections in fowls.

Fowl adenovirus-induced different manifestations of the disease in two consecutive chicken breeding flocks in a poultry hall

This study investigated an adenovirus infection in two consecutive breeding flocks in the same poultry hall. Thirty-six thousand one-day-old chickens of the ROSS 308 hybrid broiler type were kept together in one hall. The chickens in the first breeding flock during fattening did not show any clinical signs of the disease or increased mortality. Typical clinical signs of the adenovirus infection were seen in the second breeding flock. The signs included: depression, apathy, somnolence, a crouched position with a droopy head, fuzzy feathers, anaemic combs and wattles, sporadic nervous signs, and reduced weight gain. Increased mortality was recorded from 18 to 25 days of age, the higher mortality rate resulted from dehydration and exhaustion. The surviving chickens showed growth slightly below average by the end of the fattening period. The necropsies of the chickens in the first flock showed characteristic lesions for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). Adenoviral gizzard erosions (AGE) were found mainly in the chickens of the second consecutive breeding flock. In both breeding flocks, FAdV-A was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver and gizzard samples. The presence of fowl adenovirus B was not confirmed in the evaluated samples. The results showed lesions in the first flock typical for IBH, whereas the pathological changes in the second flock were characteristic of AGE.

Epidemiology, pathology, prevention, and control strategies of inclusion body hepatitis and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome in poultry: A comprehensive review

Infection with fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) can result in a number of syndromes in the production of chicken, including inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), and others, causing enormous economic losses around the globe. FAdVs are divided into 12 serotypes and five species (A-E; 1-8a and 8b-11). Most avian species are prone to infection due to the widespread distribution of FAdV strains. The genus aviadenovirus, which is a member of the adenoviridae family, is responsible for both IBH and HHS. The most popular types of transmission are mechanical, vertical, and horizontal. Hepatitis with basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies distinguishes IBH, but the buildup of translucent or straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sac distinguishes HHS. IBH and HHS require a confirmatory diagnosis because their clinical symptoms and postmortem abnormalities are not unique to those conditions. Under a microscope, the presence of particular lesions and inclusion bodies may provide clues. Traditional virus isolation in avian tissue culture is more delicate than in avian embryonated eggs. Additionally, aviadenovirus may now be quickly and precisely detected using molecular diagnostic tools. Preventive techniques should rely on efficient biosecurity controls and immunize breeders prior to production in order to protect progeny. This current review gives a general overview of the current local and global scenario of IBH, and HHS brought on by FAdVs and covers both their issues and preventative vaccination methods.

The first complete genome sequence and pathogenicity characterization of fowl adenovirus serotype 2 with inclusion body hepatitis and hydropericardium in China

Since 2015, fowl adenovirus (FAdV) has been frequently reported worldwide, causing serious economic losses to the poultry industry. In this study, a FAdV-2, namely GX01, was isolated from liver samples of chickens with hepatitis and hydropericardium in Guangxi Province, China. The complete genome sequence of GX01 was determined about 43,663 base pairs (bp) with 53% G+C content. To our knowledge, this is the first FAdV-2 complete genome in China. There was a deleting fragment in ORF25 gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on the hexon loop-1 gene showed that GX01 is most closely related to FAdV-2 strain 685. Pathogenicity experiment of GX01 in 3-day-old and 10-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens showed that although no mortality was observed within 21 days post infection (dpi), strain GX01 significantly inhibited weight gain of infected chickens. Moreover, FAdV-2 was still detectable in the anal swabs of infected chickens at 21 dpi. Necropsy analysis showed that the main lesions were observed in liver, heart, and spleen. Of note, hepatitis and hydropericardium were observed in the infected chickens. In addition, massive necrosis of lymphocyte was observed in spleen of infected 3-days-old chickens. We concluded that FAdV-2 strain GX01 is capable of causing hepatitis and hydropericardium, which will make serious impact on the growth of chickens. Our research lays a foundation to investigate the molecular epidemiology and etiology of FAdV.

Pathology and Molecular Epidemiology of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Outbreaks in Broiler Chicken in Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE

BACKGROUND

Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), causing inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HPS), is responsible for the significant economic losses in poultry industry worldwide. This study describes FAdV disease and molecular characteristics of the virus as the first report in UAE.

