Comparative genome analysis of Korean field strains of infectious laryngotracheitis virus

Molecular characteristics and pathogenicity analysis of infectious laryngotracheitis virus isolated in China from 2015 to 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of recently isolated ILTV strains from China, thereby augmenting our understanding of its prevalence. The complete genome sequences of seven ILTV strains obtained from China between 2015 and 2019 were determined by high-throughput sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that six isolates (SD2015, GD2017, SYB2018, HB201812, HB201806, and TJ2019) were classified together with CEO vaccine strains, while only one isolates LN2018 belonged to the wild-type cluster. Recombination analysis revealed compelling evidence of probable recombination events existing in SD2015, HB201806, and LN2018. Compared to TJ2019 and LN2018, chickens infected with HB201806 exhibited more severe conjunctivitis symptoms and tracheal damage, as well as higher viral load and viral shedding in the trachea. These findings will provide valuable references for further understanding the epidemiological status of ILTV and developing effective control measures.

Circulation and Molecular Characterization of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Poultry Flocks with Respiratory Disorders in Turkey, 2018-2022

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a very serious worldwide respiratory disease of poultry, with many countries reporting ILT infections over the last decade. However, few reports are available regarding ILT disease prevalence in poultry in Turkey. Accordingly, the present study investigated ILT infection in Turkish broiler flocks between 2018 and 2022. Circulating ILT strains were characterized by sequence and phylogenetic analysis of two fragments of the infected-cell protein 4 gene. ILT virus (ILTV) was confirmed by quantitative PCR in 8 of the 21 flocks examined. As in other diseases, co-infections with other respiratory pathogens in confirmed ILT cases may worsen the symptoms and prolong the disease course. The present study confirmed co-infections with infectious bronchitis virus (13/21 tested flocks and 5/8 ILTV-positive flocks), indicating the importance of these pathogens in the occurrence of ILT infections.

Detection and molecular characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) in chicken with respiratory signs in Brazil during 2015 and 2016

Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease that causes severe economic losses in the poultry industry, mainly due to high morbidity and mortality and reduced egg production. Molecular characterization was performed on samples collected from flocks in the Brazilian States of São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Minas Gerais during 2015 and 2016 that presented clinical signs of respiratory disease. End-point PCR was used for viral detection, and DNA sequencing was used for differentiation of vaccine and field strains. Molecular analysis based on the infected cell protein (ICP4) gene separated four of the nine samples together with previous Brazilian isolates (São Paulo and Minas Gerais), one sample was grouped on the same branch as Minas Gerais strains (along with another related sample), one sample was separately branched but still related to the tissue culture origin (TCO) vaccine strain, and two samples were grouped on the same branch as the TCO vaccine strain. Molecular analysis of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene showed the existence of strains of both high and low virulence. The characterization of two fragments of the ICP4 gene and a fragment of the TK gene in this study suggested that the virus circulating in Guatapará, as well as those in Barretos and Itanhandu, that is causing respiratory problems in birds is a highly virulent field strain. The clinical signs point to a TCO vaccine strain that most likely underwent some reversal event and is a latent reactivated infection.

Comparative full genome sequence analysis of wild-type and chicken embryo origin vaccine-like infectious laryngotracheitis virus field isolates from Canada

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), caused by infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), occurs sporadically in poultry flocks in Canada. Live attenuated chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccines are being used routinely to prevent and control ILTV infections. However, ILT outbreaks still occur since vaccine strains could revert to virulence in the field. In this study, 7 Canadian ILTV isolates linked to ILT outbreaks across different time in Eastern Canada (Ontario; ON and Quebec; QC) were whole genome sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close relationship between the ON isolates and the CEO vaccines, whereas the QC isolates clustered with strains previously known as CEO revertant and wild-type ILTVs. Recombination network analysis of ILTV sequences revealed clear evidence of historical recombination between ILTV strains circulating in Canada and other geographical regions. The comparison of ON CEO clustered and QC CEO revertant clustered isolates with the LT Blen® CEO vaccine reference sequence showed amino acid differences in 5 and 12 open reading frames (ORFs), respectively. Similar analysis revealed amino acid differences in 32 ORFs in QC wild-type isolates. Compared to all CEO vaccine strains in the public domain, the QC wild-type isolates showed 15 unique mutational sites leading to amino acid changes in 13 ORFs. Our outcomes add to the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind ILTV genetic variance and provide genetic markers between wild-type and vaccine strains.

