Virology

Biography

Biography: Naresh Jindal

Abstract

Health of gastro-intestinal tract is important to get maximum returns in terms of body weight gain and egg production in chicken. Enteric diseases such as runting and stunting syndrome, malabsorption syndrome hamper the production potential to be achieved to its maximum. A number of viruses, bacteria and protozoa have been detected and characterized from enteric cases but the primary etiology has not been definitively established. Previously, electron microscopy was used to detect the presence of enteric viruses. Due to similarities in the viral morphology, there are chances of misidentification by electron microscopy. With the advent of molecular diagnostic methods and next generation sequencing, researchers have made long strides in identification and characterization of viruses associated with enteritis. The molecular techniques have also helped us in identification of enteric pathogens which were previously not known. Regional and national surveys have revealed the presence of several different viruses in enteritis cases including rotavirus, astrovirus, avian nephritis virus, orthoreovirus, picobirnavirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus. These viruses have been detected either alone or in combination. Detection of more than one virus in enteric cases indicates that multiple viruses may be involved in the pathogenesis of enteritis. There may still be unknown pathogens that may directly or indirectly play a role in enteritis in chickens. Detection of unknown viruses by the metagenomics approach would pave the way to develop diagnostic methods for these viruses. At present, there is no specific treatment, and commercially available vaccines have not yet been developed for the viruses that are involved in enteritis in chickens. Complete understanding of the contribution of enteric viruses and other pathogens in enteric diseases of chickens will help in the development of preventive and control measures.