METHODOLOGY

Clinical, necropsy, histopathology, qPCR and phylogenetic analysis of hexon gene were used to diagnose and characterize the virus.

RESULTS

The age of the infected broiler chicken was 2-4 weeks. The morbidity and mortality rates ranged between 50 and 100% and 44 and 100%, respectively. Clinically, sudden onset, diarrhea, anemia and general weakness were recorded. At necropsy, acute necrotic hepatitis, with swollen, yellowish discoloration, enlarged and friable liver; hydropericarditis with hydropericardium effusions; and enlarged mottled spleen were observed. Histopathology examination revealed degeneration and necrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and inclusion bodies. The qPCR analysis detected the virus in all samples tested. Hexon gene sequence analysis identified FAdV serotype 4, species C as the major cause of FAdV infections in UAE in 2020, and this strain was closely related to FAdV-4 circulating in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal and China.

CONCLUSION

The serotype 4, species C, was the common FAdV strain causing IBH and HPS episodes in the region. This result may help design effective vaccination programs that rely on field serotypes.

Species Fowl aviadenovirus B Consists of a Single Serotype despite Genetic Distance of FAdV-5 Isolates

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are infectious agents, mainly of chickens, which cause economic losses to the poultry industry. Only a single serotype, namely FAdV-5, constitutes the species Fowl aviadenovirus B (FAdV-B); however, recently, phylogenetic analyses have identified divergent strains of the species, implicating a more complex scenario and possibly a novel serotype. Therefore, field isolates of the species were collected to investigate the contemporary diversification within FAdV-B, including traditional serotyping. Full genomes of fourteen FAdV-B strains were sequenced and four strains, possessing discriminatory mutations in the antigenic domains, were compared using virus cross-neutralization. Essentially, strains with identical antigenic signatures to that of the first described divergent strain were found in the complete new dataset. While chicken antiserum against FAdV-5 reference strain 340 could not neutralize any of the newly isolated viruses, low homologous/heterologous titer ratios were measured reciprocally. Although they argue against a new serotype, our results indicate the emergence of escape variants in FAdV-B. Charge-influencing amino acid substitutions accounted for only a few mutations between the strains; still, these enabled one-way cross-neutralization only. These findings underline the continued merit of the cross-neutralization test as the gold standard for serotyping, complementary to advancing sequence data, and provide a snapshot of the actual diversity and evolution of species FAdV-B.

Isolation and molecular characterization of fowl adenovirus and avian reovirus from breeder chickens in Japan in 2019-2021

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) and avian reoviruses (ARVs) are ubiquitous in poultry farms and most of them are not pathogenic, often cause damage to chicks. A total of 104 chicken fecal samples were collected from 7 farms of breeder chickens (layers and broilers) in Japan from 2019 to 2021, and yielded 26 FAdV plus 14 ARV isolates. By sequencing, FAdV isolates were classified as FAdV-1, 5 and 8b. ARV isolates were classified as genotype II, IV and V. These results suggest that FAdVs and ARVs are resident in the breeder chicken farms in Japan.

Molecular detection of fowl adenovirus 7 from slaughtered broiler chickens in Iran: the first report

Background

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) are responsible for a variety of clinical symptoms, with an increasing significance in the poultry industry throughout the world. Typical diseases caused by FAdVs include inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), gizzard erosion (GE), respiratory disease, and hemorrhage in muscles and organs.

Aims

During 2020, broiler chickens from the north of Iran showed ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhages in thigh and breast muscles at the slaughterhouse. Hemorrhages were observed in 10% to 60% (with an average of 20-30%) of chicks per flock. To find out the etiology of these lesions, the present study was conducted.

Methods

Different environmental factors were investigated, and FAdV, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) were detected using molecular assays.

Results

Among the viruses tested, FAdV was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequence analysis clustered the virus into species E, serotype 7.

Conclusion

This is the first report on FAdV-7 existence among poultry in Iran. Effective screening of the chicks at slaughtering age should be performed from the whole country.