Evaluation of Recombinant Herpesvirus of Turkey Laryngotracheitis (rHVT-LT) Vaccine against Genotype VI Canadian Wild-Type Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Infection

In Alberta, infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) infection is endemic in backyard poultry flocks; however, outbreaks are only sporadically observed in commercial flocks. In addition to ILTV vaccine revertant strains, wild-type strains are among the most common causes of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Given the surge in live attenuated vaccine-related outbreaks, the goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a recombinant herpesvirus of turkey (rHVT-LT) vaccine against a genotype VI Canadian wild-type ILTV infection. One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) White Leghorn chickens were vaccinated with the rHVT-LT vaccine or mock vaccinated. At three weeks of age, half of the vaccinated and the mock-vaccinated animals were challenged. Throughout the experiment, weights were recorded, and feather tips, cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected for ILTV genome quantification. Blood was collected to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and quantify CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. At 14 dpi, the chickens were euthanized, and respiratory tissues were collected to quantify genome loads and histological examination. Results showed that the vaccine failed to decrease the clinical signs at 6 days post-infection. However, it was able to significantly reduce ILTV shedding through the oropharyngeal route. Overall, rHVT-LT produced a partial protection against genotype VI ILTV infection.

Pathogenic and Transmission Potential of Wildtype and Chicken Embryo Origin (CEO) Vaccine Revertant Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an infectious upper respiratory tract disease that impacts the poultry industry worldwide. ILT is caused by an alphaherpesvirus commonly referred to as infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Vaccination with live attenuated vaccines is practiced regularly for the control of ILT. However, extensive and improper use of live attenuated vaccines is related to vaccine viruses reverting to virulence. An increase in mortality and pathogenicity has been attributed to these vaccine revertant viruses. Recent studies characterized Canadian ILTV strains originating from ILT outbreaks as related to live attenuated vaccine virus revertants. However, information is scarce on the pathogenicity and transmission potential of these Canadian isolates. Hence, in this study, the pathogenicity and transmission potential of two wildtype ILTVs and a chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccine revertant ILTV of Canadian origin were evaluated. To this end, 3-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens were experimentally infected with each of the ILTV isolates and compared to uninfected controls. Additionally, naïve chickens were exposed to the experimentally infected chickens to mimic naturally occurring infection. Pathogenicity of each of these ILTV isolates was evaluated by the severity of clinical signs, weight loss, mortality, and lesions observed at the necropsy. The transmission potential was evaluated by quantification of ILTV genome loads in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples of the experimentally infected and contact-exposed chickens, as well as in the capacity to produce ILT in contact-exposed chickens. We observed that the CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate induced severe disease in comparison to the two wildtype ILTV isolates used in this study. According to ILTV genome load data, CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate was successfully transmitted to naïve contact-exposed chickens in comparison to the tested wildtype ILTV isolates. Overall, the Canadian origin CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate possesses higher virulence, and dissemination potential, when compared to the wildtype ILTV isolates used in this study. These findings have serious implications in ILT control in chickens.

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in poultry in Myanmar

BACKGROUND

Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, poultry farming is a major industry. Although it is known that infectious respiratory pathogens, including infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), are a major threat to poultry farms, there are no data currently available on the epidemiology of ILTV in Myanmar. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a molecular detection of ILTV in 20 poultry farms in Myanmar.

RESULTS

Of the 57 tested oropharyngeal swabs, 10 were positive for ILTV by polymerase chain reaction of a 647 bp region of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene, giving a prevalence of ILTV of 17.5% (10/57). Further sequencing analysis of infected cell protein 4 (ICP4) gene and glycoprotein B, G, and J (gB, gG, and gJ) genes indicated that these isolates were field strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Myanmar strains clustered together in a single branch and were closely related to other reference strains isolated from Asian countries.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the presence of ILTV in poultry farms in Myanmar. The genetic characterization analysis performed provides the fundamental data for epidemiological studies that monitor circulating strains of ILTV in Myanmar.

Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequences of Infectious laryngotracheitis Virus Isolates from Poultry Flocks in Canada: Evidence of Recombination

