More information of Avian Borna virus and PDD

[adekloet]

Borna virus is a RNA virus and the causative agent for Borna Disease. Borna virus is found in many different species of animals including humans. Avian Borna virus ABV, like Avian Rabies, Herpes virus, Poliovirus, is a neurotrophic virus that prefers to infect nerve cells. ABV is an extremely unstable virus and does not remain viable outside the host for very long. ABV is also shed intermittently. Thus rtPCR results are not always consistent because of the shedding issue and the instability of the virus. Similar problem persist with PCR testing for Avian Herpes virus and Chlamydia.

Samples for rtPCR should be sent in RNA preservative and not a dry or culture swab. Because ABV is a neurotrophic virus research indicates that the virus is not found in the blood therefore, blood samples are not to be used for rtPCR.

Serological assays like ELISA and Western Blot look for ABV specific antibodies. This method has been proven to be more reliable in identifying exposed and infected ABV birds. Serum samples are extremely stable and consistent. Currently, only one lab offers both methods of identifying ABV infected birds

Borna virus can cause the hosts immune system to over respond causing what is often referred to as PDD. PDD is a lymphocyte infiltration to the proventriculus (fore stomach), ventriculus (gizzard), and areas of the small intestines. As a result of the damage, birds are unable to digest their food properly. I some cases, birds positive for ABV may take years if not decades to develop PDD. It is also possible that some birds infected with ABV may never develop PDD.

CELEBREX is not a cure for ABV infected birds. It will not reduce viral load or inhibit viral replication. In many cases CELEBREX and other NSAIDs will reduce the immune’s response, thus reducing inflammation and in turn the symptoms known as PDD.

CELEBREX is a NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other NSAIDs are
• Ibuprofen
• Meloxicam
• Naproxen
Antiviral drugs and recombinant vaccines are being tested right now by us at ABI, and results look pretty promising at this time.

Hope this helps.

[LovelySydney]

Can someone put that in non-medical terms for me???

[MissV]

Cite your sources!


Otherwise, no A for you. ;)

[Franciscus]

Well, Sydney, if I'm understanding this correctly, PDD (Proventicular Dilation Disease) is an avian illness leading to starvation as birds cannot digest their food. It's most likely cause is Avian Borna Virus. Some ABV infected birds develop PDD, some don't, and some develop the disease years after exposure. The virus is unstable meaning shortly after it leaves the infected bird (I presume in the poop, perhaps in regurgetated food also), virus becomes inactive (unable to cause illness). The most reliable way to test is through serum (part of the blood) testing, done in one lab.

[jenseits]

Also, because the virus does not survive long after it leaves the body, testing for it can very difficult. (By the time the sample is sent to the lab, and the lab gets around to running the tests, the virus doesn't appear anymore).

[adekloet]

Originally Posted by jenseits

Also, because the virus does not survive long after it leaves the body, testing for it can very difficult. (By the time the sample is sent to the lab, and the lab gets around to running the tests, the virus doesn't appear anymore).

That's correct, We use a RNA storage solution that contains Guanidine Hydrochloride. This helps prevent the breakdown of the virus and keeps it stable. Test show that we can keep it stable for over a year if stored correctly.

[Franciscus]

How do you get the sirum? Does it have to be separated from the blood cells and then put in the Guanidine Hydrochloride?

[adekloet]

Originally Posted by Franciscus

How do you get the sirum? Does it have to be separated from the blood cells and then put in the Guanidine Hydrochloride?

Serum can be sent in a serum separator vial. Vent or tissue samples for rtPCR are sent in Guanidine Hydrochloride.