Historical Investigation of Fowl Adenovirus Outbreaks in South Korea from 2007 to 2021: A Comprehensive Review

Fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) have long been recognized as critical viral pathogens within the poultry industry, associated with severe economic implications worldwide. This specific group of viruses is responsible for a broad spectrum of diseases in birds, and an increasing occurrence of outbreaks was observed in the last ten years. Since their first discovery forty years ago in South Korea, twelve antigenically distinct serotypes of fowl adenoviruses have been described. This comprehensive review covers the history of fowl adenovirus outbreaks in South Korea and updates the current epidemiological landscape of serotype diversity and replacement as well as challenges in developing effective broadly protective vaccines. In addition, transitions in the prevalence of dominant fowl adenovirus serotypes from 2007 to 2021, alongside the history of intervention strategies, are brought into focus. Finally, future aspects are also discussed.

A recent perspective on fiber and hexon genes proteins analyses of fowl adenovirus toward virus infectivity-A review

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with a non-enveloped structure comprising three major proteins known as hexon, penton, and fiber. Molecular analysis which emphasizes on hexon and fiber proteins is currently the major focus of curiosity for FAdV antigenicity and pathogenicity. Recently, disease outbreaks associated with FAdV infections such as inclusion body hepatitis, hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome, and gizzard erosion, were commonly reported and continue to increase worldwide. Studies on the virulence gene of the virus were intensively conducted to provide a better understanding on the role of these major capsid proteins in the development of a safe and effective vaccine against the disease in the poultry industry. This paper highlights the variations of the fiber and hexon genes, their importance in genotypes and serotypes differentiation, and infectivity between FAdV strains. It appears that the L1 loop of hexon and the knob of fiber genes are the infectivity markers for FAdV infection. The fiber-2 protein plays a major role in FAdV pathogenicity than the hexon protein, while the fiber-1 protein is important for viral replication and assembly, regardless of virulence capability instead of infectivity. The hexon protein plays a major role in virus infectivity and tissue tropism. These findings could further enhance the knowledge of FAdV strains’ classification and evolution, diagnosis, and strategies to prevent and control FAdV infection and outbreaks in chicken farms.

Adenovirus Core Proteins: Structure and Function

Adenoviruses have served as a model for investigating viral-cell interactions and discovering different cellular processes, such as RNA splicing and DNA replication. In addition, the development and evaluation of adenoviruses as the viral vectors for vaccination and gene therapy has led to detailed investigations about adenovirus biology, including the structure and function of the adenovirus encoded proteins. While the determination of the structure and function of the viral capsid proteins in adenovirus biology has been the subject of numerous reports, the last few years have seen increased interest in elucidating the structure and function of the adenovirus core proteins. Here, we provide a review of research about the structure and function of the adenovirus core proteins in adenovirus biology.

Genome sequencing of a novel variant of fowl adenovirus B reveals mosaicism in the pattern of homologous recombination events

We determined the genomic sequence of a Ukrainian strain of fowl adenovirus B (FAdV-B). The isolate (D2453/1) shared 97.2% to 98.4% nucleotide sequence identity with other viruses belonging to the species Fowl aviadenovirus B. Marked genetic divergence was seen in the hexon, fiber, and ORF19 genes, and phylogenetic analysis suggested that recombination events had occurred in these regions. Our analysis revealed mosaicism in the recombination patterns, a finding that has also been described in the genomes of strains of FAdV-D and FAdV-E. The shared recombination breakpoints, affecting the same genomic regions in viruses belonging to different species, suggest that similar selection mechanisms are acting on the key neutralization antigens and epitopes in viruses of different FAdV species.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Fowl adenovirus strains in Black grouse: First reported case in Poland

This article describes the isolation, molecular characterization, and genotyping of two fowl adenovirus (FAdVs) strains with GenBank Accession numbers (MT478054, JSN-G033-18-L and MT478055, JSN-G033-18-B) obtained from the internal organs of black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix). This study also reveals the first confirmation of fowl adenovirus in Poland, supporting one of the hypotheses about the probability of fowl adenovirus interspecies transmission. The adenovirus strain sequences were investigated via phylogenetic analysis and were found to have an overall mean pairwise distance of 2.189. The heterogeneity, Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU), codon composition, and nucleotide frequencies were examined. Statistical analyses and Tajima’s test for the examined sequences were carried out. The Maximum Likelihood for the examined sequences substitutions was performed. The results of the sequence analysis identified MT478054, JSN-G033-18-L and MT478055, JSN-G033-18-B as strains of fowl adenovirus 2/11/D, with the Fowl adenovirus D complete sequence showing a 93% match. Wild birds may act as a natural reservoir for FAdVs and likely play an important role in the spreading of these viruses in the environment. The findings reported here suggest horizontal transmission within and between avian species.