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is a herpes virus that causes an acute respiratory disease of poultry known as infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Chicken embryo origin (CEO) and tissue culture origin (TCO) live attenuated vaccines are routinely used for the control of ILT. However, vaccine virus is known to revert to virulence, and it has been recently shown that ILT field viral strains can undergo recombination with vaccinal ILTV and such recombinant ILT viruses possess greater transmission and pathogenicity potential. Based on complete or partial genes of the ILTV genome, few studies genotyped ILTV strains circulating in Canada, and so far, information is scarce on whole-genome sequencing or the presence of recombination in Canadian ILTV isolates. The objective of this study was to genetically characterize the 14 ILTV isolates that originated from three provinces in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec). To this end, a phylogenetic analysis of 50 ILTV complete genome sequences, including 14 sequences of Canadian origin, was carried out. Additional phylogenetic analysis of the unique long, unique short and inverted repeat regions of the ILTV genome was also performed. We observed that 71%, 21% and 7% of the ILTV isolates were categorized as CEO revertant, wild-type and TCO vaccine-related, respectively. The sequences were also analyzed for potential recombination events, which included evidence in the British Columbia ILTV isolate. This event involved two ILTV vaccine (CEO) strains as parental strains. Recombination analysis also identified that one ILTV isolate from Alberta as a potential parental strain for a United States origin ILTV isolate. The positions of the possible recombination breakpoints were identified. These results indicate that the ILTV wild-type strains can recombine with vaccinal strains complicating vaccine-mediated control of ILT. Further studies on the pathogenicity of these ILTV strains, including the recombinant ILTV isolate are currently ongoing.

Genotyping of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Isolates from Western Canadian Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia Based on Partial Open Reading Frame (ORF) a and b

Simple Summary

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus is an economically important acute upper respiratory tract disease in chickens. To control the disease, there are two types of vaccines commercially available, the recombinant viral vector and the live attenuated vaccines. The live attenuated vaccines are effective in disease control, but because of their residual virulence, they can replicate, cause disease, and revert to their original virulent form. Strains of the virus can be categorized as vaccine-related or wild type related. Information is scarce on the type of strains that are circulating in Canada. This study aims to discriminate between wild type and vaccine strains associated with infectious laryngotracheitis cases in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia between the years 2009–2018. To accomplish this objective, the sequencing of two specific partial genes was performed. As a result, 27 samples from Alberta, and 5 samples from British Columbia were successfully sequenced. From the total samples, ~85% were related to vaccine strains and the rest categorized as wild type. These results reinforce the concern on current practices surrounding vaccination and the need to implement better biosecurity measures.

Abstract

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) causes an acute upper respiratory disease in chickens called infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Live attenuated vaccines are effective in disease control; however, they have residual virulence, which makes them able to replicate, cause disease and revert to the original virulent form. Information is scarce on the molecular nature of ILTV that is linked to ILT in Canada. This study aims to determine whether isolates originating from ILT cases in Western Canada are a wild type or vaccine origin. Samples submitted for the diagnosis of ILT between 2009–2018 were obtained from Alberta (AB, n = 46) and British Columbia (BC, n = 9). For genotyping, a Sanger sequencing of open reading frame (ORF) a and b was used. A total of 27 from AB, and 5 from BC samples yielded a fragment of 1751 base pairs (bp). Three of the BC samples classified as group IV (CEO vaccine strains) and 2 as group V (CEO revertant). Of the AB samples, 22 samples clustered with group V, 3 with group VI (wild type), and 2 with group VII, VIII, and IX (wild type). Overall, 17 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Further studies are underway to ascertain the virulence and transmission potential of these isolates.

Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of the infectious laryngotracheitis virus strains circulating in Egypt during the outbreaks of 2018 and 2019

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease that causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. In this study, ILT outbreaks were reported on 30 farms located in eight Egyptian governorates between January 2018 and May 2019. Gross examination of diseased chickens revealed congestion and hemorrhage of laryngeal and tracheal mucosa with fibrinohemorrhagic casts and/or caseous material in the lumens. Histopathological examination showed epithelial sloughing, syncytium formation, heterophilic exudation, and development of eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) antigen was detected in the tracheal epithelium, infiltrated inflammatory cells, and syncytial cells, using immunohistochemistry. PCR targeting a portion of the thymidine kinase gene was further utilized to confirm the presence of ILTV DNA. The complete coding sequences of three envelope glycoprotein genes, gG, gD, and gJ, and a partial sequence of the infected cell polypeptide 4 (ICP4) gene from samples representing all of the farms and disease outbreaks were determined. Five prototype strains with unique sequences were chosen for detailed molecular characterization. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of the partial ICP4 gene revealed that two strains were chicken embryo origin (CEO)-vaccine-like strains, and three were tissue culture origin (TCO)-vaccine-like strains. Analysis of the gJ gene sequence indicated that all of the strains were CEO vaccine-like strains. It was predicted that the latter three strains were recombinants of CEO- and TCO-vaccine-like strains. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry coupled with multi-genomic PCR sequencing proved to be efficient for identification and typing of ILTV strains during disease outbreaks. Both CEO-vaccine-like and recombinant virus strains were circulating in Egypt during the 2018 and 2019 outbreaks.