Spotlight on avian pathology: fowl adenovirus (FAdV) in chickens and beyond - an unresolved host-pathogen interplay

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infections in chickens have undergone substantial changes in recent decades, driven by host and pathogen factors. Based on the pathogenesis of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) and hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), modern broilers are much more inclined to have difficulties keeping the metabolic homeostasis, whereas adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) is noticed equally in broilers and egg-layers. Defining the importance of certain serotypes for specific FAdV diseases is a major achievement of recent years but the isolation of viruses from clinically healthy birds remains unexplained, as virulence factors are hardly known and continue to be a "black box". Together with further studies on pathogenesis of FAdV-induced diseases, such knowledge on virulence factors would help to improve protection strategies, which presently mainly concentrate on autogenous vaccines of breeders to prevent vertical transmission.

An Outbreak of Fowl Aviadenovirus A-Associated Gizzard Erosion and Ulceration in Captive Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus)

A flock of captive bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) experienced loose droppings, depression, and increased mortality starting at 3 wk of age. Necropsy of the affected birds revealed intestines dilated with frothy and tan fluid. Irregular dark brown fissures within the koilin layer of the gizzard were found in 20%-30% of the birds. Histologically, gizzards showed multifocal koilin degeneration or fragmentation, degeneration and necrosis of the subjacent epithelial cells, and infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and heterophils. Necrotic epithelial cells occasionally contained large, smudgy, basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies with marginated nuclear chromatin. Adenoviral paracrystalline arrays composed of icosahedral virions (60-70 nm diameter) were seen on transmission electron microscopy in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the gizzard mucosa. Adenovirus was isolated from gizzard, liver, intestine, and trachea by inoculation of specific-pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs. Homogenates of the gizzard, liver, and intestine were positive for the adenovirus hexon gene by PCR. Sequencing of PCR amplicons confirmed the virus as fowl aviadenovirus A. The study isolates showed more than 99% and 97% nucleotide identity with quail bronchitis virus and with aviadenoviruses from gizzard erosion and ulceration (GEU) in broilers, respectively. The viral isolates showed six substitutions (G1T, C174A, A229G, C513A, T579A, and G621C) of which two were nonsynonymous (G1T and A229G), resulting in a change in the translated amino acid as A1S and S77G, respectively. These results indicate that adenoviruses of the same type or species can cause different clinical presentations in quails, e.g., bronchitis or GEU.

Contribution of Viral Genomic Diversity to Oyster Susceptibility in the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome

Juvenile Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are subjected to recurrent episodes of mass mortalities that constitute a threat for the oyster industry. This mortality syndrome named “Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome” (POMS) is a polymicrobial disease whose pathogenesis is initiated by a primary infection by a variant of an Ostreid herpes virus named OsHV-1 μVar. The characterization of the OsHV-1 genome during different disease outbreaks occurring in different geographic areas has revealed the existence of a genomic diversity for OsHV-1 μVar. However, the biological significance of this diversity is still poorly understood. To go further in understanding the consequences of OsHV-1 diversity on POMS, we challenged five biparental families of oysters to two different infectious environments on the French coasts (Atlantic and Mediterranean). We observed that the susceptibility to POMS can be different among families within the same environment but also for the same family between the two environments. Viral diversity analysis revealed that Atlantic and Mediterranean POMS are caused by two distinct viral populations. Moreover, we observed that different oyster families are infected by distinct viral populations within a same infectious environment. Altogether these results suggest that the co-evolutionary processes at play between OsHV-1 μVar and oyster populations have selected a viral diversity that could facilitate the infection process and the transmission in oyster populations. These new data must be taken into account in the development of novel selective breeding programs better adapted to the oyster culture environment.

Vidovszky M, Rossi JL, Vicentini F, Harrach B, L. Kaján G. Identification of two novel adenoviruses in smooth-billed ani and tropical screech owl

Avian adenoviruses (AdVs) are a very diverse group of pathogens causing diseases in poultry and wild birds. Wild birds, endangered by habitat loss and habitat fragmentation in the tropical forests, are recognised to play a role in the transmission of various AdVs. In this study, two novel, hitherto unknown AdVs were described from faecal samples of smooth-billed ani and tropical screech owl. The former was classified into genus Aviadenovirus, the latter into genus Atadenovirus, and both viruses most probably represent new AdV species as well. These results show that there is very limited information about the biodiversity of AdVs in tropical wild birds, though viruses might have a major effect on the population of their hosts or endanger even domesticated animals. Surveys like this provide new insights into the diversity, evolution, host variety, and distribution of avian AdVs.

Adenoviruses across the animal kingdom: a walk in the zoo

Adenoviruses (AdVs) infect representatives of numerous species from almost every major vertebrate class, albeit their incidence shows great variability. AdVs infecting birds, reptiles, and bats are the most common and diverse, whereas only one AdV has been so far isolated both from fish and amphibians. The family Adenoviridae is divided into five genera, each corresponding to an independent evolutionary lineage that supposedly coevolved with its respective vertebrate hosts. Members of genera Mastadenovirus and Aviadenovirus seem to infect exclusively mammals and birds, respectively. The genus Ichtadenovirus includes the single known AdV from fish. The majority of AdVs in the genus Atadenovirus originated from squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), but also certain mammalian and avian AdVs are classified within this genus. The genus Siadenovirus contains the only AdV isolated from frog, along with numerous avian AdVs. In turtles, members of a sixth AdV lineage have been discovered, pending official recognition as an independent genus. The most likely scenario for AdV evolution includes long-term cospeciation with the hosts, as well as occasional switches between closely or, rarely, more distantly related hosts.

Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV) Recombination with Intertypic Crossovers in Genomes of FAdV-D and FAdV-E, Displaying Hybrid Serological Phenotypes

After analyzing 27 new genomes from fowl adenovirus (FAdV) field isolates and so-far unsequenced prototypes, we report the first evidence for recombination in FAdVs. Recombination was confined to species FAdV-D and FAdV-E, accommodating the largest number of, and the intraspecies-wise most differentiated, types. The majority of detected events occurred in FAdV-E, involving segments with parental origin of all constitutive types. Together with the diversity of breakpoints, this suggests widespread recombination in this species. With possible constraints through species-specific genes and diversification patterns, the recombinogenic potential of FAdVs attains particular interest for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), an important disease in chickens, caused by types from the recombination-prone species. Autonomously evolving, recombinant segments were associated with major sites under positive selection, among them the capsid protein hexon and fiber genes, the right-terminal ORFs 19, 25, and the ORF20/20A family. The observed mosaicism in genes indicated as targets of adaptive pressures points toward an immune evasion strategy. Intertypic hexon/fiber-recombinants demonstrated hybrid neutralization profiles, retrospectively explaining reported controversies on reference strains B3-A, T8-A, and X11-A. Furthermore, cross-neutralization supported sequence-based evidence for interdomain recombination in fiber and contributed to a tentatively new type. Overall, our findings challenge the purported uniformity of types responsible for IBH, urging more complete identification strategies for FAdVs. Finally, important consequences arise for in vivo studies investigating cross-protection against IBH.

Unconventional gene arrangement and content revealed by full genome analysis of the white sturgeon adenovirus, the single member of the genus Ichtadenovirus

Adenoviruses are commonly found in members of almost every vertebrate lineage except fish and amphibians, from each of which only a single isolate is available as yet. In this work, the complete genomic sequence of a fish adenovirus, originating from the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), was determined and analyzed. Several exceptional features were observed including the longest hitherto known genome size (of 48,395 bp) and a strange location of the putative fiber genes resulting in an unconventional organization pattern. The left genome end contained four fiber-like genes, three of them in a tandem position on the r (rightward transcribed) strand, followed by a fourth one on the l strand. Rightward from these, the conserved adenoviral gene cassette, encompassing 16 family-common genes, was identified. In the right-hand part, amounting for >42% of the entire genome, the presence of 28 ORFs, with a coding capacity of larger than 50 amino acids, was revealed. Interestingly, most of these showed no similarity to any adenoviral genes except two ORFs, resembling slightly the parvoviral NS gene, homologues of which occur in certain avian adenoviruses. These specific traits, together with the results of phylogeny reconstructions, fully justified the separation of the white sturgeon adenovirus into the recently established new genus Ichtadenovirus. Targeted attempts to find additional adenoviruses in any other fish species were to no avail as yet. Thus the founding member, WSAdV-1 still remains the only representative of ichtadenoviruses.